Nothing displays period charm quite like an antique bath, but don’t expect them to come cheap! Read on to find out where to buy a second hand bath and what to look for when choosing your new (old) bath…Buying and resurfacing a second-hand bath can add a luxurious touch your bathroom, but there are some things to be wary of.

While they may not have the ergonomic comfort of today’s models, antique baths are brimming with charm and luxury. But just because they’re second-hand doesn’t mean they’re cheap.

As baths that were designed in the early 1900s were made for smaller bathrooms, many original cast-iron tubs are much shorter than today’s standard lengths. When choosing a second-hand bath, make sure you have a floor plan of your bathroom on hand, including the location of outlets, to ensure that it will measure up.

The easiest way to find a second-hand bath is to go through a bath refinishing company, as they will often have a supply of second-hand tubs on hand. If your budget is a little tight, you may be able to find a bargain by checking out the classified ads, online auctions like eBay or foraging through salvage yards.

You should never purchase a second-hand bath without inspecting it in person. As bath interiors are more difficult to repair than exteriors, make sure the inside still has a good porcelain coating, with no cast iron showing through, and no major chips, cracks or rust. Claw-foot types should also have all of the legs intact.

You wouldn’t buy a new suit without trying it on first, and a bath is a much more permanent fixture, so don’t even think about buying a second-hand bath before testing it out. Obviously you won’t be able to have a real soak, but you can at least lie in the bath to see if it’s comfortable for you.

As cast-iron baths are extremely heavy, they are not really suitable for second-floor bathrooms. They are also quite difficult to move, so make sure you have at least four people on hand to help manoeuvre an antique bath into place.

For your own new and second hand baths, fittings and products, find a local retailer: