Marble Vs. Steel Bathtub

About Steel Bathtubs

• The common porcelain on steel bathtub, also known as POS, features a thin steel shell at its core. Heat-fused porcelain enamel coats the inner shell of stamped steel. Steel bathtubs resist abrasions, acid, corrosion and even fire. They retain the color of their original finish over time and their porcelain coating makes for a sanitary and – unlike marble bathtubs – an easy-to-clean environment. However, POS tubs are susceptible to chipping and rust. Though it's a subtle issue, POS tubs tend to produce a lot of noise when the water is running, in contrast to the noise-dampening quality of marble tubs.

Marble Bathtubs

• Marble tubs come in a wider range of designer shapes and distinct colors and patterns than POS tubs. Unlike POS tubs, marble tubs are prone to scratches and may even crack due to thermal shock, caused by extremely hot water or a sudden change of temperature. However, cultured marble tubs, which are composed of a man-made blend of crushed limestone and polyester resin coated with a gel finish, resist scratches and wear in much the same way as POS tubs.

Cost Comparison

• Steel bathtubs come at a far lower cost than marble bathtubs. Based on a sampling of prices at the time of publication, the average porcelain enamel coated steel bathtub costs between $120 and $300. In contrast, marble tub prices start at around $2,500 and reach all the way up around $20,000. In both cases, these prices are for the tub only and do not include installation.

Considerations

• Oftentimes, the choice between a steel or marble tub comes down to the homeowner's bathroom situation. About 65 percent of the typical bathtub gets filled with hot water during a bath; as marble tubs generally come in bigger sizes, they may not be suited for small water heaters. These larger tubs naturally cater to larger people and may seem oversized for smaller people. In general, steel tubs fulfill a utilitarian need for a place to rinse off, while marble tubs cater to those who see the bathtub as a place to relax and unwind.