Choosing the Right Bathtub Material for Your Home
If someone tries to tell us that they don't like baths, we'll tell them that they clearly just haven't had the right bath yet. As far as we're concerned, a good bath is a the best way imaginable to relax and rejuvenate. Do you think they're purely aesthetic differences or do you think they'd give you an entirely new bathing experience? Each material has it's own set of pros and cons: we take a peek at each. Now, we've already got our favourites (hello, copper bathtub!), but what do you think about these different bath tub materials?
Acrylic
Pros: Acrylic is lightweight and non-porous; it has a smooth surface that is easy to clean and is, arguably, the most popular material used for bathtubs today. Acrylic holds heat especially well, ensuring that you’re not losing heat from your bathwater too quickly.
Cons: Since acrylic is relatively soft it can be susceptible to scratching, but fixing any kind of damage is relatively easy: you fill cracks or chips with new acrylic and sand it down after drying. If you’d like to create a stronger tub, acrylic can be reinforced with fiberglass, though this does make it more expensive.
Copper
Pros: Providing a look of luxury, Copper is a strong, low-maintenance, and durable material. They are highly resistant to bacteria, scratches, and mold. They make a bold statement and are highly unique.
Cons: Copper is very expensive and very difficult to find in bathtub design. They are further limited by the sizing and shapes available.
Cast Iron
Pros: Highly durable and holds water temperature very well. Cast iron is innately elegant and typically used for freestanding tubs. They are, arguably the strongest of the bathtub materials, resist denting, and when topped with porcelain coating it is virtually rust-repellent.
Cons: Cast Iron is very heavy and expensive. Typically porcelain-coated, the surface of your tub is very sensitive to abrasive cleaners and may become gravelly if cleaned incorrectly. Iron is naturally cold to the touch.
Fiberglass
Pros: Fiberglass is inexpensive and light. It is easy to install and is available in an especially large variety of colours and shapes.
Cons: Prone to fading and scratching, fiberglass is the least durable material bathtubs are built from
Wood
Pros: The look impressive and create a statement in your bathroom. They hold heat well and offer unique artistry to become a piece of art in your room.
Cons: Very expensive. they require extra care and cleaning to ensure that their sealer is watertight otherwise it may warp, crack, and leak.
Glass
Pros: Unique and highly elegant, glass tubs are ideal for modern designs. They can be made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes that will fit perfectly into your space.
Cons: Just like your windows, glass tubs show water marks and streaks: they require extra care and cleaning. Installation can be difficult since they are easily damaged.
Metal/Stainless Steel
Pros: Lightweight; lots of designs and sizes available.
Cons: Loud when being filled; doesn’t retain heat well.
Corian
Pros: Highly durable and easy to clean, Corian can be used to create a wide-array of shapes and sizes for bathtubs. It holds heat well and is naturally warm to the touch.
Cons: Corian is very expensive and, despite the hefty price tag, it looks like plastic; scratches easily.
Stone
Pros: Retains heat for a very long time. Natural and warm to the touch, Stone baths are stunning pieces of art.
Cons: Very expensive and very heavy: requires reinforcement of your floor before installation. Stone requires a lot of maintenance and can be very difficult to clean.
Even if you're still not sold on the idea of baths, there is no denying that any of these beautiful bathtub materials could really transform your bathroom into a retreat.
