Acrylic
As a material, acrylic can easily be said to be one of the – if not the most – popular. It’s a highly versatile material, and it is easy on the budget. The benefits of acrylic are numerous: it is no trouble to maintain and clean, and comes with a high gloss texture and finish. It is also inherently warm and can withstand high temperatures and UV light. Acrylic can resist the buildup of mould and mildew and can take harsh cleaning products or chemicals. Since acrylic is easy to mould, it also comes in different shapes and sizes and an array of colours. Keep in mind, however, that this material may be scratched, so when cleaning your bath, just use mild detergents and cleaners rather than abrasive ones.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass, especially the gel-coated one, is yet one other budget-friendly material for freestanding baths. It’s durable and lightweight at the same time, and it can also come in different sizes and shapes. Fibreglass, however, can be susceptible to the buildup of mould and stains, and its colour may also be prone to fading. In order to prevent mould and stain buildup, make sure to clean the bath regularly.
Resin
Another popular material used for baths is resin. Resin is a composite bath material, which means that it’s a mixture of different materials. It is known for being durable and lightweight and is easily moulded into a variety of sizes and shapes. Resin is also resistant to stains and scratches and is easy to maintain.
There are other materials from which you can choose, such as stone, wood, and metal. Stone and metal can be quite heavy, though, and wood requires more care and may not last as long as the other materials. But whatever your choice, in the end, make sure it is carefully thought through and that you will be more than happy with your selection.