If you’ve ever lost hours pricing baths, you know the specs rarely tell the story. Too light, and you’re explaining flimsy flex to the client later. Too heavy, and you’re dragging it up two flights for no payoff. Choose wrong, and you’re looking at call-backs for cracks, leaks, or worse, a warranty dispute within a couple of years.
Straight answer: the bath material you pick either saves hassle on site—or adds more of it. Here’s what actually matters if you’re quoting, fitting, or advising on bath installs.
The Site Problem: Cheap Plastics and Vague Reinforcement
Most “standard acrylic” baths sound robust, but in reality, thin shells with chipboard bases flex and creak under load. That means cracked silicone, leaks, and complaints. On the flip side, plenty of “reinforced” or “double-skinned” claims don’t deliver much more than a slightly thicker coat.
Forget catalogue noise. Here’s the reality:
1. Acrylic Baths – Light and Fast, but Check the Spec
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Pros: Warm to touch, cheap to ship, easy to fit.
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Cons: Usually 4–6mm thick, chipboard base, prone to flexing in family homes.
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Best for: Quick installs, budget refurbs, or short-term lets.
Tip: Always check UK standard bath sizes before quoting. The 1700 x 700mm straight bath is common, but flex in a thin acrylic shell leads to sealant cracks and call-backs.
2. Carronite Baths – Triple-Layer Reinforcement
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What it is: Acrylic shell with a dense strengthening jacket and reinforced baseboard.
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Pros: Up to 3x stronger than acrylic, holds water heat longer, zero flex under load.
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Cons: 25–30kg heavier, but easier long-term.
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Best for: Family bathrooms, rentals, high-traffic sites where reliability matters.
For a full breakdown, see our Carronite guide.
3. Reinforced Baths – Beyond the Basics
Some reinforced baths use resin or GRP to stiffen acrylic shells. Quality varies, so:
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If the rim flexes in your hands, skip it.
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Substantial weight and stiffness usually mean the reinforcement is real.
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Always check for branded systems with clear warranty backing.
4. Cast Iron & Steel – Old-School Tough
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Cast Iron: Bombproof but heavy (100kg+). Lasts a lifetime but chips if mistreated.
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Steel: Strong, lighter than cast, but noisier and colder unless filled.
Where Freestanding Baths Fit In
Freestanding baths are designed to be statement pieces, but they still need the right material under the finish. A free standing bath made from thin acrylic may look the part but won’t last long in family homes where the bath is used daily.
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1700 x 700 Freestanding Bath
Slimline footprint, ideal where space is tight but you still want the freestanding look. -
1200 x 1200 Bath
Works in very compact installs, but not usually freestanding. Good for en-suites or loft conversions.
Premium freestanding models—like the Naxos Freestanding Bath or Oregon Freestanding Bath (1850 x 850mm), are great options, the Paradigm Carronite Freestanding Bath benefits hugely from Carronite reinforcement. Without it, larger freestanding shells are prone to flex and heat loss. With it, you get a bath that feels solid, retains warmth, and survives real family use.
Common Pushbacks
“A bath’s a bath—cheapest will do.”
Wrong. Cheap baths flex, crack, and cause leaks. Saving £50 now means paying triple in fixes.
“Carronite’s too heavy—why bother?”
Yes, it’s heavier. But you fit it once and forget it. No leaks, no sagging, no comebacks.
What To Do Next
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For quick budget jobs: acrylic, but always check reinforcement.
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For family homes or rentals: Carronite or branded reinforced baths.
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For statement bathrooms: a freestanding bath 1700 with reinforced construction is the smart, long-term choice.
The right bath material = less bounce, less leak risk, and fewer warranty rows.
Browse our full bath collection to compare acrylic, reinforced, and freestanding options—or get in touch with our team for no-nonsense trade advice.