Selecting the right bathtub material is an important decision that impacts durability, appearance, comfort, and pricing. With so many options like acrylic, stone, copper, porcelain, and more to choose from, it can be tricky to determine which material is best for your needs. Understanding the pros and cons of various bathtub materials will help you make the perfect choice to complement your bathroom design for years to come.
Key Factors to Consider
Credits: Jaquar
Keep these factors in mind when evaluating bathtub materials:
- Budget - Materials range dramatically in price from affordable acrylic to premium natural stone costing thousands. Set realistic expectations.
- Durability - Look for materials like enameled steel that resist chips, scratches, and fading over decades of use. Avoid delicate high-maintenance finishes.
- Style - Materials like stone and copper offer old-world charm while sleek acrylic provides a modern vibe. Match tub finish to your decor.
- Cleaning - Some materials like acrylic are easy to clean while textured finishes require more upkeep. Assess your willingness to scrub.
- Repairs - Minor surface issues can often be buffed out of solid surface materials, while materials like glossy porcelain require replacement if damaged.
- Comfort - Look for materials with some flex like acrylic that contour to your body for a comfortable soak. Avoid cold, hard metals.
Now let’s dive into the specific pros, cons, and characteristics of the most popular bathtub materials.
Durable and Affordable Acrylic Bathtubs
Acrylic bathtubs are a budget-friendly option combining affordability and durability. Molded from a sheet of flexible yet strong acrylic resin solid surface, they offer great benefits:
Pros
- Durable surface resists scratches, dings, and fading
- Easy to clean with non-abrasive bathroom cleaners
- Variety of colors like white, biscuit, gray, black
- Glossy or matte finish options
- Can be molded into any shape from oval to clawfoot
Cons
- Not as durable as materials like enameled cast iron
- Doesn’t have the luxury appeal of stone or wood
When on a budget, acrylic bathtubs provide reliable durability and easy cleaning at an affordable cost. With proper care, they can last 15-20 years or more.
Elegant Stone Bathtubs
Credits: Jaquar
For an ultra luxury focal point, stone bathtubs crafted from marble, granite or onyx make a stunning statement. Benefits include:
Pros
- Incredible visual appeal from natural patterns and colors
- Each stone bathtub is entirely unique
- Certain stones like granite are very durable
- Material keeps cool for soothing soaks
- Makes a lavish design statement
Cons
- Very heavy, requiring reinforced flooring
- Stone is porous requiring careful sealing to prevent stains
- Easily etched by acids, abrasives; scratches show
For an heirloom-quality tub with opulent old-world charm, natural stone delivers a breathtaking focal point unlike any other material.
Warm and Inviting Wood Bathtubs
For a soothing organic look, wood bathtubs add natural beauty to bathrooms. Pros and cons include:
Pros
- Warm, inviting look and feel
- Variety of wood types like teak, cedar, cypress
- Coating protects from moisture damage
Cons
- Requires careful sealing to prevent water damage
- Won't last as long as enameled steel or acrylic
- Limited color and finish options
Bringing the comfort of wood into the bathroom, a wooden soaking tub provides an utterly relaxing bathing experience.
Durable Porcelain Enameled Steel Bathtubs
Credits: Jaquar
Enameled steel bathtubs with a baked-on porcelain enamel coating provide superb durability. Benefits include:
Pros
- Most durable bathtub option, lasting 30+ years
- Porcelain enamel finish resists chipping and scratches
- Stainproof, easy to clean
- Often molded for ergonomic comfort
Cons
- Surface flaws require re-enameling or replacement
- Not as stylish as stone or wood
Thanks to rock-solid construction, enameled steel tubs provide timeless durability sure to last the life of your home. Great for families and kids.
Stunning Copper Bathtubs
For a vibrant old-world elegance, copper bathtubs deliver a luxuriously soothing soak.
Pros
- Striking metallic glow unlike any other material
- Antimicrobial properties kill microbes and bacteria
- Durable material lasts with proper care
- Develops a unique patina over time
- Retains heat beautifully for long soaks
Cons
- Tarnish-prone requiring careful cleaning
- Scratches easily if brushed wrong way
- Too small for multiple bathers
With an unparalleled regal allure, copper tubs provide a pampering spa-like bathing experience.
Easy to Clean Ceramic Bathtubs
Credits: Jaquar
Ceramic bathtubs offer a sleek, modern style for contemporary bathrooms:
Pros
- Very durable and stain-proof
- Easy to clean with harsh chemicals
- Mold-resistant and non-porous
- Sleek contemporary styling
Cons
- Prone to chipping if knocked into
- No cushioning or body contouring
Sleek ceramic bathtubs provide a crisp, contemporary soaking tub option at an affordable price point.
Luxurious Whirlpool Bathtubs
For the ultimate in relaxation, Whirlpool tubs feature water jets to provide a spa massage experience:
Pros
- Powerful water jets deliver a stimulating hydromassage
- Relieve sore muscles, stress, and tension
- Customizable jet placement targets specific areas
- Feature options like bubble bath, chromotherapy lighting, etc.
- Digital controls allow customizing massage programs
Cons
- Require an accessible electrical hookup nearby
- High maintenance sanitizing jets to prevent mold
With stimulating water jets to relax and revive, Whirlpool tubs bring luxury spa-pampering into your own home.
Consider Your Design and Budget
Credits: Jaquar
Evaluate your budget constraints along with the style you want to create. Clean, modern materials like acrylic and ceramic suit contemporary designs. For old-world luxury, materials like copper and carved stone add character. Wood brings natural warmth. Durability requirements also matter if kids will use the tub. With many options to achieve your perfect bath sanctuary, choose the material that aligns with your design vision, lifestyle and budget. Most importantly, enjoy a relaxing soak in your new tub!
Jaquar’s Range of Luxury Bathtubs Brings Sophistication to Any Bathroom
Credits: Jaquar
If you seek a new bathtub that combines durability, indulgence and sophistication, explore Jaquar’s exquisite range of luxury bathtubs. Jaquar bathtubs are meticulously constructed from the finest materials to provide a beautiful focal point that enhances any modern bathroom.
Along with a range of styles, Jaquar luxury tubs provide practical innovations like efficient integrated overflow drain systems. With strong yet lightweight materials like acrylic and cutting-edge manufacturing, Jaquar ensures their bathtubs deliver reliable performance for years while enhancing your bathroom with sophistication.
Let one of Jaquar’s skillfully designed bath tubs become the centerpiece of your dream bathroom oasis. Browse the luxury collections online today to find your perfect model!
Common Bathtub Dimensions and Sizes
Beyond material, choosing the right bathtub size for your space is key to comfort. Here are common standard sizes to consider:
Standard Bathtubs
- 60" long x 30" wide x 15" high – typical 2-person tub
- 66" long x 30" wide x 15" high – extra room for taller bathers
- 60" long x 42" wide x 23" high – double tub allows two people to recline
Small Bathtubs
- 54" long x 27" wide x 19" high – compact tub fits tight spaces
- 48" long x 24" wide x 19" high – ideal for kids and smaller bathers
- Corner tubs ~32" x 32" x 23" – conserve space in a corner
Oversized Tubs
- 70"-72" long and 36"-48" wide – sprawling dimensions enable total relaxation
- Extra deep designs up to 23" high – provide an enveloping soak
Measure your bathroom space carefully to find a tub length and width that fits properly. Allow at least 21" clearance in front for entering and exiting safely. An oversized tub can become the luxurious centerpiece of a large master bath.
Freestanding Tub or Built-in? Styling Options
Credits: Jaquar
The two major installation styles for bathtubs include:
Freestanding Tubs
Freestanding tubs are not attached to any walls and are accessible from all sides. Often placed in the center of the room as a focal point.
Pros:
- Instant style statement that becomes a room centerpiece
- Accessible from all angles - great for soaking ease
- Many unique sculptural shapes like ovals and rounds
Cons:
- Takes up more open floor space in bathroom
- Must structurally support tub weight independently
- Needs floor draining system which raises installation cost
Built-In Tubs
Built-in tubs fit partly into an alcove or against the wall and may include integrated tile surrounds.
Pros:
- Makes use of existing wall space rather than taking up floor space
- Often easier installation utilizing existing plumbing access
- Tile surround provides a finished polished look
Cons:
- Limited to standard sizes to fit alcoves
- Only 1-3 sides accessible for entering/exiting
Consider your bathroom layout, plumbing, and style vision when deciding between built-in or freestanding models.
Luxurious Specialty Bathtubs
Credits: Jaquar
Beyond standard rectangular tubs, some unique specialty models to consider:
Corner Bathtubs
Triangle-shaped tubs fit into a corner, great for smaller spaces. Provide relaxation in even the most tight or awkward bathroom layouts.
Oval and Round Tubs
Curved oval or circular tubs provide an elegant freestanding focal point. The rounded form enables easy reclining relaxation. No uncomfortable corners bumping into you.
Clawfoot Tubs
Vintage-style clawfoot tubs mounted on metal ball feet bring a nostalgic, ornamental flair. Provide the ultimate in luxury deep-soaking Potential leak issues around feet require monitoring.
Japanese Soaking Tubs
Deep wooden soaking tubs often featured in Japanese bathing areas provide full immersion for ultimate relaxation. Require waterproofing measures.
Seeking something beyond standard? Explore unique specialty tubs to create your dream oasis.
Technology Upgrades For Your Bathtub
Credits: Jaquar
Integrating technology adds convenience and luxury to your bathtub:
Heated Surfaces
Integrated heating elements keep tub water warmer longer and also warm surrounding surfaces like tub decks for getting in and out comfortably.
Hydrotherapy Jets
Strategically placed jets deliver a stimulating hydromassage. Relieve sore muscles and tension. Removable jets simplify cleaning.
Air Bubble Massage
Inject warm air bubbles into the water for a gentle, fizzy massage effect. Relax muscles without strong jet streams.
Built-in Audio
Bluetooth audio connections allow streaming music, podcasts, or audiobooks right from your tub. Marine-grade waterproof speakers included.
Smart Controls
Digital and app controls allow customizing every setting. Program different usage profiles. Diagnose maintenance needs digitally.
Look to modern innovations to take your bathtub from basic to extraordinary.
Conclusion
Choosing a bathtub material and style that aligns with your priorities will help ensure your satisfaction and enjoyment day after day. From durable affordable acrylic to decadent natural stone, walk through the pros and cons of each material against your criteria like budget, aesthetics, durability and style goals. Also consider specialized options like freestanding tubs or customize with high-tech features. With an array of possibilities, take time to find your perfect model that both expresses your tastes and fits your lifestyle then relax and enjoy for years to come.