Types of Bathtub Materials

Types of Bathtub Materials
November 25, 2021

Numerous things influence the price of a bathtub. Consider the material of the tub, how and where the tub will be used, and your budget before making a purchase. Today, a variety of materials are used to construct bathtubs.

Before committing to a certain style of bathtub for your house, you should consider the finest bathtub material selections and educate yourself about each type. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each can assist you in making the best option for your property.

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Acrylic

This is a sort of plastic with a high-gloss surface that is extremely durable. Solid acrylic is a mid-priced product that outperforms fibreglass in terms of durability. Additionally, scratches are less obvious since the colour is consistent throughout.

Acrylic is a common material for distinctively shaped whirlpools with moulded armrests and other embellishments due to its ease of shaping. Additionally, it is lightweight, which is critical for huge tubs that might place undue strain on structural parts.

Advantages and disadvantages: This tub is made of acrylic and has a smooth surface. Although the material is resistant to chipping, it is readily scratched. However, it is easily repairable. Acrylic is a good conductor of heat and will keep your bath water warm for an extended amount of time. Acrylic retains colour, which makes it simple to colour, but it is prone to deterioration and staining. These drawbacks are mitigated with higher-grade acrylic.

Acrylic Vs Fiberglass Tub Differences And Similarities

Fiberglass

This is a form of resin that is sprayed into the shape of the bathtub. One advantage of fibreglass is its low price. Additionally, fibreglass can be mended, albeit more laboriously than acrylic. Fiberglass tubs, like acrylic tubs, are lightweight and simple to instal.

A significant disadvantage of fibreglass is its porous nature. This indicates that it has a proclivity for water absorption. Fiberglass is, without a doubt, the most fragile bathtub material available. As a result, you are likely to encounter some cracking. Additionally, the material is not resistant to staining and will most likely fade and change colour with time. Additionally, this material bends somewhat when worn, reducing the sensation of stability.

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Enamelled Steel

The least priced tubs are formed steel bathtubs with a porcelain-enamel covering. However, the material has several disadvantages: Steel transmits heat, which means that tub water cools rapidly; the surface is prone to chipping; and it weighs almost twice as much as plastic.

This material has three significant benefits. To begin, it is quite long-lasting. Additionally, it is easy to clean and quite affordable when compared to other bathtub materials.

Among the disadvantages of this material are its weight and poor quality. These tubs are frequently fairly large. Additionally, they are more susceptible to rusting and chipping when struck. Additionally, the design options for this material are relatively limited.

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Solid-Surface

This innovative bathtub material is made of synthetic polymeric components. The benefits of solid-surface tubs are their range of forms, sizes, and natural colours. Additionally, this material is quite robust, absorbs heat, and the finish is repairable.

Additionally, this material is fairly hefty. It is more pricey than other bathtub materials. This sort of material is very new to the bathtub industry, which may make it difficult to locate reliable information and support in the future.

sandringham castiron bathtub

Cast-iron

Cast-iron tubs, like steel tubs, are enamelled. They do not chip as quickly as steel tubs, however, since the enamel covering is stronger and cast iron is more robust and impact resistant. At initially, a cast-iron tub will absorb heat from the water, but once heated, it will retain heat for an extended period of time. The primary disadvantage of cast iron is its weight, between 350 and 500 pounds, which may hinder second-floor tub installations.

Thinking of a major face-lift for your bathroom? We offer services from new builds to renovations and can help you pick the best products and materials to ensure your investment is worthwhile.