A Comparison of Modern Bathtub Materials

Once upon a time, bathtubs were made out of only a select few materials. But as technology has improved, we’ve seen more and more materials used in the construction of bathtubs.

Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some are extraordinarily durable. Some are uber-cheap. And some are just downright attractive.

But which bath material is right for you? Let’s discuss the 6 most popular bathtub materials available, and see how they suit your purposes.

Acrylic

One of the more popular bathtub materials at the moment is acrylic. Not only does the material have an attractive aesthetic with a great deal of color options, it also packs a lot of durability at an affordable price.

As far as downsides go, acrylic is limited. But there is a chance that the material can be visually damaged by some types of cleaner. In addition, it might not possess quite the aesthetic that you can get from other materials.

But all in all, this is a terrific option; one which many homeowners opt for these days.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a solid material for those who are looking to install a bathtub on the cheap. It’s a decent material which will get the job done for most purposes.

Unfortunately, it’s not quite at the durability level of many other materials. Prone to scratching and cracking, its appearance will begin to suffer over time.

In essence, fiberglass is great for those who want to save money, but not great for much else. It’s an average, middle-of-the-road bathtub material.

Cast Iron

Perhaps the most prestigious of all materials is cast iron. Cast iron possesses a classic look which evokes an air of high sophistication. In addition to this, it’s also exceptionally durable, taking on few dents, and lasting over very long periods of time.

The trade-off for its supreme durability is its price. Cast iron tubs are very expensive. Not to mention, they’re the heaviest types of bathtubs you’re going to find.

But if you can manage the price and the weight, cast iron is a fantastic option.

Polymer

One of the most attractive of all materials is polymer. Polymer materials are made out of a combination of stone and synthetic materials, and are typically available or a mid-level price.

While they typically look great, they don’t always perform as well as other materials. Not only are they susceptible to cracks, but dents and chips as well. For this reason, they may not last as long as other bathtub materials.

If you’re looking to maximize your bathroom aesthetic, polymer could be a great choice. If not, you would probably be better off opting for something else.

Wood

Wood is a great material for those who are in search of a unique-looking bathtub. No other bathtub material can give you the aesthetic that you’ll get with wood. In addition to this, as long as it’s maintained, wood is fairly durable.

However, in order to keep a wood bathtub thriving, it needs to be maintained on a regular basis. This means staining and glazing it so that it doesn’t allow water to cause any deterioration.

So, if you’re willing to put in the time, a wooden bathtub is a solid option.

Enameled Steel

Enameled steel bathtubs are known for having excellent durability at a reasonable price. While they can sustain some slight dents and chips, these dents and chips are typically not too extreme.

One of the criticisms of such tubs is that they don’t have many color options. You’ll usually only be able to find white.

But if you’re looking for excellent functionality at a decent price, enameled steel would not be a bad choice at all.

Looking For More Information About Bathtub Materials?

Are you interested in remodeling for bathroom? Perhaps you’re looking for even more in-depth information on bathtub materials? If so, we here at JM Remodeling can help you.

As the premier remodeling company in Milwaukee, we’re beyond experienced in installing bathtubs of all materials. It’s our goal to give you the exact bathroom you envision in your dreams.

Ready to get started? Contact us!