Good Better Best: Bathtubs & Shower Pans
Picking the right bathtub or shower pan for your bathroom is a bit like choosing the right shoes for a long hike. It might not be the flashiest part of your outfit, but it does make a difference in how you feel at the end of the day. Whether you’re looking at shower pans for frequent use or bathtubs you can soak in every now and then, it’s helpful to look at the available options in terms of good, better, and best.
Every day, our team at Lamont Bros. Design & Construction helps homeowners just like you navigate the challenges of remodeling their bathrooms. Having worked with nearly every type of bathtub and shower pan available, we understand that different options fit the needs of different homeowners. The trick is figuring out which one is best for your specific lifestyle and preferences.
This article will serve as your guide to the world of bathtubs and shower pans, laid out in good, better, and best categories. By the time we’re done, you’ll be ready to navigate through your choices with confidence. We’ll cover the different types of bathtub and shower pan materials, as well as available fixtures for your tub or shower. The specific products we’ll discuss include:
Good: Fiberglass & Acrylic Bathtubs & Shower Pans
In the “Good” category, the primary focus is on providing practical, cost-effective options. These products are ideal for homeowners seeking form and function without the need for high-end features or custom designs. Typically made from materials like acrylic or fiberglass, these fixtures are designed to meet basic needs and fit standard bathroom layouts.
Good Bathtubs and Shower Pans
Bathtubs and shower pans in this category come in a limited selection of styles and sizes. They are typically made from acrylic or fiberglass.
Acrylic is a plastic material formed into shape through a vacuum process, known for its durability and glossy finish. Fiberglass is made from woven strands sealed with resin, offering a lightweight but slightly less durable option.
The most common types of fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs are alcove or drop-in.
Advantages of Fiberglass & Acrylic:
Cost-Effective: Fiberglass and acrylic materials are generally less expensive, making them accessible for budget-conscious homeowners.
Lightweight: Both acrylic and fiberglass are lighter than premium materials, simplifying the installation process.
Standard Sizing: Designed to fit in conventional bathroom spaces, these units often come in standard sizes, making them ideal for straightforward renovations without extensive customization.
Challenges of Fiberglass & Acrylic:
Durability Concerns: While sufficient for everyday use, acrylic and fiberglass may not withstand the test of time as well as other materials. There’s a high chance these materials may start signs of wear such as cracking or fading sooner.
Limited Customization: Choices in shape, color, and size are generally more restricted in this category. The options are primarily limited to basic whites and standard designs.
Acoustic and Tactile Feel: These materials can sometimes feel flimsy or sound hollow. This might detract from the user’s experience compared to more solid materials.
Good Fixtures for Bathtubs and Shower Pans
Fixtures in the “Good” tier include standard shower heads, trims, and spouts. These are designed to perform basic functions, with manual temperature control and standard spray patterns.
Better: Cast Iron Bathtubs & Shower Pans
The “Better” category offers materials and features that provide a noticeable upgrade from the basic options. Homeowners looking for a balance between cost and quality will find this category appealing, as it introduces improvements in materials, durability, and aesthetic flexibility without reaching into the high-end price range.
Better Bathtubs and Shower Pans
In this tier, bathtubs and shower pans are made from cast iron, which provides better durability and a more polished look.
Cast iron tubs are known for their long-lasting qualities and classic appeal. They are a popular choice in this category due to their ability to retain heat longer than lighter materials. Tubs in this tier are only available as drop-in or alcove designs, but the enhanced material quality improves the overall experience.
Advantages of Cast Iron:
Enhanced Durability: One major advantage of cast iron is that it is extremely durable and resistant to wear. Bathtubs and shower pans made from this material probably won’t need to be replaced within your lifetime.
Superior Heat Retention: Cast iron is an excellent heat insulator, meaning that it can keep bathwater warm for longer periods of time.
More Design Options: Tubs and shower pans in this category offer more variety in designs and finishes, allowing for greater customization to match your needs. You’ll find bathtubs with more depth and shower pans with more shape and sizing options.
Challenges of Cast Iron:
Increased Weight: The substantial weight of cast iron requires stronger support structures in the installation area, which might complicate the installation process.
Higher Cost: While more affordable than the most luxurious options, cast iron and high-quality acrylics are still more expensive than basic materials.
Maintenance Requirements: These materials may need more upkeep to maintain their appearance and functionality, especially in hard water areas where mineral buildup can occur.
Better Fixtures for Bathtubs and Shower Pans
Fixtures in the “Better” level may include upgraded shower heads with better water efficiency and controls. Specialty options such as hand showers also become available in this tier. These allow for easier cleaning and are particularly useful for bathing children, pets, and the elderly.
Best: Luxury and Customization
Homeowners who seek the utmost in style, material quality, and innovative features will find their needs met in the “Best” category. This tier is characterized by high-end materials and cutting-edge designs.
Best Bathtubs and Shower Pans
This tier features materials such as solid surface composites, natural stone, and high-end metals.
Solid surface composite bathtubs and shower pans are generally made from ground stone and polymer resins, similar to the makeup of quartz countertops. They can be manufactured in many different sizes, shapes, and styles. Tile shower pans also fit into this category.
Stone bathtubs are just what they sound like – a tub cut from a single block of stone. While exceptionally heavy, they make for a striking focal point when incorporated in a bathroom’s design.
High-end metal bathtubs, such as copper or iron claw-footed tubs, can add style and flair to a bathroom. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-modern or more classic style, metal tubs can be a great option.
Tile shower pans offer a high level of customizability in color, style, and size. However, they often require much more labor for installation, putting them in the highest tier.
Advantages of High-End Materials:
Exquisite Craftsmanship: Materials like natural stone and high-end composites achieve both beauty and longevity. These products offer bespoke elements that far surpass the quality and durability of entry-level materials.
Customization at Its Peak: With options for custom shapes, sizes, and finishes, these bathtubs and shower pans can be tailored to specific design preferences and dimensions, offering unparalleled personalization.
Enhanced Comfort and Features: Many luxury bathtubs are deeper and include ergonomic features for comfort. They may feature additional upgrades like integrated hydrotherapy and ambient lighting.
Challenges of High-End Materials:
Significant Investment: The cost associated with these premium materials and custom designs is considerably higher, reflecting their superior quality and exclusivity.
Complex Installation: The installation of freestanding and oversized tubs or shower pans often requires professional handling. In some cases, especially heavy tubs require structural reinforcement of the installation area.
Maintenance and Care: The care required for materials like natural stone and high-end metals can be more demanding. You may need specific cleaning products and regular upkeep to maintain them.
Best Fixtures for Bathtubs and Shower Pans
At the “Best” level, fixtures include state-of-the-art options such as electronically controlled showers with customizable water flow and temperature settings, steam nozzles, and even mood lighting.
Want More Design Inspiration For Your Bathroom?
After reading this article, do you feel more confident choosing from the different bathtubs and shower pans available to you? As you continue your research, take some time to check out our Bathroom Portfolio. There, you can view photos of past bathroom remodels by our team at Lamont Bros. and gather inspiration for your next project.
Think it’s time to start talking with a design professional about your bathroom remodel? If so, click the button below to schedule a free meeting with a member of our team. Let’s begin the first steps in transforming your current bathroom into the bathroom of your dreams.
