All About Standing Fiberglass Bathtubs
There are so many bathtub materials available today of various types and prices. You can choose from old fashioned materials like cast iron, copper, and wood. Then there are modern materials like acrylic. And there are also cutting edge varieties, including stainless steel, stone, and glass. Among this vast assortment of bathtub materials are standing fiberglass bathtubs. Fiberglass, like all other bathtub materials, has its advantages. In this article we'll take a closer look at fiberglass and how it works for bathtubs.
A Few Advantages of Free Standing Fiberglass Bathtubs
Free Standing bathtubs are molded into their respective shapes with wooden frames to provide a sturdy support. You'll want to search for a bathtub that has a durable frame and is made with thick fiberglass. Here are a few of the advantages of a fiberglass bathtub.
Fiberglass is an inexpensive material. One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass is that it doesn't cost much to use. Therefore, the finished products don't cost as much as other materials. This means that standing fiberglass bathtubs are one of the least expensive bathtub options for you.
Fiberglass is light. Standing fiberglass bathtubs are incredibly light weight. In fact, it’s one of the lightest materials available. So you won't have to worry about whether your floor framing can support it as you might have to with cast iron (like Clawfoot Bathtubs) or other heavier materials. If you're planning to install the tub yourself, fiberglass is the perfect material for the job. It's light enough to handle yourself.
Fiberglass isn't impossible to repair. Some types of tubs, once they crack, it's over and you can't repair the base material. Not so with standing fiberglass bathtubs. Cracks in the actual fiberglass can easily be repaired with epoxy resin. And surface scratches can be eliminated with white water based automotive polishing compound.
Maintaining Standing Fiberglass Bathtubs
Aside from being less expensive than other bathtub materials, being lightweight, and easy to repair even major cracks, fiberglass is also easy to maintain and clean. Standing fiberglass bathtubs can scratch but this isn't difficult to avoid by taking the following cleaning tips:
Don’t use harsh or abrasive cleaning products. Never use scouring pads or powders or steel wool on standing fiberglass bathtubs. These will scratch the surface.
Use mild cleaning products. Dishwashing detergent and liquid laundry detergent are excellent every day cleaning products for standing fiberglass bathtubs. You can also use alkali solutions (like baking soda mixed with water) to get rid of rings and stains on the surface of the fiberglass. When cleaning, wash the surface with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. And be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning to avoid leaving residue behind.
As already noted, stains and even cracks in the fiberglass itself can be repaired by relatively easy means. And fiberglass is light weight and cost effective. These combined facts make standing fiberglass bathtubs an attractive and advantageous bathtub material. If you're remodeling or considering replacing your Vintage Freestanding Bathtub, look into the several ways a freestanding fiberglass bathtub could benefit you.
