Maybe you are tired of your bathroom and want a change, or perhaps you’ve decided to place a bath in your newly-built bathroom. There are plenty of reasons why people choose to outfit their bathrooms with bathtubs, and for many, the simple reason is that it gives more comfort than a shower. While it’s true that a shower is handy on most days when all you want to do is get ready and get dressed, there are some days where relaxation is more important – and that’s where the bathtub comes in. But deciding that you want a bathtub is an easy part – choosing from the different styles is tricky. So you’d like to make sure that you select the suitable material because there are also other materials, each with advantages and disadvantages. So to make it easier for you to choose, here’s a comparison of different bath materials: which is best?
The general guide
You need to know that there are various materials a bath can be made out of nowadays. These materials include acrylic, cast iron, fiberglass, copper, natural stone, and stainless steel. But we’re only delving into the three more common materials, namely acrylic, cast iron, and stone resin.
1 Acrylic
First is acrylic, and we can confirm that it’s one of the most popular and widely used materials today. Most modern baths are acrylic because they’re ideal for functionality, affordability, versatility, and durability. Another distinguishing characteristic is that they are lightweight and strong, making them easier to install. They’re highly recommended if you have a bathroom on the second floor or an upper storey because you don’t need to put reinforcements for your flooring.
The best thing about tubs made from acrylic is their smoothness, which makes them quite comfortable. A bonus is that acrylic is a non-porous substance, making it stain-resistant and resistant to discoloration. Lastly, it is scratch-resistant as well. Even if acrylic is prone to cracking, the damage can be easily fixed and buffed. On top of all this, acrylic is easily molded into different shapes and styles and comes with an affordable price tag and easy maintenance.
2 Stone resin
Stone resin is an engineered composite material made of polyester resin combined with marble and limestone fillers, and it’s completely non-toxic and non-porous. It is also free from lead and doesn’t leach, making it less prone to humidity or high moisture. Stone resin is made with a complex manufacturing process that involves mixing the resin with a blend of mineral fillers and pigments. Manufacturers then place it into a mold and then dry it, and once this is finished, it is either sanded or buffed. As a result, stone resin is arguably easier to maintain than acrylic, and it is durable and better at retaining heat.
3 Cast iron
Cast iron is known for its extra durability and scratch resistance, although it is costly to repair if it incurs any damage. Most customers will readily say that cast iron tubs are attractive and have a vintage appeal. Still, one of their most significant disadvantages is their weight – they can be heavy and not suitable without reinforced flooring, and most of all, they are the most expensive of the three.
