Pros, Cons, and Alternatives, 20 Healing Bath Recipes to Relax and Recover. After adding the final FRP layer, we remove the tub from the mold to refine the material and add features such as drains and whirlpool jets. Learn why the KOHLER Walk-In Bath has a 96% rating among customers. Fiberglass is easier to repair than acrylic. It is, however, important to consistently clean the bathtub, to prevent staining. Cast iron bathtubs weigh up to five times as much as fiberglass and acrylic tubs, weighing in at up to 500 pounds. We've put together some information below that will help you make your decision and get you into a nice, relaxing tub as soon as possible. 5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Acrylic Tub Surround, 6 Tips to Choose the Best Bathtub for You. Pro tip: Weight is an importantfactor when choosingfreestanding bathtubs. Senior Brain Games to Help Keep Your Mind Sharp. Are Bubble Bath Products Really the Best Way to Enhance Your Soak? These include: That being said, the average cost to install a bathtub ranges from $800 to $4,600 (source). Lets drill down on exactly what impacts the quality and durability: There is nothing worse than getting a crack in your bathtub. Acrylic bathtubs come in more colors than fiberglassones owing to the nature of the materials and their longevity. are colored sheets of clear plastic reinforced with layers of fiberglass. 5 Category Showdown: Battle of the Bathtubs, 1. The primary difference between acrylic and fiberglass tubs is the formation process. Your email address will not be published. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs look reasonably similar at first glance, but there are plenty of visual and physical differences between the two. Fiberglass tubs start with manufacturers weaving small strands of fiberglass together. Pros, Cons, and Alternatives. However, acrylic tubs are more expensive to repair, while fiberglass tubs are less expensive to maintain. This way youll be less likely to confront mold in your bathtub or evenyuck! under your tiles. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper ($300-$500) than acrylic tubs ($500-$1200) but are less durable. Ease of Cleaning: Acrylic vs Fiberglass Tubs. Next, we blend the gelcoat mixture with a fiberglass-resin mix to strengthen the tub. You need to consider the weight, size, and durability of the bathtub to make up your mind. With acrylic, scratching or chipping is not easy. The average cost of an acrylic bathtub is between $700 and $1000, while fiberglass has an average cost of $200 to $1000. Both materials are light (compared to cast iron for example), durable and beautiful when finished properly. Weighing up to 500 pounds means marble tubs, just like cast iron, may require you to have the bathroom floor reinforced. While fiberglass is prone to staining, its easier to clean than an acrylic bathtub. American Standard is proud to offer acrylic bathtubs for our customers because we believe in their quality and durability. This is particularly important for fiberglass bathtubs. These tubs are incredibly durable and considered the epitome of bathtub luxury with their claw feet and beautiful, enduring porcelain enamel topcoat. It is tedious to carry heavier tubs such as cast iron when theres need to install them on upper floors. Cracks in a bathtub can lead to mold growing in your tub. This comes from the way they are manufactured as both are a result of plastic molding. Fiberglass bathtubs are lousy at conducting heat. Remember, a bathtub is a long-term purchase (a bathtub often lasts longer than a marriage! Does The Size of Your Walk-In Tub Matter? Picking a bathtub material is just as important as determining whether you want an alcove tub or freestanding tub, or a tub with or without jets. Acrylic bathtubs are very easy to install and have a lifespan of 10-15 years. Similarly, acrylic is added to fiberglass to add shininess and make it easier to clean. Scratches in fiberglass tubs are more challenging to repair, requiring extra steps, including color-matching. Its really important to consider the similarities of these bathtub materials so that you understand how they are structured and designed. The chance of an acrylic tub chipping, cracking or fading is unlikely. If you consistently clean a bathtub made from either material, it will help prevent staining and a buildup of soap scum. For acrylic, the cooling process may see some areas stretch and become thin hence less durable. That is the main reason why we use acrylic tubs. If choosing between acrylic and fiberglass for durability, always choose the acrylic bathtub. I dont recommend installing a bathtub yourself unless you have the plumbing experience. A more affordable alternative to cast iron, enameled steel is also lighter, tipping the scales at under 100 pounds. Participating lenders are federally insured, equal opportunity lender banks. It can get tedious cleaning a bathtub all the time. Or are you ready to start shopping? Heat Retention: Fiberglass vs Acrylic Tubs. Acrylic vs Fiberglass Tub: Whats the Difference? Participating dealers only. Acrylic provides strong, sturdy support and requires less maintenance than other materials. Stop in TODAY! The answer is fiberglass. Cracks in a bathtub can lead to mold growing in your tub. Both acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs have similar installation costs. However, it still needs a speedy repair because exposed fiberglass is porous. Lastly, owing to the malleability of both materials, you can find any shape or size made from either fiberglass or acrylic. These materials are both lightweight, making them easier to install than tubs made from many other materials. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2020. Both materials are flexible and lightweight. Fill out the form below and Ill send you my Save Big $$$ Cheat Sheet. These tubs probably wont crack, fade, or chip. However, more significant damage, such as a crack, usually goes right through the wall of the tub because it's a solid sheet of acrylic. GreenSky Servicing, LLC services the loans on behalf of participating lenders. Its easy to assume that all bathtubs are made from the same material, but this is far from the truth. Errors occurred. Acrylic tubs are more resistant to scratching and chipping due to their smoother finish. Even better, specially-shaped bathtubs made from acrylic or fiberglass do not cost significantly more than the normally-shaped ones. FRP, or fiberglass reinforced plastic, is made of layers of tiny interwoven glass strings heated together to fit a desired shape or mold. Installing a bathtub costs money, so you want a solid return on your investment in terms of longevity and durability. , are extremely heavy. Acrylic is commonly used to form seats, headrests, whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs. | Cookie Policy With an acrylic finish, you only need frequent cleaning using cleaning agents such as vinegar and soapy water. Both tubs are easy to install due to their lightweight materials. For fiberglass, the heating process may damage the glass strands or separate them such that they do not bind together enough for strength. Then, its molded, shaped and sprayed with a resin gelcoat. However, thats normally, You can reglaze acrylic tubs for cosmetic updates. Ideally, repair should be affordable and straightforward. Contact local dealer for financing details. Smoother materials are often used to give fiberglass tubs a smoother finish. The perfect tub can become the crown jewel of your bathroom, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. A bathtub that retains heat well is warmed up by the temperature of the bathwater. And if you read my post. While a good old standard bathtub made of acrylic or fiberglass is great for relaxing at the end of the day, nothing beats the splendor of a wooden tub! Its been a long day at work, and all you want to do is relax. Some financing options cannot be combined with other offers and may require minimum monthly payments. Unfortunately, both fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs are highly prone to staining and require frequent cleaning. In fiberglass tubs, the manufacturing process does not include a vacuum. Overall, when it comes to price, you cant go wrong with either bathtub material, but fiberglass is slightly cheaper. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $400 and 14,000 for a bathtub. Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive due to the manufacturing process. Both are fiberglass-based with a shiny finish. Fiberglass tubs cost up to $800, including installation. Both bathtub materials are comparable in the cost of installation. Since fiberglass is less expensive to purchase, its also less expensive to repair. Durability: Acrylic vs Fiberglass Tubs, Fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. Its one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install. However, if fiberglass is not cleaned well, the tub will stain, absorb water, and create mold or mildew. Fiberglass is sprayed with a gelcoat mixture over a mold. Acrylic tubs are colored sheets of clear plastic reinforced with layers of fiberglass. Affordability: Acrylic vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs, Both acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs have tubs on the affordable side of the spectrum. You dont want to have to buy a new bathtub any sooner than you have to. These two materials are everywhere in the industry. This can be extremely costly. This means when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. When choosing a bathtub material, its best to find one that is least likely to crack. When it comes to their weight, fiberglass bathtubs weigh 70lbs while acrylic ones weigh 100lbs on average. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This pricing clearly shows that acrylic tubs are more expensive of the two. The typical lifespan of a fiberglass tubis 15 years while the lifespan of an acrylic tub is about30 years. Both fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs are affordable. However, thats normally a temporary. Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive due to the manufacturing process. For fancier models, fiberglass bathtubs can reach upwards of $8,000, and acrylic bathtubs, upwards of $13,400 (source). (To learn more about the longevity of a bathtub, read my post. Fiberglass vs Acrylic Bathtub: Picking Your Winner, Similarities Between Fiberglass and Acrylic Tubs, Its really important to consider the similarities of these, Because if both fiberglass and acrylic have an attribute that you cant live without, such as being lightweight, youll know that either. But a Is a Wood Bathtub Worth It? For a limited time, take $1,500 off the KOHLER Walk-In Bath. Marble is also more prone to cracking than acrylic. These types of tubs are much noisier while in use and are more prone to chipping, too. Also, the weight of a bathtub is an issue when installing it on the upper floors of a building. The average cost of an acrylic bathtub is between $700 and $1000, while fiberglass has an average cost of $200 to $1000. More than 200 different colors available. Acrylic bathtubs are very easy to install and has a lifespan of 10-15 years. Financing subject to third party credit approval. When manufacturing a fiberglass bathtub, on the other hand, the plastic is reinforced with fiberglass and then molded and finished with a resin coat. Both options are relatively inexpensive compared to other tub materials, such as steel or cast iron. When creating acrylic tubs, manufacturers warm an acrylic sheet in the oven and place the sheet in a vacuum mold. Here is a list of the few similarities between acrylic and fiberglass tubs: Here are some key differences between the two: Still have questions? Both acrylic and fiberglass are great options for tubs. , which allows for more customization options. What Size PEX For Shower Installation Is needed? If you do not wish to be contacted, you may unsubscribe from our emails and/or ask to be removed from our call lists at any time. Need professional help with your project? At times, fiberglass is added to acrylic for strength. Fiberglass can lose color over time. As bathtubs get older, they are more prone to chipping and fading. A standard acrylic bathtub tips the scales at around 100 pounds while a comparable fiberglass model weighs only 70 pounds. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'showerplusbath_com-leader-4','ezslot_15',163,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-showerplusbath_com-leader-4-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'showerplusbath_com-leader-4','ezslot_16',163,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-showerplusbath_com-leader-4-0_1')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'showerplusbath_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',163,'0','2'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-showerplusbath_com-leader-4-0_2')}; .leader-4-multi-163{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Can use a wider range of cleaning supplies, Can use rougher cloths and gritty cleaning substances, Smoother surface less likely to encourage limescale buildup, Gelcoat is fairly soft so scratches easily, Cannot use abrasive scrubbers or cleaning substances. Its always disappointing to be rejuvenating in a warm bath, only for the water to become cold. Top Reasons For Your Shower Door Leakage Issue and Possible Solutions, Does Replacing Bath With Shower Devalue House: An Answer. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are both durable options for your walk-in bath needs. There is no minimum monthly payment required during the promotional period. Acrylic is most commonly used to form seats, headrests, whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs. Our dedicated, friendly staff is here to guide you through the whole bathroom remodel progress! Home | Photo Gallery | Certified Senior Specialists | Financing Available | Lifetime Warranty | Customer Reviews | Visit Our Showrooms | Contact Us, Product Information | Toledo New Bath vs. Refinishing | Bathroom Remodel Blog | 1 Day Installation | Compare Us To Others | Cleaning Instructions |, Ann Arbor | Bowling Green | Findlay | Maumee | Oregon | Sylvania | Temperance | Toledo, How to Prevent Drain Buildup After a Bathroom Remodel. They both can be commonly found at any home improvement store. You can find bathtub options in both materials at a variety of price points. How to Get Rid of Ants in your Bathroom Tips and Tricks for a Safe and Successful Home Defense, How To Clean Your Shower Tiles Without Excessive Scrubbing. Put side by side, you will be forgiven for confusing one for the other. To ensure that you can preserve the life of your bathtub and that it is easy to clean, recoat the fiberglass bathtub when necessary. Hot baths help with a long list of medical complaints. But because acrylic is more robust, it can withstand more weight and pressure during the installation process. If you want something more flexible, then gelcoat or fiberglass is the better option. You can create an acrylic liner replica of your current tub. Cannot be combined with any other advertised offer. The bathtub material is what determines how long it will last or whether or not its light enough for your floor. This can impact durability by sometimes forming. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper and easier to repair. The Bathtubber works with architectural designers, aromatherapists, and plumbers all dedicated to helping you maximize your ahh! ), so its worth just a few minutes of your time to get this choice right. Installing a cast iron bathtub costs up to $14,000, compared to the $200 to $800 it costs to install fiberglass. is super important because each material provides different pros and cons. Acrylic tubs cost up to $1,000, installed. Must be first time purchaser. Tubs made of these materials are preferred cast iron and silver due to their lower prices and other individual advantages. Theyre also lightweight, very durable, and require less maintenance, unlike other materials. Youll get ideas to save thousands on your bathroom remodel. Below is a list of some pros and cons that will help you make your decision and get you in a nice, relaxing tub quickly. Its been a long day at work, and all you want to do is relax. The last step is to add the tub features, such as grab bars and drains. Commercially available fiberglass shower units can be used to fix fiberglass materials in your bathroom with ease. (To learn more about the longevity of a bathtub, read my post Whats the Expected Lifespan of a Bathtub?). For durability and longevity, the acrylic bathtub is the clear winner. Acrylic and fiberglass are both solid, inexpensive options that give your bathroom a facelift, though they differ in cost, lifespan, weight, and durability. Stop in to one of our two conveniently located showrooms. Calls made to phone numbers on this website may be recorded for quality assurance. After reviewing all this information, you may still want some help to choose which is best for you and American Standard is here to help. Its one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install. You find that acrylic and fiberglass tubs fit your budget and you want an American Standard Walk-In Tub, but you dont know which material is best for you. Tricks to Make Your Bathtub Look Like New. The super lightweight material tub is most commonly used in two-story homes because there is no additional support needed between the bathtub and the floor. Here are some key differences between the two: After reviewing all this information, you may still want some help to choose which is best for you and American Standard is here to help. All rights reserved. However, when you get back, you remember you are remodeling your bathroom and still havent chosen a tub. There is nothing worse than getting a crack in your bathtub. NMLS #1416362 That way, youll be able to enjoy your bathtub longer! Since most tubs include fiberglass in the final product, fiberglass is one of the most important materials in tub sustainability. Acrylic bathtubs are very easy to install and has a lifespan of 10-15 years. In this post, Ill help you drill down and determine whether fiberglass or acrylic is going to make you (and your budget!) and are less likely to damage your floor. $1,500 off average price of KOHLER walk-in bath. And because of the excessive weight of cast iron tubs, you may need to reinforce the floor, so be sure to address this with your contractor before you start the installation. You head home to draw a bath and hopefully wash away all the stress of the day. And while fiberglass bathtubs are cheaper in general, acrylic bathtubs can come at a cheaper price point. Financing for GreenSky consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, equal opportunity lender banks. Acrylic is solid, so if it eventually shows signs of wear and scratches, you can simply sand out the layer of damage and apply a glossy topcoat. If youre like me and enjoy long hot baths, an acrylic tub is the clear winner. After adding the final FRP layer, the manufacturers remove the tub from the mold to refine the tubs shape and the final product. Heavier tubs may also affect the integrity of your floor if youre on a remodel project. Liberation by American Standard is a licensed brand and product of Safety Tubs Company, LLC.2020 AS America, Inc. Safety Tubs is a registered trademark of AS America, Inc. Both acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs have tubs on the affordable side of the spectrum. Heavier freestanding tubs are better than lighter ones. The number one difference between these two materials is how they are manufactured. With an acrylic tub, you can choose between a variety of textures, colors, and fixtures. So now lets see in a head-to-head battle of fiberglass vs acrylic bathtubs, which wins in each of the following categories: Durability is an important category because it determines the longevity of your bathtub. The bullet points below give a detailed list of how these bathtub materials are similar. These tubs sometimes require extra floor support. Then, suddenly, its extremely important. Fiberglass is made up of small strings of glass woven together to create one solid material. Besides the similarities discussed above, acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs have a few core differences which are the basis of most decisions when one is considering getting a new bathtub. Acrylic bathtubs are more durable than fiberglass bathtubs and retain heat better. Contact local dealer for financing details.Read More. link to 9 Best Small Bathtubs (2022) | Freestanding, Drop-in, Alcove, link to Is a Wood Bathtub Worth It? Next, manufacturers combine the fiberglass with a. and the FRP to form the tubs shape. ShowerPlusBath. When it comes to deciding between the two, price alone is not the deciding factor. No one wants a bathtub with divots in it or a bathtub where the color has faded away. Dealer sets all prices and is responsible for full amount of discount. Some bathtubs, such as cast iron or steel bathtubs, are extremely heavy. The average weight of acrylic tubs is 100lbs while that of fiberglass tubs is 70lbs. Do You Really Need An Air Conditioner In Bathroom? Both materials include fiberglass layers to give the final product more strength. So, how do you choose which material is best for you? Safe, Comfortable, Well-Designed Walk In Tub. Eventually becomes porous as topcoat wears away, Add acrylic tub surrounds to your list of quick, cheap, and easy bathroom upgrades. Thankfully, both acrylic and fiberglass are lightweight materials that usually dont require any extra floor reinforcement. Here is a list of the few similarities between acrylic and fiberglass tubs: Even though theyre similar, there are some differences between acrylic and fiberglass. After cooling, manufacturers spray multiple layers of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforcement Product) and roll over the now formed acrylic shell. Average weight of acrylic tubs is 100 pounds. Along with his two brothers and their experience, he hopes to turn Shower Plus Bath into the ultimate one-stop spot for recommendations on bathroom equipment, remodel supplies, and information on everything from cleaning to maintenance. Average weight of a fiberglass tub is 70 pounds. If you have the skills and expertise to install your bathtub or you really want to do it yourself, read my post, How Hard Is It to Install a Bathtub? If however, you prefer to have shorter baths and heat retention is not a priority for you, fiberglass is the better option because it is easier to maintain and clean. As one of the most trusted brands in the industry with over 140 years of experience in creating. Acrylic is most commonly used to form seats, headrests, whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs. This way youll be less likely to confront mold in your bathtub or evenyuck!, 2. Next, manufacturers combine the fiberglass with a polyester resin mix and the FRP to form the tubs shape. Acrylic tubs are colored sheets of clear plastic reinforced with layers of fiberglass. What Are The 5 Most Important Questions To Ask When Hiring A Bathroom Remodeler? Of the two bathtub materials, again acrylic win, since fiberglass is more likely to chip or fade. There are so many components that contribute to the cost of installation. American Standard is proud to offer acrylic bathtubs for our customers because we believe in their quality and durability. Between acrylic and a fiberglass bathtub, which one is the best? ). Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time. Fiberglass vs Acrylic Bathtub: Whats Right for You? Acrylic bathtubs of the same thickness are stronger. When choosing a bathtub material, its best to find one that is least likely to crack. With long-term use, fiberglass tubs begin to become porous. However, if a fiberglass tub is not cleaned well, the tub will stain, absorb water, and could even grow mold or mildew. The differences in cost are due to fiberglass being cheaper and easier to manufacture compared to acrylic tubs. , youre sure to find the tub you need at American Standard. If so, you may not need to worry about whether or not the bathtub material holds heat because you can buy a heater for your tub. . Cultured marble bathtubs are on a par with cast iron when it comes to weight and cost. These tubs are, therefore, longer lasting and easier to clean. However, are you thinking about getting a jacuzzi bathtub? Whats the Expected Lifespan of a Bathtub? When working with your contractor ask them for a quote that includes the removal of your old bathtub and any other related items, such as replacing the tub surround or tile. Cracks in acrylic tubs are challenging to repair and may require you to have a whole new tub installed. We start our gelcoat tubs by spraying the gelcoat material on a mold to form the tubs shape. If the crack is deep, it could easily change the appearance of your tub. The bathtub material is what determines how long it will last or whether or not its light enough for your floor. The differences exist in the following areas: Acrylic bathtubs cost between $500 and $1,200while fiberglass bathtubsof the same size cost between $300 and $500. Expect to pay $200 to $1,000 to install a steel bathtub. Please review the highlighted fields below. If you opt for a clear coat, the fiberglass beneath will show through. Okay, I know youre eager to determine a winner and move on. GreenSky is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC. Limit one per household. Next, manufacturers remove air from between the acrylic and the mold, allowing the acrylic sheet to morph into the mold. *By completing the email address and phone number fields within the contact form on this website, you are opting-in to receive email communication, phone calls and text/SMS communication from Kohler representatives (even if you are on the official federal "Do Not Call" list). If you have the skills and expertise to install your bathtub or you really want to do it yourself, read my post. | Legal Statement The problem is that fiberglass is usually a thin layer (1/4 inch) and the color of your tub is usually only on the upper part. If so, you may not need to worry about whether or not the bathtub material holds heat because you can buy a heater for your tub. Both materials are more scratch-resistant than other types of tubs. While both materials have plastic components in them, an acrylic bathtub will keep the bath water warmer for significantly longer than a fiberglass tub will. They are not limited like cast iron or other metals. However, are you thinking about getting a jacuzzi bathtub? 9 Best Small Bathtubs (2022) | Freestanding, Drop-in, Alcove. That being said, one is more prone to cracking than another. This super lightweight material is commonly used in two-story homes because there is no need to install additional support between the bathtub and the floor. Both can be cleaned with simple cleaning solutions. This means that they are molten then poured into a mold with the desired shape.
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