With rich detailing reminiscent of crown molding, Memoirs brings classic architectural style to your bathroom. The bath is constructed of durable cast iron with a slip-resistant bottom coating for many years of reliable use. Pair this timeless design with other products in the Memoirs collection for a sophisticated bathroom ensemble. Safeguard slip-resistant surface on bath floor Coordinates with other products in the Memoirs collection KOHLER enameled cast iron Click here to explore the Strength, Style, and Soul, of kohler Enameled Cast IronLast month, we discussed some of the many options available when replacing a bathtub or a tub/shower combo. But what we didn’t look at were the many different material choices you have, and since that time I’ve gotten several questions from homeowners looking change out their bathtub, all with a similar dilemma — "I’m not sure what material it should be constructed of." Let’s look at some of the different choices, and try to clear up a bit of the confusion.

To begin with, you might be surprised to find that you have more options than you would have thought. Which one you ultimately choose is going to come down to a combination of looks, comfort, ease of maintenance, and, of course, cost. Let’s start with some of the more common options: Also known as FRP, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, this is typically going to be the least expensive bathtub material. A fiberglass bathtub is made by forming layers of fiberglass into the desired shape, then coating it with Gelcoat resin. The advantages are low cost, light weight, ease of installation, and a finish that can be repaired. On the negative side, fiberglass tubs are thin; they flex and don’t have a stable feel; they’re not very durable; and the finish is prone to fading, scratching and cracking. Personally, it’s one of my least favorite materials. Related story: No shortage of bathtub choices Also sometimes called enameled steel, this is another inexpensive and very common bathtub material.

The tub is stamped from a thin sheet of steel, then finished with a layer of porcelain enamel. These tubs are durable and easy to clean. The finish is resistant to most common chemicals, and retains its gloss for a long time. They’re also especially useful when replacing fiberglass or acrylic tub/shower units, as they fit in the same 5-foot opening and can be finished off nicely with a ceramic tile surround. On the downside, they’re heavier than fiberglass or acrylic; the surface can rust and chip under impact; and you’re very limited in the number of shapes and sizes available. Acrylic tubs use fiberglass sheets for reinforcement underneath vacuum-formed sheets of colored acrylic. The advantages are pretty much the same as for fiberglass, although acrylic tubs are more expensive. Disadvantages are that the finish can scratch or discolor over time, although the better grades of tub finishes have now reduced that problem to a minimum. You also have a lot of choices of shapes, sizes and colors.

Acrylic is a good all-around choice, although it may lack a certain high-end appeal for some people. If you’re looking for a material that will last, this would be it. Cast iron tubs are made by pouring molten iron into a mold of the desired shape, then smoothing it and coating it with a thick layer of enamel.Slugger T Shirts It’s probably the most durable tub available, and the finish is resistant to chipping, scratching and denting, as well as most types of chemicals. Toilet Paper Roll Projects For KindergartenThere are a number of different colors available, and there’s a richness to cast iron that’s hard to match. 1950s Prom Dress TumblrThe heavy material also tends to retain the water’s heat. On the downside, these tubs are extremely heavy and require extra labor — and often extra floor reinforcement — to install.

They’re also typically going to be among the most expensive tubs on the market. And now for some less common material options: Solid-surface materials are relative newcomers to the bathtub market. they retain heat well; there are a variety of subtle, natural-looking colors available; and the finish can be repaired if needed. They can also be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. On the downside, they’re somewhat heavy and relatively expensive, and may require a long lead time to get. These tubs are made from crushed limestone mixed with resin, then finished with Gelcoat. You have a lot of options for color, size and style, and the Gelcoat finish used with cultured marble is more durable than that used with fiberglass. The cost typically falls somewhere between acrylic and cast iron. Ceramic tile tubs can be made on site to whatever size and shape you desire. You have more design options with this material than any other. However, you’ll have to deal with the maintenance of all that grout, and the irregular interior surface may not be the most comfortable to relax on with bare skin.

You can custom order a bathtub from a variety of natural stone materials, including granite, marble, onyx, travertine, basalt, sandstone and other materials. These tubs are extremely heavy, and require special structural framing to support their weight. You can also custom-order a bathtub made from teak and certain other woods. As you’d imagine, with any of these true one-of-a-kind pieces you get an unbeatable "wow factor," but it comes with a pretty high price tag. And, in the case of wood and some of the stones, it’s going to require a lot of maintenance in order to retain the tub’s original beauty. Remodeling and repair questions? All product reviews are based on the author’s actual testing of free review samples provided by the manufacturers.Slipping into a soothing bath is great for easing away tension and stress, but first you’ll need the right bath tub so true relaxation can take you over. Bath tubs today are available in a wide variety of styles, colors and features to fit your bathroom and your budget.

Look over your options and you’ll be ready to lay claim to your new bath tub and take the plunge. What kind of tub do you want? The first step in choosing your bath tub is understanding what kinds of tub options you have and the specific features each tub offers: Air tubs- Thousands of bubbles are circulated throughout the tub by using bath tub air jets for a subtle bubble massage. Clawfoot tubs – If you’re looking for the utmost in comfort consider a stand-alone clawfoot tub since they are shaped to fit your body’s natural form. A hallmark of traditional style, these stand-alone tubs provide a touch of elegance to your bathroom. Soaking tubs- Typically made without jets, these tubs are ideal for a long soak and allow you to steep yourself in a deeper amount of water. Whirlpool baths- Bath tub water jets pump out temperature-controlled water from a water heater to create a truly spa-like experience. Total massage tubs- These tubs combine the revitalizing effervescence of air tubs and the soothing force of whirlpool baths to promote optimal conditions for hydrotherapy.