Freestanding soaking tubs come in a few common materials, each with real trade-offs in weight, heat retention, and style. Here's how they compare.
Acrylic is lightweight, which makes it easier to install (especially in upper-floor bathrooms) and generally more affordable. Insulated double-wall acrylic tubs hold heat noticeably better than thin single-wall versions. Acrylic works well in modern and contemporary bathrooms with clean lines.
See our Acrylic Freestanding Tubs collection.
Stone resin (sometimes called solid surface) is heavier and denser than acrylic, which gives it a substantial, high-end feel and generally better natural heat retention. It's a good middle ground between the affordability of acrylic and the traditional look of a clawfoot tub.
Clawfoot tubs are typically hammered copper or stainless steel, raised on decorative feet rather than sitting flush with the floor. They bring a classic, traditional look and tend to be the heaviest and most expensive option, often requiring professional installation help due to their weight.
See our Clawfoot Tubs collection. Comparing acrylic, copper, and stainless steel clawfoot models by real price? See our clawfoot tub material comparison.
| Material | Weight | Heat Retention | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Lightest | Good (insulated) | Modern |
| Stone Resin | Heavy | Very good | Contemporary to transitional |
| Clawfoot (copper/steel) | Heaviest | Varies by metal | Traditional |
Choose acrylic for an easier install and a lighter budget, stone resin for a substantial feel without the weight of metal, and a clawfoot tub if a classic, traditional look matters most to you.
Bathing with someone else? Shape matters more than material: a double-slipper tub is raised at both ends with the drain centred, so neither person sits against the taps. See all two-person and extra-wide bathtubs.
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