Also, steel being a good conductor of heat, the water in the tub tends to cool faster. They have another downside—when it comes to colour, design, or shape, they offer minimal options. Customising a Steel tub to fit your particular requirement is not possible because of the properties of the metal.
Lifespan: With proper care and maintenance, porcelain-enamelled steel bathtubs can last approximately 20 to 30 years. However, it's important to note that they are more susceptible to chipping and cracking than other materials.
The notion that metal baths loose heat quickly is a common misconception. While metals do possess high thermal conductivity, their ability to retain heat can be optimised with proper insulation and thickness.
The top advantage of a steel bath is its strength. There is no flex in a steel bath, so you can feel confident of its durability and robustness. Furthermore, its enamel coat is also able to take high impacts without getting scratched or damaged, so your tub will stay looking good for a long time.
Steel baths are an excellent choice if you're looking for a durable tub that can last for generations and offers superior heat retention. On the other hand, acrylic baths are more affordable, lightweight, and flexible in terms of design options.
Acrylic. A great budget option, acrylic baths are easier to install than steel baths and as such are available in a wider range of shapes. They're a sturdy option, usually having a wooden frame and baseboard. As well as the underside being reinforced with Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP).
Natural stone and enameled cast iron are the best options for freestanding tubs. They're stable, maintain water temperature, and look classy. If you're after more lightweight bathtub materials, a budget-friendly acrylic bathtub is a popular choice, too.
As a general rule, it is worth opting for baths with a thickness of 8mm or more to reduce the potential for the bath to crack.
The strength of steel remains essentially unchanged until about 600°F. The steel retains about 50% of its strength at 1100°F. The steel loses all of its capacity when it melts at about 2700°F. However, for design purposes, it is usually assumed that all capacity is lost at about 2200°F.
Yes, you can sell your old bathtub. On average, a reused or salvaged bathtub will run anywhere from $300-$1,000, depending on the material and quality of the bathtub.
Make your own steel bath cleaning solution by combining equal parts white wine vinegar and water in a disposable container. Simply spray onto the surface of your bath and wipe away the dirt. Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away with a soft towel for deeper cleaning.
Cast iron is the most durable and longest-lasting type of bathtub you can buy, and vintage cast iron tubs are very popular. However, if a cast iron tub is too cumbersome to get to a second-floor bathroom in your home, an enameled steel tub is the next best thing.
Steel is highly sensitive to corrosion, which is one of its most significant disadvantages. When exposed to moisture and air, steel can rust, leading to a weakening of the structure. Corrosion can compromise the integrity of steel structures, particularly in areas with poor maintenance or in harsh environments.
Does a Steel Bath Need a Frame? Steel baths can be purchased in both framed and frameless designs.
If soaking in warm baths is a priority, select a material with excellent heat retention, such as stone resin, cast iron, or natural stone. These materials keep water warm for longer, creating a more relaxing experience.
Drilling Metal Baths
This is a job best left for the pros, requiring specialised equipment and a more complex process to protect against the inevitable rusting and degradation that will occur around the tap holes. Metal baths are also often coated with enamel, which can easily shatter if not drilled correctly.
Steel baths are a long-term investment. They're pricier, especially with thicker enamel coatings, but they'll outlast acrylic by years. If your budget can stretch, steel offers unmatched durability and heat retention, making it a luxury that pays off over time.
Rust is only a factor on pressed steel enamel and cast iron tubs. Rust does not occur on plastic and fiberglass bathtubs.
A scratched surface may expose the metal beneath, leading to potential rusting. Nevertheless, porcelain-coated steel bathtubs are generally more resistant to scratches and stains than their counterparts. By properly caring for your porcelain-enameled steel bathtub, you can expect it to last at least 20 years.
Oval bathtubs manage to do everything well enough, rather than excel in one particular area. The shape offers just the right amount of support to your back for comfort, whilst also being easy to install and nice to look at.
How do I choose a good quality bath? To choose a good quality bath, consider the material it's made from and its thickness. For example, acrylic baths with a minimum thickness of 8mm are considered good. On the other hand, fibreglass baths are less durable than acrylic.