There’s a certain romance surrounding beautiful, old, cast iron tubs. But when you move into a charming older home and encounter a cracked, stained, and virtually unusable tub that you don’t want to set foot in, it’s only natural to conclude that replacement is the best option. Slow your roll for just a minute, though. Did you know refinishing is an option that could make your old tub look brand new and support your environmental ideals along the way? Whether you have a cast iron, steel, porcelain, fiberglass, or acrylic tub. Refinishing is an option that extends the usable life of the tub you already have. In addition to matching existing color, you also have the option to choose a new color you prefer more. What environmental benefits will you enjoy when you decide to refinish your bathtub?
Environmental Benefits: Waste Reduction
The main environmental benefit of refinishing your old tub is keeping it in your house instead of sending it to the landfill. A linear production cycle leaves landfills overflowing as consumer goods are produced, used, and then tossed in the trash.
If you value environmental responsibility and you want to do your part to protect the planet, this disposable mentality has to change. Following the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – means taking a different approach to using your purchasing power. Instead of buying a new tub, find out how refinishing can deliver a like-new tub at a fraction of the cost, and deliver results in just 3-5 hours, unlike weeks-long remodeling projects.
Environmental Benefits: Longer Lifespan
Suppose you purchase a new tub to replace your old clawfoot number. Sure, the new model is pristine, but modern manufacturing simply might not deliver the same longevity as older products that were designed to last a lifetime.
Think about it. Your cast iron tub could last indefinitely with proper maintenance and care. Maybe it’s already 40, 50, or 100 years old. As long as you keep the finish in good condition, the tub could last generations. The trick is understanding that you’ll probably get about 15-20 years out of the finish with proper care – still a good, long while, but some upkeep is required.
What about a modern acrylic tub? The entire tub might only be expected to last about 15 years. Although you could get a little more out of it with excellent care and refinishing. The answer is clear. In the time you can continue using an old cast iron tub (a lifetime and beyond). You might have to replace modern tubs several times over, creating more waste in the process.
Reduced Pollution and Waste from Manufacturing
Even though more and more manufacturers are trying to clean up their practices due to consumer demand. It’s not easy to find companies that share your green values. Manufacturers creating tubs could produce pollution and waste in the process, harming our environment. When demand goes down because consumers refinish and keep older tubs instead of buying new, this pollution and waste could decrease.
Ultimately, choosing to refinish your tub delivers nothing but benefits over buying brand-new. From providing a beautiful and lasting tub, to reducing costs and remodeling time. You’ll also enjoy a slew of environmental benefits when you opt for bathtub refinishing from experienced professionals like the talented team at Maryland Tub & Tile. Contact us today at 877-717-TUBS (8827) or online to request a free estimate.
