What Is The Best Material For A Bathtub?

Similar to dating, selecting the ideal material for your bathtub is a personal decision. Don't expect to find the perfect partner or bathtub all at once; instead, prioritise your needs.

Before Purchasing A Bathtub, Consider These Questions

How Will You Use Your Bathtub?

Based on your response, you'll know whether a simple, low-cost design will do or if you'll require more advanced features. While the former fills with water, the latter uses jets or channels to blow massage air into the bather. Common additions to a soaking tub are arm- or rear seats, grab bar, and non-slip flooring.

Adjustable jets, underwater lighting, aromatherapy, heated blowers, and self-cleaning systems are just some of the luxuries that come standard on modern whirlpool, air-bath, and combination tubs. It's going to cost you more money to get a tub with additional features.

What Kind Of Space Do You Have?

Ensure that the tub you're considering will fit in your bathroom before becoming infatuated with it. Although the most common dimensions for a bathtub are 70 inches in length, 40 inches in width, and 15 inches in depth, there is a broad variety of tub dimensions and forms from which to choose. Get precise dimensions of your bathroom as well as its doorways to establish the maximum tub size that will fit.

It is important to take note of the location of the floor drain to guarantee that the tub you select will fit in the space. As an added note, not all tubs can accommodate a shower attachment, so if having a combined tub and shower is a must, make sure you research this well before making a purchase.

Are There Any Special Considerations For Bathtub Installation?

To instal a jetted tub, you'll need a pump, an air switch, and a timer that plugs into an electrical outlet. A lot of pumps are built right into the tub itself, but some brands also make them that can be hidden away in a cupboard or closet up to five feet away. Possible locations for the tub's non-electric air switch include the unit itself. To comply with building codes, the electrical timer must be installed as least 5 feet from the bathtub.

Is Your Water Heater Up To The Task?

The cost of your tub per month will vary based on its size. You should use two thirds hot water and one third cold water for a normal bath. Will your hot water tank keep up with demand? The sizes of these tubs range from 25 to 150 water gallons. Be sure your hot water tank can supply enough hot water to fill the tub about halfway.

Is There A Problem With Weight?

While a cast-iron tub can weigh over a thousand pounds empty, a plastic one can weigh as few as fifty. Can your floor support the weight of the material you're thinking about using? It may be required to reinforce that floor beneath the bathtub with supports or bracing, given the weight of the bathtub and the significance of water and humans. It may be difficult or expensive to move a heavy tub to a full bath.

Is The Tub Relaxing?

Get in the tub and see if it fits before you buy it. Then go in, relax, and picture yourself being drenched. Do you like how it fits and how it feels? It's the surest method to find out if you'll be happy with it, so don't be shy about trying it out.

Consider Bathtub Materials

Hundreds of designs and sizes are available, making it difficult to find the right tub. The cost, lifespan, and ease of maintenance of your bathtub are all dependent on the material you choose. Bathtubs made of plastic, whether fibreglass or Acrylic, provide the maximum freedom in terms of design.

It retains heat effectively and feels warm to the touch, making it an ideal material for use in bathrooms where the temperature of the water is less likely to drop as quickly as it would in enamelled steel or cast-iron tubs. The plastic tub weighs in as the lightest at about 80 pounds. Abrasive cleansers will scratch the surface, but it doesn't chip easily.

Enameled Steel

The most budget-friendly options are made of formed steel and have a porcelain enamel finish. However, there are certain downsides to the material: Steel is a poor heat insulator, so bath water will cool off rapidly; its finish is easily scratched; and it weighs roughly twice more than plastic.

A common and generally affordable choice is steel that has been coated in porcelain. It's made from of steel panels that have been enamelled in white porcelain. To compare, an acrylic and fibreglass tub would be slightly heavier, whereas an enamelled cast iron tub would be significantly heavier.

Pros

• It's possible to have a low cost.
• Low in weight
• Made in the usual dimensions (70 x 40 inches)
• Durable
• Easily wipes clean

Cons

• When dropped, items can damage the surface.
• It only takes a little crack for rust to start forming.
• There aren't many colour and form options.
• Unsealed, it can produce an annoying roar.
• Rapid heat loss

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameling is used to protect both cast-iron and steel bathtubs. The enamel covering is thicker than that of steel tubs, plus cast iron is more resilient and resistant to impacts, thus they are less likely to chip.

A cast-iron tub would initially remove warmth from the water, but then once heated, it will maintain the water's temperature for a considerable amount of time. The biggest drawback of cast iron is its heavy weight (between 350 and 500 pounds), which can make it difficult to instal on upper floors.

Enameled cast iron is a traditional yet hefty material for bathtubs. The porcelain enamel protects iron's moulded interior, making for a sturdy and long-lasting tub. This cast-iron tub is much more expensive than other options, but it will survive for decades. The weight is the only major drawback, but it is a considerable one. Due to its weight and the potential need for floor support, installing the cast-iron tub can be an challenge.

Pros

• Extremely sturdy
• Extra-thick enamel protects against chips and scratches.
• capable of being refinished
• This style has stood the test of time.
• Superb insulation
• You can pick from a wide variety of colours.

Cons

• Quite a load

Polymer Casting (Granite, Cultured Marble, Or Onyx)

Cast-polymer tubs come in a variety of solid colours and are designed to resemble more expensive materials like marble, granite, and onyx. Cast polymer is a bit more expensive than Acrylic, but its surface wears down quickly. So when gel-coat finish on a cast-polymer tub dries up and fractures, the underlying substance is revealed. Materials such as engineered natural materials and solid surface can be used to create a beautiful and durable cast polymer bathtub. These are manufactured in a similar fashion to solid-surface countertops by moulding together mineral, polymeric compounds, and resins (such as Corian). An ordinary gel-coat covering completes the tubs.

Pros

• Is able to be cheap
• Multiple choices and hues
• Minor blemishes can be removed by buffing.
• Easily wipes clean
• Stain-resistant

Cons

• Be fragile at times.
• Damage to the gel coat, caused by wear, is sometimes beyond repair.

Fibreglass

Fiberglass is a type of reinforced plastic that is often laminated, then shaped into a bath tub, and then coated with a gel coat resin.

Pros

Fibreglass tubs are an excellent choice for those on a strict budget due to their low cost. Since they are made out of a lightweight material, they are simple to instal and move around a home.

• Lightweight
• Simple to set up
• Economically viable
• Simple to disinfect and maintain
• This surface is repairable.
• An ideal combination shower/bathtub

Cons

Fiberglass is also quite fragile compared to other building materials. Because of its porous composition, it is easily damaged by water and frequently develops cracks.

• Over time, the use of regular cleaning supplies will also dull the colour and finish. Furthermore, the material has a tendency to 'flex,' which results in warping and an overall feeling of instability.
• The lack of durability in comparison to other materials
• This surface is susceptible to cracking and scratching.
• Inevitably, the finish will wear off.
• Available hues are severely lacking.

Acrylic

Taking a solid sheet of combined ingredients like petrochemicals, stabilisers, resins, fillers, and appropriate colour, they are heated, moulded into a bathtub shape, and then reinforced with fibreglass. This is acrylic.

Pros

To begin with, it is not porous like regular fibreglass and will not soak up any extra water. Aside from preventing mildew and other common bathroom stains, it will also maintain heat from the water's temperature.

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Sizes, colours, and styles abound.
• Durable
• Poreless coating
• The surface can be patched up

Cons

Although not as easily scratched as fibreglass, acrylic tubs will bend under your weight, making them less sturdy for standing. Not a cheap choice, with prices ranging from $850 to $1,000 to get started.

• Cleaning with abrasive materials can cause surface scratches.
• Important stress locations must be properly strengthened during the installation process.
• When comparing prices, acrylic comes out on top above fibreglass.

Ceramic

What it is: Ceramic tiles, which are essentially clay that has been fired to extreme temps until it solidifies, are assembled into a bathtub to form a ceramic tile.

Pros

Being easily shaped and installed, this material gives you the widest range of possibilities for bathtub size, form, and general style. It's also rather inexpensive.

Cons

Unfortunately, you have to put in more effort into maintaining your newfound freedom of choice. Grout is what keeps tiles in place and it needs to be continuously maintained and replaced or else it will eventually decay and disintegrate. Furthermore, due to the nature of ceramic, your bathtub will look uneven and 'bumpy,' which can be unpleasant when bathing barefoot or lying down.

Wood

What it is: a one-of-a-kind bath built from a selection of fine woods.

Pros:

They have a beautiful, real, natural look and feel, which is always appreciated. Wood is versatile and simple to shape, so your new bathtub can be exactly the size and design you want it to be.

Cons:

However, the high maintenance requirements and constant exposure to moisture mean that your wooden tub won't survive as long as other options. There are additional space and framing requirements for installing a hardwood tub in your bathroom. One reason wooden tubs may not be as common is because of their higher price tag. A bathtub's lifespan is directly proportional to the amount of care and attention you give it over time, so don't forget to budget for both the purchase price and the ongoing cost of repairs. Both excessive and insufficient use hasten the rotting of wood; the former washes away the protective coating, hastening decay, and the latter causes the wood to dry up and speed up the decay process. As a whole, maintaining a wooden tub can be a major pain.

Stone Resin

What it is: a synthetic material created to resemble stone.

Pros

The substance is non-porous, so it does not retain moisture and does a great job of keeping water at a comfortable temperature. This is similar to the properties of most resins. It lasts for a very long period without being constantly repaired, and when it finally does need to be thrown away, stone resin can be recycled into new products without any loss of quality.

The substance itself, stone resin, is quite sturdy and able to resist a significant amount of stress, and it is also seen as a more elegant bathtub material. Moreover, it's not hard to clean up afterwards. The majority of mould and stains can be removed with with warm water, but more persistent residues may require the application of a mildly abrasive chemical like Comet or Ajax. To sum up, when it comes to cost and durability, stone resins is the superior choice for a bathtub.

Cons

Stone resin is more expensive than Acrylic or fibreglass, but it will last a long time without deteriorating or cracking, which will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Porcelain

Porcelain enamel, a substance formed by fusing powdered glasses to the a thin substrate then heating it to high temperatures, usually around 750 and 850 °C until it melts and solidifies into a durable coating, is applied to the exterior of cast iron and stamped steel to create porcelain bathtubs.

Pros

Porcelain tubs hold their lustre and shine as time passes, and their surface are smooth enough to maintain an antique look. Porcelain bathtubs have a layer that naturally resists scratching, and they are also simple to maintain because to how easy they are to clean.

• It's possible to have a low cost.
• Low in weight
• Made in the usual dimensions (70 x 40 inches)
• Durable
• Easily wipes clean

Cons

Despite their attractiveness, porcelain bathtubs present a significant risk of injury due to their surfaces being extremely slippery. In addition, porcelain is poor at retaining heat, so your bath will cool off faster if you use it. The issue of durability is complicated by porcelain's resistance to scratching yet vulnerability to chipping when subjected to severe impacts.

• When dropped, items can damage the surface.
• It only takes a little crack for rust to start forming.
• There aren't many colour and form options.
• Unsealed, it can produce an annoying roar.
• Rapid heat loss

Copper

A copper bathtub is a tub formed by hammering together several slabs of pure copper.

Pros:

Aesthetically superior to a standard cast-iron bath. Copper tubs are beautiful to look at and are inherently resistant to scuffs and other forms of chipping. A copper tub has low-maintenance and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for people who hate doing household chores. The main advantages of the a copper tub were cosmetic.

Cons:

The tub is quite hefty, just like the traditional cast iron ones. It's one of the most expensive tubs available because it's not only beautiful, but also relatively uncommon. Heavy-gauge steel, porcelain enameled, and resins are examples of proprietary composites, which are relatively new to the bathtub industry. The use of these components in a bathtub results in a product that is as durable as cast iron but weighs much less.

Bathtub Types And Installations

The layout of your bathroom and the type of installation you can do will also play a role in the tub you end up buying. To help you decide which bathtub installation method is best for your home, we've included some common options below.

Alcove Tubs

Most bathrooms have tubs installed in alcoves. Recessed tubs, or alcove tubs, are placed in a space between three walls.

Freestanding Tubs

Such as the classic clawfoot tub, are freestanding within the bathroom but still need to be in close proximity to the plumbing. Additionally, there are corner bathtubs, drop-in bathtubs, platform bathtubs, and under-mount bathtubs that can be installed. You may find regular bathtubs in stores, but if you want something more tailored to your needs, you can also find that.

Soaking Tubs

Deeper than standard tubs, soaking tubs allow users to luxuriate in a full submersion of water for maximum relaxation.

Whirlpool Bathtubs

A type with jets can simulate a relaxing day at the spa. Water jets in a whirlpool tub circulate the bathing space. The cost of a whirlpool is typically more than that of an air tub.

Which Is Better: Fixing My Bathtub Or Refinishing It?

Perhaps it's time to get a new tub if your current one is damaged in any way (leaks, cracks, excessive wear). If your old tub has special sentimental value to you, or if removing it seems too difficult, you may decide that it's not worth the cost of a replacement.

The chips and stains in your tub can be fixed by refinishing or lining it. It is possible to have your tub refinished by some businesses with such a polyurethane coat that creates a sophisticated, glossy appearance. To complete the look of your tub, you can order an acrylic liner that is custom-made to meet its measurements and design from another business.

Conclusion

Tubs typically range from 70 to 40 inches in width and 15 to 18 inches in depth. There are a few standard accessories that can be added to a soaking tub, including arm- or rear-facing seats, a grab bar, and non-slip flooring. The average capacity of a bathtub is between 25 and 150 gallons of water, though this can vary widely based on the tub's construction and size. While a plastic tub can weigh as little as fifty pounds, a cast-iron one can weigh over a thousand. What you use to construct your tub will have a significant impact on its price, durability, and upkeep simplicity.

Cast-iron and steel bathtubs alike benefit from the protection enamelling provides. The iron moulded interior is protected from corrosion by the porcelain enamel, making this a durable and long-lasting bathtub. The more luxurious appearance of marble, granite, and onyx can be achieved with cast-polymer bathtubs. Due to its inexpensive price, fibreglass tubs are a great option for those on a tight budget. Standing in an acrylic tub is risky since it will bend under your weight.

Ceramic tiles are essentially solidified clay from a high-temperature firing process. Since wood is malleable and easy to form, your new bathroom fixture can be customised to your specific needs. While a wooden tub may look nice, it won't last as long as other materials because of the high care needs and continual exposure to moisture. Synthetic stone materials called "Stone Resin" are designed to fool the eye. The porcelain used in an enamel bathtub is heated to temperatures between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius, where it melts and hardens to form the bathtub's protective enamel coating.

Copper bathtubs are not only stunning to look at, but they are also highly scratch- and chip-resistant, even when subjected to heavy impacts. Classic clawfoot tubs are examples of freestanding tubs that are installed independently of the wall around the bathroom. When soaking in a laining tub, one can completely submerge oneself in water for the utmost in relaxation. An afternoon at the spa is as easy as turning on your whirlpool tub and letting the jets do the work.

Content Summary

1. Choosing the best material for your bathtub is as individual as your dating preferences.
2. Prioritize your wants and needs rather than waiting for the perfect partner or bathtub to fall into your lap.
3. Getting a bathtub with extra features will increase your budget.
4. Before falling in love with a certain tub, make sure you can actually fit it into your bathroom.
5. Find out the maximum size of tub that will fit in your bathroom by measuring the space within the doors and the bathroom itself.
6. To make sure the tub you choose will fit in the bathroom, you need to pay attention to where the floor drain is situated.
7. The water heater should be able to provide enough hot water to fill the tub around halfway.
8. Cast-iron tubs can weigh over a thousand pounds even when empty, whereas plastic ones can weigh as little as fifty.
9. Given the weight of the bathtub and the significance of water and humans, it may be necessary to strengthen the floor beneath the bathtub with supports or bracing.
10. Transposing a hefty tub into a full-size bathroom may be problematic or expensive.
11. Don't be hesitant to give it a shot because that's the best way to determine your level of satisfaction.
12. Finding the appropriate tub can be challenging due to the wide variety of styles and sizes available.
13. What you use to construct your tub will have a significant impact on its price, durability, and upkeep simplicity.
14. At only 60-70 pounds, the polythene tub is the lightest option.
15. Porcelain coating on steel is a typical and inexpensive option.
16. There is a dearth of variety in terms of colour and shape.
17. Cast iron's heaviness (between 350 and 500 pounds) is its primary disadvantage since it can complicate installation, especially on upper floors.
18. Cast iron that has been enamelled is used to make bathtubs because it is sturdy and classic.
19. The iron moulded interior is protected from corrosion by the porcelain enamel, making this a durable and long-lasting bathtub.
20. Compared to cheaper materials, this cast-iron tub is somewhat pricey, but it will last for many years to come.
21. The cast-iron tub can be difficult to instal because of its weight and the possibility that it would require floor support.
22. As a result, the original material of a cast-polymer tub becomes visible once its gel-coat finish dries and cracks.
23. A beautiful and long-lasting cast polymer bathtub can be crafted from materials such designed natural materials and solid surface.
24. Due to its inexpensive price, fibreglass tubs are a great option for individuals on a tight budget.
25. The lightweight construction makes them easy to set up and relocate around the house.
26. A typical cleaning solution will eventually fade the colour and finish as well.
27. Compared to other materials, it doesn't last very long.
28. Both cracking and scratching are possible on this surface.
29. To begin with, unlike conventional fibreglass, it does not have pores and so does not absorb moisture.
30. Scratches in surfaces are common after being cleaned using abrasive agents.
31. Assembled in a high temperature firing process, ceramic tiles are simply solidified clay.
32. This material's malleability and straightforward installation provide the most freedom in terms of tub size, shape, and overall design.
33. Since wood is malleable and easy to form, your new bathroom fixture can be customised to your specific needs.
34. Your hardwood tub won't last as long as other options because of the high upkeep needed and the continual exposure to moisture.
35. If you want to put in a wooden tub, you'll need more area in the bathroom and new structure.
36. The increased cost of hardwood tubs could explain why they are not more widely used.
37. If you want your bathtub to last as long as possible, you need factor in not only the initial investment but also the expense of maintenance and repairs.
38. Overall, a wooden tub might be a nuisance to keep.
39. The properties of this substance are very close to those of the typical resin.
40. Stone resin is a more upscale alternative to traditional bathtub materials, and it is also extremely durable and can withstand substantial amounts of pressure.
41. In conclusion, stone resins are the best material for a bathtub because of their low cost and high durability.
42. The problem of durability is further exacerbated by the fact that porcelain is resistant to scratching yet susceptible to chipping when subjected to heavy impacts.
43. Copper bathtubs are not only stunning to look at, but also highly scratch- and chip-resistant.
44. Copper bathtubs are low-maintenance and simple to clean, making them a great option for those who despise such tasks.
45. The benefits of a copper tub, aside from its aesthetic value, were little.
46. Proprietary composites, which are relatively new to the bathtub industry, include heavy-gauge steel, porcelain enamelled, and resins.
47. Tubs that are freestanding within the bathroom, like the traditional clawfoot tub, still need to be situated in close proximity to the plumbing.
48. Although standard bathtubs may be found at most retail outlets, those seeking more specialised fixtures need not worry.
49. Soaking tubs, which are often deeper than ordinary tubs, allow bathers to fully submerge themselves in the water for an enhanced sense of calm.
50. A whirlpool tub has water jets that move the water around the bathroom.