How to Choose the Right Material For Your Bath
Before you buy a new bath, look beyond acrylic and explore other materials, from copper to composite
There are a few simple rules you need to follow when you’re choosing a bath. Take measurements of your bathroom, check the tub is a good fit for those planning to use it, ensure your floor will support the weight, and last but definitely not least, make sure you select the right material.
Acrylic has long been the go-to material for bath manufacturers – after all, it’s affordable, great for preserving warmth, easy to maintain and resilient – but there are plenty more choices on offer these days. As part of our Bathroom Planning guide, here are some bath material options to consider.
More in this series: How to Choose a… Shower; Shower Enclosure; Shower Head; Shower Tray; Bathroom Taps; Vanity Unit
Starting your bathroom project? Read How to Plan for a Bathroom Renovation
Acrylic has long been the go-to material for bath manufacturers – after all, it’s affordable, great for preserving warmth, easy to maintain and resilient – but there are plenty more choices on offer these days. As part of our Bathroom Planning guide, here are some bath material options to consider.
More in this series: How to Choose a… Shower; Shower Enclosure; Shower Head; Shower Tray; Bathroom Taps; Vanity Unit
Starting your bathroom project? Read How to Plan for a Bathroom Renovation
2. Copper baths
Copper is non-corrosive, so a bath of this material will last several lifetimes, and can easily be re-finished in any number of options – from bright copper to verdigris to gold. This is The Cast Iron Bath Company’s Marseille Cyprium copper bateau bath, which is lacquered for protection and has a tin interior. Maintenance is straightforward, but drying the inside of the bath with a soft cloth after use is recommended.
Find a local bathroom supplier and read reviews from previous customers.
Copper is non-corrosive, so a bath of this material will last several lifetimes, and can easily be re-finished in any number of options – from bright copper to verdigris to gold. This is The Cast Iron Bath Company’s Marseille Cyprium copper bateau bath, which is lacquered for protection and has a tin interior. Maintenance is straightforward, but drying the inside of the bath with a soft cloth after use is recommended.
Find a local bathroom supplier and read reviews from previous customers.
3. Teak baths
Indulge in the wonders of wood with a teak bath. Teak is resistant to rot and has a natural antiseptic in its oils that will eliminate unwanted germs, meaning a cleaner, mould-free environment. Examples include the Geo Single bath by William Garvey, pictured here, which can be made to order in any size. Generally, taps are either floor or wall mounted (as here), but some baths can be customised to include integrated taps.
Indulge in the wonders of wood with a teak bath. Teak is resistant to rot and has a natural antiseptic in its oils that will eliminate unwanted germs, meaning a cleaner, mould-free environment. Examples include the Geo Single bath by William Garvey, pictured here, which can be made to order in any size. Generally, taps are either floor or wall mounted (as here), but some baths can be customised to include integrated taps.
4. Cast iron baths
Durable, strong and long lasting, cast iron baths are easy to clean and arguably offer the best heat retention. If you’re planning to have a cast iron bath upstairs, check your floor joists are strong enough to support the tub, water and bathers.
Cast iron baths are often consigned to classic bathrooms, but they can make striking centrepieces in contemporary rooms, too. Walls and floors have been kept neutral here to make this fabulous roll-top bath the focus of the space.
Durable, strong and long lasting, cast iron baths are easy to clean and arguably offer the best heat retention. If you’re planning to have a cast iron bath upstairs, check your floor joists are strong enough to support the tub, water and bathers.
Cast iron baths are often consigned to classic bathrooms, but they can make striking centrepieces in contemporary rooms, too. Walls and floors have been kept neutral here to make this fabulous roll-top bath the focus of the space.
5. Steel enamel baths
Steel enamel baths are strong, durable and resistant to stains and scratches. And because baths such as the one pictured (the BetteStarlet Oval Comfort by German manufacturer Bette) are made entirely from natural materials, they can be recycled when they finally wear out. The lengthy guarantees offered by premium brands are a testament to steel enamel’s endurance – many come with a 30-year warranty.
Steel enamel baths are strong, durable and resistant to stains and scratches. And because baths such as the one pictured (the BetteStarlet Oval Comfort by German manufacturer Bette) are made entirely from natural materials, they can be recycled when they finally wear out. The lengthy guarantees offered by premium brands are a testament to steel enamel’s endurance – many come with a 30-year warranty.
A hard-wearing enamel finish keeps steel baths like this one from fading or changing colour. Cold to the touch (although it will retain heat once filled with hot water), steel is a hygienic choice, too, as it minimises germs and bacteria thanks to its non-porous properties.
6. Composite baths
A compromise on a cast iron or stone bath is composite, where a mineral is mixed with resin to create a lightweight material that can be fashioned into all manner of shapes. This Cabrits design, by Victoria + Albert Baths, is the perfect example of a bath shape formed from a composite called Quarrycast, which is warm to the touch and, due to its high stone content, absorbs and retains heat.
A compromise on a cast iron or stone bath is composite, where a mineral is mixed with resin to create a lightweight material that can be fashioned into all manner of shapes. This Cabrits design, by Victoria + Albert Baths, is the perfect example of a bath shape formed from a composite called Quarrycast, which is warm to the touch and, due to its high stone content, absorbs and retains heat.
Thanks to its strength, a composite bath promises to be a long-term fixture in your bathroom, which is good news considering its stunning good looks. This Paris bath, by The Water Monopoly, is made from Vitrite, a stone and mineral composite that replicates the look of an early 20th century French fireclay bath, but without the weight.
Tell us…
What does your dream bath look like? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Tell us…
What does your dream bath look like? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
A beautiful stone bath might be pricey and require more maintenance than your average tub, but it really does bring a new level of luxury and natural charm into your bathroom. Stone is strong and durable, and although it’s cold to the touch, it will retain heat.
Be warned, though – a stone bath is heavy, and even more so when full of water. If you want it for an upstairs bathroom, make sure your floors can take the weight!
Browse thousands of bath images to help you decide on a style for your bathroom.