Acrylic tubs vs Fiberglass tubs

Acrylic tubs vs Fiberglass tubs: Which best option for your bathroom?

Most modern tubs are made of either fiberglass or Acrylic, which may have caught the attention of homeowners seeking to refresh a restroom with a substitute tub. Homeowners usually like to compare Acrylic tubs vs. Fiberglass tubs. They love to find out Which one is ideal for your bathroom renovation and how do they compare? Here’s a detailed look at these two possibilities to see why Acrylic bathtubs are the finest.

Comparison MatrixAcrylic BathtubsFiberglass Bathtubs
Material and Manufacturing ProcessAcrylic sheet reinforced with fiberglass and resin during molding.Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) with a protective resin coating.
Pricemore reasonably priced than the majority of tub optionsThe least expensive bathtub model available
Cleaning and MaintenanceRequires the use of mild cleaners but is simple to mend.Fiberglass can be fixed with a mending tool and cleaned with mild detergents.
DurabilityMistreatment can cause it to become stained and scratched, but otherwise, it has a 10- to 15-year lifespan.More likely to break, but a properly cared-for piece can last between 10 and 15 years.
WeightEasy to install, lightweight substance that doesn’t require any special preparation of the floorThe market’s lightest bathtub substance

Why Acrylic Bathtubs are best compared to Fiberglass bathtubs

Acrylic outperforms fiberglass in terms of strength. Acrylic tubs last for decades without showing signs of wear and tear, while fiberglass tubs easily scrape and fracture. When exposed to sunshine through a window, fiberglass deteriorates more rapidly as well. Acrylic is also easier to clean than fiberglass, which needs regular upkeep to avoid mold and discoloration.

However, It’s great to know that fiberglass tubs are more affordable than acrylic ones because of the simpler manufacturing process. 

A fiberglass coating is sprayed onto the mold, making it a cost-effective option. Acrylic tubs are expertly crafted by heating and molding the raw material to perfectly fit the mold. The hands-on process used for acrylic tubs may result in a higher price tag, but it also guarantees a longer lifespan compared to fiberglass tubs.

Acrylic Bathtubs

Acrylic tubs are durable and stylish bathroom fixtures. Acrylic tubes are reinforced with layers of fiberglass for added strength. Acrylic tubs may cost a bit more, but they are worth the investment because it was made by maintaining a high-quality manufacturing process. These materials are lightweight, extremely durable, and require minimal maintenance, which is great! 

Acrylic is a versatile material. It is used to create a wide range of features for tubs, including seats, headrests, and whirlpool jets. Acrylic bathtubs are incredibly easy to install and have a lifespan of 10-15 years, which means you can enjoy your bathtub for a long time! 

How Is an Acrylic Tub Made

The thermoplastic nature of acrylic makes it a compelling material for bathtubs. Once the tub’s design has been determined, a single sheet of acrylic is heated and shaped using specialized molds into the tub’s basic shape. This foundation is insufficient to contain the water required by a typical bathtub. So it requires further development.

A chemical coating of fiberglass and resin reinforces the exterior of the acrylic tub base. The resultant container is then laminated to eliminate any remaining air pockets. 

This lamination process also improves the adhesion of the fiberglass shell to the acrylic base. After the container has dried, any excess edges are cut off, and drainage openings, jet, or light holes are drilled. Acrylic bathtubs are typically less expensive than other bathtub materials. However, it is still more costly than its fiberglass equivalent.

Acrylic Tub Pros and Cons

Acrylic tubs are affordable and stylish. These tubs have many benefits but also drawbacks. This part covers both ends.

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Pros

Heat Retention

Bathtub materials must retain heat. Acrylic tubs have heat well for their price, keeping bath water warm longer than other materials.

Easy Maintenance and Repairs

Acrylic tubs are simple to keep and fix when the right supplies and procedures are used. Acrylic bathtubs are not completely damage-proof but are simple to set if a problem arises.

They are one of the simplest bathtubs to fix, as scratches can be smoothed away or filled in.

Durability

Fiberglass adds strength to acrylic, making for a tank that lasts years. In addition to being durable, they require little in the way of upkeep or repairs, extending their useful life even further.

Customization

Because acrylic is so versatile, manufacturers can create tubs in practically any size, shape, color, or design they can imagine. You can locate an acrylic tub that complements your bathroom’s design scheme.

Lightweight

Acrylic bathtubs are simple to set up and swap out because they are lightweight. They can be put on any elevation of your house without extra support, too.

Cons

Surface Staining or Scratching

Acrylic tubs are simpler to repair than many other tub materials and can resist chips. Still, they are susceptible to discoloration and abrasion if not correctly maintained and cleansed.

More Sensible

Acrylic tubs are not the most luxurious. They come in many forms and styles and can meet some high-end needs, but they aren’t as high-end as cast iron.

Sensitive to Some Cleaners

Abrasive cleaning can damage plastic tubs, so be careful. To avoid damage and abrasion, clean it regularly with the right products. 

Fiberglass Bathtubs

FRP is made of layers of tiny interlaced glass threads fired to fit a mold. Mold, form, and epoxy gel coat it. It’s one of the cheapest and easy-to-install tub products. The ultra-lightweight material tub is most commonly used in two-story homes because it requires no floor support. Fiberglass tubs last 10-15 years.

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How Is a Fiberglass Tub Made

The primary building block of a fiberglass toilet is FRP. Layers and layers of glass strands are intertwined to form the primary substance. The sections are then subjected to high temperatures to fuse them. The resulting plastic can be formed into a wide variety of forms. The plastic foundation is then coated with epoxy to withstand moderate damage.

Fiberglass Tub Pros and Cons

Fiberglass tubs, like plastic tubs, have pros and cons. Before comparing, let’s look.

Pros

Most Affordable

Fiberglass tubs are inexpensive. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper than brass, copper, and cast iron ones. It costs less than soapstone, granite, marble, onyx, and solid surface tubs. The most reasonable tub choice is a fiberglass tub, which is even cheaper than an acrylic spa.

Easy Installation

Fiberglass tubs are lightweight, making construction manageable. Carrying a cast iron or stone tub to the restroom can be challenging. Fiberglass tubs don’t need floor support, even in second-story bathrooms.

Repairable Finish

Fiberglass tubs are scratch-prone, but they can be repaired. You can make a fiberglass tub look new by sanding, filling, and sealing it with epoxy. Buying a fiberglass repair kit with all the parts can be time-consuming and difficult.

Cons

Poor Durability

Fiberglass tubs are lightweight and lighter than other tub materials, making them less robust. Fiberglass tubs last 10–15 years. The soft sheen can scrape, split, and fade. Fiberglass tubs can shift, breaking the glue around them and causing the whole unit to move when you walk in. Movement can also split or dent the tub.

Inconsistent Surface

To get the shiny finish, a fiberglass tub is formed from several layers of material and sealed with gel coat epoxy. A gel coat is poured onto the tub, so texture and hue vary. The tub may be uneven and marked. Fiberglass tubs fade because the color doesn’t penetrate all levels.

Conclusion

It’s crucial to consider each of the considerations above when deciding between an acrylic and a fiberglass bathtub. When deciding on the finest bathroom for you, you should also consider your money and repair skills.

Both are reasonable, but fiberglass is cheaper. Acrylic tubs are more robust, but the price disparity is substantial enough to give pause. Fiberglass tubs need more care as they age.

Ultimately, it would be best if you choose an acrylic tub because of its durability, easy maintenance, and lightweight. I hope you find the article “Acrylic tubs vs Fiberglass tubs: Which best option for your bathroom?” helpful.

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