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The focal point of any bathroom is the tub or the shower. It's here that you imagine yourself, melting your stresses away in a beautiful, relaxing environment. But while it's easy to envision the perfect tub or shower in the perfect shape, size and color, many people tend to overlook the importance of choosing the perfect material. Tubs and showers come in a variety of materials, and it's up to you to choose the one that will best enhance your bath experience.
Based on its initial purchase price, porcelain enameled steel seems like the most economical material. But even though porcelain tubs are inexpensive, it's important to keep in mind that they require a "wet wall," a tiled surface that can cost more than the tub itself. This traditional material is sturdy, but the enamel coating tends to chip. And because it's made of steel, it's very cold to the touch and cools bath water faster.
The most common tub and shower/tub material today is gel-coat fiberglass reinforced polyester, known simply as "fiberglass." This lightweight material is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any bathroom. Fiberglass has its drawbacks, though -- because it's extremely porous, mold and mildew are tough to get out. And because the color is sprayed onto the lower-quality polyester surface, it's more susceptible to stains and tends to dull over time. So your new bathroom could look very old in a relatively short period of time.
Cast iron is the sentimental favorite, having been the material from which clawfoot tubs were made. It's the most durable bath material on the market, but is only available in limited shapes and sizes. Because it's so heavy, any tub made of cast iron may require additional structural support in the floor beneath it. Like enameled surfaces, cast iron is cold to the touch. And, just like enameled steel baths, the coating can chip.
Cast acrylic is one of today's more popular materials for tubs and showers. It's warm to the touch, making for a more relaxing tub experience, and the water stays warm for a much longer time. The highly durable, non-porous solid surface resists scum and mildew, making it easy to clean. And if it's cleaned according to manufacturer directions, the surface will retain its showroom finish indefinitely. Cast acrylic bathtubs and showers are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors. In fact, LUCITE® cast acrylic sheet is unique because the color goes all the way through the material -- it's not just sprayed on the surface. This means the color won't fade over time, and it will absorb impacts that chip other materials. Cast acrylic is slightly more expensive than fiberglass, but over the long term, it's your best investment. With normal use, you'll probably wear out before your LUCITE® cast acrylic bathtub or shower will!
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