There are many different materials your bathtub can be made of, each with its own pros and cons. You can completely replace your bathtub if it is beyond repair or you can save some money by just giving it a facelift. Either way you should consider the bathtubs material and color when planning your next bathtub purchase because your bathtubs makeup will determine the tubs weight, style and how easy it is to maintain.

Enameled cast-iron bathtubs come in a variety of colors and are the most resilient of bathtub materials. Their only drawback is that they are also quite heavy and may require you to reinforce your bathroom floor to accommodate the larger sizes. These bathtubs are great because they not only feel nice and solid but they also resist stains, cushion sounds and keep your baths heat in rather well.

Enameled steel tubs are not as expensive as their cast iron counterparts but they chip much easier and can sound like they are made of tin.

Bathtubs can also be made of acrylic reinforced with fiberglass. These bathtubs are lightweight, hold heat better than tubs made of other materials and offer you the greatest choices in shape, size and color. One of the benefits of buying an acrylic/fiberglass tub is that they can be easily drilled for custom faucet placement and they resist scratches and discoloring moderately well. Another similar material is cast polymer tubs which offer pretty much the same attributes as fiberglass and acrylic tubs.

Natural stones such as marble and tile offer a more classical feel to your tub. Just remember that due to the flat planes and square edges, these tubs may become uncomfortable if you are in them too long. To prolong your relaxing bathing experience use small mosaic tiles that can more easily fit the curved contours of your body for a more comfortable bath.

When choosing tub colors, your choice should reflect the overall color scheme you have chosen for your bathroom. White is classical and timeless, colors such as off white almond creates warmth without over stating it. Black adds a sense of opulence and sea-green goes well with anything water related. Just remember that darker colors are harder to maintain in your bathroom than lighter colors.

Just as an after thought, you do not necessarily have to replace your bathtub. If your present enameled cast iron bathtub is in good condition, you can make it look new again by simply changing the faucets and knobs. You can retile the tub/shower enclosure or refinish the tub with solid surface material or marble that will last for years to come. Even the addition of a new shower curtain or sliding shower door can give your old tub a completely new look and feel.

See which plumbing fixture works best for you at PlumberSurplus.com

Don’t forget to check out our other categories on bathroom home renovation tactics, get the blueprint for sustainable bathroom design, beginners guide for bathroom remodeling, get the big picture about bathrooms and find out about new bathroom products for the latest information.

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