Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Bathtubs

Once cured, concrete is known for its superior strength and compressive properties, even being used as a load-bearing structure in buildings. Moreover, this material has excellent scratch resistance and durability, ensuring that concrete bathtubs can be relied upon without concern. Additionally, concrete has a certain degree of corrosion resistance, performing well in damp environments like bathrooms. You don’t need to worry about it rusting like metal, nor will it crack due to water vapor penetration. These features together make for a bathtub that is both durable and long-lasting, retaining its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for years to come.

Unlike the smooth surfaces of acrylic or ceramic bathtubs, concrete bathtubs showcase natural textures and an unrefined ruggedness that perfectly complements the “unfinished” aesthetic emphasized by industrial design. Its gray tones and minimalist lines not only create a calm and subdued atmosphere but also blend effortlessly with other industrial elements like metal and wood, resulting in a harmonious and unified space. These characteristics make concrete bathtubs a prime example of modern industrial aesthetics, embodying a minimalist yet functional design philosophy while injecting an artistic touch into the space through unique materials and craftsmanship.

Concrete bathtubs are made using a casting process, where liquid concrete is poured into pre-designed molds and allowed to cure before being removed from the mold and finely polished. This unique process offers high customization flexibility. As long as the corresponding mold can be designed, any shape of bathtub can be created. From simple rectangular and round shapes to more artistic curves or irregular forms, and even custom-made designs based on specific bathroom space requirements, concrete bathtubs free consumers from the constraints of traditional bathtub sizes and shapes, perfectly matching individual preferences.

Concrete bathtubs can be made more environmentally friendly by choosing renewable or low-carbon emission raw materials. For example, some manufacturers use ingredients with recyclable components or low environmental impact additives, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of the production process while conserving natural resources. Compared to other common bathtub materials, the production of concrete bathtubs is relatively eco-friendly because its raw materials are abundant and sustainable.

Concrete is a dense material, and with the use of the casting process to form solid structures, concrete bathtubs are often several times heavier than bathtubs made from other materials. For example, a standard acrylic bathtub weighs around 80 pounds, solid surface bathtubs range from 200 to 300 pounds, while a concrete bathtub can weigh 900 pounds or more. This weight difference means that concrete bathtubs are more challenging to handle and install, especially in small bathrooms. Due to their weight, installation usually requires multiple people, and the limited space of a small bathroom can further complicate the process, increasing both difficulty and risk.

When checking the price of concrete bathtubs, you might be surprised, with some bathtubs costing as much as $8,000. Although the raw materials for concrete are relatively inexpensive, the high price of concrete bathtubs mainly stems from transportation costs. Since concrete bathtubs are much heavier than those made from other materials, their shipping costs can account for 70% to 80% of the total price.

Although concrete itself is highly durable and strong, after prolonged use, the surface of the bathtub may develop fine cracks due to temperature changes. Concrete is a material that is significantly affected by thermal expansion and contraction, especially in environments where the bathtub is frequently exposed to alternating hot water and cold air, which can cause small stresses on the concrete surface, leading to cracks.

Concrete is a porous material, and despite becoming solid and smooth after curing, its surface is still prone to absorbing moisture, stains, and chemicals. This characteristic may cause the bathtub’s surface to discolor, penetrate, or become damaged. To prevent this, concrete bathtubs generally require periodic sealing to prevent water penetration and staining, preserving both their appearance and structural integrity.