Just like most home furnishings, bathtubs are produced from different types of materials. Each of them has different properties that directly affect both the comfort and convenience of their use.
Popularity of Acrylic
A material that has revolutionised the look of bathrooms is undoubtedly acrylic, in other words, methyl methacrylate. Its undeniable advantage is the fact that it can be shaped in any way. This is one of the reasons why acrylic became very popular in the 90s, when bathtubs with various profilings such as headrests, armrests, or seats were in vogue. Achieving such forms was not possible with cast iron or steel bathtubs.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of bathing in an acrylic bathtub will certainly agree that it is very warm to the touch. Moreover, its surface is very smooth, which greatly facilitates cleaning. An undeniable advantage of acrylic bathtubs is also their low weight. It is estimated that a rectangular bathtub measuring 130x70 centimetres weighs less than 20 kilograms, which significantly facilitates both installation and transport.
It is also worth knowing that acrylic bathtubs can retain water temperature much better than steel bathtubs. They are also soundproof, which means that during water pouring there won't be an unpleasant noise, as would be the case with a steel bathtub. Furthermore, models made of acrylic allow for easy installation of hydromassage and repair of superficial scratches without leaving any mark. Not to mention the price, which is relatively low.
Steel Bathtub - Durable and Solid
Steel bathtubs are most often made using steel sheets. A special multi-layer enamel is applied to them, which is then subjected to a firing process at high temperature. During this process, the steel and ceramic enamel bond permanently. Using this solution has many advantages. Firstly, the hardened enamel allows the use of all cleaning agents available on the market. The bathtub will not scratch, and its color will look excellent even many years after purchase.
Moreover, steel guarantees the rigidity and great stability of the product - especially large and freestanding bathtubs. Opponents of this type of solution mention, among other things, higher heat loss, as well as less soundproofing. It's worth knowing that this can be remedied by wrapping the bathtub in polystyrene.
Composite Bathtub
Composite bathtubs are manufactured using two or more materials. Among the most popular materials, quaryl and acrylic are distinguished, which provide an easy-to-clean and pleasant-to-touch surface. Composite is a highly resistant and durable material against various types of damage. Bathtubs made from this material are very popular, especially among people who value functional and aesthetic solutions.
The material known as composite stands out among others with its ease of cleaning and high resistance to scratches and other mechanical damage. It will be suitable for all homes where there are children, as they very often bring toys into the bath which could damage the bathtub's surface.
Wooden and Stone Bathtub
Wooden bathtubs are not as popular as acrylic ones, although they have many advantages. They are ecological, very durable, and excellently retain water heat. This type of bathtub has been especially popular in Japan, where it is used for relaxation and rejuvenation. It is also worth knowing that wooden bathtubs are often coated with a special antibacterial layer, which is particularly important from a hygiene standpoint.
On the other hand, stone bathtubs are an ideal choice for those who value luxury, comfort, and aesthetics. They are most often made from marble or travertine, making these bathtubs highly resistant to damage and visually stunning. This is a rather expensive and space-requiring solution. Of course, other types of bathtubs are also available - made of copper, cast iron, and even glass. They are not frequently encountered, but with a bit of determination, they can be obtained.