What are Bathtubs Made of? Bathtub Materials: Pros & Cons
The right tub for your home will have the best bathtub materials and amazing style. This guide covers different types of bathtub materials to ensure you choose the right one when the time comes.
A bathtub is a statement of elegance and comfort, turning your bathroom into a personal retreat where you can unwind and rejuvenate. As the centerpiece of relaxation, choosing the right tub is essential, yet it can be daunting with the variety of options available—ranging from different materials and dimensions to a wide array of shapes.
Since bathtubs are a significant investment and not easily replaced, making the right choice from the start is crucial. Our comprehensive bathtub buying guide explores various materials, detailing their advantages and drawbacks, to help you find the perfect tub that complements both your home and lifestyle.
Discover the materials that make up today’s bathtubs and how they can impact your bathing experience.
What are Bathtubs Made of?
Bathtubs come in a variety of materials, each influencing the tub’s cost, durability, and maintenance needs. For those on a budget, materials like fiberglass and acrylic offer an affordable option. These lightweight materials are durable and provide good heat retention, though they are slightly porous and can be more challenging to keep clean.
On the higher end, materials like stone resin and enamel-coated cast iron offer superior durability and ease of maintenance. Stone resin provides a sleek, modern look, while cast iron is renowned for its incredible strength. Cast iron bathtubs, made by pouring molten iron into a mold and coating it with enamel, are highly resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting, often lasting as long as the home itself. However, due to their substantial weight, these tubs are best suited for ground floor installations.
What to Look for in Bathtub Materials
Bathtub materials offer a range of options, each suited to different needs, preferences, and budgets. When choosing the right material, it’s essential to consider factors beyond just appearance. The key is to find a material that balances affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal while meeting your specific bathing needs. Here’s what to keep in mind when selecting a bathtub material:
Cost
While your budget will largely dictate your choice of bathtub material, it’s important to look beyond the initial price tag. Consider the long-term costs, including maintenance, installation, and any modifications required to support the tub, such as reinforcing the floor or walls.
Weight
The weight of the bathtub significantly impacts installation requirements and costs. Lightweight materials like acrylic or fiberglass are easier and less expensive to install, while heavier materials like cast iron require reinforced flooring and more complex installation, increasing the overall cost.
Durability
The lifespan of your bathtub largely depends on the material’s resistance to impacts, cracking, flexing, and scratching. While no material is impervious to all forms of damage, choosing one that can withstand your home environment is crucial. For example, acrylic is ideal for humid areas, but be mindful that not all acrylic is created equal—some types are more prone to staining.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your bathtub in top condition. The ease of these tasks depends on the material’s properties. Non-porous materials are generally easier to clean, while porous ones may stain more easily. Additionally, some materials may react negatively to certain cleaning chemicals, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended care guidelines.
Ease of Installation
Installation requirements vary based on the bathtub’s weight and flexibility. Lighter materials like acrylic and fiberglass are generally easier to install, while heavier materials such as enameled cast iron may require specialized knowledge and techniques. Ensure your installer is experienced with the specific material of your chosen tub.
Heat Retention
For those who enjoy long, warm soaks, heat retention is a crucial factor. Most tubs maintain water temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, but materials like cast iron excel in retaining heat, allowing you to enjoy warm water for extended periods without frequent reheating.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a bathtub material that not only fits your budget but also enhances your bathing experience, matches your design preferences, and meets your long-term needs.
The Most Popular Bathtub Materials
Different types of bathtub materials have different properties and perform well in different applications. For instance, some can resist cracks and scratching but not rust. Others are heavy and expensive but last a lifetime. Let’s look at the most popular bathtub materials.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass, also called glass-reinforced plastic, is one of the cheapest bathtub materials. It’s a reinforced plastic that’s poured into a bathtub-shaped mold, resin-coated, and then polished. It can last a couple of years before scratches and cracks affect it. Some manufacturers add an acrylic finish to fiberglass to boost its durability.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Fiberglass tubs are easy to install and maintain
- The surface is repairable
Cons
- Fiberglass tubs can feel unstable
- Material fades with time
- Thin and flexible
- Cracks and scratches easily
- Porous and brittle
Porcelain over Steel (Enameled Steel)
As the name suggests, porcelain over steel is a bathtub material formed by coating a sheet of steel with porcelain enamel. These components combine to form a durable and affordable material with a smooth, glossy surface that’s easy to clean. But while the material is heavier than fiberglass, it has low heat retention and chips easily.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Long-lasting
- Stable feel
- Easy to clean
- Chemical-resistant finish
Cons
- Surface chips easily
- Somewhat heavy
- Exposed steel may rust
- Poor heat retention
Acrylic
Acrylic is costlier than enameled steel and fiberglass but more durable. It can be used to create a myriad of designs in different colors. This bathtub material is formed by heating a mixture of materials until the desired product quality is achieved. The product is then molded into the bathtub shape and reinforced with fiberglass.
Pros
- Non-porous
- Great heat retention
- Can create matching accessories
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- Sensitive to abrasive chemicals
- Poorer grades of acrylic can be susceptible to scratches
Cast Iron
If you want a bathtub that will outlast you, get one made of cast iron. Cast iron is made by reducing iron ore in a blast furnace. Afterward, the liquid iron is poured and hardened into crude ingots. The ingots are remelted along with alloying elements and scrap metal in cupola furnaces and cast into molds for producing different products. While the material is expensive, it’s one of the most durable bathtub materials.
Pros
- Durable
- Scratch-resistant and chip-resistant
- Retains heat for a long time
- Myriad designs
- Surface is repairable
Cons
- Extremely heavy
- Requires additional support
- Expensive
Cast Polymer
Cast polymer is an umbrella term that refers to the production of “synthetic” cast products like cultured marble, cultured onyx, and cultured granite. Recently, additional materials like engineered stone and acrylic resin-based materials have been added to the group. The casting process involves pouring a liquid resin into a mold, filling the cavity using gravity, and allowing the polymer to harden. Cast polymer molds are usually coated with a gel for aesthetics and to reduce porosity.
Pros
- Affordable
- Can make a variety of designs
- Easy to clean
- Stain-resistant
- Relatively durable
Cons
- Can be expensive depending on the exact material used
- Sometimes brittle
- Cracks are irreparable
Ceramic
Ceramics are made by mixing clay, powders, earthen elements, and water. The mixtures are then shaped into desired forms and fired in a high-temperature oven (a kiln). Once they cool down, they are covered with glazes—decorative, waterproof, paint-like substances. Tubs made with the material are often used as accent pieces in old-fashioned bathrooms and are either made of smooth, glossy ceramic or covered with ceramic tile on their outer surfaces.
Pros
- Variety of designs
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Complex installation
- High maintenance
- Can be uncomfortable
- Can be expensive
Stone
Stone is a superior choice compared to other materials. Stone bathtubs are made from natural stones like marble, onyx, sandstone, travertine, and granite. They are high-end and costly tubs that have a natural gorgeous appearance. Even without water, stone tubs are extremely heavy and need firm structural support. They also require more maintenance than other tubs.
Pros
- Natural look
- Sturdy
- Good heat retention
Cons
- Very heavy
- Extra support required
- High maintenance
Wood
Wood is rarely used to make bathtubs because the material is porous, and its pore structure greatly affects its behavior. You may have to custom-order a wood tub and be prepared to pay top dollar. Wood bathtubs are mostly made from African or Honduran teak, maple, ash, walnut, and cherry. A gel coating is then added for a glossy look.
Pros
- Natural look
- Unique style
- Good investment
Cons
- Expensive
- High maintenance
Closing Thoughts
The best bathtub materials share two key qualities: high durability and ease of maintenance. If you’re ready to create your dream bathroom, our guide will help you select a tub that perfectly matches your style, budget, and needs.
A bathroom renovation can increase the resale value of your home. You’ll also enjoy spending time in your new bathroom. Save time and money by installing a KubeBath® tub.
