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Pros and Cons of different materials of Bathtubs

There are many different materials can used for Bathtub Production. Today we are going to talk about four materials. 

Stone and wood

You can custom order a bathtub from a variety of natural stone materials, including granite, marble, onyx, travertine, basalt, sandstone and other materials. These tubs are extremely heavy, and require special structural framing to support their weight.

You can also custom-order a bathtub made from teak and certain other woods. As you’d imagine, with any of these true one-of-a-kind pieces you get an unbeatable “wow factor,” but it comes with a pretty high price tag.

And, in the case of wood and some of the stones, it’s going to require a lot of maintenance in order to retain the tub’s original beauty.

Traditional and contemporary stone bathtubs sculpted from monumental blocks of marble and granite. Internationally recognized stone bathtub.Natural stone bathtubs make a one-of-a-kind focal point around which you can plan and arrange everything else up to your tastes and desires. Stone bathtubs are mostly made to order. If clients of yours decide to have rock bathtub, they definitely want it to be unique and to fit their expectations.  

it’s very beautiful tub, two shortcomings, heavy and expensive 🙂 

Acrylic tubs

An acrylic bathtub is made from sheets of acrylic that are vacuum-formed into a tub shape. Since these are formed over a mould, they can be virtually any type of tub style or design, from drop-in tubs to freestanding tubs. The advantages are pretty much the same as for fiberglass, although acrylic tubs are more expensive.

Disadvantages are that the finish can scratch or discolor over time, although the better grades of tub finishes have now reduced that problem to a minimum. You also have a lot of choices of shapes, sizes and colors.

Acrylic is a good all-around choice, although it may lack a certain high-end appeal for some people. 

Variety of Shapes and Sizes

Because acrylic comes in sheets that are soft and malleable, acrylic bathtubs come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you are planning a small functional bathroom or a large spa-like setting, this wide assortment of tub styles can increase your options when designing a bathroom. 

Heat Retaining Properties

Acrylic bathtubs have a smooth nonporous surface. The surface is warm to the touch in normal temperatures and has very good heat-retaining properties, keeping water warm for a longer time than some other bathtub materials. For a homeowner who enjoys soaking in a hot tub, this can be an important advantage.

Scratches Easily

An acrylic surface is quite soft and can scratch easily. For this reason, abrasive cleaners should not be used on acrylic tubs. While the fact that the surface scratches easily is a disadvantage, it can also be an advantage because the scratches can often be polished out or filled with acrylic. Other types of tub surfaces chip instead of scratch, making them more difficult to repair than acrylic.

Not Rigid

The surface of an acrylic bathtub is relatively soft and not very rigid. Acrylic tubs can be reinforced with fiberglass, which will increase durability and rigidity but will also increase the price of the tub. Budget acrylic tubs have little reinforcement and can feel quite flimsy when installed, so it may be worth paying the extra cost to purchase one of higher quality products with fiberglass reinforcement.

Good point is very economical choice!

Cast Iron

If you’re looking for a material that will last, this would be it. Cast iron tubs are made by pouring molten iron into a mould of the desired shape, then smoothing it and coating it with a thick layer of enamel.

It’s probably the most durable tub available, and the finish is resistant to chipping, scratching and denting, as well as most

On the downside, these tubs are extremely heavy and require extra labour — and often extra floor reinforcement — to install. They’re also typically going to be among the most expensive tubs on the market.

Advantages

Cast iron bathtubs are extremely strong and durable which means that choosing one will last you for many years to come.
These baths have the ability to retain heat which will keep your bath water warm for long periods of time.
Cast iron is extremely difficult to damage and cannot be easily scratched, cracked or dented.
These bathtubs are available in a wide selection of designs including the stylish cast iron tubs and the single or double ended slipper tub which is spacious enough for two.
Cast iron is resistant to even the most abrasive cleaners and very easy to keep clean.
There is a wide selection of feet and claws available to finish off your tub with an option of either a chrome or white painted look.
With a cast iron tub you will be able to choose your own taps and mixers as well as be given the choice of where you’d like them and the plug to be placed in your tub.

Disadvantages

Although the fact that a cast iron tub is durable is seen as an advantage, it can also be seen as a disadvantage too as they can be extremely heavy.
Cast iron bathtubs are usually quite large in size which can make getting them into smaller bathrooms quite a tricky challenge.
Although cast iron can retain heat, it can often take a while to heat up, especially if your bath has been standing in a cold room.

Despite the fact that these tubs come with both advantages and disadvantages, overall the positives completely outweigh the negatives when compared to all the other types of tubs on the market.

And now for some less common material options:

Solid-surface materials

Solid-surface materials are relative newcomers to the bathtub market. They’re durable; they retain heat well; there are a variety of subtle, natural-looking colors available; and the finish can be repaired if needed. They can also be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. The material is a popular choice for bathtubs due to its luxuriously smooth texture and heat-retention properties; solid surface tub walls are warm to the touch so that you can bathe for longer without adding hot water.

On the downside, they’re somewhat heavy and relatively expensive, and may require a long lead time to get.

Pros of solid surface
Seamless, one-piece surface
Nonporous and hygienic; naturally resistant to stains, mildew, and mold
Easy to clean; low-maintenance
Easily repairable finish; retains a brand-new appearance for years
Smooth, velvety texture (some offer a high-gloss finish option and paintable exterior)
Various color options; consistent, non-fading color throughout
Large variety of shapes and sizes
Highly durable
Retains heat
Eco-friendly and recyclable
Cons of solid surface
Relatively expensive
May be heavy  

Okay, talk to me if you want some nice tubs, we have everything! Please dont forget to follow us on instagram. account: ortonbaths

Must Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/understanding-the-mechanism-of-a-rimless-toilet-how-does-it-work/

Must Visit:https://ortonbaths.com/materialsofbathtubs/

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How To Choose The Right Bathtub Material?  

Bathtub is an expensive feat. It’s easy to envision the perfect tub in the perfect shape, size and color, but many people tend to overlook the importance of choosing the perfect material. Exploring the wide variety of bathtub materials can be overwhelming. Being familiar with the options available as well as knowing your needs will not only make your tub hunt easier, but will ensure that you are selecting the perfect style for enhancing your bathing experience and meet your budget needs. Here are the pros and cons of a few common materials that will, hopefully, help you in choosing the best option for your bathroom.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a kind of reinforced plastic which is formed into layers then molded into a bathtub shape before being coated with a layer of gelcoat resin.

Pros: At very affordable prices, fiberglass tubs are good for those on a tight budget. Due to the lightweight nature of the material used, they are also easy to maneuver around a house and install, plus, any damages can be easily be repaired.

Cons: Fiberglass is also perhaps the most brittle material on the market. Porous in nature, it absorbs water regularly and has a tendency to crack. Color and finish will also deteriorate over time due to the use of common cleaning equipment.The material also has a tendency to ‘flex’ causing it to warp and feel unstable.

Acrylic

Acrylic is formed by taking a solid sheet of combined materials such as petrochemicals, stabilizers, resins, fillers and appropriate dye which are then heated and molded into a bathtub shape then finally reinforced with fiberglass.

Pros: First and foremost, it is a non-porous material, unlike normal fiberglass and therefore will not absorb any excess water,which means it will stay glossy, never mold and is easy to fix. On top of which, it will also retain heat from the temperature of your water as well as repel any mildew or general bathroom stains. Besides, this kind of tub is of rich designs.

Cons: Acrylic is pricier compared to fiberglass, but it tends to scratch easily if it is cleaned too aggressively. Like Fiberglass, Acrylic tubs will also flex, which makes it less stable to stand on . Depends on the formula, most acrylic tubs will turn yellow with time going.

Stone Resin/Artificial stone

Stone resin is a material used to mimic the look of natural stone. These tubs generally have a more contemporary design, and are made of a high-quality composite material that has a hard surface. These tubs feature an integral drain and overflow system built into its walls, which makes installation a breeze and eliminates any exposed drain piping.

Pros: Like with most resin, color does not fade with repeated water use, the material is non-porous meaning it does not absorb water and retains water heat very well. It has an incredibly long lifespan, lasting for quite some time without the need of constant repair and when it needs to be discarded, stone resin is 100% recyclable. Stone resin is also viewed as a more luxurious bathtub material, not to mention the material itself is quite durable and able to withstand a heavy amount of punishment. Additionally, cleaning is simple and easy. Most stains and mildew will wash away with simple warm water while lightly abrasive substances such as Comet or Ajax can be used for more stubborn residues. Stone Resin is the best bathtub material overall for the price and quality.

Cons: While it may lie on the more expensive side of things compared to Acrylic or fiberglass, stone resin is able to withstand the test of time and will save you quite a bit of hassle down the road.

Cast Iron

Molten iron poured directly into a bathtub mould, before it is smoothed out then covered in a layer of porcelain enamel. This type of bathtub is a high-end option that is built to last.

Pros: Cast iron is perhaps the most durable tub on the market. With the strength of the material used, it is highly resistant to scratches and chipping, meaning less care needs to be placed on cleaning as well. Speaking of cleaning, most if not all mildew will wash off with just plain warm water and baking soda, and if something stronger is needed, light cleaning solutions such as Comet can be used, but very rarely are required. Also, cast iron bathtubs have the high heat retention, meaning your bathtub will keep warm for that much longer.

Cons: Durability also means weight. Cast Iron tubs are incredibly heavy, perhaps the heaviest of any tubs on the market currently. The result is that additional considerations must be made to your house and the support structure around the tub before installation. You are also looking at a hefty price, considering the materials involved and the additional work that goes into supporting the space around it. The porcelain on the surface are in fact quite slippery. Also, the designs for this type of tub is rather limited.

Wood

A custom made bathtub using a variety of different types of wood.

Pros: Aesthetically pleasing with a nice genuine, natural feel to it. Also, since wood is easy to work with, wooden bathtubs can be any shape or size depending on your tastes and does add a certain sense of luxury to your bath time.

Cons: Luxury does come at a heavy price though, as wood in regular contact with water means that your bathtub will not last very long compared to nearly all other bathtubs on the market. Additionally, special considerations must be made in your home to accommodate a wooden tub, such as space and framing. Cost is also a large part of why wooden bathtubs are perhaps not as popular. In addition to the initial cost of the bathtub, regular maintenance must be kept to ensure the longevity of your bathtub. Overuse will invariably wash away the resistant sealing, rotting the wood quicker, while underuse will dry out the wood, speeding up the rotting process. Overall, it is quite a hassle to own a wooden bathtub.