SOLID SURFACE TUBS
Solid surface bathtubs have not been around for a long time as compared to other tubs but have taken the home décor market by storm. Most homeowners have turned their eye to these tubs for their superior features. What could you be looking for in a tub if not a smooth surface, warmth, durability, and a gorgeous look? This is exactly what a solid surface tub offers. The popularity and respect these high-performance tubs command in the market is deserved.
Solid surface is a manmade material containing a blend of minerals and synthetic resins. This mixture can be molded into any shape and size. The luxurious smooth texture of the material makes it a popular choice among homeowners. While pointing out its features, we can’t forget to point out its heat-retention properties. These tubs are warm to the touch, and the bather can enjoy long baths even without adding hot water.
Installation Options of Solid Surface Tubs
These tubs can be installed in a bathroom in many ways; the options are plenty. Most solid surface tubs are installed as freestanding tubs. These, particularly, give your bath a glamourous look as they act as a focal point in your bath. Fitting it right at the middle of your bathroom ensures that it draws all the attention, leaving you with options of how to equip the rest of the space.
Solid surface tubs can also be installed as drop-in tubs. This is guaranteed to give your bath that ‘wow’ factor, especially if the flooring around and the skirt are matched with the rest of the fixtures such as cabinets. Undermounts are also popular in bathrooms, and solid surface tubs also fit this installation type. These tubs offer a refined alternative to self-rimming options, which include drop-in tubs. The rim of undermount solid surface tubs is placed beneath a material such as stone or tile, giving your bathtub a seamless and smooth finish.
Another way these tubs can be installed is through alcove installation. This way, the solid surface tub is surrounded by walls on three sides. The front side of these tubs is covered with a tub apron. Depending on the configuration of your tub, these tubs could be fitted with a right-handed or left-handed drain.
Installing solid surface tubs as corner tubs is always a viable option, especially for small bathrooms. Where space is limited, this is always a good way of installing your solid surface bathtub. This helps you utilize the rest of the space by fitting other fixtures such as cabinets.
Shapes and Sizes of Solid Surface Tubs
The moldable nature of the solid surface material makes it perfect for yielding different shapes and sizes of bathtubs. The classic oval shape is probably the most common for its elegant and beautiful look. It’s a shape that goes well with other styles of the bath, and you can experiment and try out different combinations with other bathroom fixtures.
Rectangular solid surface tubs are also readily available in the market. This shape is best suited for those who prefer a traditional style and look of the bath. Sculpted hourglass shaped solid surface tubs offer your bath a different look and have the ability to your bath a spa-like look and feel. Square and round solid surface tubs are space-saving and can, therefore, be installed in small baths. Slipper silhouettes are also perfect for any bath but are preferred by those who value a long and warm soak in the tub.
Solid surface tubs differ in their sizes. They range from diminutive to oversized. The small bathtubs are used by one person and are not the best choice for soaking baths. Large tubs, on the other hand, are perfect for soaking and can even be customized for two to bathe at the same.
Cleaning and Maintaining Solid Surface Tubs
Solid surface material is antibacterial by nature and also easy to clean. What’s more, it resists mildew, mold, and staining. However, it is not impervious to abrasions or scratches, and surface damage is easy to repair. Best cleaning practices of these tubs include using warm water, nonabrasive, mild cleaning solutions and a soft cloth to rinse the surface after each bath.
Repairing scratched surfaces of these tubs is not as difficult either. First, you rub off the scratches using coarse-grit sandpaper in a circular motion. After that, smoothen the surface using fine-grit sandpaper and wipe off the dust using a soft cloth. Lastly, apply a polishing compound over the sanded surface to restore the look of your bathtub.
Solid surface tubs are tubs that adopt a sleek design with ingenious styles to select. Custom coloring of these tubs is also available. Whenever you’re looking for a durable and easy to maintain tub, a solid surface tub would be the best choice.
