4. Manufacturing Materials
When revamping your bathroom, a plethora of materials come into play, particularly when selecting fixtures like your bathtub. Ensuring quality is paramount in the bathroom, given its frequent use and exposure to high humidity levels.
Acrylic: Crafted by thermoforming acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass and resin, acrylic boasts durability surpassing fiberglass due to its non-porous nature and superior heat retention. Its resistance to chipping and heavy impacts makes it a reliable choice, while its lightweight properties allow for versatile styles and sizes.
AcrylX: AcrylX™ stands out with its applied acrylic finish, offering a brilliant white color backed by a lifetime warranty. Its glossy, UV-resistant surface outshines traditional gelcoats, maintaining a factory-new appearance over time. An exclusive offering from American Bath Group, AcrylX™ ensures lasting brilliance.
Fiberglass: An economical alternative to cast acrylic, fiberglass consists of fiberglass-reinforced resin (FRP) sprayed onto a mold with a gelcoat surface. While lightweight and easy to clean, fiberglass tubs are less durable. Nonetheless, their repairability by skilled professionals is a notable advantage.
Porcelain: Porcelain tubs feature a cast iron or formed steel base coated with a porcelain-enameled surface, crafted from a blend of powdered glass and substrate. This durable, non-porous surface exudes luxury and withstands warping, scratching, and decay over time.
Stone Resin: Composed of crushed stones bound with polymer resins and natural minerals, stone resin mirrors the look and feel of natural stone without the weight and cost. Its durability, heat resistance, and non-porous nature offer discerning homeowners an affordable yet quality option.
Cultured Marble: A blend of limestone, resin, and pigments cast in a mold with a clear coat finish, cultured marble is highly durable and stain-resistant. It adds a sophisticated touch to any space with endless color and style options.
Copper: Luxurious and malleable, copper boasts excellent heat retention and requires minimal maintenance due to consistent water use. Custom-made copper bathtubs epitomize luxury, offering a high-end bathing experience.
Wood: Rustic and aesthetically pleasing, wood provides excellent heat retention and a luxurious, eco-friendly ambiance. Sealed with water-resistant wax, wooden bathtubs require some maintenance but exude opulence. While costly, they offer a lavish touch to any bathroom space.