Gone are the days when the bathtubs had to be made out of wood or wrought iron; now they are available in a large number of other materials as well. If you pay attention to my best bathtub reviews, you will notice that fact as well. With the change in time, bathtubs have become more of a luxurious necessity in our life, than being a general part of the bathroom.
In the past, people would put their bathtub anywhere in the house where they had privacy, but now the bathrooms are designed around the bathtub.
Some of the materials that are used to make bathtubs are:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass bathtub is a lightweight material that is not as expensive as cast iron however it is just as durable. One disadvantage of fiberglass is that is scratches easily so it is necessary to clean it with non-abrasives. Fiberglass manufacturers will apply an acrylic finish to help combat this effect.
Porcelain on steel
Porcelain enamel surfaces are extremely hard, which makes it more scratch resistant and easier to keep clean than acrylic. The heavier weight of an iron tub makes it harder to move out of place if it is not anchored securely to the floor. This is why it is important that the tube fixed to the floor if possible, as moving such a heavy item can easily scratch the floor surface and possibly damage plumbing components that are attached to the tub.
Acrylic
Although acrylic is more easily scratched than porcelain covered cast iron, it is often easier to repair by simply sanding and polishing it. That’s why acrylic bathtubs are always on demand. Acrylic is a lighter weight material than iron, which makes the tub considerably easier to move and install. While the acrylic tubs may not look as authentic historically as a cast iron tub to some people, they are generally much better suited for installing additional features. One such popular feature installed in many acrylic tubs is whirlpool type jets, which transforms the tub into a mini hot tub right in your bathroom.
Cast iron
The best of cast iron bathtubs are highly sought after objects. They are durable, they are versatile and they can add character and class to just about any bathroom. The problem is that while they can last decades or even longer, the bathrooms that surround them sometimes need repairs or renovations and working around a cast iron bathtub or working the iron bath tubs into the renovation plans can be a challenge especially if you want to install a newer bathtub or spa!
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tile design in the bathroom is nearly limitless in possibilities. Some of the more commonly used types include glazed, mosaic, glass, and unglazed. Glazed tile is fired (baked) with a glaze on the outer surface that produces a hard, super-glossy finish. The glazed type can be slippery when wet, so it is more likely to be used for walls and other vertical surfaces. Not only is the luster of glazed tiles eye-catching but it is fairly easy to clean as well. Walls and surfaces with glazed tiles are often installed in a symmetrical pattern because of the straight edges.
Stone and wood
Stone bathtubs have become an ever increasingly popular item to include in a modern bathroom. While the concept of a freestanding bath dates beyond the 18th century when fires were used to heat the room the idea of using them today is actually more economically sound than traditional tubs. Whether the bath is freestanding or not these bathtubs seem to add something extra to the space. The market is blooming with new option for a refurbished vintage look or a particularly unique base design.
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