bathtubs

Choosing a new bathtub can be a complex undertaking, especially when it comes to something so essential and long-lasting. The material used in the building of a tub can affect everything from the cost of installation to the amount of heat retention to the tub’s overall lifespan.

Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of the materials used to construct a tub is a fantastic way to make an informed selection. Whether you’re just starting your search or are well into it, you can discover more about the most prevalent tub materials below. We’re here to assist you in choosing the best tub material for your requirements.

Choosing the suitable bathtub materials

Here are some things to consider when choosing a bathroom material:

Heat Retention

Some bathtub materials are better than others when it comes to heat retention. If you prefer long, hot showers, this is something to think about and prioritize.

Crack, Stain, or Scratch Resistance

Tub materials that are more resistant to one type of harm but more vulnerable to another are available. Porcelain-enameled steel tubs, for example, are prone to chipping but are effective at preventing the accumulation of stains and scratches. If you use vividly colored bath bombs or soaps in your acrylic tub, keep in mind that they may discolor the surface.

Weight

The tub’s weight will impact both the convenience and cost of installation. – Installing lighter materials is often more accessible and less expensive. Some tubs, such as cast iron models, may require floor reinforcement due to their weight.

Cost

When making a decision, consider both the short- and long-term costs. A tub will cost you a lot of money to maintain. How long do you think it will be before you need to get another one? Additional expenditures not included in the purchase price include installing the tub or reinforcing the floor if it is too heavy.

Cleaning & Maintenance

While it is vital to clean any bathtub regularly, some materials have more stringent requirements for the tools and chemicals used.

Installation

The weight and flexibility of the material will influence how easy it is to construct your tub. The more complex it is, the higher the cost of tub installation.

Bathtub Material

Now that you know what to look for, here’s a quick rundown of the most common bathtub materials.

Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron tubs are almost always used. For the foreseeable future, a specialist’s preferred substance will most likely be this substance, which has fallen out of favor over the last decade.

Cast iron bathtubs have many advantages, including high luster, robustness, and longevity. Although the cover is resistant to cracks and scratches, the cost of fixing them is prohibitive. Because of the weight of the cast iron, this can be an issue, necessitating additional floor reinforcement at times. If abrasive cleaners are used on their high-gloss surface, they will fade soon.

These tubs are naturally more remarkable because they are composed of metal. You’re already limiting the amount of time you can spend in a soothing bath because they use the heat of the water.

Cast iron tubs have fewer design options and a restricted range of sizes available and are more expensive.

Steel Enamel

Because of their nonporous glass hard surface, they are exceptionally hygienic and easy to clean. They are unaffected by impact, scratches, chemicals, or heat. Many well-known steel companies can integrate titanium into their alloys for increased strength despite the steel’s thinness. These tubs are available in various shapes and sizes, perfect for small bathrooms. Ensure that you choose European steel enamel, as the American version is of poor quality. Like cast iron and stainless steel, the enamel coating is more difficult to scratch and chip than acrylic, but it is also more expensive to restore.

Stone Cast

Stonecast baths, also known as artificial stone baths, are built from a polymer resin, fillers, and crushed limestone. They’re attractive, long-lasting, and simple to maintain. The gel covering eventually peels away, revealing a hard porous surface to clean. The non-gel coated variants are much easier to maintain, but the surface is duller. If there are a lot of bubbles on the bottom of the tub, it was probably poorly made, and you should avoid it.

Acrylic

Acrylic bathtubs are becoming increasingly popular. These tubs are solid and long-lasting, despite their tiny weight. Acrylic is an excellent choice for interior design because of its natural warmth and long-lasting color.

Acrylic bathtubs have several advantages, including the simplicity of cleaning and the capacity to be molded into various shapes. With fine sandpaper and T-cut, you can quickly repair scratches on the surface.

Even with all of their advantages, acrylic tubs are very affordable. They may cause the bath to shift and the tiles to leaking if they aren’t put correctly, resulting in costly repairs.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, our guide on the best bathtub materials has been helpful. Bathtubs come in a variety of materials, as depicted in the artwork. You can select the tub best suits your demands, budget, and style. However, as said above, there are a few things to consider before purchasing. If you’re searching for a long-lasting tub, the cast iron tub is a great choice. Consider the style and color of your bathroom and the available space before selecting a tub. It should, ideally, match the decor of your bathroom. You might consider purchasing a bathtub with heat-retention materials such as solid surfaces.

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