Focusing on the finer details of creating a premium bathroom experience often shifts our attention to decisions on color choices and tiling.
Often, the type of bathtub material is an afterthought. But with the right choice of bathtub material, you can create the ultimate bathing experience.
Read on to explore the pros and cons of different types of bathtub materials and find the best bathtub material for your needs and budget.
The Key Features of Long-Lasting Bathtubs
When it comes to selecting the right bathtub material for your space, you need to consider the bathroom experience you are aiming to create.
Even beautiful additions need to be practical. And even though prioritizing the aesthetics, shape, or how the piece complements the space is important, bathtub material comparison is a major factor for ultimate functionality.
With so many options ranging from steel and cast iron to acrylic baths reinforced with fiberglass and other tub materials, choosing your ideal type is more than just another haphazard design decision. What your tubs are made of can affect your comfort in your dream bathroom, the longevity, and the maintenance requirements.
Let’s explore how the right bathtub material can make a functional difference in your space.
Weight
Weight is not a consideration many keep in mind when shopping for bathtubs. The weight can impact more than just the design flow of your bathroom; it can lead to a costly and time-consuming installation when overlooked.
Heavier materials are highly durable but typically require professional installation by experts. On the other hand, lightweight bathtubs are easier to use but have a shorter lifespan and costly replacements with time.
Durability
Strength plays a big role when designing or renovating a bathroom; that is where your material choice is crucial. High-quality materials matter in wet environments, especially because of daily use in these spaces.
However, potential issues such as warping, staining, and cracking can reduce your bathtub’s lifespan significantly and weaken it. Whereas, using other materials like mineral composite will ensure long-lasting durability.
Heat Retention
A comfortable bathing experience is important year-round. Superior materials are more likely to retain heat, which is significant for cold winters. Keeping bathwater warm is one of the basic functionality features of a tub, and luxury stone resin allows you to sit back and relax without having to constantly refill warm water.
Maintenance
The proper maintenance and upkeep of a bathtub are important because they make your investment more worthwhile. Non-porous surface materials are easier to clean because they are more resistant to staining.
This is a significant benefit because bathrooms are used daily. Most tubs with porous-type materials require more intensive cleaning to keep up their appearances in the time to come. Low maintenance requirements, like stone resin, will save you money and time because all you need is a damp cloth and regular cleaning products.
Sustainability Impact
When it comes to designing or renovating, many people rarely gave a second thought to sustainability in the past. This is quickly becoming an essential part of the buying process today because the reality is that some materials are more eco-friendly than others.
You will find that higher-quality materials, such as mineral composite, meet your values and still provide uncompromised durability and comfort.
Acoustic Absorption
Filling or using a tub can be noisy activities. If you are aiming for a peaceful and quieter experience, your bathtub material choice can make a notable difference. Thicker, denser materials are far more likely to reduce noise and vibrations, creating an ambient environment for you to relax in.
Whereas, lighter materials can diminish the experience by amplifying every noise and vibration, disrupting the serene environment you hope to enjoy.
Advantages & Drawbacks of Common Bathtub Materials
Shopping for common bathtub materials can be difficult, as each comes with its distinct strengths. However, not all materials have the same value in functionality, durability, or luxury.
From fiberglass tubs to luxury stone tubs, most materials and their pros can work for you — but ultimately, your personal preferences will contribute to your final decision.
Explore what these different materials have to offer you, from bathtubs and the best shower pan materials to finding the best material for bathroom countertops.
Stone Resin
The unique mineral composition of stone resin bathtubs makes them the perfect choice for superb heat retention and durability that will last for years to come. The higher upfront costs of luxury stone resin bathtub materials are easily paid for with the exceptional quality, thick layers, and durability that are on offer with this purchase.
Scratch and stain-resistant because of the non-porous material surfaces, these tubs are a worthwhile investment. The timeless aesthetic of mineral composite, combined with its low-maintenance design and unparalleled durability, effortlessly blends luxury and practicality.
Porcelain
Porcelain can be the perfect enamel bathtub for new bathrooms. It has a glossy finish with a non-porous surface and is available in various shapes. However, these expensive tubs can be extremely heavy due to their material density and are more prone to chipping and cracking.
Acrylic
Acrylic bathtubs and bathroom countertop materials are made with vacuum-formed acrylic sheets. They are an affordable option and have become a popular choice for bathrooms these days because of how light and versatile the material is.
These fiberglass-reinforced plastic tubs are durable and have effective heat retention but can quickly become discolored with time without intensive maintenance.
Fiberglass
Fibreglass tubs are relatively lightweight and affordable because of their gel coating. They are an easy-to-install option and are budget-friendly. However, they are not highly resistant to straining or deterioration with time.
Cultured Marble
Cultured marble is a good alternative to natural marble because it comes without a hefty price tag. It is popular in bathrooms because it’s ideal for the best shower tray material composition.
These affordable tubs are easy to clean but require more maintenance in the long run because they are more susceptible to staining.
Wood
Wood may be the right tub for you if you are searching for a way to bring the outdoors inside your home. But they are also limited to only a handful of bathtub shapes, due to the inflexibility of wood.
This is a sustainable choice, but water damage is always a concern. Furthermore, these options chip easily, which can lead to structural integrity issues in time.
Cast Iron
Enamel-coating cast-iron bathtubs are made by pouring molten iron to achieve a unique design. These metal tubs offer superior durability and heat retention with an iron or steel bathtub material composition.
Sadly, cast iron bathtubs can be a hassle to install and care for because of the heavy weight of materials like porcelain enameled steel tubs. Cast iron tubs are also prone to rusting if not properly maintained, which poses a problem for a wet environment like the bathroom.
Copper
Copper tubs are a unique offering that is exceptionally durable. The natural oxidization process also adds character, which can be a refreshing style choice. However, copper bathtubs are very expensive and difficult to maintain because they are not scratch-resistant.
Natural Stone
Natural stone bathtubs will elevate any bathroom layout with the exclusive feel and look of the granite. The high-end pieces are vibrantly textured and patterned, which makes for an eye-catching design.
Durable and excellent at heat retention, natural stone can be a sound decision if you are looking for the best shower base material, for example. But these products are also extremely heavy which can lead to a complex and costly installation.
Ceramic
Ceramic bathtubs have a smooth finish with an enamel-like coating. These are more stain-resistant than other options. However, the weight density of most ceramic tubs can lead to chipping and cracking that is expensive to repair.
Why Your Choice in Mineral Composite Bathtubs Matters
At Hansel Stone, we are proud of creating luxury stone tubs from mineral composite. Here are the key benefits that set stone resin apart from different bathtub materials on the market.
1. Low maintenance: With minimal effort, mineral composite bathtubs are easy to clean. No chemicals or complex cleaning techniques are needed. The material maintains its durability and impact resistance, ensuring a sleek appearance.
2. Solid build: Unlike acrylic tubs or enameled cast iron tubs, our mineral composite stays strong for years to come. There is no warping or flexing of materials, making it a valuable addition to any space.
3. Anti-bacterial features: Our mineral composite reduces the growth and spread of harmful bathroom bacteria, which is highly conducive to maintaining a hygienic environment — unlike other bathtub materials.
4. Excellent heat retention properties: Our use of mineral composite is conducive to a thermal environment, keeping water warmer for longer while you luxuriate in your bathtub.
Hansel Stone: Experience Lasting Luxury
At Hansel Stone, we provide a curated selection of premium and glossy mineral composite stone bathtubs, each accompanied by a lifetime guarantee. This distinct bathroom material combines high functionality and beauty seamlessly, making it one of the most popular bathtub materials to choose from.
In bathtub material comparisons, mineral composite stone stands out for its exceptional long-term value and high-end finishes - qualities that are difficult to replicate with other materials. Our freestanding European baths are made for a lavish experience, enhancing your space with both comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Explore our wide range of upmarket bathware online, including our stunning collections of the best shower base materials, bathroom counters, and sinks. Refine your space with Hansel Stone.
Indulge in luxury when choosing the best bathtub materials with Hansel Stone. Let us provide you with the perfect bathtub. Call us to find your modern bathroom centerpiece today!