What Are the Advantages of Artificial Stone Bathtubs, And Where to Buy?

What is an Artificial Stone Bathtub?

Artificial stone bathtub, also known as faux stone tub or solid surface tub, represents an evolution in bathroom fixtures. As understood by the name, these artificial stone tubs are not built from just natural materials but consist of a blend of advanced synthetic composites, natural minerals, and premium resins. This blend results in bathtubs that have the look of a premium bathtub while being highly durable and low on maintenance, which natural stone, acrylic, or cast iron can’t match. Solid surface tubs are made from a material that is durable, reliable, and premium looking, making it a highly suited option for places with bathrooms with high traffic while giving a premium look and feel to the users.

The Appeal of Solid Surface in Modern Bathroom Design

In today’s world, where modern looks and practicality are a trend, and to achieve that, homeowners and hotel owners are now moving towards faux stone tubs. They are known for their design versatility and enhanced durability, where traditional options struggle to offer it simultaneously. A solid surface tub, when installed in a bathroom space, elevates the overall feel of the space. The minimalistic matte surface of the solid surface complements other bathroom fixtures and gives a spa-like aesthetic to a bathroom space. Not only are the solid surface tubs good-looking, but the material performs just as well as it looks. This blend of material ensures durability, comfort, and hygiene for the users, redefining what modern bathtubs can achieve.

Composition, Material Science, and Manufacturing

The strength and the beauty in a solid surface tub come from the careful composition of the materials blended together during manufacturing. Let’s take a look below at what engineered composition and manufacturing processes the faux stone tub goes through to achieve such features.

▋The Core Components of Solid Surface Bathtub Material

Solid surface tub consists primarily of two crucial blends of materials, Acrylic Polymer Resin (about 30-40%) and Natural Mineral Fillers (60-70%).

Acrylic Polymer Resin is made of multiple chains of monomers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) to form a polymer known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). When the carbon–carbon double bond is broken down and a polymer chain is formed, a clear, rigid acrylic plastic is formed that is highly resistant to chemicals and moisture, giving a surface finish that is non-porous and prevents the growth of bacteria and molds like a pro. Furthermore, this material acts as a binding agent that is highly flexible, allowing manufacturers to mold sleek and attractive organic shapes of a solid surface tub.

Natural Mineral Fillers typically consist of aluminum hydroxide and bauxite, which are responsible for giving the solid surface tub the density, weight, thermal stability, and a natural, luxurious matt finish. They are the reason behind the feel of a tub like a real stone while enhancing the overall strength and longevity of the material.

▋The Manufacturing Process

With the materials selected, the right strength, finish, and look is achieved once the manufacturing is done right. The process starts with mixing of acrylic polymer resin and natural mineral fillers in appropriate quantities and blending in controlled conditions. This mixture is then vacuum cast into custom molds, where a structure is made that is free from bubbles or imperfections. Then, after the curing, the structure is thermofoamed and undergoes finishing to result in a design that is smooth and uniform across all axes, as desired, to ensure that the desired quality and surface finish are achieved. The manufacturing process and the blend of materials used ensure that different architectural shapes, surface finishes, and durability are achieved.

The Multifaceted Advantages of Artificial Stone Bathtubs

After understanding the composition of materials in a solid surface tub, it's crucial to understand what advantages this composition offers that traditional bathtubs fail to provide. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits these faux stone tubs offer.

▪ Unmatched Aesthetics and Customization

What makes a bathroom feel more modern and aesthetic is highly dependent upon seamless and monolithic design. Unlike traditional bathtubs that have some visible joints or layers, solid surface tubs are made with a single monolithic piece that looks like the tub is crafted from natural stone. Additionally, the extensive range of color options, such as white, an all-rounder, or unique color options like sky blue or light pink, and finishes such as soft matte, silky-touch, or glossy finish. This wide variety in faux stone tubs allows architects and designers to check which variation suits the best in the bathroom to make the tub blend seamlessly with the overall design of the space.

▪ Superior Durability and Maintenance

Other than the looks, the key area where solid surface excels the most is in superior durability and low maintenance. What most traditional options lack is that they can be easily chipped or stained. If the damage is too much, either costly replacements or less damage require expensive repairs. A perfect alternative is a solid surface tub. Thanks to its non-porous properties, the absorption of moisture, dirt, and bacteria can be prevented, making it a much healthier and easier-to-clean option.

Additionally, solid surface material is made scratch-free and prone to stains, and if accidentally chipped or stained from harsh chemicals, it can be sanded out to look brand new, out of the showroom. So to conclude, solid surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, have low maintenance costs, and are reusable even after minor damages, non-porous, and hygienic, making them suitable for use either in commercial or residential spaces.

▪ Enhanced User Comfort and Safety

What good is a tub if the user isn’t comfortable using it? Well, this is not the case with solid surface tubs. With exceptional heat-retaining properties that allow the water to stay warm for extended periods in the tub, it enhances the feel of relaxation for longer periods in the bathtub.

Furthermore, solid surface tubs are warm to the touch. In theory, evaporation produces a cooling effect, and it directly affects traditional stone tubs, making them feel cold, but this is not the case with solid surfaces, giving users a comfortable feel when they sit or lie down on the tub. Lastly, safety is key to ensuring a healthy and safe bathing experience. Matt finishes or textured surfaces in a solid surface tub allow users to grip and stand with minimal effort and stay stable without the risk of falling.

Cost, Value Proposition, and Long-Term Investment

Costi is the part where most people change their minds about getting a solid surface tub. In this section, we will help you understand that not only does the cost matter, but there are some other factors taken into consideration that make a solid surface tub an excellent option for buyers.

● Understanding the Price Point

When it comes to solid surface tubs, they are reputed to be on the premium side of the market. This is, however, correct in terms of cost as it is priced higher than standard fiberglass and basic acrylic models, yet when compared to the solid natural stone option, solid surface tubs are considerably cheaper. Then why solid surface tubs and not other low-range options? The simple answer is that the material used and synthesized, superior craftsmanship, and design features contribute to the higher price of solid surface. So, at a price point that is a bit on the higher side, you get the look and finish of a premium natural stone and the performance and features that leave standard fiberglass and basic acrylic models way behind.

● Assessing the Long-Term Return on Investment

What is good is a tub that breaks, stains, and chips easily, but is harder to clean and maintain. This is where most people change their minds after seeing the cost upfront, but when long-term return on investments is taken into consideration, solid surface tubs come out to be the best option. Minor chipping or damage can be sanded out to restore it to its original look. At the same time, its non-porous surface prevents absorption of moisture and bacteria, making it easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, the aesthetics and looks of solid surface tubs give an overall bathroom space that is exceptional. In hotels, resorts, and spas, guests appreciate the experience, and in homes or even in commercial places, people love the way solid surfaces perform, making it worth paying more upfront to get better long-term ROI.

Criteria for Identifying High-Quality Manufacturers

Once you have decided you are going for a solid surface tub, it's crucial to have a high-quality manufacturer. In this section of the article, we have defined a criterion for identifying a high-quality manufacturer, either for your personal home needs or your business needs.

♦ What Makes a Manufacturer Trustworthy?

• Commitment to Quality Raw Materials: Raw materials are the base for the solid surface tub. If the material used is of the correct type with certifications, the tub will last longer than expected. Look for manufacturers using High-quality ISO-phthalic resins and certified Aluminum Hydroxide powders. The density and surface finish achieved will be flawless.
• Advanced Production and Quality Control: With the right materials chosen, the right blend with the proper ratio, and given the right conditions, the material properties required for the final product will be as flawless as you need.

♦ Essential Manufacturer Capabilities and Services

• Strong R&D and Customization Services: A strong manufacturer will be highly focused on research and development, looking for constant improvements based on customer recommendations and feedback, and then offer customization services accordingly. The manufacturers constantly struggle to improve and experiment with custom molds and designs that would best suit the requirements of the consumers, ensuring that the customers will get flexibility for the projects ranging from boutique spas to luxury hotels and residential spaces, ensuring that the solid surface tub delivered is genuinely distinctive.
• Comprehensive Certifications and Compliance: In the world of manufacturing, certifications and compliance are key to guaranteeing the reliability of the product. Always look for a supplier that has a comprehensive list of certifications that include international certifications such as CE, CUPC, or SGS. These certifications ensure that your product is tested and approved, and ensure that it follows the regulations of emissions and sustainability. The final product you get is a commitment to both quality and ecological responsibility.
• Strong After-Sales Support: Once you get the product, does the manufacturer have strong after-sales support or a defined policy? With a strong after-sales support, any problem in solid surface tub functionality or any defect is catered to by the manufacturer. A good way to identify solid after-sales support is to look for higher warranty periods. It not only ensures that the brand is confident in its manufactured product but also ensures its willingness to serve under the warranty periods.  
• Focus on Project Solutions: Lastly, look for manufacturers that have strong collaboration with the designers, contractors, hotel chains, and architects. This strong collaboration ensures brands' commitment to timely supply, consistency in color and finish, and scalability for large commercial orders. With a manufacturer's focus on project solutions, it ensures their technical expertise and their deep understanding of the client's design requirements.

Conclusion: Where to Find Your Ideal Artificial Stone Bathtub

When it comes to solid surface tubs, they speak reliability, comfort, with excellent durability, and unmatched looks and aesthetics. The solid surface material used in tubs has excellent thermal retention, providing users with exceptional comfort. The non-porous surface prevents water absorption and accumulation of bacteria and mold, making it a hygienic option that is easy to clean and maintain. With these features, they are an ideal option for residential spaces such as homes and apartments or commercial spaces such as luxurious spas, resorts, and hotels.

The solid surface experience depends on a reputable supplier, and Kingkonree is one of them. They have been manufacturing and supplying top-tier faux-stone tubs and solid surface tubs for architects, homeowners, and builders in 107 countries. With 25+ years of experience and over 80+ styles, and CE/SGS/CUPC certification, it offers OEM/ODM customization, 10-year warranties, and global project experience.