Choosing the Best Bathtub Materials for Your Home

Whether you are constructing or rebuilding your bathtub, there are many factors to consider in your purchase. Things such as the size, look, and feel of the tub are your personal choice. You should also not forget the heat retention and, of course, the budget for the materials to be used. All these and more contribute to your satisfaction in working on this house fixture.

To help you decide, we have compiled the best bathtub material you can find. They all have their pros and cons which you have to examine closely for yourself. Read on!

6 Best Materials for Your Bathtub Works

If the durability of the tub is your main concern, an enameled Cast Iron is one of your best, if not the best, choice. In a cast iron bathtub, molten iron is poured onto the mold before is it covered with enamel.

The non-porous material is known for its strength and its resistance to impact, chipping, and scratches. This means; it lasts longer than other materials and you worry less about cleaning your tub. At the same time, warm water in your tub will be kept so longer because of this material’s high heat retention.

The main concern with cast iron is its heaviness. If you choose to utilize it, be sure to add a strong support structure before installation. The material can also cost you more, but is guaranteed to last longer.

Fiberglass is for those who are tight on budget. A fiberglass bathtub is basically a reinforced plastic tub coated with gel coat resin. The material is lightweight and is, thus, easy to install. Maintenance and repairs can also be done with ease.

Because of the make of the material, it is not as durable as cast iron. It is porous (absorbs water) and is therefore prone to cracks and scratches. If you are using some cleaning equipment, you have to be more careful as the material deteriorates easily.

The affordability and lightweight build of fiberglass are found in an acrylic bathtub. The acrylic sheet that composes this material is vacuum-formed made of resins, stabilizers, fillers, and others. The sheets are then reinforced with fiberglass, making it a non-porous material which is less prone to excessive absorption of water.

Tubs made of acrylic material is also able to retain heat better, and yet is more stain-resistant. However, the surface may be scratched if abrasive cleaners are used. Although not as expensive as other non-porous materials, acrylics are relatively more expensive than fiberglass.

One of the most aesthetically pleasing tubs is a copper bathtub. Since it is made of pure copper, it has a good level of durability and resistance to chipping and scratches. For those who don’t want to do much cleaning, a copper tub is also a good choice as it requires less maintenance.

Just like cast iron, copper’s main drawback is its heavy weight. Thus, moving it around during installation can be a chore. Plus, the material is rare making it an expensive option for you.

Are you aiming for a luxurious looking bathtub? Try using stone resin as its material. A stone resin imitates the look of a natural stone, making it pleasing to the sight. This non-porous material is of high-quality absorbing less water and retaining more heat in the process.

Its durability is not to be questioned either as it has an exceptionally long lifespan. This means you don’t constantly need to have a stone bathtub repaired. If you ever decide to move your tub elsewhere, the material is fully recyclable; thus, you don’t need to discard your old one.

This material will also not give you a hard time in maintenance. Simple warm water will do in cleaning. When there are stubborn residues, you can opt for fairly abrasive substances without worrying for damage. The only big concern with a stone tub is its cost. Nevertheless, it is sure to withstand any test of durability.

Another tub material that scores well in aesthetics is wood. You can pretty much design and size your wood bathtub as you please as woods are easy to work with. However, the material doesn’t last long enough as compared to other materials on this list. Yet, this is only one reason why it is less popular.

Maintaining a wooden tub can be a chore. You have to avoid overusing it as it can rot quicker but should also not underuse it, as drying it out can speed up its rotting process. Wooden tubs are also costly and need ample space.

Conclusion

 

Purchasing a tub for your home is almost a necessary investment in the modern days. Of course, anyone would want a comfortable, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-efficient material. This guide attempted to list the best ones available. Nevertheless, the best bathtub material is still one which caters to your personal preference or need and budget. We do hope, however, that this has given you the needed information to choose better.