The majority of modern baths are made from enamelled pressed steel, acrylic or glass-reinforced plastic. One advantage of these baths over the cast-iron variety, popular in Victorian houses, is that it takes at least two people to lift a steel bath while one person can manage a plastic one alone. An added bonus is that you do not need to make sure that the floor is strong enough to support the total weight of a heavy cast-iron bath, the water and its occupant.
Modern baths generally possess levelling devices so they 'sit' correctly on the floor, while old cast-iron baths frequently require wedges under their feet to make them level if the floor is uneven. There are plenty of shapes, styles, sizes and colours available in modern baths: round, oval, corner-fitting, square and of course, the traditional rectangular shape - and you also choose where to position the taps. They don't need to be at the foot of the bath but can go anywhere you like. Avoid dark-coloured baths, as they tend to show dirt and limescale stains more easily so will require more frequent cleaning. If you want a whirlpool bath, it should be fitted by a qualified electrician.
