5 Common Bathtub Materials

5 Common Bathtub Materials

If you think all bathtub materials are the same, think again. Your tub’s material will affect its longevity, maintenance needs, and how well it performs for you day in and day out. Knowing your tub material is important when it comes time to refinish it, too. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the five most common bathtub materials.

1. Porcelain-Enameled Steel Bathtubs

This bathtub material is a classic choice. Porcelain-enameled steel bathtubs have been around for decades, and the Tub Guys team refinishes them often.

Porcelain-enameled steel tubs offer a smooth, glossy finish that is easy to clean if you use the proper materials. They are also one of your more affordable options during a bathroom remodel, which may explain why we see so many of them.

However, porcelain-enameled steel tubs feel colder to the touch than other materials on this list, which may be off-putting on a cold winter morning. They also chip and scratch easily. If left unaddressed, those chips can rust over time, as the steel is exposed to air and moisture. This type of damage, along with hard water stains and dull enamel, are some of the most common reasons homeowners choose the Tub Guys to refinish their tubs.

2. Acrylic Bathtubs

Acrylic tubs are a more modern product that are made from vacuum-formed sheets of acrylic reinforced with fiberglass. They are durable and available in a wide range of styles, which makes them a popular choice with homeowners.

Lightweight and easy to install, acrylic bathtubs are known for their good heat retention (good news for those cold feet in the winter!). They also resist cracking and fading better than other bathtub materials.

But while they may not crack or fade, they do scratch more easily than porcelain-enameled steel or cast-iron tubs do. They require a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner, which many homeowners do not realize until it’s too late and they have scratched up the surface of their tub, giving grime and germs a place to thrive.

3. Fiberglass Bathtubs

Fiberglass bathtubs are similar to acrylic tubs, but instead of using vacuum-formed sheets, manufacturers mix fiberglass with a resin and pour the mixture into a mold to create the tub.

Fiberglass bathtubs are affordable and lightweight, which makes them easy to move and install. They are also simple to repair, which is a plus because this type of tub is less durable than an acrylic tub.

Additionally, fiberglass bathtubs are prone to scratching, cracking, and fading over time. So, it’s no wonder that fiberglass bathtubs are some of the most common tubs we refinish.

4. Cast-Iron Bathtubs

The big daddy of bathtubs, cast-iron bathtubs are fabricated by pouring molten iron into a mold and coating it with a thick layer of enamel. Cast-iron tubs are built to last a lifetime . . . and then some!

Cast-iron tubs are extremely durable and offer excellent heat retention. They are a classic choice for high-end bathrooms and offer unmatched durability.

However, as you can imagine, cast-iron bathtubs are very heavy. They may even require floor reinforcement. They are typically the most expensive type of tub to purchase, too. Though extremely durable, it is possible for the enamel on a cast-iron tub to chip if it is hit hard.

5. Solid Surface or Stone Resin Bathtubs

Solid surface or stone resin bathtubs are our final most common bathtub material. This is a modern material that blends natural stone with resin for a sleek, seamless, high-end finish.

Solid surface tubs are durable and scratch-resistant. They are available in a wide range of matte and glossy finishes to match your style, though we often seen them in modern, more minimalist homes.

But, luxury comes at a cost. Solid surface bathtubs are expensive. They are also heavier than acrylic or fiberglass bathtubs.

Understanding what your bathtub is made of can help you take better care of it. It is also a way for us to know if it is a candidate for refinishing. That’s why we also ask you to share the material of your tub. Some materials, such as cast iron and porcelain refinish beautifully, while others, such as fiberglass, may need more frequent maintenance.

If you’re not sure what kind of tub you have, we’ve got you covered. Contact the Tub Guys and we’ll help you find the best solution to keep your tub looking its best for years to come.

Want a quote for your Bathtub Materials? Request a quote from the Tub Guys today.