A stone bathtub (so-called cultured marble in U.S.) is becoming one of our most popular renovation bathroom furnishings. Famous for their smooth shapes, and easy to clean durability; nothing says relaxation like a stone bathtub full of steaming hot water. Appreciated by devotees of minimalist and natural décor, a stone bathtub coordinates with nearly every contemporary style of interior design.
To help you decide whether a composite stone bathtub is appropriate for your bathroom or not, we’ve listed a few of the most commonly asked Questions and their answers.
What are stone bathtubs made from?
Although there are a small range of ‘carved’ stone bathtubs, most are a composite stone bathtubs. It would be more accurate if most stone bathtubs were called stone/resin bathtubs. They consist of tiny fragments of high grade limestone which have been refined then thoroughly mixed with strong, durable resin and a catalyst.
Are they carved?
The majority of stone bathtubs are not carved, but are poured into a mould and left to set. After the limestone resin mix has set, it is passed through a ‘curing heat tunnel’ to further maximise its hardness. Next it is inspected, and then highly polished.
Why would I buy a limestone resin mix stone bathtub instead of a hand carved one?
Apart from the relatively cheap purchase price, any bathtubs with defects, uneven thickness, or bubbles will not pass the strict quality control processes. Also a resin limestone bathtub is amazingly durable, relatively easy to install and care for.
How easy are they to install?
Like nearly every other renovation job, it’s not massively difficult if you are a skilled tradesman, or a highly skilled home renovator. We only recommend a stone bathtub should be installed by professionals.
Are they easy to keep clean?
Because a composite stone bathtub is made from limestone and resin, we recommend you care for them using different cleaning methods to other bathtubs.
Ideally, a stone bathtub should be whipped down after each use. To keep the smooth appearance, every now and then, we recommend using small amounts of non-abrasive cleaners.
Always rinse your bathtub of any cleaning products used, using repeated applications of clean rinse water.
Avoid using any cleaners which have acid in them, and abrasive cleaners which can, overtime, scratch the bathtub’s surface.
Apart from their elegant appearance, why else are they becoming so popular?
Not just a style statement, stone bathtubs have the added attraction of insulating the water held within them, thus keeping your bath warmer for longer.
Are they expensive?
Probably not as expensive as you might think; especially if you are lucky enough to purchase a stone bathtub from an auction warehouse.
When properly cared for, a stone bathtub is a stylish addition attraction for any bathroom, small or large. However, their many advantages go far beyond their appearance. It is worth noting, suppliers usually carry a range of complementary hand basins to match. And one of the most cost effective outlets for all premium quality bathroom furnishings can be found in the largest auction houses in the district of Sydney.
Pic repinned from Valery Kapinus