Which material should you choose for a bathtub?
The choice of material for your bathtub is important to combine aesthetics, comfort, and durability. As you may have noticed, there are many options available on the market, which can be grouped into three main categories: metal bathtubs, synthetic material bathtubs, and natural material bathtubs. In this context, it is legitimate to wonder which material to choose for a bathtub. Let’s shed some light on the subject right away!
Metal bathtubs
Metal bathtubs represent the first major category we would like to introduce. This category is divided into two subgroups: enameled steel bathtubs and cast iron bathtubs.
Enameled steel
Enameled steel is known for its resistance to impacts and scratches. A bathtub made from this material will therefore be particularly durable. Another advantage is that this material retains heat well, even if it may feel cold at first touch.
However, such bathtubs also have some notable drawbacks: a relatively slippery surface or possible chipping over time.
Cast iron
A cast iron bathtub offers great robustness as well as excellent heat retention. By keeping the water warm for longer, this material allows you to enjoy longer baths.
That being said, this material significantly increases the weight of the bathtub, which makes installation particularly complex.
Synthetic material bathtubs
For the material of your future bathtub, you may instead choose a synthetic material such as acrylic, reinforced acrylic, Solid Surface, or composite 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 comfort during bathing. However, they may scratch more easily than other materials. Their maintenance is relatively simple, and they offer good value for money. For all these reasons, this material is a popular choice for many households.
Reinforced acrylic (fiberglass)
Particularly trendy, models made of acrylic reinforced with fiberglass offer increased durability while maintaining the lightness of acrylic. This reinforcement improves resistance to impacts and scratches, thus extending the lifespan of the bathtub. These bathtubs are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, making them suitable for different bathroom décors. 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, resistant to stains and scratches, and offer a smooth and uniform finish. These materials can be molded into unique shapes, allowing great design freedom. Although they are more expensive, their durability and ease of maintenance make them a preferred choice for modern bathrooms.
Composite concrete
Composite concrete combines the strength of concrete with real flexibility, allowing for varied designs. This robust and durable material offers a unique industrial aesthetic.
Although composite concrete is relatively expensive, it is appreciated for its ability to be customized. This material therefore meets the expectations of users looking for distinctive designs.
Natural material bathtubs
Wood
Widely used in many fields, wood can also be used to manufacture bathtubs. This material adds a warm and natural touch to the bathroom. Often custom-made from rot-resistant wood species, these bathtubs are nevertheless very expensive. Expect to pay generally more than €1,000 for such products.
Glass
A glass bathtub brings modernity and elegance to the bathroom. Made of tempered glass to ensure safety, these bathtubs are visually appealing and offer a unique experience.
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 often exceeds €2,000.
Stone
Stone, such as granite or marble, is another option for a bathtub. This material brings a touch of luxury to the bathroom while being durable. The downside lies in its heavy weight: a stone bathtub can weigh up to 500 kg. Its installation is therefore not recommended if you live in an apartment or upper floor.
Concrete
Concrete models offer an industrial and modern aesthetic along with great strength and durability. These bathtubs can be molded into various shapes and sizes for unique customization.
However, they generally come with a high price. Concrete itself is not an expensive material, but the craftsmanship significantly increases the overall cost.
Copper
Copper bathtubs are appreciated for their unique aesthetic. Their warm tones and artisanal charm add elegance and character to any bathroom. Their ability to retain heat is also noteworthy. In addition, copper has natural antibacterial properties and develops an attractive patina over time.
While these bathtubs are robust and durable, they are not very affordable, which is their main drawback. Their weight (up to 200 kg) is another limiting factor.
Reinforced acrylic with fiberglass: the Spalina choice
At Spalina, we favor fiberglass-reinforced acrylic for its many advantages. In our opinion, it is the best material currently available. It combines the lightness of acrylic with the strength of fiberglass, offering 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 standards of quality and design.
Moreover, it allows us to create bathtubs in a wide variety of styles and colors. This way, you can personalize your bathroom according to your preferences.
Finally, this synthetic material remains affordable, enabling us to offer beautiful bathtubs at competitive prices.
With that said, we invite you to explore our different ranges: whirlpool bathtubs, freestanding bathtubs, and semi-freestanding bathtubs. And feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our products.
