Steel Baths vs Acrylic Baths – Which Is Best For Me?
Choosing the right bath can feel like a daunting task, especially with the wide range of shapes and sizes available on the market today. While the shape and size of your bath will depend on your personal preferences, available space, and specific requirements, deciding between a steel or acrylic bath can be confusing. Both options offer distinct benefits, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Below is a summary of the pros and cons of each type to help you make an informed decision about whether a steel bathtub or an acrylic bath is right for you.
Steel Bathtubs
As the name suggests, steel baths are exceptionally strong, which has ensured their enduring popularity. Their rigidity and durability often make them ideal for families or as a shower bath option. These baths are built to last, with some brands offering extensive guarantees to reflect their quality. For example, Kaldewei specialises in manufacturing highly durable steel bathroom fittings that are renowned worldwide.
Advantages of Steel Baths
- Exceptional durability: Steel baths are very rigid and long-lasting.
- Excellent heat retention: Their high conductivity keeps water warmer for longer.
- Resistant to discolouration: The enamel finish retains its colour and resists fading.
- Chemical resistance: Durable against abrasive and chemical cleaning products.
- Hygienic surface: Steel minimises the growth of germs and bacteria.
- Clean, sharp aesthetics: Steel’s manufacturing process ensures sharp, flat lines.
- Glossy finish: Their high-gloss, bright white finish is striking.
- Variable thickness: Options include 1.6mm or 3.5mm thicknesses.
- Sustainable material: Steel is recyclable, supporting sustainability.
Disadvantages of Steel Baths
- Weight: Heavier than acrylic baths, requiring a sturdy base for installation.
- Susceptible to chipping: Can chip if heavy items are dropped inside.
- Cold to the touch initially: Although they retain heat well once warmed up.
- Potential slipperiness: Anti-slip finishes are available on all of our Bette baths to address this
- Tap hole configuration: Must be ordered with or without pre-drilled tap holes, limiting flexibility.
Acrylic Bathtubs
Acrylic baths are generally more popular and have made significant strides in quality and durability, giving steel baths stiff competition. Their main appeal lies in their warmth to the touch, extensive variety of shapes and sizes, and greater affordability compared to more exclusive steel options.
There is a common misconception that the thickness of the acrylic surface determines quality. However, the key is the material underneath. All our acrylic baths feature 5mm acrylic throughout, reinforced by seven layers of resin-bonded fibreglass, providing the necessary strength to withstand daily use. Below are the main advantages and disadvantages of acrylic baths.
Advantage of Acrylic Baths
- Durability: Reinforced construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Warm to the touch: Offers a more comfortable and inviting experience.
- Lightweight: Easier to transport and install.
- Chip resistance: Unlikely to chip compared to steel.
- Easily repairable: Surface scratches can often be polished out.
- UV-stabilised: Prevents discolouration over time.
- Tap hole flexibility: Most models come without pre-drilled holes, allowing customisation.
- Hygienic surface: Non-porous, so it resists germs and bacteria.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Baths
- Surface sensitivity: Highly abrasive cleaning products can wear away the surface, leading to stains.
- Less rigidity: Not as structurally rigid as steel baths.
- Lower heat retention: Loses heat more quickly than steel.
- Prone to surface scratches: More susceptible to minor scratches.
- Finish quality: The white finish is not as brilliant as that of steel.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has made the process of choosing the right bath for your bathroom less overwhelming. To summarise, a steel vs acrylic bath comparison often comes down to your priorities. 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.
Whether you choose a steel bathtub or an acrylic bath, make sure to review the pros and cons carefully and talk to one of our design experts for more help.
