One Dreamy Bath Tub for a Great Deal

Yesterday I was heading to the feed store and had decided it was time to lock down a bath tub. I had planned from the get go to use a galvanized stock tank as my bath tub. I think it is a durable and attractive, if not unique, option. However, the tank would be over $100 and I am looking for bargains. So, before leaving the house I decided it was time to check Craigslist for a deal one last time. I am certainly glad I did!

Built in arm rests

I found a gorgeous Avonti acrylic drop in tub. Manufactured here in Phoenix by http://www.avontikitchenandbath.com/, model BT25 is oval in shape and white in color. It is larger and deeper than my current garden tub and includes built in arm rests. Additionally one of the quality features of Avonti tubs is that they are sprayed with a foam insulation. This makes them quieter and helps keep the water warmer longer. New these tubs run around $650 - $800, more if you have the bubbler option. This particular model runs about $800. I was able to purchase it for $40! That's right, 40 bucks!

Use a Utility Sink for a Bathroom Sink - Brilliant Hack

Zenith Wash Tub

I have been drawing out scale the plans for my shouse. I have been pleased over-all with the layout and space, but the bathroom sink has thrown me for a loop. The dimensions of the bathroom will be approximately 9' x 8' and will include a 3' diameter stock tank tub (more on that in future posts), a composting toilet, and the stacking washer and dryer. In the original tiny house I would not have had a separate sink, which is why I went with the clawfoot tub faucet/shower combo (go here to see that). However, I now that I have room for a sink, the choices are overwhelming.

American Standard Faucet

Mapping out the layout of the bathroom and I what I have to fit in that space, I was considering building a custom cabinet and dropping in the common oval lavatory sink found in the local big box stores or at a second-hand builder supply, but I just wasn't satisfied with what I found. Then I had a great idea. Why not install a utility sink (aka laundry sink)? I know, save your groans and laughter. Let's just do a little pro and con list to help us make our decision:

Pro's:

• Free-standing: Just put on a skirt and conceal stuff underneath.
• Deep: Holds lots of water and can fit bulkier items than in the kitchen sink.
• Durable: Plastic construction is chip-proof and doesn't rust or mildew.
• Utilitarian: I can drain the washer into it instead of having to put in another drain (which critters could possibly enter the shouse through). Helps simplify my plumbing. 
• Roomy: I could wash a dog or a child in it along with paint brushes and other "too messy for the kitchen sink" tasks. 
• Cost Effective: A durable sink starts at just $40 delivered on Amazon. The faucet is another $40. Not bad!

Con's:

• Attractiveness: It is a utility sink. Many do not like the shape, size, or plastic look. There are ones in cabinets, but with my budget I won't spend the money for one. I will simply add a skirt that coordinates with my shower curtain (I will post a DIY when I get that done). 
• Stability: Many reviews complain the sinks don't feel stable. They may require additional bolting or securing. I plan to secure mine to the wall at the least.
• Depth: These sinks are very deep, if you are used to filling up your sink just to wash your face you will probably have issues.

The model I chose, shown at the top of this post, also has a convenient shelf underneath where I can store extra supplies in addition to a built in wash board, a place to put the drain hose from the washing machine, and a soap dish that can be moved to either side of the sink. It comes with a plug, but I will be adding a plug on a chain (just like grandma had) and a basket/screen (again, like grandma had. Damn that woman was wise.) to prevent anything I drop, such as jewelry or toothpaste caps, from heading on out to the garden in the gray water. I am not impressed by the "built in utility hooks" as they are just a few inches up the legs (what the heck would I hang there?) or the towel bar. I am guessing the towel bar helps add stability to the unit as would the shelf. The thing I like best about this particular model, and one of the deciding factors, is that it sits 4" higher than most other models. That is a much more convenient height for me. Poking around on Pinterest and on Google images, I have found lots of pictures of skirts to cover the sides and modifications like shelves and lids that fit across the top, both of which make these a little less stark and add some flat surface for other tasks. My boyfriend suggested finding a cutting board to fit on the top. A little country flair from some natural wood. He is a smart man too. I can add two handles (drawer pulls?) and lift the lid up like a serving tray.

The sink I have chosen is shown here in the big box store video. I will buy mine on Amazon (cause I am cheap and that is where I can get the best deal), but this video describes the sinks and options pretty well (try to ignore how this is a campaign to bag on and discredit the other big box home improvement store):

What do you think? Is this something you would consider? 

DIY Shower Curtain

Waverly

Even though I am still teaching summer school until the end of June, summer is upon me. I love being a teacher who has extra time in the summer. I have a mental list of all kinds of things I would like to do, but just cannot muster the energy to do during the school year. Yes, teaching (good teaching that is) is exhausting and by the end of the day I just want to relax. So, all year I come up with projects and I tackle them all in a whirlwind of activity during the summer.

My latest project for the tiny house is the shower curtain for the bathroom. Now I understand that most will just go buy a shower curtain and call it done, but I wanted something more custom. As I explained in my earlier post Interior Decorating, Are You Serious? I have a plan to keep the color pallet and pattern specific. I already use this pallet in my house, so I will be able to use most of the bedding and curtains I already have in the tiny house after modifying them to meet my needs/fit the new space.

On Sale!

I am quite excited to say that my future bathtub/shower is on sale! Whoot! I stopped by the feed store yesterday for rabbit chow and saw this site of loveliness. I am going to go with the 3X3X2 so that it can be both a tub and a shower. It won't be super huge, but it will allow immersion and that counts.

Only problem I have run into is fitting it in my car, but I will strap it to the roof if need be. This sale takes $30 off the price of the tank. That is a great savings. I hate that the manufacturer has painted their logo on the side, but that side can face the wall, so it is no problem. Another item soon to be checked off on the checklist.

Thank You, Mr. Postman

Like it? I bought it on Ebay from GlobalFaucets.

Today the postman brought us two items I ordered off of Ebay. The first is the cook top which will run off propane I showed in a prior post and this one shown below. I got a great deal on it on Ebay, super savings over our local RV supplier, which is a whole other story.