Stone resin baths
A stone resin bathtub is a fairly modern alternative made of a type of composite that includes stones, minerals and acrylic materials. These resin bathtubs are also known as solid surface bathtubs and have a beautiful natural look and feel. They come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, are lightweight and extremely durable. Although more costly than acrylic, it is cheaper to make and instal than cast iron, and a stone resin bathtub can last 70 years.
Stone resin tubs are made of real, natural stones which are crushed and then bound together using polymer resin and other natural minerals. In a similar way that cultured marble stone tubs have a blend of limestone, resins, and fillers with a gel topcoat and are waterproof, resin tubs are impermeable against discoloration from water and are made with a glossy, gel coating.
Acrylic tubs are made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fibreglass. Acrylic is lighter than stone resin and quite easy to instal, though it can feel flimsy. Acrylic tubs require proper reinforcement during installation, particularly on their stress points.
Both stone resin bathtubs and acrylic tubs feature a non-porous surface that is easy to clean and repair should the surface become damaged or scratched. The finish on acrylic tubs will scratch and discolour over time. Acrylic tubs are far less durable and more vulnerable to scratches and breaks, resulting in more repair costs over the lifespan.
Advantages of stone resin tubs:
- They are easy to clean and easy to maintain.
- They have great heat retention, so you can expect to have a long, comfortable bath without needing to re-warm the water.
- They are a highly flexible material that can be moulded into a lot of different tub styles, sizes, and shapes.
- They are highly durable and don't scratch, chip, or break easily.
- As a non-porous surface, they are resistant to mould, stains, bacteria, chemicals, flaking, breakage, and dirt.
- Repairs are possible and not too complicated if damage does occur.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.