A variety of materials, including acrylic, enamel cast iron, fiberglass, porcelain enamel, and cast enamels like cultured marble, are used to make bathtubs. Each of these materials has a distinct appearance, a special attraction factor, and distinctive cleaning and maintenance recommendations. To remove hard water stains and surface etching from a cultured marble bathtub, you must adhere to some special cleaning guidelines. You can get rid of all these problems and keep your tub looking good with the help of good bathtub cleaning advice.
Natural Stone Tubs for a Sophisticated Look
Using natural stone for your bathtub will not only bring beauty to your bathroom but will also enhance value over the long run in a number of different ways. If you utilize a natural cut, natural stone bathtubs might be one of the methods to bring a little piece of the outdoors into your bathroom. Italian or French designs can benefit from a polished cut to give them a sense of high society.
Stone types for bathtubs
Stone comes in a variety of types, and there are countless possibilities for bathtub designs. Cultured marble is one of the most popular ones right now. Crushed limestone, resin, and gelcoat are combined to create this product. Although it is less expensive than natural stone, it is more durable than other types of materials.
Granite, marble, onyx, sandstone, travertine, and basalt are just a few of the alternatives available in natural stone. They are all excellent options, have a variety of colors, and are very strong. The weight is something to keep in mind, though, when thinking about a stone bathtub. Make sure the flooring can support the weight before using it because it is very heavy, especially if the bathroom is on the second or third floor. You must decide how the bathtub will be transported to higher levels by the people providing it.
Your thoughts for a bathtub might change because there are certain distinctions between the various natural elements and how they appear. A translucent stone with a polished sheen is onyx, for example. Travertine is only available in the colors white, off-white, and a few shades of rust, and it can have a rough or smooth finish. Granite is available in a variety of hues and even in glittery varieties.
Stone Has Many Benefits
Compared to acrylic or plastic bathtubs, natural stone has a number of benefits. Utilizing it in your bathroom has three key benefits.
It appears fantastic. Any surface quickly gains richness and elegance when natural stone is applied. While travertine lends itself to a more rustic sophistication, some stones, like marble, are luxurious and affluent.
Stone allows for creative expression. There are few design restrictions because the stone is available in hundreds of colors and either polished or rough surfaces. You have a wide range of design options because they may be combined and sliced for arches and other intricate elements.
Natural stone has the quality of durability. It has a long lifespan. Stone is difficult to chip or crack. Humidity could cause the color to fade over time, but regular maintenance will halt or defer this.
Unexpected Facts about Stone Marble Bathtubs
The majority of homeowners hold misconceptions about stones that aren’t necessarily true. The following information may surprise you.
Stone prolongs the warmth of your bath. Because of phrases like “stone cold,” many people believe that stone is chilly. Stone holds heat, therefore that isn’t true at all. It stops the hot bath water’s heat from escaping. With stone, you may prolong the enjoyment of your hot bath without adding extra hot water.
Stone baths exist in a variety of forms. Many people mistakenly believe that a stone bathtub can only be constructed as a conventional, rectangular bathtub. That is untrue. Oval shapes are a common choice for a stone bathtub design. Usually, it’s deep enough for you to slip in and completely submerge. For a more contemporary appearance, they can alternatively be square-shaped. The boat and slipper bath are two more unusual ideas.
A bath that appears to be a hole dug into a rock pool is an option for those who prefer a completely natural appearance. Your breath will be taken away by this stunning design.
Natural stone baths can be intricately carved, giving them a rich appearance and distinctive aesthetics. Sculptors first cut the stone down to the tub’s size before beginning to carve it. The shape is then defined once the center has been hollowed out. The tub is sanded after the thickness has been verified. The tub’s last finishing touches are carved, and the whole thing is polished.
Keeping a Stone Bath Clean
Recognize that despite stone’s durability, maintaining its aesthetic requires special maintenance. One reason is that stone is porous and will take in whatever is applied to it. It must therefore be sealed before being used or cleaned, if at all possible.
Additionally, keep in mind that certain abrasive cleansers will wear down your sealer. When that occurs, elements like hard water, mold, and mildew penetrate into your stone, decreasing its lifespan and discoloring it. Most professionals advise using a pH-neutral tile cleanser. To remove hard water buildup, use a minimally abrasive cream cleanser.
The greatest thing you can do for your stone bathtub is to just wipe it clean with a squeegee after each usage. The grout, caulking, or silicone around the tiles should also be checked. You don’t want them to deteriorate and start leaking water behind them. Your maintenance schedule should include touch-ups along your walls and flooring.
The cost of natural stone bathtubs is more than that of other tub kinds, but the majority of homeowners who opt for one do so because they appreciate its beauty and flair. This is especially true given that upgrading a bathroom has been shown to raise a home’s value. An investment worth thinking about is this one.
