This guide answers 23 of the most useful questions to ask before buying a new bathroom, from checking a bath will fit to choosing the right radiator valves. Each section opens with a short, direct answer, then explains the detail behind it.
About this guide
It is written by Brand New Bathrooms, an online-only UK retailer of bathroom and heating products. We supply over 30 brands, including RAK Ceramics, Hudson Reed, Nuie, Scudo, Tailored Bathrooms, Charlotte Edwards, Coppersmith Creations, Hurlingham Baths, Mantaleda and MX Group (see all our brands). Orders are dispatched directly from the supplier to your door, and we supply both homeowners and trade customers.
We do not offer design or installation services, so the advice here is about choosing and buying the right products. For installation, building regulations or structural questions, always speak to a qualified installer.
| What we sell | Bathroom suites, baths, showers, furniture, mirrors, radiators and heating, basins, taps, toilets, wall panels and accessories |
|---|---|
| How we sell | Online only, dispatched direct from the supplier |
| Where we deliver | UK only. Free delivery on orders over £25 to most of mainland UK |
| Who we supply | Homeowners, plumbers, bathroom fitters and other trade and business buyers |
1. Buying bathroom products online
Is it safe to buy bathroom products online, and what happens if something arrives damaged or I change my mind?
Yes, provided you buy from a UK retailer with a clear damage process and returns policy, and you check your delivery promptly. The two things that protect you most are inspecting items on arrival and knowing which products are made to order before you buy.
If something arrives damaged or faulty
- Inspect every delivery carefully, ideally before signing.
- Contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and a description of the problem.
- We will offer a replacement, repair or full refund, in line with your statutory rights.
Note: some manufacturers set shorter windows. Coppersmith Creations, for example, requires damage to be reported within 24 hours of delivery.
If you change your mind
| Standard stocked items | Made-to-order and pre-order items | |
|---|---|---|
| Cancelling | Any time before your order is dispatched | Within 48 hours of ordering only |
| Change-of-mind returns | Within 14 days of delivery, if unused, in original packaging and in resaleable condition | Not accepted after 48 hours, unless faulty |
| Return shipping | Paid by the customer, unless the item is faulty or was sent in error | Not applicable unless faulty |
| Refunds | To your original payment method within 5–7 working days of us receiving the return | Only if faulty |
Made-to-order items include certain baths, furniture and anything with a custom finish, such as a painted bath. These items are marked on their product pages. Installed or used items cannot be returned for a change of mind, so check everything before fitting.
Read our Delivery and Returns policy Start a return
Need help? Contact us
What should I know about delivery when ordering large items like baths and shower enclosures?
Large items are usually delivered to the kerbside, not into your home, so plan for at least two people to carry them in. Delivery details vary by brand and are listed on the Delivery tab of each product page.
- Kerbside delivery. Couriers generally deliver large items to the kerb. This does not include carrying items inside, assembly or removing packaging.
- Access. Most couriers deliver to ground floor only. Pallet deliveries may not be possible up or down steep slopes. Tell us about any access restrictions when you order.
- Separate deliveries. We do not hold stock. Items come direct from each supplier, so an order from several brands will arrive in separate deliveries.
- Timescales. On average, most products are delivered within 3–4 days. If an item cannot be dispatched within 4 working days, we will let you know. Made-to-order items have longer lead times, shown on the product page.
- Payment. We pre-authorise your card when you order but only take payment once the supplier confirms the item is available.
- Weekdays only. Our courier partners deliver on weekdays, not weekends.
- Delivery charges. Delivery is free on orders over £25 to most of mainland UK. Some postcodes (AB, BT, DD, FK, HS, IV, KA, KW, KY, PA, PH, PO30–41 and ZE) need a delivery quote first. Some products, including glass and ceramics, cannot be delivered to Northern Ireland.
Inspect large items on arrival, before your installer is booked to fit them, and report any damage as described above.
See also: Delivery and Returns · Contact us for a delivery quote · The Complete Bathroom Shopping Checklist
Should I buy a complete bathroom suite or choose each item separately?
A complete suite is the simpler choice if you want a coordinated look with less decision-making. Buying separately gives you more control over style, size and budget for each item.
| Complete suite | Choosing items separately | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full refits with a standard layout | Unusual layouts, specific design ideas, partial refits |
| Matching | Items designed to work together | You check compatibility and finishes yourself |
| Choice | Fixed combinations | Mix brands, materials and sizes freely |
| Delivery | Typically fewer deliveries | Separate deliveries from each supplier |
Our bathroom suites are complete packages built around common layouts, including bath, shower and walk-in options, with choices of finish and vanity colour. Check each suite's listing for exactly what is included, as some items, such as bath end panels, may be extra.
If you buy separately, check compatibility as you go: tap holes against basins, wastes against baths and trays, and matching metal finishes across brands.
Read more: How to Choose Bathroom Suites Online with Confidence · How to Plan a Bathroom Suite for Your Space
What's the most effective way to update a bathroom without a full refit?
Change the items you see and touch most: taps, the mirror, the towel rail and the accessories. These can transform a bathroom without moving pipework or replacing the bath, toilet or basin.
- Taps and shower fittings. A new finish, such as brushed brass or matt black, is the quickest visual update. Check the new taps suit your basin and water pressure (see basin tap compatibility).
- Mirror. An LED mirror adds light and a focal point. Illuminated mirrors must be fitted by a qualified electrician and need an IP rating suitable for where they are mounted. Your electrician will confirm this.
- Towel rail or radiator. A new heated towel rail can often fit existing pipework, if the pipe centres match (see radiator valves).
- Wall panels. Panels can update walls with less mess than retiling (see wall panels or tiles).
- Accessories. Matching towel rings, robe hooks, toilet roll holders and soap dispensers finish the look at low cost.
- Furniture. Replacing a vanity unit adds storage and modernises the room, but usually means disconnecting the basin.
Shop: Taps · Mirrors · Towel Rails · Wall Panels · Accessories
Read more: Choosing the right Bathroom Accessories
2. Baths
What should I check before buying a bath to make sure it fits, and can actually get into my bathroom?
Measure the space where the bath will go, then measure the route it must travel to get there. A bath that fits the room but cannot get up the stairs is one of the most common and costly mistakes.
In the bathroom
- Measure length and width at floor level and at bath-rim height, as walls are rarely perfectly square.
- Allow a tolerance of up to 1 inch (about 25mm) either way: manufacturing processes mean actual sizes can vary from those listed.
- For freestanding baths, allow space around the bath for cleaning and for the taps or bath filler.
- Check where the waste will run and where the taps or filler will be fitted.
On the route in
- Measure doorways, hallways, staircases, landings and any tight turns.
- Remember the bath may need to be tilted or turned, so check diagonal clearances too.
For heavy baths
- Metal and stone baths are significantly heavier than acrylic, especially when filled. Ask your builder or a structural engineer to confirm your floor can take the filled weight.
Dimensions are listed on the Specifications tab of every bath product page. If you are unsure, contact us before ordering.
Read more: Freestanding Bath Buying Guide
Freestanding or back-to-wall: which bath suits my bathroom?
A freestanding bath suits a room with space to walk around it and gives a statement look. A back-to-wall bath suits smaller rooms, is easier to fit and is easier to keep clean around.
| Freestanding bath | Back-to-wall bath | |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed | More, with clearance on all exposed sides | Less, sits against one or more walls |
| Look | A focal point | Neat and built-in |
| Taps | Floor-standing filler, wall-mounted, or deck-mounted on the bath | Wall- or deck-mounted |
| Cleaning | Floor around and behind the bath needs cleaning | Fewer gaps to clean |
| Shower over bath | Difficult | Possible with a bath screen |
Can a freestanding bath work in a small bathroom?
Sometimes. A shorter freestanding bath can fit a modest room, but the room will feel cramped if there is no clearance around it. Back-to-wall freestanding styles, which have one flat side, are a useful compromise.
Shop freestanding baths Shop back-to-wall baths
Shop: Bath Screens · Bath Spouts & Valves
Read more: Freestanding vs Built-In Baths · Are Freestanding Baths Practical for Everyday Bathrooms? · How to Choose a Bath Screen
Copper, brass or acrylic baths: what are the real differences, and why do prices vary so much?
Acrylic baths are lighter, more affordable and easier to install. Copper and brass baths are heavy, handmade, statement pieces that need more care, which is reflected in their price.
| Acrylic | Copper | Brass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightest | Heavy | Heavy |
| Floor check | Rarely needed | Advisable | Advisable |
| Finish options | White, plus painted exteriors on some ranges | Polished, hammered, antique or patina, with nickel or tin interiors on some models | Polished or enamelled interiors, with painted or metal exteriors |
| Care | Simple, non-abrasive cleaning | Mild soap, soft cloth, dry after use | Follow the manufacturer's care guide |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Highest | Highest |
Why prices vary so widely
- Material and manufacture. Copper baths are handmade. Acrylic baths are moulded.
- Construction. Double-wall copper baths have an inner and outer skin, which adds cost.
- Finish. Custom colours, patinas and interior finishes add cost and often make the bath made to order.
- Brand and design. Designer shapes, such as fluted or oval freestanding baths, cost more than standard shapes.
Custom finishes. Depending on the supplier, some baths can be painted any RAL or Farrow & Ball colour, and copper baths can be supplied with a custom patina. Custom finishes are made to order and cannot be cancelled after 48 hours.
Shop Coppersmith Creations Shop Hurlingham Baths
Shop: Charlotte Edwards · Freestanding Baths
Read more: Best Luxury Freestanding Baths in the UK (2026 Buyer's Guide) · Discover Bespoke Luxury with Hurlingham Baths Finishes
How long does a copper bath last, and how should it be looked after?
Copper does not rust, so the bath itself is long-lasting. It is the finish that needs care.
What changes over time
- Coppersmith Creations states that its copper and brass baths are coated with a protective lacquer to maintain the finish. Tin- and nickel-plated surfaces are left uncoated, as these metals do not oxidise.
- Copper is a soft metal and can scratch. Where copper is exposed, it gradually darkens and develops a natural patina, which softens the look of light marks over time.
Looking after a copper bath
- Clean with mild soap or a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
- Never use corrosive, acid-based or ammonia-based cleaners, steel wool or brushes.
- Dry the bath after every use, whatever its finish, to prevent water marks.
- Check what you add to the water. Coppersmith advises never using lemon in a copper bath.
- Read the manufacturer's full guidance: Coppersmith Creations – Copper Bathtubs Care & Maintenance (opens in a new tab).
Warranty. Coppersmith Creations copper baths carry a 1-year constructional warranty covering manufacturing defects, specifically leaks. It does not cover dents, scratches or damage during installation, handling or moving the bath. Damage must be reported within 24 hours of delivery.
Shop: Coppersmith Creations
Read more: Why Copper Baths Are Making a Comeback
What comes with a bath, and what will I need to buy separately?
Most baths are supplied as the bath alone. Taps, wastes and panels are often bought separately, so check the product listing before ordering.
| Item | Usually included? | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Waste and overflow | Some baths include a waste; many do not | Bathtub Accessories |
| Bath panels | Back-to-wall and built-in baths usually need front and end panels, which are often sold separately | Bath Panels |
| Taps or a bath filler | Almost always separate | Bath Taps · Bath Spouts & Valves |
| Feet or legs | Usually included with freestanding baths that need them, but check | Product listing |
| Bath screen | Separate, if you want to shower over the bath | Bath Screens |
The product description lists exactly what is included. If it is unclear, contact us before ordering.
Read more: How to Select Bath Waste That Fits Your Bath · How to Choose Bath Fillers
3. Showers
Walk-in shower or wetroom: what's the difference, and which suits my space?
A walk-in shower uses a shower tray with one or more fixed glass panels. A wetroom has no tray: the floor is fully waterproofed and slopes to a drain. Walk-in showers are simpler and cheaper to install; wetrooms give a completely level floor.
| Walk-in shower | Wetroom | |
|---|---|---|
| Floor | Low-profile shower tray | Tiled or sheet floor, sloped to a drain |
| Waterproofing | Mainly around the tray and walls | The whole room, or a large area, is waterproofed (tanked) |
| Installation | More straightforward | More specialist; must be done carefully to avoid leaks |
| Access | Low step onto the tray | Level access throughout |
| Products | Shower tray, waste, wetroom panel or enclosure, valve and head | Drain or floor grating, wetroom panel, valve and head |
Which to choose
- Choose a walk-in shower if you want a modern, open shower with simpler installation, or if you are replacing an existing shower.
- Choose a wetroom if level access matters, for example for limited mobility, and you are prepared for a more involved installation.
In both cases, the glass panel, waste and shower valve need to work together. Check panel heights and widths against your tray or floor area.
Shop wetroom panels Shop shower enclosures
Shop: Shower Trays · Floor Grating · Shower Valves · Shower Sets & Kits
Read more: Wetroom vs Walk-In Shower · 12 Walk In Shower Enclosure Ideas · Wet Room Shower Tray Options Explained
How do I choose a shower tray: size, material, waste, and can it be cut to fit?
Choose the tray size to suit your enclosure or wetroom panel, then choose a material based on whether you need to trim it, how much it will weigh and how slip-resistant it needs to be.
- Size and shape. Match the tray to the enclosure or panel you plan to use. Enclosure listings state the tray size they are designed for. Common shapes include square, rectangular, quadrant and offset quadrant.
- Material and trimming. Some trays can be cut to fit awkward spaces. In the MX Group range, DucoStone, DucoLite and Mineral Slate trays can be trimmed. Check the product listing for each tray's material before ordering.
- Waste and drainage. Waste size affects how quickly water drains (see the table below). Choose a waste that can handle the flow rate of your shower, particularly for high-flow or rainfall heads, and check whether it is included with the tray or sold separately.
- Slip resistance and cleaning. Anti-slip trays are available and are worth considering for families and less mobile users. Clean trays with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
Important: stone resin trays cannot be trimmed: they will crack if cut. Never clean a tray with scourers, abrasives, bleach or harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage and discolour the surface.
| Waste size | Approximate flow it allows |
|---|---|
| 50mm | About 25 litres per minute |
| 90mm | About 32 litres per minute |
Shop: Shower Doors & Enclosures · MX Group · Shower Waste Accessories · Shower Tray Accessories
Read more: Best Shower Trays for Modern Bathrooms · Best Anti-Slip Shower Trays · How to Measure a Shower Enclosure Correctly
Which shower will work with my water system?
Identify your hot water system first: combi boiler, gravity-fed or unvented cylinder. It decides which shower valves and heads will perform well.
| System | How to recognise it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Combi boiler | No hot water cylinder; hot water is heated on demand | Flow is limited by the boiler and drops if other taps are running. Very large rainfall heads may underperform |
| Gravity-fed | A cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder | Pressure is usually low. Choose valves and heads rated for low pressure, or a pumped shower |
| Unvented cylinder | A hot water cylinder but no loft tank; mains pressure | Suits most mixer valves and larger heads, within the cylinder's capacity |
- Check the minimum working pressure. Every shower valve and kit lists it in its specification. Compare it with your system; if you are unsure, ask your plumber to measure your pressure and flow.
- Thermostatic or manual. A thermostatic valve holds the temperature steady when someone uses another tap, which makes it the safer choice for most homes.
- Exposed or concealed. Concealed valves sit inside the wall and need to be fitted before the wall is finished.
Shop: Shower Sets & Kits · Shower Heads
Read more: Shower Valve Selection Guide · Thermostatic vs Manual Shower · Best Shower Heads for Every Bathroom
4. Toilets and basins
Wall-hung, back-to-wall or close-coupled toilet: which should I choose, and what else will I need to buy?
Close-coupled is the simplest to fit, back-to-wall hides the cistern, and wall-hung frees up the floor but needs a concealed frame.
| Close-coupled | Back-to-wall | Wall-hung | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cistern | Sits on the pan, visible | Concealed in a unit or boxing | Concealed in the wall |
| Installation | Simplest | Needs a WC unit or boxed-in wall | Needs a wall frame and a solid or built-out wall |
| Floor space | Pan sits on floor | Pan sits on floor | Floor clear beneath the pan |
| Cleaning | Gaps around cistern and pan | Fewer gaps | Easiest |
| Cistern access | Direct | Through the unit | Through the flush plate opening |
What else you may need
- Toilet seat. Most of our toilets do not include a seat. Check the product listing.
- Pan outlet. Check whether you need a horizontal (P-trap) or vertical (S-trap) outlet to suit your soil pipe.
- Concealed cistern. Needed for back-to-wall and wall-hung toilets, unless supplied with the frame.
- Wall frame. Needed for a wall-hung toilet.
- Flush plate. Needed for a concealed cistern.
- WC unit. An option for back-to-wall toilets, to hide the cistern and add storage.
Is a rimless toilet worth it?
A rimless pan has no ledge under the rim, which makes it easier to clean and reduces places for bacteria and limescale to build up. Water is directed around the bowl by the flush design.
Shop toilets Shop complete toilet sets
Shop: Toilet Wall Frames · Toilet Cisterns · Toilet Flush Options · Toilet Seats · WC Units
Read more: Wall-Hung Toilets: Are They Worth It? · Rimless Versus Standard Toilets · Toilets – An Ultimate Buying Guide
How do I make sure a basin tap is compatible with my basin?
Check three things: the number of tap holes in the basin, whether the tap is basin- or wall-mounted, and whether the tap suits your water pressure. Then make sure you have the right waste.
| Tap holes in the basin | Tap type |
|---|---|
| One | A mono basin mixer |
| Two | A pair of separate hot and cold taps (pillar taps) |
| Three | A three-hole mixer, with separate handles and a central spout |
| None | A wall-mounted tap, or a tall mixer beside a countertop basin |
Tap height and reach
- Countertop basins sit above the vanity surface and usually need a tall mixer or a wall-mounted tap.
- For wall-mounted taps, check the spout reaches far enough into the basin. These need concealed fittings inside the wall, so plan them before walls are finished.
Water pressure
- Some taps, particularly many modern mixers, need a minimum water pressure to work well. Low-pressure systems, such as gravity-fed systems with a tank in the loft, need taps rated for low pressure.
- The minimum pressure is listed in each tap's specification. If you are unsure of your water pressure, ask your plumber.
Waste
- If your basin has an overflow, you need a slotted waste. If it has no overflow, you need an unslotted waste.
- Check whether the waste is included with the basin or tap.
Shop: Basin Spouts · Basins · Basin Cabinets · Basin Waste · Basin Traps
Read more: How to Choose Replacement Basin Mixer Taps · Countertop Versus Inset Basin · Bathroom Taps & Finishes
5. Heating
How do I work out what size radiator or towel rail my bathroom needs?
Work out the heat your room needs in BTUs or watts, then choose a radiator or towel rail whose stated output meets it. Size is about heat output, not physical dimensions.
What affects how much heat a bathroom needs
- Room size: length, width and ceiling height.
- Number and type of windows, and how many walls are external.
- How well insulated the room is.
- The temperature you want. Bathrooms are usually kept warmer than other rooms.
Points that are often missed
- Towel rails give out less heat than radiators of a similar size, and less again when covered with towels. In a larger or colder bathroom, a towel rail alone may not be enough.
- Finish affects output. A chrome towel rail typically gives out less heat than the same model in a painted finish. Compare stated outputs, not appearance.
- Stated outputs assume a standard test condition (usually ΔT50). Systems running at lower temperatures, such as heat pump systems, will get less heat from the same radiator. Your installer can advise.
- Electric and dual-fuel options let a towel rail work when the central heating is off. Electrical work in bathrooms must be done by a qualified electrician, and electric towel rails need an IP rating suitable for their position.
For a step-by-step method, read our guide: How to Size Bathroom Radiator Output.
Shop radiators Shop towel rails
Read more: Heated Towel Rail Buying Guide
Which radiator valves do I need?
It depends on where your pipes come from (floor or wall) and where the radiator connects (side or underneath). Most radiators are supplied without valves. If valves are included, the product description says so; otherwise, buy them separately.
| Pipes come from | Radiator connections | Valve type |
|---|---|---|
| Floor | Side | Angled |
| Floor | Underneath | Straight |
| Wall | Side | Corner |
| Wall | Underneath | Angled |
Also consider whether you want thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), which control each room's temperature, or manual valves. Your installer can confirm what suits your system.
Can I fit a new radiator where my old one is?
In many cases, yes. Check the new radiator's pipe centres, dimensions, connection positions and heat output against your existing pipework before ordering. If the pipe centres differ, your installer will need to alter the pipework.
Shop radiator valves and accessories
Shop: Radiators
Radiator, heated towel rail or underfloor heating: which is best for a bathroom?
A heated towel rail suits most small to medium bathrooms. A radiator suits larger or colder rooms where heat matters more than drying towels. Underfloor heating gives even warmth and frees up wall space, and is best planned as part of a full refit.
| Heated towel rail | Radiator | Underfloor heating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Warms towels and the room | Heats the room | Heats the room from the floor |
| Wall space | Uses some | Uses some | None |
| Installation | Simple replacement in most cases | Simple replacement in most cases | Laid under the floor; best during a refit |
| Best for | Most bathrooms | Larger or colder bathrooms | Full refits, wetrooms, tiled floors |
Combining options. In larger or colder bathrooms, underfloor heating or a radiator can be paired with a towel rail, so the room stays warm and towels dry.
Underfloor heating systems may be electric or connected to your central heating (wet). Check which type a product is. Electric systems must be connected by a qualified electrician.
Shop towel rails Shop underfloor heating
Shop: Radiators
Read more: Why Designer Radiators Are a Bathroom Game-Changer · Bathroom Heating Guide for a Warmer Home · Electric Underfloor Heating for Bathrooms
6. Finishes and surfaces
Wall panels or tiles: which is better for a bathroom?
Wall panels are quicker to fit, have few or no grout lines and are easy to clean. Tiles offer more design choice and are the traditional option, but take longer to fit and need grout maintenance.
| Wall panels | Tiles | |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting time | Usually quicker; large sheets cover big areas | Slower; cut and set individually |
| Joints | Few, sealed joints | Grout lines between every tile |
| Cleaning | Wipe clean; no grout to discolour | Grout needs periodic cleaning and resealing |
| Design choice | Good range of stone, marble and plain effects | Very wide range of sizes, colours and patterns |
| Makes most sense for | Quick refreshes, shower areas where you want fewer joints, and rental or social housing where low maintenance matters | A specific pattern or texture, or a design that panels cannot replicate |
Follow each manufacturer's fitting instructions, including the recommended sealants and trims, to keep the wall watertight.
Shop: Bushboard · Tile Adhesive
Read more: Bathroom Wall Panels vs Tiles: Which Wins?
Do brushed brass and matt black taps and fittings wear or tarnish over time?
They can wear if cleaned with harsh products. How long they last depends mainly on how the finish is applied and how it is cleaned. Harsh cleaning is the most common cause of damage.
How finishes differ
- Finishes may be applied in different ways, including plating, powder coating and PVD (physical vapour deposition). PVD finishes are generally regarded as among the most hard-wearing.
- The finishing method varies between manufacturers and ranges. Check the product specification, or ask us.
Keeping coloured finishes looking good
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, then dry.
- Never use abrasive pads, bleach, limescale removers or harsh chemical cleaners. These can strip or dull the finish.
- In hard-water areas, wipe taps and shower fittings dry after use to prevent limescale marks.
Matching across brands. Brushed brass, gold and black finishes can vary in shade between manufacturers. For the closest match, buy your taps, shower fittings and accessories from the same brand and range where possible.
Shop: Taps · Shower Valves · Accessories
Read more: Bathroom Taps & Finishes: Chrome, Black or Brushed Brass?
7. Specific needs and situations
How can I make a small bathroom feel bigger?
Keep the floor as clear as possible, use glass rather than solid screens, and choose compact, wall-hung fittings. The more floor you can see, the bigger a room feels.
- Wall-hung furniture and toilets. Visible floor beneath the vanity and toilet makes the room feel larger and is easier to clean.
- Compact sizes. Look for short-projection toilets, slimline vanity units and smaller basins.
- Showers. A quadrant or walk-in shower can work better than a bath in a very small room. Our bathroom suites include a 900mm quadrant layout. If you need a bath, a shower bath with a screen gives you both.
- Glass. Frameless or semi-frameless glass keeps sightlines open.
- Mirrors. A large mirror, or an illuminated LED mirror, reflects light and adds depth.
- Wall space. A tall, narrow towel rail and recessed shower niches keep floor and surfaces clear.
Shop: Bathroom Suites · Furniture · Basin Cabinets · WC Units · Shower Doors & Enclosures · LED Mirrors · Towel Rails · Shower Niches
Read more: Best Bathroom Suites for Small Bathrooms · Best Compact Bathroom Furniture for Small Spaces · Compact Bathroom Makeover Ideas
What are the bath options for someone who struggles to get in and out of a standard bath?
The main options are a walk-in bath, which you enter through a door and use seated, and a power lift bath, which lowers you into the water on a powered seat. A walk-in shower or wetroom may suit some people better than any bath.
| Walk-in bath | Power lift bath | |
|---|---|---|
| How you get in | Through a watertight door, then sit down | Sit on the seat at rim height; it lowers you into the bath |
| Bathing position | Seated, upright | Seated or reclined, depending on the model |
| Things to know | You enter before filling and wait for it to drain before opening the door | Check power and charging requirements on the product page |
Questions to ask before choosing
- Which side should the door or access be on? On Mantaleda walk-in baths, a right-hand version has the door on the right when you face the bath. Choose the side that suits the room layout and the user's stronger side.
- Is there space to use the door while seated? Mantaleda walk-in baths are designed for seated bathing, with an inward-opening door and room to open and close it while seated.
- Will a carer be helping? Consider access from the side and the space around the bath.
- Would a shower suit better? Shower seats, grab bars and level-access showers are alternatives worth considering.
For complex needs, an occupational therapist can assess what will work best before you buy.
Shop Mantaleda accessible baths
Shop: Wetroom Panels · Shower Trays · Grab Bars · Shower Chairs & Seats
Read more: How to Choose Grab Rails for a Safer Bathroom · Mantaleda Baths: Safer, Smarter Bathing · Accessible Bathroom Accessories Guide
What do I need to fit out an accessible (Doc M) toilet or bathroom?
A Doc M pack is the simplest starting point: a set of accessible sanitaryware and grab rails commonly used in accessible WCs in commercial and public buildings. The exact contents vary by pack, so check each listing.
Items commonly found in accessible toilets include:
- A toilet suited to accessible use, often with a lever or easy-to-reach flush
- A small basin within reach of the toilet
- Grab rails, including fixed and drop-down rails
- Lever or easy-use taps
- Accessories such as a toilet roll holder within reach
Other products often specified for accessible or public facilities include baby changing tables, shower seats and additional grab bars. Doc M packs are commonly available in left-hand and right-hand versions, so check which suits your room layout before ordering.
Important: requirements for accessible toilets are set by building regulations (Approved Document M in England, with equivalents in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Layout, heights and clearances matter as much as the products. Confirm requirements with your architect, designer or building control before ordering.
Shop: Grab Bars · Baby Changing Tables · Shower Chairs & Seats
Read more: Doc M Pack Requirements Explained Clearly
Can trades, landlords, housing associations and hotels buy on trade terms?
Yes. Our Trade Account is open to trade and business buyers, and gives you store credit or cashback on standard orders, bespoke quotes on larger orders, and a named account manager.
How the Trade Account works
- Apply for a Trade Account. Once approved, you are given a named Account Manager.
- Standard orders placed through the website earn store credit, added 14 days after each delivery. You can use it against future orders or bank it for a lump-sum cash payout every 12 months.
- Orders over £1,000 can be quoted individually, with additional discounts. Store credit does not apply to quoted orders.
- Credit terms. After 5 orders totalling £5,000 net, you can apply for 28-day credit terms.
What the Trade Account covers
- Over 30 brands across all our categories, through one account.
- Products dispatched direct from the supplier to your site or customer.
- If you need a product from a brand we do not list, ask: we will try to source it.
8. Quick answers
Do your prices include VAT?
Yes. All prices include VAT, and we can provide a VAT invoice on request.
Can I collect my order?
No. Orders are dispatched directly from our suppliers, so collection is not available.
Do you have a showroom?
No, we sell online only. We do have a small studio in the North East of England with colour samples and product catalogues, where we can meet customers by appointment. Contact us to arrange a visit.
Do you install bathrooms or offer design services?
No. We supply products only. Please use a qualified installer.
Will you take away my old bathroom?
No. Removing old items is the customer's responsibility.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
No, UK only. See Delivery and Returns for postcode exceptions.
Do you deliver at weekends?
No. Our courier partners deliver on weekdays.
Can you get a product that is not on your website?
Possibly. Contact us with the brand and product, and we will try to source it.
Do you offer finance?
Yes. Klarna and PayPal Pay in 3 are available at checkout.
Do you price match?
Yes, subject to the terms of our Price Match Promise.
How do I contact you?
Call 0333 090 8834, 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, or email info@brandnewbathrooms.co.uk. We aim to answer emails within 24 hours.