What Bathtub Material Holds Heat Best
Best Selling Bathtub
It doesn’t matter if it is your little one who has just played all day long or if it is you trying to wind down after a busy day. A warm bath can set the tone for a restful evening and promote healthy sleep. Choosing a bathtub that retains the heat effectively is crucial if you want to enjoy long, relaxing baths. According to Bob Vila, cast iron is the best bathtub material for retaining heat. Here are the bathtubs that hold heat the best.
Enameled Steel
The tub is made by pressing steel into shape, then coating it with porcelain enamel to give it a smooth, glazed surface. An enamel pot is also made from this type of material. The material is cheap, durable, and easy to clean, making it one of the most popular tub materials.
Additionally, these tubs are lighter than cast iron, so they are easier to install. Despite their lightweight, however, they must be anchored securely to prevent tipping.
However, enamel tubs don’t come in a wide range of styles and generally are only available in 60 by 30-inch sizes because steel isn’t the most accessible material to shape. There are fewer colour choices as well.
Despite standing up well to regular use, the enamel is susceptible to chipping when hit by a heavy object such as a dropped metal cup or bucket. Therefore, it is essential to repair even tiny chips with enamel paint matching the tub’s colour. Rust can quickly develop on even tiny chips, so you need to apply several coats.
Getting filled with an uninsulated model produces a loud metallic rumble. However, as the water level rises, the sound subsides, allowing you to relax in complete tranquillity. If you love to take a hot bath, these tubs might not be the best choice for you. They heat up quickly but lose heat quickly.
Enameled Cast Iron
The enamelled cast iron is formed into a tube shape, then coated with enamel to create a smooth surface. But that’s where the similarities end. Cast iron is highly durable, and the thick enamel prevents it from scratching or chipping. Damages to the surface can be repaired by resurfacing. It can look good for decades with this type of tub.
Unlike steel tubs, you can choose from a variety of colours for a more customized look. In addition to retaining heat effectively, cast iron will also provide a more comfortable bath. This combination of advantages makes a cast iron tub an ideal choice if you’re looking for a premium quality investment piece for your luxury bathroom.
Weighing a lot is one of the major disadvantages. Weights vary from 250 pounds to 500 pounds for cast iron tubs. As a result, they are difficult to install and can cause damage to your floor during installation. You may also need to strengthen your floor before installing the tub structurally in your home because the tub’s weight and water may be too much for some floors.
Acrylic and Plastic Tubs
Acrylic bathtubs are lightweight and durable and come in a variety of colours, sizes, and styles. In addition, acrylic tubs retain heat very well as long as they are properly insulated.
Among the many advantages of acrylic tubs are their texture, resistance to cracking and chipping, and mildew and harsh chemicals. Acrylic tubs only have one disadvantage: they can scratch and stain when exposed to materials like hair dye.
In addition to being highly heat-resistant, plastic tubs are also very comfortable to soak in a while retaining heat. Furthermore, plastic tubs are an inexpensive option, making them perfect for a starter home. However, plastic tubs are not as durable as most other tub styles.
Cast Polymer Tubs
Tubs made from cast polymers, such as cultured marble, granite, or onyx, look like stones but can be moulded like synthetic materials. Acrylic and fibreglass tubs are thinner than these and do not require the insulation that acrylic bathtubs do. Generally, cast polymer bathtubs are more prone to scratching or cracking than acrylic bathtubs.
Soapstone, Brass and Copper
An excellent choice for retaining heat, soapstone is a high-end bathtub material. Even though this type of bathtub is dependable, it can be expensive and has limited design options. Heat is retained well by brass and copper, and due to their thickness, both materials are resistant to dents.
Solid-Surface Materials
Solid surface acrylic and resin tubs are relatively new on the market and offer many of the benefits of more traditional materials. However, unlike standard acrylic models, solid surface tubs are made from solid slabs of acrylic, not layers.
They come in more natural colours and can be shaped into graceful, freestanding forms, making them a popular choice for stylish modern bathrooms. They’re more durable than acrylic bathtubs and can be repaired if needed. Furthermore, they retain heat well, providing greater comfort.
All of these benefits come at a cost, however. Solid surface tubs are among the most expensive tubs available and can even cost more than cast iron tubs. Additionally, they are heavy, making them difficult to install.
Tubs That Don’t Retain heat
Fibreglass bathtubs are affordable, lightweight, and come in a variety of styles and colours. Unfortunately, fibreglass bathtubs do not retain heat well and are also prone to scratching and fading. In addition, even though fibreglass is cheaper than acrylic, it is less durable.
The enameled steel tub material is lighter than cast iron and trendy compared to cast iron. While enamelled steel bathtubs warm up quickly, they do not retain heat. In contrast to enameled cast iron, enameled steel is also prone to chipping.
Cast-Iron Bathtub Vs. Acrylic
There are many different materials used to make bathtubs. Cast iron and acrylic are popular materials. Acrylic bathtubs are more widely used in newer homes, but some consumers still choose cast-iron tubs, which are also the tubs of choice for vintage bathroom décor. Each type of bathtub has its advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately the choice depends on the consumer’s aesthetic preferences and budget.
Materials and Construction Comparison
In the production of acrylic bathtubs, fibreglass reinforces acrylic sheets. The finished product is relatively resistant to cracking and chipping. The acrylic bathtub is made of synthetic material and comes in a variety of colours.
Cast-iron bathtubs are made by pouring iron into moulds and letting them cool and harden. As a result, the tub is highly resistant to chemicals and is nearly impossible to scratch or dent. In addition, the enamel coating on cast-iron bathtubs is usually fired polished to give them a smooth appearance.
Difference in Cost
The cost of cast-iron bathtubs is higher than that of acrylic tubs. A 60-inch acrylic bathtub typically costs a minimum of $500, while a cast iron tub of similar size usually costs $1,300. If you choose a cast-iron tub, you’ll have to add the cost of floor reinforcement to the tub price.
Weight-Based Installation Needs
Since cast iron bathtubs are heavier than acrylic bathtubs, they are more difficult to install. In order to install a cast iron bathtub, several people are required. Furthermore, a cast-iron bathtub may need its floor reinforced
due to its weight.
A cast-iron tub is much heavier and more difficult to install, while an acrylic tub is lighter. You can place an acrylic tub on any level of your home without having to reinforce the floor beneath it.
Durability and Upkeep
If properly maintained, cast-iron bathtubs can last for generations. In bathrooms that receive traffic, they may be the right choice since they require less maintenance than acrylic. A few tablespoons of mild dish soap and a grease-cutting agent in one gallon of hot water must be mixed every week for a cast-iron tub to be cleaned. Rinse the bathtub after cleaning with water after applying this cleaning solution with a soft sponge or cloth.
An acrylic bathtub is also durable, but it is not indestructible. If not properly maintained or installed, cheap acrylic bathtubs will warp and crack. Furthermore, acrylic bathtubs are more prone to staining than cast-iron bathtubs, which means a more rigorous cleaning schedule needs to be followed.
Clean an acrylic bathtub by sprinkling baking soda on wet surfaces or making a paste with water and applying it to the tub, then allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. Next, the tub can be scrubbed with baking soda using a damp sponge, rinsing thoroughly and wiping clean.
Heat Retention Differences
Cast iron is well known for its ability to absorb and transfer heat. As a result, cast-iron tubs can keep a hot bath warmer for longer than acrylic ones. While a cast-iron tub can be cold to the touch, the heat begins to transfer as soon as it is filled with warm water.
Acrylic bathtubs are made of a synthetic material that does not transfer heat well. When filled with warm water, an acrylic tub retains some heat but not as well as a cast-iron tub.
Specialty Material: Tile, Stone, and Wood
Tile
The versatility of a ceramic tile tub makes it an excellent choice for a spa-like bathroom atmosphere. Tile tubs can be designed in any size and shape and with any tiles you like.
For example, tiles can be an affordable option for designing a custom space. Unfortunately, tile isn’t the most comfortable surface to lounge on, but grout makes these tubs a hassle to keep clean.
Stone
A bathtub made from stone, such as marble, granite, or travertine will give your bathroom a look of timeless luxury. Despite the need for constant maintenance, stone bathtubs are exceptionally durable. However, stone tubs are heavy enough that you may need to reinforce your floors before bringing one in.
Consider engineered stone if you like the look of stone but not the cost. Stain-resistant colours are available for this manufactured blend of stone and polymer concrete. However, when the gel coating wears off, the surface becomes vulnerable to cracks, which cannot be repaired.
Wood
One of the best choices you can make for your bathroom is a custom wood bathtub. Tubs can be crafted from mahogany, teak, walnut, and a variety of other woods. The abundant heat retention of wood makes it the best material for long soaks, as it’s warm, inviting, and natural. Wood tubs are also a high-maintenance option, just like stone tubs.
Regardless of your tastes, you can find a bathtub material that works for you with a little bit of research. Fibreglass and acrylic tubs are your best bet if you need a cheap, no-frills tub to take a quick bath.
Consider enamelled steel or cast iron for something more durable. Then, take a look at the high-end solid surface, stone, and wood designs available if you are looking for a stand-out bathtub to enhance the beauty of your luxury bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which materials are used to make cheap bathtubs?
What is the material of a bathtub? It is possible to buy a bathtub in a variety of different styles. Fibreglass, acrylic, and ceramics are among the cheapest options. However, these materials are relatively porous, meaning that they absorb water. As a result, you will have to clean them more often.
2. Which is better, porcelain or acrylic tubs?
Acrylic surfaces are less resistant to scratches than porcelain surfaces, but acrylic surfaces can be repaired much quicker. In addition to its warmth, acrylic tubs retain the warmth of the bathwater longer than steel or iron pipes.
3. What is the difference between steel and cast iron tubs?
Generally, cast iron tubs are black when viewed from underneath. The brighter the metal, the more likely it is steel. You may remove the overflow cover and pop-up lever from the tub’s head and examine the hole’s edges if you wish. Ideally, you should see steel or black cast iron.
4. Which is better, acrylic or fibreglass tubs?
Acrylic tubs are made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fibreglass. The acrylic tubs are generally more expensive than fibreglass tubs. However, they have a deeper colour layer that can be more durable than the relatively thin gel coat used on fibreglass tubs.
5. What is better, a cast iron tub or an acrylic tub?
The cast iron bathtub is very durable–it can last many generations with proper maintenance. In bathrooms that receive traffic, they may be the right choice since they require less maintenance than acrylic. Although acrylic bathtubs are durable, they are not indestructible.
6. What are the benefits of steel vs acrylic baths?
Unlike porous materials such as stone, acrylic is non-porous, causing it to be easy to clean. In addition, acrylic is easy to polish to remove any scratches. Steel is non-porous and equally effective at preventing the growth of bacteria and mould. Additionally, steel baths are chemically resistant and won’t discolour.
