Installation Made Easy

Another important consideration in selecting bathtub materials is the installation process. Some materials handle the stress better than others.

Enameled steel dents easily and can be damaged during shipping. Cast iron is extremely heavy. Steel and cast iron tubs require the use of surrounding tile, increasing the change of damage (chipping) after installation. Because gel coat/fiberglass can be brittle, damage during shipment is commonplace. Most gel coat fixtures consist of a tub and three walls; this means drywall must be installed above the gel coat walls and on the ceiling. This increases the chance for damage after the unit's installation. And because gel coat is a veneer, scratches are difficult to repair through buffing.

Cast acrylic shine both during and after installation:

• Lightweight for easier handling
• More design choices for better installation solutions
• Full enclosure eliminate the need for tile and drywall installation
• Multi-piece "remodeling" showers and tub/shower units offered by many manufacturers can fit through existing doorways for easy installation
• Most scratches can be buffed out