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.
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