ᐅ Which material is best for a bathtub?

Created on: 5 Apr 2017 16:03
C
Curly
Hello,

we now need to choose a bathtub. We were originally planning to go with a steel enamel bathtub from Kaldewei (190cm x 90cm (75 x 35 inches)) since we have always had steel tubs before. However, we have also seen other materials at the plumbing store, such as acrylic, and are wondering if it might be better to choose something different. These acrylic bathtubs felt nicely warm and somewhat soft to the touch, but the question is whether you actually notice a difference when bathing. What type of bathtub did you choose and why?

Best regards
Sabine
Y
ypg
5 Apr 2017 20:15
Acrylic is easier to work with and more flexible. So, if you prefer a more "playful" design, steel options might be too expensive.

Based on my experience, acrylic has the following drawbacks: it feels warm to the touch but does not retain heat. Since a bathtub is usually filled with warm water anyway, the coldness disadvantage of enamel is basically offset.
Additionally, acrylic scratches more easily, which becomes visible when light hits the surface. Acrylic is also not completely non-porous, so color particles can leave stains over time.
K
Knallkörper
5 Apr 2017 21:25
We have a Mauersberger Jucunda 190x90cm (75x35 inches) in our new build. For the next bathroom, I would choose a steel bathtub instead. Acrylic is simply too delicate.

Bath in dark tiled bathroom under a sloping ceiling, window above the bathing area, construction work visible.
C
Curly
5 Apr 2017 21:42
Thank you very much for your answers. It seems that acrylic bathtubs are quite delicate, so steel is probably the better choice after all. What about those special coatings that supposedly make water bead off better and make cleaning easier? Do they actually help?

Best regards,
Sabine
K
Knallkörper
5 Apr 2017 21:44
We have Keramag Icon washbasins with KeraTect. This is effective, and the coating is said to last forever.