What material should you choose for a bathtub?
Choosing the right material for your bathtub is important for combining aesthetics, comfort, and durability. As you may have noticed, there are many options available on the market, which can be divided into three broad categories: metal bathtubs, synthetic bathtubs, and bathtubs made from natural materials. With this in mind, it's only fair to ask which material to choose for a bathtub. Let's shed some light on the subject!
Metal bathtub
Metal bathtubs represent the first major category we would like to introduce to you. This category is divided into two subgroups: enameled steel bathtubs and cast iron bathtubs.
Enameled steel
Enameled steel is known for its resistance to shocks and scratches. A bathtub made from this material will therefore be particularly durable. Another advantage: this material retains heat well, even though it may feel cold at first touch.
However, such a bathtub has some significant drawbacks: a relatively slippery surface or possible flaking over time.
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A cast iron bathtub offers great durability and excellent heat retention. By keeping the water hotter for longer, this material allows for longer baths.
That being said, this material makes the bathtub considerably heavier, which will make its installation particularly complex.
Bathtub made of synthetic materials
For the material of your future bathtub, you could also opt for a synthetic material such as acrylic, reinforced acrylic, solid surface, or even synthetic concrete. Let's distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of these different materials...
Acrylic
Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight, easy to install, and available in many shapes and colors. They are warm to the touch, which improves bathing comfort. However, they can scratch more easily than other materials. They are relatively easy to maintain and offer good value for money. For all these reasons, this material is a popular choice for many households.
Fiberglass reinforced acrylic
Particularly trendy, models made of fiberglass-reinforced acrylic offer increased durability while maintaining the lightness of acrylic. This reinforcement improves resistance to impacts and scratches, thus extending the life of the bathtub. These are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, making them compatible with different bathroom decors. In addition, they are warm to the touch and easy to maintain, combining practicality and aesthetics.
Solid Surface
Solid surface bathtubs, such as Corian, are non-porous, stain- and scratch-resistant, and offer a smooth, uniform finish. These materials can be molded into unique shapes, allowing for great design freedom. Although more expensive, their durability and easy maintenance make them a popular choice for modern bathrooms.
Synthetic concrete
Synthetic concrete combines the strength of concrete with true flexibility, allowing for a variety of designs. This robust and durable material offers a unique industrial aesthetic.
Although synthetic concrete is relatively expensive, it remains popular for its ability to be customized. This material thus meets the demands of users seeking distinctive designs.
Bathtub made from natural materials
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Widely used in many fields, wood can also be used to make bathtubs. This material adds a warm and natural touch to the bathroom. Often custom-made from rot-resistant wood species, these bathtubs are, however, very expensive. Typically, these products cost over €1,000.
Glass
A glass bathtub brings modernity and elegance to the bathroom. Made of tempered glass for safety, these bathtubs are visually appealing and offer a unique feel.
However, they have several drawbacks: they are slippery and require regular cleaning. In addition, this material remains fragile and expensive. The price of a glass bathtub will often exceed 2,000 euros.
Rock
Stone, such as granite or marble, is another option for a bathtub. This material brings a touch of luxury to the bathroom while also being durable. The downside is its high weight: a stone bathtub can weigh up to 500 kg. Its installation is therefore not recommended if you live on an upper floor.
Concrete
Concrete models offer an industrial and modern aesthetic with great strength and durability. These bathtubs can be molded into various shapes and sizes for unique customization.
However, these generally come at a high price. Concrete is an inexpensive material. However, the craftsman's expertise will significantly increase the price.
Copper
Copper bathtubs are prized for their unique aesthetic. Their warm hues and handcrafted charm will add a touch of elegance and character to any bathroom. Their ability to retain heat is also noteworthy. Additionally, copper has natural antibacterial properties and develops an attractive patina over time.
While these bathtubs are sturdy and durable, they are relatively inexpensive, which is the first drawback. Their weight (up to 200 kg) is another drawback compared to this material.
Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic: the Spalina choice
At Spalina, we favor fiberglass-reinforced acrylic for its many benefits. We believe it's the best material currently available. It combines the lightness of acrylic with the strength of fiberglass, providing superior durability and increased resistance to impacts and scratches.
Warm to the touch and easy to maintain, this material provides optimal comfort and a modern aesthetic, meeting Spalina's quality and design requirements.
Additionally, it allows us to create bathtubs in a variety of styles and colors, allowing you to customize your bathroom to your liking.
Finally, this synthetic material remains affordable, which allows us to offer magnificent bathtubs at competitive prices.
With that in mind, we invite you to explore our range of products: whirlpool baths , freestanding baths and semi-freestanding baths . Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any of our products.
