Is A Stone Bathtub Actually More Luxurious? Pros And Cons Worth Knowing
A bathroom is a sanctuary for many people. It's a place to relax at the end of a long day and it's also where you get your day started. For some individuals, it may even be the one place where you get to be alone in your home. If you're looking to turn your bathroom into a retreat, upgrading your bathtub is a great way to give yourself a space that's all about self-care and relaxation. For an upgraded bathtub that adds class, elegance, and pure luxury to any bathroom, choosing stone as the material helps to bring drama and quality. Stone bathtubs make a visual statement as soon as you walk in the door, drawing the eye and acting as a true focal point or center piece.
Adding a natural stone tub is an investment, as it can cost a lot of money. However, there is a lot of variety that can come from choosing stone, because no two tubs will be the exact same. Stone helps to add texture and unique colors, with many being carved out of materials such as granite, marble, onyx, and even river stone. And since it's made from natural materials, it's also considered to be an eco-friendly choice for people looking to be more sustainable.
Not only are stone tubs a luxury that offers a lot of visual appeal, but they are highly durable. It's hard to scratch, chip, or break the stone, making them the kind of addition to your home that will last for decades. Another thing that stone tubs are known for is their ability to retain heat. This means that you can soak in a hot tub for longer without having to add fresh water to keep things warm.
Things to consider before adding a stone tub to your home
When choosing the right bathtub style for your bathroom, it's important to know what will work in your home. With a stone tub, there are a few things to consider, including the fact that even without water or people in the basin, the stone itself is extremely heavy. Depending on the stone used and the size of the tub, you could be looking at one that weighs up to 1700 pounds without being filled. Then you have to take into account the weight of the people taking a bath, plus the water itself. This means that you need to consider if your floor can handle over 2000 pounds with the tub, a person, and water.
Another important aspect of adding a stone tub to your home is maintenance. While they are extremely durable, they do need to be cleaned and sealed regularly. Not only that, but stone also needs to be cleaned with very specific products, as harsher chemicals can break down the material and make it more porous, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
As with anything that is meant to be a luxury, there is a price tag associated with that elevated item. When it comes to the cost to put in a new bathtub, it's not just the installation that can get pricy. Depending on the stone chosen and the company selling them, these tubs can be very costly. One company, MarbleBee, that specializes in stonework and luxury stone bathtubs has a custom rose quartz tub listed for over $35,000, while its marble tubs range between $6,900 and about $10,000. Elsewhere, carved river stone tubs go for around $2,500. So depending on what you want in your bathroom, these tubs can be expensive.