Which material should you choose for a bathtub?

The choice of material for your bathtub is important if you want to combine aesthetics, comfort and durability. As you may have noticed, there are many options available on the market, which can be divided into three main categories: metal bathtubs, bathtubs made from synthetic materials and bathtubs made from natural materials. 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 bathtub

Metal bathtubs represent the first major category we would like to introduce. This category is divided into two subgroups: enamelled steel bathtubs and cast iron bathtubs.

Enamelled steel

Enamelled steel is known for its good 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 can feel cold at first touch.

However, this type of bathtub has a few significant drawbacks: a relatively slippery surface and 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 makes the bathtub considerably heavier, which will make its installation particularly complex.

Bathtub made from 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 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 colours. They are warm to the touch, which improves comfort during baths. However, they can 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.

Fibreglass-reinforced acrylic

Particularly trendy, fibreglass-reinforced acrylic models offer increased durability while retaining the lightness of acrylic. This reinforcement improves resistance to shocks and scratches, thereby extending the lifespan of the bathtub. These bathtubs are available in a wide variety of styles and colours, making them compatible with 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, uniform finish. These materials can be moulded into unique shapes, allowing great design freedom. Although they are 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 real flexibility, allowing for varied designs. This robust and durable material therefore offers a unique industrial aesthetic.

Although synthetic concrete is relatively expensive, it remains appreciated for its ability to be customised. This material therefore meets the requirements of users looking for distinctive designs.

Bathtub made from natural materials

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-proof wood species, these bathtubs are nevertheless very expensive. In general, expect to pay more than 1,000 euros for these products.

Glass

A glass bathtub brings modernity and elegance to the bathroom. Made from tempered glass to ensure good safety, these bathtubs are visually attractive and offer a unique feeling.

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 very often exceed 2,000 euros.

Stone

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 drawback lies in its heavy 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 robustness and durability. These bathtubs can be moulded into various shapes and sizes for unique customisation.

However, they generally come at a high price. Concrete is an inexpensive material. On the other hand, the craftsman’s expertise will greatly increase the price.

Copper

Copper bathtubs are appreciated for their unique aesthetics. Their warm tones and artisanal charm will add a touch of elegance and character to any bathroom. Their ability to retain heat is also worth noting. In addition, copper has natural antibacterial properties and develops an attractive patina over time.

Although these bathtubs are robust and durable, they are not very affordable, which is their first drawback. Their weight, which can reach up to 200 kg, represents another obstacle when it comes to this material.

Fibreglass-reinforced acrylic: the Spalina choice

At Spalina, we favour fibreglass-reinforced acrylic for its many advantages. In our opinion, it is the best material currently available. It combines the lightness of acrylic with the robustness of fibreglass, thus offering superior durability and increased resistance to shocks 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.

In addition, it allows us to create bathtubs in a variety of styles and colours. This enables you to personalise your bathroom according to your wishes.

Finally, this synthetic material remains affordable, allowing us to offer magnificent bathtubs at competitive prices.

With that said, we invite you to discover our different ranges: whirlpool bathtub, freestanding bathtub and back-to-wall bathtub. And do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about one of our products.