Which bathtub material is best

If cultured marble bathtubs are not properly taken care of, there is harsh discoloration and mildew buildup over time.

Cultured marble bathtubs are also very heavy, which can make the installation more costly. We hope that this guide to the best bathtub materials and their pros and cons has been helpful for you. We know that each person has a different preference and budget, so there is an option available for everyone.

We can help you decide which bathtub material would be the best option for you. Try Vevano PRO. About Us. Start Your. Design Services. Vevano Pro. Design Resources. Shop all Cabinets. Kitchen Cabinets. Shop all Kitchen Cabinets. Base Cabinets. Wall Cabinets. Tall Cabinets. Cabinet Organization. Bathroom Cabinets. Shop all Bathroom Cabinets.

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Shop all Flooring. Walk-in bathtubs come in several convenient sizes and can even be installed in a standard bathtub space. The tub includes a comfortable, chair-height, built-in seat and a grab bar for added security.

Jacuzzi offers a walk-in bathtub with their patented PointPro jet system, featuring high-volume, low-pressure pumps with a perfectly balanced water-to-air ratio to massage thoroughly yet gently. The tub also comes with a special Quick Drain feature that incorporates a powerful pump that removes bath water in less than two minutes. Disclosure: BobVila.

You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Here's how to navigate the bubbly waters and find the perfect tub for you.

Find trusted local pros for any home project. Find Pros Now. These bathtubs are durable there is a caveat and easy to clean. The finish is resistant to most common chemicals and retains its gloss for a long time this depends on what you clean it with. These tubs chip easily. Drop a can of shaving cream, non-disposable quality razor, or the handheld showerhead and the tub will likely chip.

Then it rusts rather quickly. As it rusts, the steel becomes brittle and cuts your feet or whatever else is laying in the bathtub. The original steel tub almost always needs replacing. The undersides of steel bathtubs are usually completely rusted. The bottom is not coated in enamel. This makes the tub unsafe and unstable. Acrylic tubs use fiberglass sheets for reinforcement underneath vacuum-formed sheets of colored acrylic.

The advantages of acrylic are lighter weight, ease of installation, durable, non-porous surface, and a finish that can be repaired. The disadvantages are that the finish can scratch if cleaned with abrasive cleaners and can discolor over time on cheaper brands.

However, the better grades of acrylic bathtubs have finishes that are very hard to scratch and have little to no discoloring over time. Acrylic tubs give you a lot of choices for shapes, sizes and colors. Acrylic is a great all-around choice. These baths can be purchased as soaking tubs as opposed to a bathing tub. High quality acrylic tubs provide one of the most relaxing and invigorating bath experiences available. Cast iron. Cast iron tubs are made by pouring molten iron into a mold of the desired shape.

Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Porcelain Enameled Steel Porcelain-enameled steel is a very common and often inexpensive option. Pros Can be very affordable Relatively lightweight Available in standard sizes 60 x 30 inches Durable Easy to clean Cons The surface can chip when objects are dropped Rust tends to form with even the smallest chip Limited options for color and shape Can be noisy if not insulated Loses heat quickly.

Acrylic Acrylic tubs are a very popular option due to their versatility, durability, wide range of options, and low cost. Pros L i ghtweight Affordable Available in many colors, shapes, and sizes Durable Non-porous surface Surface is repairable Cons The surface can scratch if cleaned with abrasive cleaners Stress points must be properly reinforced during installation Acrylic is more expensive than fiberglass.

Fiberglass FRP Fiberglass is another affordable bathtub material. Enameled Cast Iron A classic bathtub material, enameled cast iron is very durable—and very heavy. Pros Very durable Thick enamel is resistant to chipping and scratching Can be resurfaced Timeless look Excellent heat retention Many color choices available Cons Very heavy.

Continue to 5 of 5 below. Cast Polymer Cultured Marble, Granite, or Onyx Cast polymer bathtub materials include engineered natural stone and solid surface materials. Pros Can be affordable Many color and options Surface scratches can be buffed out Easy to clean Stain-resistant Cons Can be brittle Wearing of gel coat can lead to unrepairable cracks.