Choosing the Best Bathtub Material for Your Home: 7 Tips

Homeowners renovating their bathrooms usually don’t realize how many materials they can choose for their new bathtub. Learning about different materials and factors to consider helps identify the best bathtub material. 

When you’re ready for an expert bathroom remodel in Peoria, AZ, call Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter. Our experienced renovation technicians can guide you through every step of achieving your dream bathroom.

7 Factors to Consider with Different Materials

Consider the following seven factors when evaluating the best bathtub material for your space:

Cost

Unsurprisingly, cost will play a major role in your bathtub material choice. Price disparities between different bathtub materials will undoubtedly impact your considerations. While it’s wise to choose the best material at the lowest possible price, be careful not to settle for materials that are too cheap and might quickly require replacement or repairs.



Durability

Bathtubs withstand various chemicals and physical forces throughout their use. Thus, durability is one of the chief concerns with bathtub materials. While an acrylic tub is suitable for humid areas, wooden tubs may wear down more quickly in these environments.

Weight

Every tub material has a different weight. Even tubs that look identical can have varying installation requirements. 

The weight of your tub will impact where you can place it. Multi-story homes may be unable to put cast-iron or stone tubs on second stories unless they have reinforced floors. Consider weight with the location of your tub.

Available Space

The space available for your new tub might impact the material choice. Certain bathtub materials like stone and cast iron have distinct shapes and styles, making them unsuitable for small spaces. Avoid crowding your bathroom by carefully considering the best bathtub material.

Cleaning and Maintenance Needs

Like every part of your bathroom, your bathtub requires routine cleaning. Every bathtub material has different cleaning needs that could impact your choice.

Heat Retention

How long do you like to soak in warm water? Since your tub’s heat retention will most significantly impact the length of time water remains warm, consider this factor with your average bath time. 

Installation Needs

Your home’s plumbing and sewage systems might have specific limitations or requirements for safe installation. Not every professional can suitably install any type of tub in your home. Review your home’s plumbing and sewage with a professional to confirm the right material and people for your home’s installation needs.

Popular Bathtub Materials

To find the best bathtub material for your bathroom, review the popular ones below.

Fiberglass Bathtubs

Fiberglass bathtubs are common in apartments and homes alike. These lightweight, easy-to-install tubs offer an excellent option for low-cost shoppers. While the surface is repairable, these tubs are prone to cracking and damage.

Cast-Iron Tubs

Manufacturers create cast-iron tubs by pouring molten iron into a mold and cooling it. These heavy tubs offer a sleek appearance and some of the highest heat retention. However, their heavy weight and larger size might make them unsuitable for upper levels in multi-story homes.

Porcelain Over Enameled Steel Tubs

Porcelain over enameled steel tubes is another affordable material that offers a sleek, beautiful aesthetic. Despite easier installation, these tubs are more prone to cracking and scratching.

Cast Polymer Bathtubs

Cast polymer can refer to any composite material like cultured marble, onyx, or granite. These lavish tubs are ideal for upscale bathrooms hoping to achieve a streamlined look. It’s worth considering that cracks in these tubs are irreparable.

Natural Stone Tubs

Like cast-iron tubs, stone tubs are a heavier and more expensive option that can be a stunning statement piece in your bathroom. These tubs require additional floor support, but it could be worth it to install this eye-catching feature in your at-home spa.

Acrylic Bathtubs

Acrylic tubs offer a step up in aesthetics and durability from fiberglass and porcelain over enameled steel. Although you’ll pay slightly more, acrylic bathtubs are repairable and can last a long time.

Ceramic Tubs

A ceramic bathtub offers another statement piece option for upscale bathrooms. Manufacturers can paint these custom pieces with stunning colors and designs for an additional accent.

Wood Tubs

Wood tubs offer a beautiful, spa-like feel to any bathroom. As one of the most expensive and least durable tubs, this may not be the best bathtub material for your home.

Hire Bathroom Remodel Experts from Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter

Ask Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter for more information about the best bathtub material or answers to the question, “How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?” Call 602-560-7235 to schedule service from Desert Water Plumbing and Rooter today!