In the past, bathtubs were regarded as simply a place to get large objects clean. This included household items, pets, outdoor equipment and humans. It was oftentimes added into homes as an afterthought; the plumber generally never planned for a bathtub and was added once the home was finished. Historically, bathtubs were reserved for the rich as a rare luxury. Today, bathtubs are available to people of all social rankings. During the framing stage of a home, plumbing is inserted for the future bathtub(s). These days, bathing is not just to get clean; many use their bathtubs as a place for meditation. Others use their bathtubs as an escape from their day or for therapeutic or medical assistance. Some even get lavish bathtubs as a way to show wealth and prestige. Because of the various reasons people want or need a bathtub, there are many designs to choose from such as built-in tubs, soaking tubs and specialty tubs. There are also numerous bathtub materials. Some of these materials include fiberglass/gelcoat (FRP), acrylic, porcelain on steel (POS), cast iron, marble and wood. Depending on what the bathtub is made out of it will determine most of the cost.
The Basics of Bathtub Materials
Fiberglass/Gelcoat (FRP) is possibly the most cost-effective material to be used in the making of a bathtub. The majority of bathtubs today are made out of fiberglass/gelcoat because it is light weight, inexpensive and fairly simple to install. However, the gelcoat surface is thinner and less durable than other materials such as acrylic. Also, because these kinds of bathtubs have a thinner coating, their color may fade over time. Fiberglass bathtubs scratch quite easily as well. Acrylic is a material that is rather similar to fiberglass but on average, it tends to cost more. Unlike fiberglass, acrylic bathtubs have the color mixed throughout the entire substance of the material, rather than just a thin layer. Thus, these bathtubs rarely loose color and have a high-gloss finish that lasts a lot longer than fiberglass. There are many more advantages of an acrylic bathtub over a fiberglass bathtub. Acrylic is much easier to clean and is also an insulator; bathtub water stays warmer longer. Scratches are more easily handled because they can be buffed out whereas fiberglass cannot. Some acrylic bathtubs are manufactured in such a way that when hit with a hammer, it will not crack! Porcelain on Steel (POS) is perhaps the next most expensive material to choose for a bathtub. A layer of porcelain is added to a body of steel which enables it to be damage resistant, including dents, scratches and dings. These types of bathtubs keep their color over time, are highly sanitary, easily cleaned and are even flame-proof! At the same time, porcelain does not handle direct impact well and are susceptible to chips and rusting when the porcelain comes off. Cast iron bathtubs are very low-maintenance. They can last for years but are very pricey. Cast iron is quite heavy; an average bathtub weighs around 200 to 300 pounds. They are wonderful for reducing vibration and noise. Like acrylic bathtubs, cast iron tubs are also great for keeping water warm. On the down side, they are mainly used today for appearance. Cast iron bathtubs, at largest, are only 5 feet long, will not accommodate two people and cannot have jets added to them. Marble bathtubs are convenient because they are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost any bathroom. They are likely one of the most attractive bathtubs but are quite expensive. Marble bathtubs can scratch easily and are fragile; they will most likely crack at some point. Thermal shock of the bath water can easily ruin the brittle composition of marble. Wood bathtubs are also attractive but are very high-maintenance and have a much shorter lifespan than other materials. Also, a wooden bathtub must have a waterproof floor in order to be installed. Another drawback is that they cost a lot and many areas of the U.S. do not allow wood bathtubs.
Price Ranges of Bathtubs
Depending on the material chosen for your bathtub, expect these rough price ranges:
For a cast iron bath tub: $250- $1300
For an acrylic bath tub: $300 to $1000
For a standard 5-foot whirlpool model: $600- $1500
For a freestanding soaking tub: $1600- $3700
For a large, luxurious whirlpool model: $2000- $5000
For a whirlpool tub with exotic water elements: $5000- $7000
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