Acrylic Bathtub vs Fiberglass Bathtub
When it comes to choosing the perfect bathtub for your home, the decision often comes down to two popular materials: acrylic and fiberglass. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of “Acrylic Bathtub vs Fiberglass Bathtub” to help you make an informed choice. Both options offer distinct advantages and drawbacks, making them suitable for different needs and preferences.
Acrylic bathtubs are known for their sleek appearance, durability, and ease of maintenance, while fiberglass bathtubs are praised for their affordability and lightweight nature. Understanding the ultimate differences between these materials will guide you in selecting the bathtub that best suits your lifestyle and budget. Stay with us as we explore the key factors to consider, from durability and installation to maintenance and cost, in this comprehensive comparison of acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs.
What is an Acrylic Bathtub?
An acrylic tub is made of clear plastic usually reinforced with layers of fiberglass. The tub is really strong and durable. It can become a great addition to any bathroom. With an acrylic tub, you can create a truly comfortable and luxurious bathroom space.
An acrylic tub is lightweight and easy to install and maintain. Plus, it is an affordable solution for those people who have a tight budget but still want to get a high-quality bathtub.
What is a Fiberglass Bathtub?
Fiberglass is another affordable material often used to produce bathtubs. Gelcoat or acrylic is usually applied to the fiberglass tub. The two surfaces have their own advantages. Gelcoat is known to be a mixture of color pigments, polyester resin, and fillers. Obviously, the thicker the layer of gel coat, the stronger the tub is. Plus, gel coat is warm to the touch, easy to clean and maintain.
If you need a more durable tub, prefer an acrylic surfaced fiberglass tub. Acrylic has a non-porous surface and looks even more attractive. If maintained properly, the tub will preserve its beauty and gloss for a long period of time.
Common Features of Acrylic and Fiberglass Bathtubs
When choosing between an acrylic and fiberglass bathtub, you should know that there are some similarities the two tubs share. Both acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs are lightweight options. That’s why they are easy to install. You can be sure that your bathroom floor can withstand the weight of the tub and you will not have to reinforce it.
Fiberglass and acrylic are affordable options. The tubs are less expensive in comparison with the other bathtub materials.
The tubs are easy to clean and maintain. It would be enough to use such household products as baking soda, white vinegar or dishwashing liquid to keep your tub beautiful and shiny. Just keep in mind that you should avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of the tub. Despite these similarities, acrylic and fiberglass tubs differ a lot. Let’s see what differences the tubs have and how they can influence your final decision.
The Differences Between Acrylic and Fiberglass Bathtubs
If you are looking for a colorful bathtub to create a truly vibrant and unique bathroom space, you should really opt for an acrylic tub. The tub made of this durable material is available in almost any color imaginable. You can choose the color that complements your bathroom space adding a touch of elegance of sophistication. Fiberglass tubs come in limited color options.
Due to the manufacturing process acrylic tubs are usually more expensive than their fiberglass counterparts. Plus, they are more durable and long-lasting. A high-quality acrylic bathtub can last up to 15 years without causing any problems. Fiberglass tubs are less durable. They can crack easily. These cracks can be hard to remove. As a result, you will have to replace the tub more often. Fiberglass tubs may also fade over time losing their beauty and attractiveness.
As you already know, the two tubs are easy to clean. However, a fiberglass tub should be cleaned well and on a regular basis. Otherwise, it will absorb water and become the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Which Bathtub Should You Buy?
Choosing the perfect tub for your bathroom space can be hard indeed. There are a lot of factors you should analyze in order to make the right choice and get the tub that meets or even exceeds your expectations. In fact, the type of bathtub you install depends on your personal preferences, budget and design of the whole bathroom space. There are five main things to consider including affordability, durability, heat retention, the ease of installation and cleaning.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you should install a fiberglass tub. The tub can become the ideal temporary solution as well. However, a fiberglass tub is not the best choice in terms of durability and customizability. Plus, the tub does not retain heat very well. It can be really disappointing to soak in warm water and realize that the water cools down too quickly.
But if you need a more permanent solution, you should definitely think about getting an acrylic bathtub. The tub will preserve its gorgeous look for many years to come. Even if cracks or scratches appear on the surface of the tub, they can be easily removed. And most importantly, an acrylic tub can keep the water warm for a longer period of time providing you with the utmost pleasure and satisfaction.
Are you planning a bathroom remodel in the nearest future? Get a beautiful and functional bathtub that will turn your bathroom into a soothing oasis and create the most relaxing atmosphere you need so much.
Fiberglass Tubs vs Acrylic: Which is Best For My Next Bath Remodel?
