Weighing the Pros & Cons of Stone Bathtubs

There’s nothing more luxurious than a stone bathtub. They provide a unique natural look and make a statement as the centerpiece in any bathroom. 

Traditional stone bathtubs combine modern and natural elements, making them ideal for anyone seeking a piece of nature within their luxurious bathroom. 

These upscale bathtubs complement almost any bathroom decor. Whether the bathroom is modern or rustic, stone bathtubs feature a beautiful shape that adds longevity, luxury and natural appeal to your bathroom.

Pros 

Here are the positives and negatives to consider when investing in a stone bathtub.

Design. Timeless and beautiful, stone bathtubs give a natural spa-like look to the bathroom. The tubs are cut from large stones so each tub looks unique. The exterior shape features the natural characteristics of the stone. 

A popular design for stone bathtubs is the oval shape. These tubs are deep and allow for total immersion in the water.  Square shapes give a modern look. Those seeking a natural look may opt for a rock pool style. Stone bathtubs come in a wide range of shades like pale greys, browns, and off-whites. 

Sturdiness. Stone bathtubs are made from stones like granite, marble, and travertine. Strong and durable, a stone bathtub will last over time and won’t crack like acrylic tubs. With fiberglass and porcelain tubs, you have to be careful not to scratch the paint. Scratches and staining are no longer a concern when it comes to stone tubs.

Comfort. Stone bathtubs are smooth, amazingly comfortable and built to last. A popular design of a stone bathtub is the oval shape, which is a very deep, modern-looking square shape and slipper or boat style. Some designers create a rock pool design, which looks like it was cut straight from a large stone. 

Cons 

Heat Retention. Stone bathtubs retain heat and lower the temperature of a hot bath. This means a warm bath will not last as long since the heat from the water escapes. Some stone bathtubs are designed to retain even more heat—three times more than average tubs.

Heavy Weight. Stone bathtubs, made from materials like granite, marble, and travertine, are known for being extremely heavy—some weigh close to 3,000 lbs. Due to their heavy weight, stone bathtubs are best suited for ground floor bathrooms. If you still want to install a stone bathtub upstairs, it’s best to make sure the floor can handle the weight of the stone bath. 

To provide more versatility, look for lighter weight stone bathtubs. Still, it’s recommended to consult with an interior designer and architect to make sure an upstairs bathroom can handle the weight of a stone bath before considering installing a stone bathtub.

Expense. Stone bathtubs are considered some of the most expensive baths on the market. Stone baths are designed to last for years, meaning they won’t crack like an acrylic bath and should only suffer minor damage. The color of the stone may change but can be minimized if the baths are treated over time. 

About Anthony: Anthony Davani is the CEO of The Davani Group, fabricators of high-end and custom furniture and decor. The Davani Group produces luxury custom furniture for some of the most well known Italian and American brands from the most exclusive materials on Earth. Check out their Instagram for more design inspiration.