Well, in this post, I would be walking you through various aspects of both acrylic and fiberglass tubs in order to help you make an informed buying decision.
Moreover, I would be responding to the queries related to Acrylic Vs. Fiberglass Tub in order to help you clear your doubts before you make a purchase decision.
Let’s together find out the answer to the below questions.
Acrylic Vs. Fiberglass Tub: Which One Should I Buy?
Is Fiberglass The Same As Acrylic?
What Are The Differences Between Acrylic And Fiberglass Tubs?
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Acrylic Vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs: Which One Should I Opt For?
To begin with, the good thing about both the bathtubs is that they are inexpensive and wouldn’t make a dent in your pocket for sure.
In fact, even though you’re on a shoestring budget you can afford them with ease.
You can find these bathtubs anywhere and everywhere so choosing the material that syncs well with your requirements can be tricky at times.
In order to help you in the best possible manner that we could, our core team has worked really hard on the topic and has answered the queries that can help both newbies and seasoned professionals in making an informed buying decision.
Nonetheless, if you’ve still an element of doubt post going through the topic, please do reach out to us via the contact form and our team would be more than happy to assist you.
Does it make sense?
Well, both acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs are robust, durable, and long-lasting.
They are the perfect choice for walk-in bath needs.
However, when it comes to maintenance, the fiberglass tub walks away with all the credits.
Just for your information, acrylic bathtubs are relatively expensive to repair and maintain.
Before we come to a conclusive decision, please allow me to throw light on various aspects of both the bathtubs.
Acrylic Tubs
Acrylic tubs are inexpensive, robust, sturdy, and are meant to deliver a good experience to their users.
Needless to say, the method used in the preparation of an acrylic tub makes it so special and unique.
The manufacturer first warms an acrylic sheet in the oven and then places it in a vacuum mold.
In the next step, air present between the acrylic sheet and the mold is completely removed so that the process of morphing can take place in an appropriate way.
Once done, the acrylic sheet is allowed to cool down.
Post cooling, multiple layers of Fiberglass Reinforcement Product are sprayed over the sheet and then rolled over to form an acrylic shell.
Lastly, tub features including grab bars and drains are added.
Fiberglass Tubs
As said earlier, fiberglass tubs aren’t only inexpensive but also easy to maintain.
The first step in the manufacturing of a fiberglass tub involves weaving small strands of fiberglass together.
Once the first step is completed, the mixing of polyester resin. Fiberglass Reinforcement Product and fiberglass take place.
After adding the FRP layer, the manufacturer removes the tub from the mold to refine the tub shape and size.
Is fiberglass the same as acrylic?
Definitely, NOT…
Both fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs have lots in common but aren’t the SAME for sure.
Let’s dive deep into finding out both the similarities as well as differences.
What are the similarities between acrylic and fiberglass tubs?
Let’s have a quick look at the similarities between the two tubs.
- In order to make the final product robust, durable, and long-lasting, a fiberglass layer is added to both the bathtubs
- Since both are highly flexible bathtubs so you gets tons of customization options
- Not only are they lightweight, portable, and compact but also keep the floor safe
- As compared to steel bathtubs, both of them are less expensive
- They are relatively scratch-resistant, and as a result, both the bathtub’s appearance can sustain for a longer duration
What are the differences between acrylic and fiberglass tubs?
It’s the differences that will help you to make an informed buying decision.
Choose the tub that NOT only syncs well with your requirements but also falls well within your budget.
- Formation process is the primary difference the two tubs
- In fiberglass tub, manufacturing process doesn’t involve vacuum
- On the other hand, acrylic tub involves vacuuming acrylic into final tub form
- Vaccuming can sometime leads to formation of weak, thin spots in the acrylic tub
- Creation of acrylic linear replica of your current tub is quite possible. However, the process is slightly expensive
- Reglazing of an acrylic tub for cosmetic updates is quite possible. Nonetheless, you can’t consider it as a permanent solution
- Fiberglass tubs can loose color over a period of time
- Fiberglass tubs are NOT only relatively inexpensive but also involves lower maintenance cost
- Acrylic bathtubs are relatively more durable, robust, and long-lasting
- The chances of an acrylic bathtub chipping, cracking, or fading is less likely as compared to a fiberglass bathtub
- You need to regularly clean a fiberglass tub else problems such as growing of molding or mildew, staining, and absorbtion of water may arise
Acrylic Bathtub Vs. Fiberglass Bathtub: Comparison Chart
In order to make things simple and easy for you, we’ve formulated the information related to acrylic bathtub vs fiberglass bathtub in a tabular form.
| Acrylic Vs. Fiberglass Bathtub | Fiberglass Tub | Acrylic Tub |
| Cost | Fiberglass tubs are relatively less expensive and would cost you in the range of $250 and $600. | Acrylic bathtubs would cost you in the range of $600 and $1200 |
| Weight | Fiberglass bathtubs are relatively less heavy and bulkier and weigh around 80 pounds on average | On average, acrylic tubs weigh around 100 pounds |
| Strength | Relatively fragile | Robust, durable, and long-lasting |
| Lifespan | Last roughly 15 to 18 years | 25 years and above |
| Repair | Cheaper, and low-maintenance cost | Involves a time-consuming repairing process, and is costlier as well |
| Cleaning | Stain removal is a tedious and time-consuming task | Comparatively easier to clean |
| Color Availability | Fewer colors to choose from | Available in a wide range of colors |
| Porosity | In the long run, you might have to face issues related to porosity | Other than in the case of breakage, you’ll not find any porosity issue with an acrylic bathtub |
Cost
Well, acrylic bathtubs are costlier as compared to their fiberglass counterparts.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a top-rated premium quality acrylic tub will cost you almost twice that of a fiberglass tub.
So, if you’ve got a budget constraint then a fiberglass bathtub can be a great option, indeed.
The main reason for the price difference is the material used in these tubs.
It goes without saying that fiberglass is cheaper as compared to acrylic and the same holds true for the manufacturing cost as well.
Weight
I don’t think weight is an important buying parameter still we’re discussing it so that you can make an informed buying decision.
Fiberglass bathtubs are lightweight as compared to their acrylic counterparts.
On average, an acrylic bathtub weighs somewhere around 100 pounds.
On the other hand, a fiberglass bathtub weighs around 80 pounds.
I don’t think that the weight difference is tangible or will make a huge difference in terms of portability and transportation.
Durability
Frankly speaking, both of them are robust, durable, and long-lasting.
Honestly speaking, I don’t find durability an important differentiating factor.
On average, the lifespan of a typical fiberglass tub is somewhere around 15 to 18 years whereas an acrylic bathtub would last 25 years or above.
Fiberglass as a material is thinner and more brittle as compared to an acrylic bathtub.
Ease of Use
Fiberglass tubs are comparatively easier to repair.
Even though you’re a first-time buyer, you can easily expedite most of the repairing job on your own without any need for professional guidance in the case of a fiberglass tub.
Staining, cracking, and chipping are some of the common issues with a fiberglass tub.
Since the material is thin so if a crack is deep then it can be troublesome.
On the other hand, scratching, chipping, or even cracking isn’t a regular affair in the case of an acrylic bathtub.
However, when they occur, the problem could be quite severe and you would be needing the help of a professional to get rid of it.
When it comes to ease of cleaning, an acrylic bathtub walks away with all the credits, thanks to the nature of acrylic material.
Vinegar or soapy water will do the trick for you when it comes to cleaning an acrylic bathtub.
On the other hand, fiberglass tubs due to the nature of the material need a regular and thorough cleaning.
To make things worst, you can’t use an abrasive cleaning agent for cleaning a fiberglass bathtub.
Apperance
Acrylic bathtubs are better in terms of look & feel.
The comes in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes so choosing the one that syncs well with your bathroom interior is quite easy.
But, that isn’t the case with a fiberglass tub as they are available in limited colors.
To make things worst, fiberglass bathtubs are made of strings of glass so they don’t have a clean finish as acrylic bathtubs.
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Acrylic Vs. Fiberglass Bathtub | FAQs
As promised to our readers as well as clients, we would be responding to the queries related to acrylic vs fiberglass bathtubs in order to help you clear most of your doubts if NOT ALL, before you make a purchase decision.
What is the best material for a bathtub?
Frankly speaking, both acrylic and fiberglass are among the best materials to be considered for a bathtub.
However, the majority of our clients prefer fiberglass over acrylic bathtubs just because the former is less expensive, lightweight, and easy to clean.
Are acrylic tubs any good?
Definitely, they are else the acrylic tubs would’ve been outdated and out of the market, isn’t it?
Some of the idiosyncratic features that put an acrylic bathtub in a different league altogether include but are not limited to ease of cleaning & use, availability in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, durability, versatility, heat retention, etc.
Do acrylic bathtubs crack?
I wouldn’t deny the fact that external pressure can’t crack an acrylic bathtub.
But, in general, because of their non-porous characteristic, acrylic bathtubs are more durable to heavy impacts.
In simple words, problems such as chipping, cracking are rare.
How long will an acrylic tub last?
A premium quality top-rated acrylic tub can last up to 35 years.
On average, they last somewhere around 25 to 30 years.
Are Fibreglass bathtubs any good?
They could be the best option in case, you’re on a shoestring budget.
Not only are they inexpensive but easy to install, clean, and lightweight.
On the downside, a fiberglass bathtub is thin and more prone to scratching, chipping, and cracking.
Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?
Unlike fiberglass bathtubs, acrylic tubs, in general, don’t turn yellow, thanks to the non-porous nature of the material that doesn’t allow mold and mildew to build up.
Is baking soda safe for an acrylic tub?
Yes, baking soda is safe for an acrylic tub.
However, for a strong cleanser, we recommend using borax instead of baking soda.
Do acrylic tubs stain easily?
No, they don’t stain easily if cleaned and maintained properly.
However, failing to do so can expose it to chipping, scratching, staining like any other bathtub.
Are acrylic bathtubs safe?
Of course, acrylic bathtubs are safe for use.
However, they may flex a little bit but NOT as much as a fiberglass bathtub.
The downside of a fiberglass bathtub is that it is brittle and can crack under heavy impact which isn’t the case with the acrylic bathtub.
In simple words, acrylic bathtubs are relatively durable and don’t damage easily from external forces including weight and impact.
Wrapping Up | Acrylic Vs. Fiberglass Tub
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort in coming up with this superlative piece of information.
And, in case, you liked our effort, then please do share this post with like-minded people and the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
Cutting long-story-short, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly bathtub then fiberglass could be a great option.
On the other hand, if your preference is appearance, durability, ease of use, then you can opt for an acrylic bathtub.
This is what we suggest to our clientele.
Last but not least, choose the bathtub that NOT only caters to your requirements but also falls well within your budget.
That’s all, as of now:):)
