When selecting bathtubs for a commercial project, it’s vital to prioritize durability. The most durable bathtub material should ideally last the lifespan of the property. It should also be highly resistant to cracks and scratches, require minimal maintenance and maintain its finish over time.
Join Hansel Stone as we explore the longevity of different bathtub materials so you can make an informed decision.
The Durability of Common Bathtub Materials
To determine which bathtub material is robust enough for trade applications, we will consider three essential factors:
1. Surface Resilience: Chip, scratch and stain resistance
2. Structural Integrity: Can the tub’s load-bearing capacity support the weight without flexing or cracking, and maintain its shape under heat stress?
3. Finish Quality: The coating should prevent fading or yellowing over time, and protect the core material against wear and tear.
Let’s explore how different materials hold up when used in commercial developments.
Acrylic Bathtubs
Acrylic remains a favored selection for residential bathrooms, with its affordability making it tempting for commercial ventures as well.
The lightweight material is mass-produced from a supple acrylic sheet reinforced with fiberglass. Due to their light nature, acrylic tubs are easy to install. However, acrylic bathtubs may not deliver the refinement and resilience demanded by prestigious or high-traffic environments.
1. Surface Resilience: Acrylic tubs are reasonably resistant to minor imperfections, though vulnerable to quality degradation from abrasive cleaners or significant impact.
2. Structural Integrity: Lightweight yet potentially compromised under sustained pressure and frequent use in commercial settings.
3. Finish Quality: While initially lustrous, acrylic bathtubs may lose their brilliant character over time without regular maintenance.
Cast Iron Bathtubs
Celebrated for their heritage, aesthetic and strength, cast iron tubs have a timeless appeal. They feature a sublime porcelain enamel coating that provides a refined and durable finish.
Although the non-porous fabrication has a long-lasting performance in homes, the substantial weight of cast iron bathtubs can pose challenges. This is especially true for commercial installations in complex, multi-level properties.
1. Surface Resilience: Cast iron tubs offer exceptional resistance to everyday wear, dents and chemical exposure.
2. Structural Integrity: Extraordinarily robust and enduring, though weighty and demanding during installation.
3. Finish Quality: The enamel on cast iron bathtubs preserves a radiant, distinguished appearance for generations.
Fiberglass Bathtubs
Fiberglass tubs are one of the most economical selections available. Constructed from fiberglass layers with a gel coat finish, they offer lightweight convenience and effortless installation. However, fiberglass bathtubs’ comparative fragility makes them better suited for temporary or select commercial applications.
1. Surface Resilience: Fiberglass bathtubs are susceptible to imperfections, fading and eventual structural compromise.
2. Structural Integrity: Light yet lacking the fortitude for extended use in dynamic environments.
3. Finish Quality: The surface elegance of fiberglass tubs diminishes relatively quickly under frequent use and cleaning regimens.
Natural Stone Tubs
Stone bathtubs offer breathtaking beauty and impressive strength for elevated commercial spaces such as boutique hotels or spas. Each tub is uniquely exquisite, sculpted from materials like marble or granite.
While these tubs deliver longevity and unparalleled elegance, they require attentive care and represent a more significant investment in acquisition and installation.
1. Surface Resilience: Remarkably resistant, though certain stone varieties benefit from sealing to preserve their pristine appearance as they are porous.
2. Structural Integrity: Exceptionally durable yet considerably weighty and investment-intensive.
3. Finish Quality: Stone bathtubs have a sublime finish that endures when properly maintained.
Porcelain-Enameled Steel Bathtubs
This timeless option unites a steel tub foundation with an elegant porcelain enamel coating. Porcelain-enameled steel bathtubs present greater affordability than cast iron and reduced weight, but they also offer less durability and may occasionally chip.
These steel tubs may suit select commercial spaces but lack the sophisticated endurance required for long-term, high-volume environments.
1. Surface Resilience: Porcelain-enameled steel bathtubs have adequate resistance, though they are potentially vulnerable to chipping upon impact.
2. Structural Integrity: More manageable than cast iron, yet steel tubs are sometimes perceived as less substantial.
3. Finish Quality: Attractive glossy surface, though more delicate than the enamel of cast iron tubs.
Solid Surface Bathtubs
Solid surface bathtubs, also recognized as mineral composite or resin stone bathtubs, are masterfully engineered from natural stone and resin. They feature a seamless, contemporary aesthetic with impressive resilience.
These tubs perfectly balance stone's natural beauty and the practicality essential for distinguished commercial settings.
1. Surface Resilience: The non-porous material is highly stain resistant and withstands daily wear and tear.
2. Structural Integrity: Powerful and dependable, ideal for continuous commercial use.
3. Finish Quality: A glossy finish that is luxurious and easy to clean. Hansel Stone’s mineral resin tubs is also available to commercial partners in slate and concrete textures. Unlike other materials, our bathtubs won’t yellow over time.
Verdict: The Most Durable Tub Material for Trade Applications
So, what is the most durable material for a bathtub in a commercial build?
While cast iron tubs offer exceptional durability, their substantial weight complicates installation in many upscale commercial environments.
Fiberglass and acrylic bathtub selections provide affordability and lightweight convenience but fall short of longevity. These synthetic components also lack the refinement demanded by prestigious or multi-unit properties.
Considering all elements, mineral composite stone resin emerges as the premier choice. It combines the natural beauty of stone with the resilience required for the most demanding commercial settings.
Why Developers Choose Hansel Stone Mineral Composite
Hansel Stone Mineral Composite distinguishes itself as the exemplary bathtub material for sophisticated trade applications.
It delivers:
1. Lasting performance
2. Stain and scratch resistance
3. Uncompromising aesthetics
4. Minimal maintenance requirements
5. Easy installation
These features make the superior product a savvy selection over other bathtub materials for commercial developers and contractors.
FAQs About Choosing the Strongest Bathtub Material
What is Hansel Stone Mineral Composite?
Highly durable and visually refined, Hansel Stone Mineral Composite is a proprietary material developed in European laboratories. Engineered for strength, it offers exceptional performance alongside a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Our high-tech process applies intense heat and pressure to combine hard dolomite with elastic resin. This method creates conditions similar to those found naturally beneath the Italian Alps.
What are the advantages of Hansel Stone Mineral Composite?
In addition to being immune to cracks and scratches, our bathware is beneficial in the following ways.
Ergonomic Bathtub Shapes
With an extensive collection of bathtub shapes, you can be assured of a comfortable bathing experience.
Antibacterial
A survey revealed that 80% of Americans admit to being more conscious of germ exposure since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our solid surface freestanding tubs are made from a naturally antibacterial composition. This helps promote a cleaner, more hygienic bathing environment without the need for harsh chemicals.
Low Maintenance
The glossy, non-porous surface of Hansel Stone freestanding stone tubs makes them easy to clean, requiring no abrasive cleaners.
In the same survey, half of the respondents said they would never return, or would seriously reconsider returning, to a facility after encountering an unclean restroom. Cleanliness matters, and our tubs support faster turnover times for maintenance staff.
Exceptional Heat Retention
The dolomite we use in solid surface bathtubs plays a key role in maintaining the water's heat. Its natural balance of thermal conductivity and insulation allows the material to retain heat from the air and the water. As a result, the bath stays warmer for longer, enhancing your overall bathing experience.
Bespoke Service
At Hansel Stone, we exclusively offer full customization for commercial-grade installations.
Our design team will work with you to:
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Create bespoke bathtub shapes to improve the functionality of any bathroom layout
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Choose customised colours to make your freestanding bathtub unique
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Consider luxe surface textures for added depth.
What is the warranty on freestanding Hansel Stone bathtubs?
Hansel Stone provides a 25-year warranty for commercial developments to demonstrate our confidence in the longevity of our bathtub material. In the rare instance where the performance doesn't align with our rigorous standards, we will replace the item.
Please note: For qualified residential builds, lifetime warranty protection is available.
Invest in bathtubs that will remain functional and beautiful for the lifespan of your building. Call our friendly customer service at +1 844 870 3571 for further queries.
Hansel Stone: Resilient Tub Materials for Lasting Luxury
At Hansel Stone, we are passionate about providing functional and durable bathtubs to our prominent commercial trade partners.
We manufacture these exquisite stone bathtubs at a high-tech facility in Europe, along with a curated collection of matching bathware, featuring:
Hansel Stone Mineral Composite stands out as one of the most durable bathtub materials for trade applications. Connect with our dedicated consultants today to explore exclusive bulk pricing and flexible financing.