Bathtub material comparison

Choosing a suitable bath for bathing, first of all, the user pays attention to the shape and material. Today, the plumbing market offers many options for materials from which strong, beautiful, and practical bathtubs are made. Each of them has some advantages and disadvantages that a person needs to familiarize himself with before buying. Now often there are metal and acrylic bathtubs. Also regularly used in stylish bathrooms is the stone for bathing or cast-iron bath materials that fit perfectly into any design and can be found to suit any budget.

You cannot make mistakes when choosing a material, because the bath is taken for many years. It should be easy to care for, comfortable, strong, and beautiful. All this is influenced by the materials used. It is useful to know about the varieties of bath materials to make the right choice and enjoy using the device.

Varieties of bath materials

In the modern world, bathtubs are made from a variety of materials, ranging from metal to stone. The production of each of them requires a certain time, and costs, on which the cost also depends. The most popular materials are:

Copper is one of the first materials used for manufacturing since the beginning of the 18th century. It is believed that copper is a practical material that allows the water in a bath to stay hot for a long time. Today, copper is used not only in a natural shade, so you can make a bath in any color. The disadvantage of this material is the high cost and heavy weight of the structure.
Pewter is another natural material that was often used to make bathtubs in the past. It has some disadvantages, such as dullness of color, and contamination of the insides. Often baths are covered with additional white enamel inside for a longer service life.
Acrylic – provides ease of construction. A bathtub made of such material can withstand any floor. Modern acrylic is wear-resistant, so the problem with yellowness and scratches is a thing of the past. The disadvantage of the material is that it is not at all environmentally friendly, and also does not keep the temperature of the water inside. For extra strength, acrylic bathtubs are reinforced with fiberglass, which often has to be covered with sheathing or other decorative structures.
Enamelled steel – externally the material is similar to acrylic, but much better retains heat inside. The surface is difficult to stain or scratch, so this bathroom is durable. This is the best material for built-in bathtubs, suitable for daily active use.
Cast iron – strength, durability, and unpretentiousness of the material allow you to use the bathroom for a long time. The appearance of the bath varies depending on the preferences of the customer. Inside it is covered with enamel, and outside it can have a different color or just be polished. A cast-iron bath can be built-in, free-standing, but it is always heavy.
Stone is a complex material in terms of care, weight, and high cost. Baths made of stone are refined and stylish, but at the same time, they need to be washed and cared for with special scrupulousness. To buy a stone bath, you need to consider the design of the floor because it is large and heavy.
Composite – a material created based on powdered quartz, and granite, mixed with resin. This is the best alternative to using stone baths. Quartz retains heat well and allows you to create structures of any shape and depth. This material is easier to care for than stone, but it also has a high cost.
Wood – used to make baths. The material requires special care and respect. It cannot be treated with aggressive means. It is optimal to add essential oils to the water. If suddenly the bath is idle for a long time, then it is better to place a bucket of water in it and cover it so that it does not dry out.

The bathtub materials affect its quality, durability, service life, and, of course, cost. The most affordable today are acrylic structures that can fit into any design and dimensions of the room.

Bath Material Selection Criteria

The client must take into account all the nuances when purchasing a bath. This device is bought for years, so it should be comfortable, functional, and have a decent appearance. The first selection factor is convenience. Certain bath material types can affect the size of the unit and how it will fit into the room. If this is the only place for washing, that is, there is no shower in the house, then it can be made practical by installing a special shower fixture. It should also have enough space to sit or lie down with plenty of water.

Water temperature is another important criterion. Different bath material retains the temperature in its way. For example, metal devices keep water hot longer, while acrylic loses temperature quickly. If the client likes to soak in a hot bath, then he must be ready to constantly adjust the temperature or he needs to choose a metal structure.

Modernization and form allow you to choose a bath for different purposes. If there is a need for just daily bathing without a jacuzzi and a long stay in it, then any material will do. In the case when a shaped bath with ledges, a sunbed, and other devices is required, then only acrylic, metal, and quartz are suitable here.

Cost is the main factor by which absolutely all customers choose bathtubs. Everyone wants to buy a device as cheaply as possible. Acrylics are considered the most budgetary option, but they have enough disadvantages. Bathtubs made of stone and wood are expensive. They differ in care features and strict forms, therefore, they require costs even at the manufacturing stage.