Bathtubs come in a wide range of options. They are available in fibreglass, acrylic, and ceramic materials and are on the lower price spectrum. These materials are relatively porous; thus, they absorb water, creating a hassle and more maintenance. You can find cheap bathtubs in online stores if you have a constrained budget. On the other end, premium materials such as stone resin, cast iron, and copper are more solid and nonporous. They also have the advantage of heat retention, making your bathtub more therapeutic and enjoyable. Stick through the end of this article to know the different bathtub materials to guide you in your buying journey.
1. Fibreglass
Fibreglass is made from reinforced plastic sheets, which are moulded into the shape of a bathtub. Although this material is durable, it is prone to chipping when hit with a larger force. As mentioned before, it also has the downside of being porous. Porous material absorbs water resulting in warping in the long run, making the bathtub increasingly unstable. Cheap bathtubs in online or offline stores are available in fibreglass materials.
2. Porcelain
Porcelain is manufactured by layering cast iron or steel with porcelain layer enamel. Because of this, these bathtubs are resilient as well as nonporous, so they will not lose their shape or deteriorate over time. But bear in mind that the porcelain coating is delicate and can get harmed from heavy impacts. So be cautious not to drop anything on it; otherwise, noticeable damages may form on the surface.
3. Acrylic
Acrylic is constructed with plastic moulded into the form of a bathtub and then reinforced with fibreglass. Acrylic is lightweight and available in numerous styles and sizes. This material is the top choice for drop-in and freestanding bathtub styles. Although its look and feel are similar to fibreglass, the material is nonporous, making it more durable. It is also resistant to chips and shocks.
4. Ceramic
Ceramic bathtubs are constructed by moulding ceramic tiles until it hardens. The advantage of this method is that ceramic is comparable to clay, meaning it comes in a wider range of styles and sizes than any other material on the market. The downside is ceramic must be maintained frequently; else, it will deteriorate and crumble over time.
5. Stone Resin
Stone resin is a popular choice since it balances between cost and quality. Stone resin is made from crushed natural stone bound with an adhesive to create a composite material that mimics natural stone without the added weight. Stone resin gives excellent durability as well as heat retention while also being nonporous. The only drawback to stone resin is that there aren’t many style choices available compared to the materials mentioned above.
6. Cast Iron
A cast iron bathtub is made from molten iron poured directly into a mould before smoothening and covering it with an enamel layer.
A cast iron material probably makes the most durable bathtub on the market. The iron’s strength and robustness are highly resistant to scratches, chipping, and impact. Therefore, it requires less care and maintenance. If you have to clean your cast iron bathtub, you can wash it off with plain warm water and baking soda. You will rarely need a commercial cleaning solution. Moreover, cast iron bathtubs have high heat retention; thus, your bathtub will remain warm for much longer.
