THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD SOAK IN A FABULOUS BATHTUB!
Bathing is an ancient ritual. The original purpose of the bathtub was not necessarily to get clean, but to socialize, make connections, and be seen. In more recent years, man has come appreciate the importance of the cleansing.
If you have ever picked up a decorators’ magazine, you have seen bathtubs made of wood, concrete, metals, porcelain, and acrylic. All these tubs differ in construction, care, and most drastically, in price.
WOOD
Wooden bathtubs are elegant. They are constructed from solid wood and are sealed with natural products. Wood can be worked with very easily, therefore, can be made into any size and shape. They can be made much deeper and wider than other bathtubs. Tubs made from wood are the height of luxury, but that spectacular bathing experience comes with a high price-tag; they costs thousands of dollars. The good news is they will retain the heat of warm water much better than other types of bathtubs. Wooden tubs can warp and crack over time which means they are a costly purchase when new and will have to be replaced much sooner than other types of bathtubs.
What Do Wood Bathtubs Cost?
Wood bathtubs can range from $1,500 for smaller, simpler designs with lower quality wood, up to $30,000 to very high-end beautiful pieces.
CONCRETE
Although it seems like a cold option, concrete bathtubs actually retain heat very well. They are constructed of masonry concrete and treated to withstand water saturation. They are sturdy and can last many years. As concrete can be molded into any shape imagined by a homeowner, the world would be your bathing oyster! You name it and they can make it any way you wish. The pitfalls of concrete tub ownership are similar to wood as they can crack and cost thousands of dollars to purchase. Unlike carving your own wooden tub, it is possible for a handy person to make his or her own concrete bathtub. It requires wood, PVC pipe, some tools, and a lot of time and patience, but it is possible.
What Do Concrete Bathtubs Cost?
Concrete bathtubs can range from $500 at the very low end and can range up to $15,000 at the upper end by a custom luxury bathtub designer.
METAL
Metal tubs also come in different types of metal: stainless steel, copper, and cast iron. The most expensive of these tubs are stainless steel and copper. They are considered high end and are a special addition to any bathroom. The least expensive are the cast iron bathtubs. They come in very common and affordable styles or can be vintage with a very high purchase price. The major benefit to buying one of the metal tubs is that leaks are very uncommon and they are extremely durable. Cast iron tubs are easily refurbished and if you are very lucky, you may find an antique gem for a great price at a junk yard or auction. Since they are metal, they do not retain heat as well as concrete and wood.
What Do Metal Bathtubs Cost?
Metal bathtubs vary depending on the material of the metal used. Stainless steel tubs can start in the low thousands, whereas solid gold bathtubs will range around $2.2 million (yes, we’re looking at you Mike Tyson).
PORCELAIN* AND ACRYLIC
Porcelain and acrylic bathtubs are the least expensive of all the bathtub options. They are stocked in most home improvement stores in abundance. Both types are easily obtained, but differ in care and heat retention. Porcelain tubs will not retain heat well, but are harder and extraordinarily durable. However, it does chip easily. Acrylic bathtubs are much better at keeping the water warm and are scratch resistant. Each of these bathtubs are easily refinished.
No matter the type of bathtub you buy, your plumber can indispensable in helping you pick the style, material, and size. They will also be on hand to install your new place of peace!
*When disposing of your old bathtub, contact your local disposal organization as some materials, such as porcelain, may be considered environmentally hazardous.
