When you’re fitting out bathrooms for high-traffic environments, whether that’s student accommodation, rental housing, or a hotel block, the stakes are different. These aren’t one-off family bathrooms. These are daily-use, multi-user spaces where flimsy baths mean cracked panels, cold complaints, and constant call-backs.
The right bath choice protects your time, margins, and reputation. Here’s what to look for — and the best options to specify for high-traffic installs.
Why Standard Acrylic Doesn’t Cut It
Standard single-skin acrylic baths are popular for their low price and easy handling, but in heavy-use sites they’re a false economy. Under repeated use, acrylic flexes, causing:
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Cracked sealant lines and leaks
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Creaking panels
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Yellowing surfaces within a year
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Early replacement costs
On a high-volume install, those failures multiply fast.
What to Choose Instead: Reinforced Baths
For projects with dozens of units, durability is non-negotiable. Reinforced and Carronite baths solve the common issues with:
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Triple-layer strength – up to 3x more rigid than acrylic
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Superior heat retention – guests and tenants stay comfortable longer
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Solid underfoot feel – no flexing, no movement, no callbacks
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Long warranties – up to 30 years in some cases
Yes, they’re heavier, but they bed down solid and stay trouble-free for years. That’s less maintenance and fewer emergency callouts.
Best Bath Types for High-Traffic Projects
Straight Baths (1700 x 700mm workhorse)
The 1700 x 700mm straight bath remains the industry standard. In Carronite or reinforced acrylic, it’s the safest bet for student lets and housing installs where reliability matters more than design flair.
Recommended: Carron Quantum Duo Carronite Bath
Shower Baths (L- or P-Shaped)
In student accommodation or small hotels, space efficiency is crucial. L- and P-shaped shower baths deliver both a full soak and proper showering without requiring separate enclosures. Reinforced models prevent flex under repeated daily use.
Recommended: Vermont L-Shaped Shower Bath
Freestanding Baths for Premium Projects
For boutique hotels or high-end rentals, a freestanding bath can be a showpiece. But in high-traffic installs, durability is still critical, meaning reinforced shells or Carronite-backed models are the only real option.
Recommended: Paradigm Carronite Freestanding Bath
The Installer’s Checklist for High-Traffic Bath Specs
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✅ Reinforced or Carronite construction (avoid single-skin acrylic)
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✅ Check warranty length — anything less than 10 years is a risk
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✅ Allow for extra weight in planning (reinforced baths can add 25–30kg)
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✅ Pair with high-quality screens and panels to avoid leaks
Final Word
In high-traffic installs, baths aren’t just fittings, they’re long-term liabilities if you spec wrong. Spend a little more upfront on Carronite or reinforced models, and you’ll avoid months of maintenance calls, unhappy clients, and lost profit.
For student lets, hotels, or housing projects, fit it once, fit it right, and trust reinforced baths to take the punishment.
Browse our full range and find the right fit for your next high-traffic project.