Solid Surface Bathtubs | 12 Pros and Cons

A one-of-a-kind bathtub turns a daily bath into a daily extravaganza! Choose a solid surface tub to add a touch of glamour to your tub time.

A solid surface or resin bathtub is a tub manufactured using a single, seamless mold from various synthetic materials. This means you can have a tub made to any specifications – any size or shape to match your bathroom space.

One great manufacturer of luxury solid surface bathtubs is Aquaticausa.com. Use coupon code SHANA10 for 10% off any bathtub there.

Solid Surface Bathtubs: What You Need to Know

Solid surface is an artificial, synthetic material manufactured from a blend of plant-based or synthetic resins and natural materials. The most common materials are marble dust, an aluminum-rich ore called bauxite, acrylic, polyester and epoxy resins, and different pigments.

Solid surface is making a name for itself in the bathtub market as the material resembles stone, granite, or marble. While natural stone can be expensive, synthetic solid surface materials are more affordable.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of solid surface bathtubs.

9 Pros of Solid Surface Bathtubs

A solid surface bathtub can add a touch of class, style, and elegance to your bathroom. These are the reasons why you should consider this tub material:

1. The Appearance of the Bathtub

The materials used to manufacture a solid surface or resin bathtub create a natural look. The tubs resemble stone, marble, or granite. As each tub is made using a mold, the tub does not have any unsightly seams or blemishes, creating a beautiful focal point in your bathroom.

2. The Smooth Texture

The mold technique also ensures a velvety smooth finish on each bathtub. If you prefer a high-gloss finish on your bathtub, speak to the manufacturer to create a bespoke work of art to match the décor in your bathroom.

3. Beautiful Colors 

Different color pigments can be added to the materials during the manufacturing process. Solid surface bathtubs are unique in that the color doesn’t fade and remains constant throughout the lifetime of the bathtub.

Solid surface allows a variety of colors, designs, and patterns. Match the colors of your tub to your existing fixtures and décor or create something brand new and exciting.

4. A Variety of Sizes and Shapes

Solid surface bathtubs are available in many shapes and sizes with many different options. Choose from any installation design, including freestanding, undermount, or even alcove and corner tub options.

Select an oval, rectangular, or square shape or any design to fit your space.

5. Easy to Clean and Hygienic

The materials used to create a solid surface bathtub are non-porous and low maintenance, so keeping the surface clean and hygienic is easy.

Solid surface is antimicrobial, which means tubs made from this material are mold, mildew, and bacteria-resistant.

Common household cleaners and a clean, damp sponge are all you need to keep your tub clean, sparkling, and sanitized.

6. Easy to Repair

Not much can damage a solid surface bathtub, but occasionally a scratch might appear, or the surface can look worn and dull due to regular wear and tear.

Repairing a solid surface bathtub is easy. All it takes is a gentle buff over the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, wiping off the dust with a soft cloth, and a quick polish with a polishing compound.

As the surface of solid surface bathtubs are gel-coated, they will not crack or yellow, reducing the need for further painting or resealing.

7. Long-Lasting and Durable

Solid surface tubs will last forever if they are properly maintained. Generally, they won’t fade or crack and are not subject to everyday wear and tear problems like other materials.

 8. Heat-Retention Properties

While most bathtub materials will keep water warm for about 20 – 30 minutes, the synthetic materials used for a solid surface bathtub ensure a tub that retains heat and is warm to the touch for longer.

9. Eco-friendly

The heat-retention properties of a solid surface bathtub mean that your warm tub water will stay warmer for longer without the need to top up. This, in turn, reduces your water and power bills and benefits the environment.

Most solid surface bathtub materials are 100% recyclable, meaning less landfill waste.

3 Cons of Solid Surface Bathtubs

These are a few reasons why owning a solid surface bathtub might be a problem for you:

1. The Price

As the materials for a solid surface bathtub are manufactured, they can be pretty pricey. Depending on the size, brand, and system, you can expect to pay around $2 100.00 to $25 000.00 for a good bathtub.

The price of a bathtub is determined by weight and height – the taller the tub, the heavier tub will be.

Factor into the costs the price of a contractor to install the tub. Prices range from $1 400.00 to $10 750.00 depending on the type of work that needs to be done. The US national average for a contractor to install a bathtub is $5 700.00 (Source)

2. The Weight of the Bathtub

A solid surface bathtub can be very heavy depending on the type of materials used, but they can also be lightweight.

For instance, an acrylic alcove tub can weigh around 85 lbs (38.5 kg), whereas a Freestanding solid surface tub can weigh about 100 lbs (45.3 kg). Remember to factor in the weight of a tub full of water when deciding where to place the tub in your bathroom space.

When a tub is too heavy, you may not be able to place it on an upper floor without adding additional floor supports.

3. Difficult to Source

Solid surface bathtubs are fairly new to the bathtub space, so they could be challenging to find. This is changing as the demand for these tub types grows, but purchasing a solid surface bathtub could mean ordering a bespoke tub instead of simply buying a standard one from your local supplier. 

One place to find great solid surface tubs is Aquaticausa.com. (Use coupon code SHANA10 to get 10% off any purchase.)

Solid Surface Vs. Acrylic Bathtub

Solid surface and acrylic bathtubs are popular as they are both durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean with minimal wear and tear.

Are there any differences between solid surface and acrylic tubs? Let’s take a look:

Material	Mold cast	Reinforced	Gel-coated	Solid color	Recyclable	Finish
Solid Surface	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Matte/glossy
Acrylic	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Glossy

Both bathtub types are durable, versatile, easy to maintain, and generally affordable. Solid surface is generally a higher-end material than acrylic.

The shape, size, and available colors might well decide your choice of bathtub material.

Which Bathtub Type is the Most Durable?

The most durable bathtub material should be easy-to-clean, mildew and mold-resistant, and retain heat well. The more durable the bathtub material is, the longer the tub’s lifespan.

Here are some of the most durable bathtub types:

Tub Material	Reason
Solid Surface	Long-lasting Retains heat Eco-friendly Repairable 100% recyclable
Fiberglass	Lightweight Simple to install Easy to clean Repairable
Acrylic	Lightweight Easy to install Retains heat Mildew and mold resistant
Porcelain-enameled Steel	Long-lasting Easy to clean
Stone	Long-lasting Retains heat Chip resistant
Porcelain-enameled Cast Iron	Long-lasting Retains heat Chip and scratch resistant Repairable
Copper	Long-lasting Retains heat Mildew and mold resistant
Wood	Long-lasting Retains heat Eco-friendly Repairable

How to Clean a Solid Surface Bathtub

Cleaning a solid surface tub is relatively easy and doesn’t require any special tools or supplies. While there are a few different home remedies that you can use to clean your bathtub, avoid using acetone, solid acids, and alcohol, as these could stain the tub.

Here is the best way to clean a solid surface bathtub and make any necessary minor repairs to the surface:

Cleaning materials:

• A soft clean cloth of sponge
• Mild cleaning solutions like dishwashing liquid
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• A polishing compound

Directions:

1. Wet the bathtub – sides, bottom, and rim
2. Sprinkle the cleaning solution across all of the surfaces of the tub
3. Leave the solution to soak on all the surfaces – follow the manufacturer’s directions on the packaging
4. Using the soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the surfaces
5. Rinse all the detergent off the surface with clean water, removing all the soap
6. To remove any minor scratches from the surface, gently rub the sandpaper over the scratches using a circular motion, buffing the area
7. Wipe away any dust with the soft cloth
8. Polish the sanded areas using the polishing compound and a soft cloth – follow the manufacturer’s directions on the packaging

Freestanding Solid Surface Bathtub

Freestanding bathtubs are simply pure elegance in any bathroom setting. Solid surface bathtubs go the extra mile by adding to the bathing experience, providing a high-quality, luxury tub.

A freestanding bathtub is the best of both worlds – a focal point in any bathroom and a place to bathe at the end of the day – practical and functional!

The beauty of a freestanding solid surface bathtub is the design and elegance that the tub brings to the space and the size.

Should I Buy a Solid Surface Bathtub?

A solid surface bathtub is a must for those looking for an easy-to-clean, long-lasting, beautiful bathtub that could add value to your home.

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