Bathtubs don't just come in white, and they aren't made of just one material either. So, what are bathtubs made of? Read on to find out!
Exploring Bathtub Materials
Bathtubs can be made from several different materials:
- Acrylic
- Cast Iron
- Composite stone
- Copper
- Enamelled Steel
- Stone
- Tin
- Wood
In the UK, you are most likely to encounter bathtubs made from acrylic or enamelled steel.
Acrylic vs Steel Bath
Both acrylic and enamelled steel have benefits and downsides.
Acrylic bathtubs
Acrylic is a synthetic plastic that can easily be moulded into a variety of bathtub shapes. Its benefits include:
- Lower price – acrylic baths generally cost less to produce than steel baths
- Design choices – acrylic can be manipulated into various shapes, meaning you have a wide range of design options available
- Durability – an acrylic bath is very resistant to scratches and staining, making it a great choice for a family bathroom wherein it may endure a lot of use and can be deep-cleaned easily
Unfortunately, acrylic is a single-use plastic, meaning it is not biodegradable, nor can it be recycled. It is likely to be shredded into a landfill once it reaches the end of its lifespan.
Enamelled steel bathtubs can look very similar to acrylic tubs, but are different in their own ways:
- Heat retention - Steel tubs retain heat for longer, which is great for colder winter nights when a long soak in hot water is needed to banish the cold
- Weight – Steel bathtubs are also lighter than you might expect a bath made of metal to be, making installation and repositioning easier
- Durability – steel tubs are sturdy, and the enamel is difficult to scratch or stain with everyday products
- Longevity – steel tubs can be re-enamelled, making them last longer
- Recycling – the steel can be smelted down and recycled once the bathtub has reached the end of its life
Different Bathtub Materials
Other bathtub materials have their own pros and cons.
Copper, cast iron, and tin tubs are all much heavier and more expensive than steel or acrylic tubs, and the same applies to tubs made of stone or composite stone.
Stone and composite stone bathtubs both require careful cleaning, but can also be forged into aesthetically beautiful tubs.
Cast iron tubs are heavy, and even heavier when full, but they can last a very long time: there are cast iron tubs from the 1800s still in use!
Wooden bathtubs, however, are the rarest find in the UK. They are Japanese in origin, and so are more commonly found there. They also tend to require a lot of maintenance, including oil treatments to seal the wood.
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Here at Bathroom & Beyond we supply a wide range of bath tubs in various styles, designs, and materials, so you're sure to find something suited to your needs! If you'd like to browse the range of bath tubs available, check out the link below
Browse Baths
Now you know what bathtubs can be made of, we hope this guide helps you in deciding which material to use for the bathtub in your house. If you have any questions about any of our products, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
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