Copper Bath Tub Basics
Ready to redo your bathroom and install a durable, beautiful copper bath tub? These bathtubs are truly unique and they give any bathroom a wonderful new look. How do you select the right one? This short article gives you the basics of shopping for copper bathtubs and how to care for them.
These tubs have lots of advantages over other types They are made of a durable metal that can be molded into any form without breaking. You might be wondering how well this metal will hold up around water. Well, it turns out that copper is 100 percent rust proof. It is also resistant to mold and is a natural antibacterial.
Items to Look for When Buying a Copper Tub
You will notice right from the outset that these tubs do cost more than other types of bathtubs. The cost is worthwhile, however, because they last for many years. As mentioned above, they do not rust and they do not attract mold. These two attributes are extremely important because mold can proliferate in most every bathroom and cause serious damage. A copper tub eliminates this problem.
Shopping around is the best step to take because naturally, there are going to be many different dealers that offer these items at various prices. One detail to look for is the thickness. Quality products are made at 14 to 16 gauge thicknesses. Anything less than this is best passed up for something better.
Look for a tub that contains nearly 100 percent copper. Most all products will contain traces of other alloys like zinc. This is not bad in and of itself but stick to buying a product that is at least 97 percent copper. Be careful not to buy a cheap tub. These often contain mercury or lead which can seep into your bathwater. This is dangerous. You do not have to buy the most expensive item around but be careful. Shop for the highest quality tub with the greatest copper content.
Quality tubs will have a welded seam instead of soldered ones. These seams will not leak or wear to the point of leaking so you can be sure they are going to provide you with trouble-free ownership.
Before you purchase your tub, make sure to read customer reviews online. You will be making a significant investment, but you can count on getting many years, if not decades, of use from this beautiful tub.
Caring for Copper Bathtubs
These tubs are going to take a little more work to care for than most other tubs like porcelain or fiberglass. However, the extra maintenance is worthwhile if you want to get a classic tub that will accentuate your bathroom’s beauty. Expect the copper to get a patina after several years of use. This is natural and adds to the unique beauty of your bathtub.
Never use a harsh abrasive to clean it. Mild soap and a soft cloth work best Always pat the inside dry after each use.
