Essential Things to Consider When Choosing a Bathtub

The pricing and comfort of the material you choose for your bathtub are two of the most important considerations. To ensure that you get the most out of your bathtub, you should experiment with different materials and styles like back to wall bathtubs and see which one is most comfortable for you. It’s important to know what your bathroom can tolerate before selecting the most comfortable material, which might be costly and a bit heavier.

Options for Bathtub Materials

Fibreglass

Fibreglass reinforced plastic sheets create a bathtub for the least expensive bathtub material. Despite its durability, the material is susceptible to chipping from hard blows and has the lousy attribute of being porous. Porous means that it will absorb water regularly, causing it to deform and become unstable over time.

Porcelain

There are two ways to make porcelain: stacking cast iron or pressed steel and then slathering a layer of porcelain enamel over the top. Since these tubs are non-porous, they will not warp or degrade over time, making them highly durable. Keep in mind that the porcelain’s protective covering is quite delicate and may leave visible imperfections if anything is dropped on it, so be careful not to damage it.

Acrylic

Like fibreglass, acrylic is made by heating a sheet of petroleum, stabilisers, resin and the suitable dye before shaping it into a bathtub shape. Acrylic is a popular choice for both drop-in and freestanding bathtubs because of its lightweight and variety of forms and sizes. The non-porous substance makes it more durable than fibreglass, despite its resemblance to it in appearance and feel. However, despite its durability, you should avoid throwing items at your bathtub unless necessary.

Ceramic

Moulding ceramic tiles together until they solidify is used to create ceramic bathtubs. Ceramics, like clay, may be made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making this form of building more versatile than any other material on the market. On the other hand, Ceramic has the downside of degrading and crumbling over time if not appropriately kept.

The Stone Resin

Stone resin is a mixture of crushed natural stone and glue that gives you a look and feel of genuine stone without the additional weight and cost. Stone resin is a popular choice because it provides a solid middle ground between cost and quality. It is non-porous, durable, and inexpensive. Stone resin’s sole drawback is that it lacks a wide range of design options compared to other materials on the market.

Precious Stone

This substance, made of broken limestone and resin, is as old as Rome itself. Pearlescent gloss and excellent heat retention make it a perfect choice for cookware. However, due to the various disadvantages of this material, it is not widely used. Cultured marble is a pricey and difficult-to-install material that starts at $700 per square foot. Finally, cultured marble will brown and stain if regular care is not performed on it.

Copper

Copper bathtubs, built to order from solid rods of copper, are the pinnacle of luxury in the bathtub world. Aside from regular water use and cleaning, this material is exceptionally long-lasting, thermally stable, and aesthetically pleasing. A typical price tag of $2,000 will set you back 2-3 times as much as any other bathtub material now on the market.

Wood

Wood, like copper, is a rustic and visually appealing material for a bathtub. These bathtubs, which cost roughly $2,000, are made from natural wood and treated with water-resistant wax. Even if the wax endures for several years, these bathtubs are not considered a long-term investment compared to similarly priced copper bathtubs because they tend to break down over time with regular usage.

Size

The size of your bathtub is also an essential factor to bear in mind. The size of the bathtub is a crucial consideration since a giant bathtub may not be necessary if a smaller bathtub would serve. A large tub is generally advised if your house has the capacity and you have the room. If you have the room, go with standalone or back to wall bathtubs. They’re both attractive options. However, alcove, drop-in, and soaking may be more appropriate if you have a smaller room. While an enormous bathtub may be more visually attractive, the additional water used to fill it up will increase the monthly water bill.

Size Selection for Your Bathroom

For those who want to bathe comfortably in a smaller tub, options like the Japanese soaking style are available in smaller sizes. It’s worth noting, though, that a smaller tub isn’t for everyone, and some people may find that it’s too tiny for their tastes.

Weight

The weight of the tub is an essential consideration while making your purchase. If your tub is too heavy, it will limit where you may install it. Filling the tub to the brim may be impossible if the material is too heavy for your floor and home to sustain. These materials, such as Cast Iron, Natural Stone and Copper, are beautiful, but they might be too heavy for some homes. It can be a challenge.

Reinforcing your floor to accommodate the additional weight is a popular remedy. In addition, materials like Stone Resin and Acrylic establish a balance between durability and lightness, making them suitable for a wide range of residential settings.