Selecting the perfect tub can be really tough for the vast majority of people. There are a lot of important factors to consider including bathtub style, materials, size, weight, price, and of course, your lifestyle.
The right tub can completely transform your bathroom turning it into a peaceful and harmonious oasis. It’s crucial to choose a high-quality tub that fully meets your expectations and adds more character and style to your bathroom. Replacing your old bathtub with a new and modern one is a great way to revitalize your bathroom.
A beautiful and shiny tub will not just make your bathroom a better place, it will add more value to your home as well. But which bathtub is the best option for you and your family? The material is one of the key things to analyze while searching for your perfect tub. Acrylic and fiberglass are two popular options a lot of homeowners prefer. These lightweight materials look attractive and are easy to install. If you are trying to pick between the two bathtub materials, you should know that they both have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at their main characteristics to help you make the right choice.
What is an Acrylic Tub?
As the name suggests, this bathtub is made of acrylic. Due to the fact that this material is flexible, an acrylic bathtub can be easily shaped into a huge variety of different designs. When it comes to producing a bathtub, acrylic is an amazing material. Acrylic is soft and easy to work with. Once the design and size of a bathtub is chosen, an acrylic sheet is heated. As a result, it becomes just like flexible rubber ready to be formed into the desired shape.
59” Streamline N3700ORB Freestanding Tub and Tray With Internal Drain
A mix of resin coats and fiberglass is also used to add the tub more strength and durability. The brilliant look, durability and affordability make an acrylic tub the perfect choice for your home. No doubt, the price is one the key factors that may influence your final choice. Despite the fact that acrylic is cheaper than the other tub materials, it’s still more expensive in comparison with fiberglass.
The Pros and Cons of an Acrylic Tub
An acrylic bathtub is a budget-friendly option that provides a wide range of benefits. Obviously, price is one of the main advantages the tub has. An acrylic tub is a great alternative to more expensive tubs. But the fact that the tub is cheaper doesn’t mean that it’s worse in comparison with the other tubs. Acrylic tubs offer the most fascinating bath experience creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your bathroom. Acrylic bathtubs retain heat very well giving you an amazing opportunity to soak in warm water for as long as you want.
There is an acrylic bathtub for every bathroom. The tub has a gorgeous look. It mimics the appearance of more expensive tubs. The smooth surface of the tub is pleasant to the touch. The color of the acrylic bathtub never fades. It doesn’t change over time. So, you can be sure that your tub retains its initial color for as long as you’ve got it. The tub comes in different styles and designs. It may be found in almost any color imaginable. So, you will definitely be able to select the tub that perfectly suits your bathroom design.
With proper care and maintenance your tub will last for a long period of time. In fact, an acrylic tub does not require too much time and effort to look fresh and shiny. Using baking soda and vinegar would be enough to clean the tub. You may also use lemon juice to remove hard-water deposits that appear on the surface of the tub. Just keep in mind that you should use mild cleaning agents and soft sponges to avoid scratching your bathtub.
Today, some manufacturers produce acrylic tubs that contain anti-microbial chemicals. These chemicals pose no risks to human health. But at the same time, they make the tub resistant to mold and mildew.
Despite having so many advantages, an acrylic bathtub has some drawbacks you should know about before making a purchase. Let’s explore what they are.
Acrylic bathtubs are prone to scratching and staining. They can be easily damaged by some cleaning products. But even if you scratch the tub, you shouldn’t worry. An acrylic tub can be easily repaired. Hopefully, these minor drawbacks will not stop you from buying a beautiful and elegant acrylic tub.
What is a Fiberglass Tub?
Fiberglass is the cheapest and lightest bathtub material you can find on the market today. Fiberglass is some sort of reinforced plastic, molded and shaped into a bathtub. Once the bathtub shape is ready, it is covered with gel coating to protect it from scratches.
The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Tub
Affordability, light weight and diversity are the main advantages fiberglass tubs provide. There is a fiberglass tub for any budget. Fiberglass is easy to work with. That’s why these tubs come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and designs. A fiberglass tub is one of the best tubs to customize. The tubs can have extra features including soap holders, shelves, seats and handles. All these features can be extremely beneficial, especially for old people who may need a seat or a handle to feel steady and comfortable. Shelves hold the necessary bath products within reach.
If your budget is tight, this tub is definitely the one you should consider. A fiberglass tub is easy to install. That’s why, it’s often chosen by homeowners who want to remodel the bathroom and install the tub by themselves. The tub is light and compact. So, no floor reinforcement will be required.
Sadly to say, a fiberglass tub has the disadvantages that may deter you from getting the tub. This tub is not durable. If you choose to get the fiberglass tub, keep in mind that you will have to replace it sooner or later. Fiberglass is a porous material. It will absorb moisture easily damaging the tub over time.
In comparison with the other bathtub materials, fiberglass does not look very beautiful. If you want to add glamour and style to your bathroom, this tub is not the best option for you. Fiberglass tub cannot withstand heavy impacts. You will have to be really careful if you choose install this bathtub.
Due to the fact that a fiberglass tub is porous, it has poor heat retention. If you cannot imagine your evening without soaking in hot water, consider some other bathtub material. Fiberglass may also scratch easily. If exposed to sunlight, a fiberglass tub can fade and lose its color quickly. The tub will be damaged easily if something heavy falls over it. It can be extremely difficult or even impossible to repair your fiberglass bathtub. Getting a new tub will be the best way out. The coating of your bathtub may also peel off and let the water get through the fiberglass damaging the floor. You should monitor the situation to avoid serious problems.
Comparing the Two Bathtubs
Obviously, acrylic and fiberglass tubs have something in common, but at the same time they differ a lot. To produce an acrylic tub an acrylic sheet is molded and reinforced by resin and fiberglass. To make a fiberglass bathtub molded fiberglass reinforced plastic is sprayed with protective resin. In terms of price, an acrylic bathtub is more affordable than many other tubs. A fiberglass tub is the most affordable tub available on the market.
Both bathtubs require the use of gentle cleansers and can be easily damaged by abrasive cleaning agents. You should avoid using any strong cleaning solutions for cleaning these tubs. It is the general rule you should always follow to prolong the life of your acrylic or fiberglass tub. Do not forget to rinse the tub after every use. It can help you significantly reduce soap and water stains. As a result, you will not have to spend too much time cleaning the tub.
For cleaning your acrylic tub, no acetone, bleach or abrasive sponges can be used. A metal scrubber is not recommended as well. These tools can severely damage the tub. Instead, opt for soft sponges. Cellulose sponges are the most common, inexpensive sponges often chosen by homeowners. They absorb liquid very well making the process of cleaning your tub a quick and easy one.
Natural sea sponges are another great choice for cleaning an acrylic bathtub. These sponges do not contain any artificial colors, chemicals and toxins. They are durable and highly absorbent. They always do a great job making your tub look sparkling. However, natural sponges are more expensive and not always available. Cleaning your fiberglass tub is similar to cleaning an acrylic tub. You may use baking soda, microfiber cleaning cloth and antibacterial dish soap.
No doubt, acrylic is a stronger material than fiberglass. With proper care, an acrylic bathtub can last up to 15 years. However, it is prone to staining and scratching. A fiberglass tub can also last 10-15 years, but you have to clean and maintain it on a regular basis to prevent mold and mildew growth. With the same thickness, fiberglass tubs are more fragile. But they are cheaper and easier to repair in comparison with acrylic bathtubs. A fiberglass tub is prone to chipping and cracking.
Both materials do not need floor reinforcement just because they are lightweight. The average weight of a fiberglass tub is about 70 pounds. A standard acrylic tub weighs about 100 pounds. So, you can install one of the two tubs on a second floor of your house without hesitation.
Choosing Your Ideal Bathtub
Thinking about bathroom renovation? A new tub is definitely one of the key factors to consider. Choosing between an acrylic and a fiberglass tub is much harder that it seems at first sight. You should analyze the durability, longevity and maintenance of each material. You should also consider the size, weight and design of a bathtub you are planning to buy. In fact, your choice largely depends on the features you want to have in your tub. Just make sure that the tub you select meets the needs of those family members who are going to use it.
The perfect tub can completely change your bathroom design adding a touch of style and uniqueness. With the right tub, you can create a luxury spa in your bathroom and get the most fascinating bath experience. So, you should analyze the similarities and differences of the two bathtubs in detail in order to make the choice you will never regret.
An acrylic bathtub is the ideal choice for people who seek high quality and affordability. Acrylic tubs are elegant, comfortable, low-maintenance and warm to the touch. These bathtubs are available in more than 200 different colors. This tub will add beauty and romance to your bathroom turning it into the most fantastic place in your home. All these qualities make the acrylic material one of the most popular on the market.
If price is the determining factor for you, getting a fiberglass bathtub would be a good option as well. You should keep in mind that these tubs come in fewer colors in comparison with acrylic tubs. But there is no need to worry if you are planning to buy a white bathtub.
Choosing the right bathtub is essential. The tub you prefer has to combine beauty and functionality to create a modern and exquisite bathroom. An elegant tub will add a timeless look to your bathroom complementing its design and improving it. Select the tub that will always be in style even 10 and 15 years later. Remember that the tub you install has a huge impact on the way your bathroom looks and feels.
Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are two good options. However, the decision is yours. Get the tub that works best for your budget, style, and most importantly, your needs. Let yourself enjoy the perfect bath with a brilliant new tub.
