Material Choices for Natural Stone Bathtub

1. Granite Bathtub
Characteristics:

Appearance: Granite is known for its speckled and grainy texture, with a wide range of colors including black, white, pink, gray, and green. Granite has a polished, glossy look when finished, but it can also be honed for a matte appearance.
Durability: Granite is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones, which makes it resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. It’s ideal for long-term usage.
Maintenance: Granite bathtubs are relatively easy to maintain, but they do require sealing periodically to protect against water absorption and stains.
Cost: Granite is generally more expensive than other materials but is considered a luxury due to its durability and unique, high-end appearance.
Best For:

People looking for a long-lasting, sturdy bathtub that will remain in excellent condition for many years.
Those who appreciate a luxurious, natural stone look with a polished finish.
2. Marble Bathtub
Characteristics:

Appearance: Marble is famous for its elegant veining and smooth, luxurious look. It comes in a variety of colors such as white, gray, green, and black. Carrara marble (white with gray veining) is particularly popular.
Durability: While marble is softer than granite, it’s still a durable choice for a bathtub. However, it is more prone to scratching, staining, and etching when exposed to acidic substances.
Maintenance: Marble requires regular sealing to protect it from water, stains, and chemical damage. It’s more high-maintenance compared to granite.
Cost: Marble bathtubs are considered luxury items, and the cost can vary significantly depending on the type of marble used. Rare marbles are particularly expensive.
Best For:

Homeowners looking for a classic, timeless look with a smooth, elegant finish.
Those willing to invest in proper care and maintenance to keep the marble pristine.
3. Travertine Bathtub
Characteristics:

Appearance: Travertine has a rustic, earthy look, often in colors like tan, beige, cream, and brown. It has a porous, pitted texture that gives it a natural, aged appearance. When polished, it becomes smooth, but some of its natural pits may still be visible.
Durability: Travertine is softer than both granite and marble but is still relatively durable. It’s more porous, which makes it susceptible to staining and etching without proper sealing.
Maintenance: Travertine requires regular sealing due to its high porosity. It’s more prone to water damage and staining if not properly maintained.
Cost: Travertine bathtubs tend to be more affordable than onyx and marble but still remain in the luxury price range.
Best For:

Those looking for a natural, earthy aesthetic with a warm, rustic feel.
People willing to seal and maintain the bathtub regularly to prevent moisture damage.
4. Onyx Bathtub
Characteristics:

Appearance: Onyx has a translucent, glassy appearance that can be strikingly beautiful. It comes in a range of colors, including white, yellow, green, and red, and often has swirling patterns. When properly backlit, onyx can be illuminated, creating a stunning visual effect.
Durability: Onyx is considerably softer than granite or marble, making it more prone to scratches, cracks, and damage. It’s also more sensitive to acids and chemicals.
Maintenance: Onyx requires frequent sealing and careful handling to avoid scratching and damage. It’s one of the most high-maintenance materials for a bathtub.
Cost: Onyx bathtubs are typically very expensive due to their rarity and the stone’s unique appearance.
Best For:

People looking for a show-stopping, visually distinctive centerpiece in their bathroom.
Those willing to invest time and money in frequent maintenance and careful use.