Which Bathtubs Have The Best Quality

When choosing a bathtub for your home, the number of choices can be overwhelming. How do you choose a quality bathtub? Today, we will be discussing the characteristics of a quality bathtub and what you should look for to ensure you choose the right tub for your home. 

Why choose a quality bathtub?

When choosing a bathtub, you should consider the purchase as an investment. The higher quality of material you pay for, the longer the bathtub will last. Cheaper bathtubs such as fiberglass will last anywhere between 10-15 years, whereas a more durable material like copper and stone resin can last many lifetimes with proper care.

This ultimately means that your bathtub will save you money in the long term as you do not need to repair or replace your bathtub. In relation to that, the quality of your bathtub will also increase the value of your home as it is seen as a luxury fixture and many homeowners will pay extra for a higher quality bathtub.

Lastly, the quality of your bathtub will increase your overall quality of life. Higher quality materials require less maintenance, is highly durable and adds benefits to the user such as higher heat retention during bathing. 

Characteristics of a quality bathtub 

So what should you look for in a quality tub? When you are choosing your bathtub you should consider the materials, the manufacturer, the brand and the style. These are the criteria in which you need to evaluate a bathtub before purchasing. 

Materials

The primary factor in choosing a quality bathtub is the material it’s constructed from. Higher quality material will be more durable, have better heat retention and feel softer to the skin than lower quality material. However, higher quality material tends to be heavier than cheaper material so it is important that you add supports wherever necessary and take the proper precautions if you plan on buying a heavier bathtub.  

Manufacture

A manufacturer will guarantee that the quality of your bathtub is up to a certain standard. Certain manufacturers may cut corners on the construction of a bathtub so it is key that you find a manufacturer that you trust to provide a quality bathtub. 

Brand

Similar to finding a trustworthy manufacturer is the brand. The brand of a bathtub will provide you with a general idea of quality so you know what to expect within a certain price range. A brand will have unique styles, colors and designs that may appeal to you when compared to other designs. 

Style selection

Bathtubs are available in a wide range of styles which drastically impact how they are installed and their overall longevity. Depending on what style of bathtub you choose, you may have to reinforce your floor and surrounding walls to ensure that no problems may arise with it’s use. so it is important to discover a style that is  

Which Bathtubs types have the best quality

Bathtubs come in a wide range of materials all with varying levels of quality. Below we will discuss these common materials and their pros and cons.   

Stone Resin

Stone resin is a composite material constructed from bonded natural stone and acrylic resin. The resulting material has the look and feel of natural stone while weighing significantly less, making it much easier to install. Freestanding stone resin tubs have seen a surge in popularity as they are affordable, durable and have the look and feel of natural stone. Also, since stone resin is a composite material, it is available in a wide variety of different styles and colors to fit any bathroom.

On the market right now, a freestanding stone resin bathtub is one of the best choices as it can be installed anywhere in your bathroom and it’s overall quality for price can’t be beat. 

Porcelain 

If a freestanding stone resin tub is not for you, porcelain provides a fantastic alternative. Porcelain bathtubs are made by taking a harder material such as steel or tile, then covering it with a layer of protective porcelain enamel. This results in a bathtub that has an impressive aesthetic look while still being highly durable underneath. If properly cared for, a porcelain bathtub can easily last anywhere from 50-70 years, making it a great long term investment.

Since the protective enamel coating is layered over the tub, this also means that cleaning is much easier, as long as you avoid harsh chemicals that could strip the coating. A porcelain bathtub will cost anywhere from $350-2,000 depending on the size and the style that you want, but generally, this material is very flexible in terms of price. 

Acrylic

Acrylic bathtubs are another great option when choosing a bathtub. Acrylic bathtubs consist of fiberglass sheets that are strengthened by acrylic. The resulting bathtub is much lighter than other materials on the market, giving it a great deal of flexibility in terms of installation and style choices, but is still much more durable than fiberglass. Acrylic tubs are available in drop-in and freestanding variants with a large amount of color options. Typically, with proper care an acrylic bathtub will last anywhere from 10-15 years.

Their maintenance and cleaning is very straightforward, as they can be cleaned with most cleaners on the market. The average cost of an acrylic bathtub is anywhere between $300-1200 on average, not including installation. This cost will be determined by the size and style of your bathtub. 

Cast Iron

Similar to porcelain tubs, a cast iron bathtub is a bathtub that uses a cast iron bathtub that is then layered with a protective enamel coating. Cast iron bathtubs are among the most durable on the market, but are also the heaviest material on the market as well, requiring additional floor supports to sustain it. However, with proper care and maintenance, a cast iron bathtub can last anywhere from 50-70 years, requiring little maintenance.

Cast iron bathtubs require gentle cleaners and do not respond well to abrasive cleaners. Since the material is quite heavy, the style and color choices are somewhat limited when compared to other materials on the market. A cast iron bathtub will run anywhere from $500-2,000 not including installation.  

Brands that manufacture quality tubs 

Badeloft

Founded in 2009, Badeloft is a leader in freestanding bathtub production. As a relatively new company, Badeloft prides itself on providing quality bathtubs at an affordable price. Their designs are sleek and modern, able to fit a large variety of different sized bathrooms. Additionally, they offer a wide selection of bathtubs, sinks and faucets that are tailored to their customer’s needs. With a 10-year warranty on all their products, Badeloft is quickly becoming a name that customers can trust. 

Kohler

Founded in 1873, Kohler is a long time manufacturer of plumbing equipment, furniture and cabinetry. Typically known for appliances such as sinks, toilets and bathtubs, Kohler products are generally on the high end of prices. Their prices stem from using higher quality materials in constructing their various products and given their long history at making a wide variety of bathroom specific items, they have cemented themselves as a trustworthy bathtub manufacturer. 

American Standard 

Although American Standard was formed in 2009, it’s roots date back to 1929 when the company was known as American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation. Today, the company had been split up and turned into the American Standard brand as most people know it as. Based in New Jersey, the company has been manufacturing bathroom fixtures for nearly 90+ years. Due to their expertise and brand name, they are a trusted name in constructing a high quality bathtub. 

OVE

Founded in 2004, OVE provides bathroom fixtures such as fixtures, vanities, bathtubs and decorative lighting. As a major retail partner to large home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes and Amazon, OVE is quickly cementing itself as a trusted brand in constructing quality bathroom elements. 

Although it may seem cliche, remember that you always get what you pay for. If you buy a quality bathtub up front, the investment will ultimately save you a great deal of headache and money in the long term.  A lower quality bathtub will be much more affordable but will require more maintenance and has a shorter lifespan. So remember to weigh your options carefully when you purchase a new bathtub.