Acrylic Vs Fiberglass tub is a question that springs to mind every time there is a matter of designing our homes and bathrooms. Now let’s face it there isn’t much time we will be investing in the redecoration of our abode. So knowledge of the differences between Acrylic Vs Fiberglass tubs is helpful and requires needed information. If you’re not keen on the design and details of what you’re redecorating, a fiberglass Vs acrylic tub will appear all the same.
I like to imagine us as individuals with a bit of a keen eye for interest. We choose what we are using in our homes. Not just based on the information of the seller we are buying from. There is a varied difference both from design and manufacturing points of view of acrylic Vs fiberglass tubs. In this article, we will be diving headlong into the details entailing everything of fiberglass VS acrylic tub. Let’s begin then.
Acrylic Bathtub
In case you’re searching for a bathtub choice and inching toward an acrylic bathtub. Well, to begin with, it is made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets. The acrylic bathtub is designed from these sheets being molded and placed together.
The typical association of acrylic bathtubs is with the durability and ease of cleaning nature. Not only acrylic bathtubs for a broader comparison between acrylic VS fiberglass tubs. Acrylic tubs come in a range of options with varying shapes and designs. The ease of maintaining acrylic bathtubs free from any forms of rust acrylic bathtub has become widely popular in most bathroom decors.
Fiberglass Bathtub
A fiberglass bathtub is made from fiber-reinforced plastic and is molded into the shape of a tub. A fiberglass bathtub is typically made out of a single piece of material. In terms of the different shapes and features, a fiberglass bathtub offers the same durability and design as an acrylic bathtub.
While the key difference lies in the weight. A fiberglass bathtub is much lighter than its acrylic counterparts. The key component going in favor of acrylic bathtubs is the fact it takes a long time before corrosion starts. Due to the material components of the fiber-reinforced plastic. Homes in humid areas have a particular inkling towards fiberglass bathtubs. The substance material results in the designs looking barely old even after prolonged use.
Similarities of Fiberglass Vs Acrylic Tub
Before we get into the differences there needs to be a concerted definition of the similarities between fiberglass VS acrylic tubs.
- Both are made from materials of fiberglass-based.
- There is an ease of installation owing to the lightweight nature of both.
- Acrylic bathtub and fiberglass bathtub comes at customer-friendly prices. Perhaps the reason for the popularity of acrylic VS fiberglass bathtubs.
- Your local store is more than likely to be selling both items given the demand.
- There is as mentioned earlier also an ease of cleaning both the acrylic bathtub and the fiberglass bathtub.
- The lightweight nature of both acrylic VS fiberglass tub options gives more options for customization.
Now that we are done with the similarities, the basic points of differences will allow choosing following your needs.
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Differences between Acrylic Vs Fiberglass Tub
Thus we come to the main focus of differences between acrylic VS fiberglass tub
Cost Between the Two
The cost of an acrylic bathtub is higher in comparison to a fiberglass tub. The longevity of the acrylic bathtub along with the shine of the design is great and eye-catching. Top-tier hotels usually prefer acrylic bathtubs. They last for years and give off the impression of a certain aesthetic glamor.
The fiberglass tub is popular on the other owing to the ease of maintenance and affordable costs. The fiberglass tub is more like the everyday middle-class model where after easy installation there is no fret of maintenance.
Maintaining the Tub
To talk about the maintenance of acrylic VS fiberglass tub, one must note both are a great fit for everyday home use. For the sake of being specific owing to the materials, an acrylic bathtub is slightly difficult to clean and maintain.
The fiberglass tub has material with softer textures in comparison and therefore provides easier cleaning. There is also thought due to the smooth texture that the fiberglass tub is easily scratched.
Longevity
In theory, to talk about the longevity of fiberglass VS acrylic tubs, fiberglass has a greater life guarantee. If you have kids in your house, the acrylic bathtub is probably the way to go. The high melting point coupled with the fact that the tensile strength is greater than that of fiberglass tubs makes it less susceptible to damage.
The more rough everyday use is, the more inclination should be towards acrylic. The fiberglass tub is equally good but fiberglass generally excels in areas not put into rough use.
Heat Absorbing
If you are reading this from the far reaches of Canada in Winnipeg or a place akin to cold climates in general. One of the main facets of a bathtub is a nice shower. The acrylic bathtub in this aspect certainly edges past the fiberglass tub. Acrylic bathtub is made of dense and less porous material.
Materials of the Tubs
The material of a fiberglass tub is usually used for shipment purposes. The materials we find in the making of boats or planes are made of fiberglass. The colors of fiberglass can be dyed to the colors in accordance.
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Fiberglass is usually a combination of glass fibers being woven together tightly to create a strong and flexible unit at the same time.
Acrylic on the other hand is greatly suitable for interior needs such as tubs or cabinets. The heavy-duty nature of materials is largely owing to the vacuum-formed sheets of plastic that are of great strength. Acrylic is resistant to both heat and cold.
Weight of the Material
The weight of the material in the conversation between fiberglass VS acrylic tub tilts greatly in the favor of fiberglass. If your primary importance out of the options between acrylic VS fiberglass tub is the easiest way of installing then fiberglass is the option to choose.
Fiberglass tubs are amongst the lightest weight available in the market. It is certainly much less in weight than an acrylic bathtub.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic VS Fiberglass Tub
The brief pros and cons of both fiberglass VS acrylic tubs can make your decision of final choice.
Fiberglass Tub
The main advantage of fiberglass tubs is the cost, affordability, and ease of installation. The fiberglass tub is lightweight and it is easy to install and placed anywhere in accordance with the washroom. Repairing a fiberglass tub is also very easy to do.
Amongst the disadvantages, a fiberglass tub has a much shorter life span and performs poorly if you are using warm water every other alternate day in the bath. It is not heat resistant.
Acrylic Bathtub
The acrylic bathtub can hold on to the shine of the design if maintained properly for years. They are resistant to heat and therefore perform well if you are using warm waters. The hard surface of the materials makes acrylic less vulnerable to scratches and cracks.
The disadvantages are of course that fiberglass tubs are much more affordable. Acrylic has a much higher price cost. The weight of an acrylic bathtub is also quite heavy in comparison.
The Right Option Between Acrylic VS Fiberglass Tub
There is no probably absolute right option here particularly with both having a good number of similarities including the use of fiberglass the constituent material of both forms of the acrylic VS fiberglass tub.
However, acrylic probably slightly edges it with longer-lasting durability and is far more resistant to damage. Fiberglass is more susceptible to losing its shine when exposed to prolonged sunlight and other damages such as scratching.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q.1) How much does a standard-size acrylic tub weigh against fiberglass?
The standard size of an acrylic tub to that fiberglass is 100 pounds for acrylic tubs while 70 pounds for fiberglass.
Q.2) Do acrylic tubs crack easily?
No, due to the non-porous element of acrylic, the bathtub won’t be absorbing water. The material acrylic is also strong and therefore resistant to scratches and cracks.