When it comes to bathroom remodeling, the choices and pretty close to endless which can the process more than a bit overwhelming. Oil rubbed bronze or chrome fixtures? Granite or marble countertop? Natural or man-made stone flooring?
But one decision that can be especially difficult to make is the choice of material for your bathtub. After all, it’s the material that determines a tub’s price, durability, ease of installation, and ease of maintenance.
So to make this process a little easier, here are the key advantages and disadvantages to porcelain-on-iron and fiberglass tubs.
Cost
If you’re trying to save some dough on your bath remodel, a fiberglass bathtub will cost you a fraction of its porcelain counterpart. Because fiberglass tubs are so light (weighing in around 65 pounds), they can be manufactured in larger quantities and are more cost-effective to ship. Their molded nature allows retailers to stack several of them in the amount of space required for just one porcelain tub.
Durability
Fiberglass bathtubs of today are not like those made years ago. They are stronger and more durable than ever before. Yet, there’s a reason your grandmother’s bathtub is still standing (pink as it may be) and fully functional. Porcelain tubs hold up well over the years and don’t need to be replaced as often as fiberglass. So if you’re looking to add value to your home, consider splurging on porcelain.
Installation
Lightweight fiberglass bathtubs are easier to maneuver and install than porcelain. If you’re working with a tight space or the bathtub needs to be lifted over a toilet or vanity to get it into place, fiberglass might be the way to go. Concerned about a fiberglass tub buckling under foot? Ask your installers to lay down a base of wet mortar prior to installing the tub.
Maintenance
While porcelain bathtubs are more durable than fiberglass, their undersides are more prone to rust should there be a leak in the tub area. And once iron begins to rust, so begins its demise. However, porcelain bathtubs cannot handle a good scrub down with harsh, abrasive cleansers, so they need to be cleaned more often but with non-abrasive cleaners and cloths.
When it comes to bathroom plumbing and installations, Norhio Plumbing is rich in experience and up on all the latest materials and styles to better help you accomplish your separate goals for added beauty, convenience, and safety. For assistance with your bathroom remodeling project, contact Norhio Plumbing today.