What Are Bathtubs Made Of? This article explores the different materials used to make bathtubs, including acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, and more.
When purchasing a bathtub, it is essential to consider what material the tub is made of before purchasing. Bathtubs can often be made from acrylic, fibreglass or cast iron. Each material has advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed when selecting a new bathtub.
Acrylic is lightweight and warm to the touch and comes in many colours, but it is less durable than other materials. Fibreglass is less expensive than cast iron but remains cool to the skin with an easy maintenance routine.
Cast iron is more durable than acrylic and fibreglass, providing an excellent insulating layer that keeps water hot for longer; However, its weight requires unique installation methods.
Before investing in a new fixture for your bathroom, it’s essential to consider what type of bathtub works best for your lifestyle, so in this blog, we’ll discuss “what bathtubs are made of”, which will help you not only buy a good bathtub but Also will help to accumulate a lot of experience in this matter.
What To Look For in a Bathtub Material
- Durability. Consider the bathtub’s material for durability. Choose from fiberglass, acrylic, and cast iron with enamel or porcelain finish. Research materials before buying.
- Heat Retention. When purchasing a bathtub, it’s important to consider heat retention for a more enjoyable and comfortable bath. Look for eco-friendly materials like cast iron or enamelled steel that have superior heat retention.
- Ease Of Cleaning. When selecting a new bathtub, consider how easy it is to keep clean. Acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs have a smooth and durable surface that makes them relatively easy to clean, while cast iron or steel bathtubs can be challenging to keep looking spotless without proper maintenance.
- Slip Resistance. Consider slip resistance when buying a bathtub, especially for young children or older adults. Bathtubs made of enamelled steel are shiny but slip resistance is more important. Slip-resistant surfaces can prevent falls during bathing.
- Consider Your Budget. When purchasing a bathtub, it’s crucial to consider the budget. You can find bathtubs in various materials, shapes, and sizes, ranging from affordable acrylic to luxurious high-end options made of natural stone or tiles. While a higher quality tub may come with a higher initial cost, it offers a more comfortable and longer-lasting bathing experience.
- Consider Your Lifestyle. Consider your lifestyle when purchasing a bathtub – do you need a compact option for a small bathroom or can you accommodate a larger tub?
What are Bathtubs Made of
1. Porcelain Enameled Steel
Porcelain enamelled steel bathtubs are popular for several reasons. Porcelain enamelled steel is stain and rust-resistant, making them easy to clean and maintain.
They also come in various styles so that you can find the perfect tub regardless of your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, porcelain enamelled steel is much lighter than other materials, making it easy for the DIY-er to install.
The porcelain enamelled surface is also quite durable, not easily damaged by chips or scratching, which adds to its versatility and appeal. The possibilities are truly endless with porcelain-enamelled steel bathtubs!
2. Acrylic
Acrylic tubs are becoming one of the most popular choices for installing a new bathtub because of their versatility and durability.
It is made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fibreglass, making them strong, lightweight and less expensive than other materials on the market.
Acrylic bathtubs can come in various shapes, sizes and colours, giving homeowners more options when choosing what type of tub to install in their bathroom.
Whether your home has a traditional or modern decorating style, there is sure to be an acrylic bathtub that suits any setting.
3. Fiberglass (FRP)
Fibreglass is reinforced plastic reinforced with fibreglass, and many bathroom fixtures, such as bathtubs, are increasingly being made from it.
Fibreglass tubs are much more affordable than other tub materials and often come with several layers of surface coat, usually an acrylic or polyester resin.
Although the material is less durable than more expensive materials like porcelain, stainless steel and cast iron, it is still one of the cheapest bathtub materials available today.
4. Enameled Cast Iron
Although common bathtub materials such as fibreglass and acrylic are common, enamelled cast iron offers superior durability. It is cast iron coated with porcelain enamel and can withstand even the toughest wear and tear.
Investing in a cast-iron tub may be more expensive than other options, but it will stand the test of time.
Unfortunately, it is cumbersome and often requires additional reinforced floor support during installation.
Nevertheless, it remains an attractive option for many homeowners looking for a timeless element to decorate their bathroom.
5. Cast Polymer (Cultured Marble, Granite, or Onyx)
Unlike traditional cast-iron or acrylic tubs, cast polymer materials combine minerals, polymers and resins that offer homeowners benefits such as heat retention and lightweight materials.
Cast polymer tubs offer the same luxurious look of marble but with added convenience, mimicking the timeless appeal of Roman baths.
Made with advanced manufacturing techniques, cast polymer bathtub materials are available in various styles, from granite to onyx, giving homeowners endless possibilities for bathroom renovation.
6.Cement Bathtub
Concrete soaking tubs provide a unique and luxurious bathing experience. They are available as pre-made tubs from companies like Sonoma Cast Stone and Native Trails, or you can build your own with tutorials found online.
Concrete bathtubs come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for customization to fit your personal style and bathroom needs.
Best Bathtub Material For Remodel
If you’re shopping for the best bathtub material for remodelling, hard and non-porous materials like stone resin and enamel-coated cast iron are great options.
These materials are more expensive than others but will last much longer and require less maintenance.
Cast iron bathtubs, in particular, offer superior durability thanks to the casting process that involves pouring molten iron into a shaped mould.
Heather also lasts longer, so your bath stays warm for as long as you need it to, and due to the non-porous nature of this material, cleaning and maintenance are much more accessible than other options.
Best Material For Freestanding Tub
Acrylic material is the ideal choice among those looking for the best material for a freestanding tub. These modern and traditional designs offer a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to customize your bathroom fully.
Non Slip Material for Bathtub
Non-Slip Material for bathtubs has emerged as an essential quality in recent years, providing an invaluable safety feature to bathrooms nationwide.
Non-slip material gives that extra security to any bathtub surface, preventing dangerous slips and falls and keeping you or your family safe from harm.
Most Durable Material For Bathtub
If you’re looking for durability in a bathtub, look no further than a cast iron tub. Molten iron is poured into a mould and then polished and coated with enamel.
It provides a glossy finish lasting years without significant signs of chipping, scratching or denting.
Summary of What are Bathtubs Made of
When selecting a bathtub or shower, there are several materials to choose from, including acrylic, enamelled steel, cast iron, and fibreglass.
Acrylic is the least expensive but less durable option, while enamelled steel tubs are less expensive but may not retain heat well.
Cast iron tubs are the most expensive but the most durable, while fibreglass bathtubs are resistant to corrosion and impact damage.
Consider the size and shape of your bathroom and shower/tub combination to ensure that your accessories fit and complement your space appropriately. Accessories are available in various materials, such as chrome, brass, or stainless steel.
If you are also interested in bathroom showers, bathtubs, toilets, bathroom floors, and bathroom accessories, you can visit our website bathinhouse.com.
FAQ: What are Bathtubs Made of
Q1.What Bathtub Material Holds Heat Best?
Porcelain or cast iron are best for retaining warmth. Porcelain is durable and spreads heat evenly throughout the tub, while cast iron is highly dense and insulated, which helps trap the heat in the metal. However, acrylic may be a better option if you’d like a more modern design or additional features such as whirlpool jets.
Q2.What Bathtub Material Is Easiest To Clean?
If maintenance and hygiene are top priorities, acrylic and fiberglass are the best options for easy cleaning.
