Shopping for a New Bathtub? Learn How to Select the Right Material

Shopping for a New Bathtub? Learn How to Select the Right Material

Shopping for a New Bathtub? Learn How to Select the Right MaterialWhen you’re shopping for a bathtub, you’ll quickly see that you have many options in materials. You’re looking for a material that will meet your needs for durability, budget, weight, and appearance. The best way to find exactly what you want is to contact Econo West Heating Air & Plumbing at (661) 947-2653.

We can go over your options, listen to your needs, and help pair you with the right products. You can also continue reading for the basics of a variety of bathtub materials.

Acrylic bathtubs

Acrylic is both lightweight and glossy. Made from a type of plastic, it’s a great material for bathtubs. It’s true that it can scratch more easily compared to other materials, it’s relatively easy to repair these small signs of use. It’s also easy to form acrylic into a variety of shapes, which makes it a popular material for whirlpools, air baths, and custom-sized bathtubs.

Fiberglass bathtubs

When you see a tub that has a dazzling, shiny appearance then you’re likely looking at a tub made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic. This great topcoat is due to a gel coat. This material is also very easy to clean and can be formed into virtually any shape. It can scratch in the same way acrylic can, but it’s less durable than acrylic. In fact, with a lot of force fiberglass can sustain long-term damage including a deep scratch or crack.

Cast iron bathtubs

Most people associate cast iron with frying pans but it is also a classic material for bathtubs. It’s extremely durable and most bathtubs made from it are finished with a porcelain enamel finish. If you choose this material, you’ll need to use cleaners that aren’t abrasive, and be sure not to scrub too hard, since it’s relatively easy to scratch the coating.

The main issue with these materials is that as time goes on, the enamel will wear away and rust can happen. They’re also very heavy, which means you need to be sure that your home is structurally sound enough to handle the weight – especially if you want to use a tub on the second floor. Note that the heaviness means that these tubs hold heat much better than other materials, which means you can enjoy a hot bath longer without undue pressure on your hot water heater.

Composite materials

Many manufacturers have their own composite materials that make up the infrastructure of the bathtub. An enamel finish is then typically used to cover it. The purpose of composite is that it’s durable and holds heat well, but doesn’t weigh as much as cast iron and won’t rust.

Are you ready to find the perfect bathtub?

If you’re ready to relax in a brand new bathtub then we encourage you to contact Econo West Heating Air & Plumbing at (661) 947-2653. We are here to help you select the right material, the right size, and the right style. We also offer expert installation services. Call us today to learn more about your many options in bathtub materials.

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