Porcelain-enameled bathtubs are made of an iron or steel tub with a thick layer of enamel in a glossy finish. They retain heat, are extremely durable and resistant to chips, scratches and dents.
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.
Porcelain tubs have a more rigid surface, making them more resistant to scratches and more susceptible to cracks and damage from heavy impacts. Because of the surface, you cannot clean porcelain tubs with abrasive cleaners or anything that might damage it, such as scouring powder, steel wool, or vinegar.
What are some trusted bath tub brands to be looking at? We did some of the initial work for you. Here are a few frequently recommended bathtub brands you can use to start your search: American Standard, Toto, Proflo, Mirabelle, and Kohler.
Acrylic Tubs Offer Better Performance
Bottom line is that acrylic is a stronger material than fiberglass. Acrylic tubs effectively resist wear and tear for years on end, while fiberglass is prone to scratching and cracking.
Maintenance Differences
Fiberglass tubs do tend to have more maintenance involved because the layer of coating is prone to scratching and cracking. Also, fiberglass tubs do tend to lose their color after a few years so they will need to be refinished every few years to keep them pristine.
Acrylic is much more durable than a fiberglass tub. The chance of an acrylic tub chipping, cracking or fading is unlikely. Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time.
Permits and Labor
Labor charges could range between $100 and $2,000 for new bathtub installation, depending on your project. You'll need to hire a licensed plumber to alter the existing pipes.
Best Faucet Brands According to Plumbers
The best brands according to plumbers are Moen, Delta, and Kohler.
Bath mats are a great way to protect your tub against potential scratches as well as prevent slipping while in the tub. Mindfully store heavy soap bottles or scrubbers to avoid an accidental scratch from something falling into the tub. Promptly clean up spills to prevent a harder to clean mess or stain in the tub.
Because of this, porcelain tubs—whether they have a cast iron or steel base—have a nice shiny finish and a smooth surface, which makes them easy to clean. Porcelain is also resistant to stains and scratches.
With proper care, you can expect your porcelain-enameled steel bathtub to last at least 20 years. A bathtub liner can also extend the life of your porcelain-enameled steel bathtub by another 10-15 years. A bathtub liner is molded acrylic or PVC plastic that fits over the surface of your tub.
Acrylic, being lightweight, is easier to install and doesn't require the same structural support. Also, porcelain is prone to chipping, and repairs can be expensive. Acrylic is less damage-resistant but can be repaired more easily if scratched.
Bathtubs can last up to 20 years in your household, but only if taken care of. Making sure your bathtub is clean is only one of the requirements, but when it comes to stains, scratches, and cracks, you will want to reglaze it.
You can either install a ready-made walk-in shower stall or get a complete bathroom makeover with luxury showerheads, marble tile, and other accessible features. Replacing an existing tub with a luxurious walk-in shower can cost about $15,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the project.
When it comes to bathtub installation, both handymen and plumbers can accomplish the same task, but which is right for you? In general, you want to hire a plumber to install and replace your bathtub. Plumbers are required to apprentice for at least 2-4 years before being licensed.
Cast iron bathtubs are the most durable and are made by pouring molten iron into a shaped mold. The mold is then smoothened and coated with enamel. The tubs are resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting, and they can last as long as a house.
Most common causes of bathtub cracks
Some material such as fiberglass is highly flexible, meaning it will bend if weight it placed on it. If this sort of material is installed improperly or without additional support, overtime the weight pressure will cause cracks to form.
Durability. Acrylic tubs are durable because they're reinforced with fiberglass. Most last around 15 years, but with proper care and maintenance, they might last even longer.
Cast Iron. If you are looking for a bathtub that will last a lifetime, you should definitely consider cast iron. It is probably one of the most durable materials available on the market today. Timeless looks, immense strength and versatility make cast iron bathtubs incredibly popular.
Increasingly, homeowners are getting rid of their tubs for lavish, high-end showers. Small spaces and homes owned by millennials and kid-free adults are particularly more apt to agree with the bathtub becoming obsolete. They simply ditch the tub.