Published in Ciao Magazine - 30/03/13 - Choosing the best bath tub.

Rarely does a day go past where I am not asked what is the best type of bath to buy. Picking a bath is usually one of the bigger decisions when renovating your bathroom and some thought should go into it. Showrooms should have a good range of bath tubs in different styles and sizes. The two main materials baths are made from are acrylic and and steel. So which is best?

Steel baths are general coated with an enamel coat. These enamel coats are hard wearing and generally hard to scratch. The down side of this is that the enamel coat can chip if something like a metal toy or tool is dropped on it. Once the enamel is chipped there are no real quick fixes. It can be patched up fairly well professionally but it is never good news when a chip does occur. Steel baths that are looked after can last for decades but people must remember that they will tire and and given that the rest of the bathroom is renovated every ten to fifteen years or so it may pay to also replace the bath.

Acrylic baths are always going to be lighter than steel baths therefore making transportation and installation that bit easier.
A good acrylic bath should ware well. Over time if your acrylic bath starts to get scratches you can use some gumption and get rewarding results. For more serious scratches you can even use car cut and polish but care must be taken as it may affect the shine of the bath.

Acrylic baths are becoming more popular now because it is argued they have superior thermal properties to steel baths. For example if it is a cold day and you steel bath has absorbed the cold and you fill it with warm water the temperature of the water will drop quicker and require hot water top ups sooner than an acrylic bath. An acrylic bath if taken care of can save you a lot of money.

I wish every one the very best for 2013 and remember to keep the email questions coming as it is always a pleasure to give some good helpful advice.

Don't Wait, Come On and Renovate!

All the best,

Salvi Messina
Owner of Renovation Boys