When the time comes to choose a tub for your room, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is what material you would like the tub to be made from. There are more options than you might think! Here is a look at several different bathtub materials, along with the pros and cons of each one.
Enamel
If you browse the selection of tubs at your local home improvement store, many of them are bound to be enamel tubs. These tubs tend to be the cheapest. They are made from steel, but the steel is coated in a layer of porcelain to give it a glossy, colored, finished look. If you have ever cooked in an enamel pan, picture that — but much bigger! In addition to cost, the upside of an enamel tub is that the finish is easy to clean and very durable. The downside is that enamel tubs are really heavy, and thus they can be tough to put into place. They may not be a great choice for an upstairs bathroom or a small bathroom.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass tubs are also quite affordable and widely available. They're made from fiberglass that has been layered and shaped into a tub. The fiberglass is typically coated with a special resin to give it a smooth, easily cleanable finish. Fiberglass tubs are very light and thus easy to maneuver into tight spaces and upstairs. However, they are not as durable as the other options on this list, and the finish can crack over time.
Acrylic
An acrylic tub is not too different from a fiberglass tub. The base is still made from fiberglass, but then it is covered in sheets of acrylic. This gives you a lot of color choices; you'll see acrylic tubs in some really modern, artistic homes. The finish may be a little more durable than that of a standard fiberglass tub, too. The downside of acrylic is that the finish can easily discolor when exposed to hard water or sunshine.
Cast Iron
Cast iron tubs are on the high end when it comes to price, but they are basically impervious to damage. A cast iron tub will last the rest of your life, and then some. The finish can sometimes start to peel or wear, but you can have these tubs refinished. Their major downside is that they are heavy and tough to install — but if you have a contractor, such as Do-It-Ur-Self Plumbing & Heating Supply, who is able to install one, definitely go for it!
Share15 January 2020
Hello, my name is Yvonne Michaels. Welcome to my website about plumbing components. Plumbing systems of all kinds use interconnected components to bring fresh water in and waste water out of the building. By clearly understanding the plumbing components used in your commercial or residential building, you can ensure your systems remain in great operational condition for years to come. On this site, I will help you learn all about plumbing components for every system imaginable. I hope to inspire you to learn about these components and understand how they operate to keep your plumbing system in great shape. Thanks for coming by.
