Its easy to assume that all bathtubs are made from the same material, but this is far from the truth. Unfortunately, both fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs are highly prone to staining and require frequent cleaning. All rights reserved. fiberglass vikrell fibergl fiberglass similarities You need to consider the weight, size, and durability of the bathtub to make up your mind. 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. Acrylic tubs are colored sheets of clear plastic reinforced with layers of fiberglass. issabellaandmaxrooms Given their differences, they are often mixed together at different stages of the molding process to obtain the desired strength and weight. NMLS #1416362 GreenSky financing offers available at participating dealers only.Expand To View Full Financing Offer Disclaimer. Heat Retention: Fiberglass vs Acrylic Tubs. fiberglass are colored sheets of clear plastic reinforced with layers of fiberglass. There is no minimum monthly payment required during the promotional period. Fiberglass is easier to repair than acrylic. With acrylic, scratching or chipping is not easy. Acrylic bathtubs are very easy to install and has a lifespan of 10-15 years. However, are you thinking about getting a jacuzzi bathtub? Both bathtub materials are lightweight making them easier to install than some other types of tubs. When manufacturing a fiberglass bathtub, on the other hand, the plastic is reinforced with fiberglass and then molded and finished with a resin coat. When choosing a bathtub material, its best to find one that is least likely to crack. fiberglass And if you read my post. fiberglass clawfoot frances Read my post, Do Jacuzzi Bathtubs Have Heaters? Acrylic tubs are easier to clean compared to fiberglass tubs. fiberglass FRP, or fiberglass reinforced plastic, is made of layers of tiny interwoven glass strings heated together to fit a desired shape or mold. Acrylic tubs are comparatively costlier and harder to repair. 5. When it comes to their weight, fiberglass bathtubs weigh 70lbs while acrylic ones weigh 100lbs on average. The bathtub material is what determines how long it will last or whether or not its light enough for your floor. Acrylic tubs are more resistant to scratching and chipping due to their smoother finish. The affordability of a bathtub is something that you probably pay no attention to until its time to replace your old tub. 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. 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. Stop in to one of our two conveniently located showrooms. Do You Really Need An Air Conditioner In Bathroom? After adding the final FRP layer, the manufacturers remove the tub from the mold to refine the tubs shape and the final product. 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. To prevent cracks, we smooth the fiberglass to reduce air bubbles between the FRP and gelcoat layers. bathroom bathtubs fiberglass acrylic vs remodel which 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. Both acrylic and fiberglass are great options for tubs. Overall, when it comes to price, you cant go wrong with either bathtub material, but fiberglass is slightly cheaper. Both tubs are easy to install due to their lightweight materials. Manufacturers vacuum acrylic into the final tub form. GreenSky Servicing, LLC services the loans on behalf of participating lenders. I've been choosing baths over showers for decades. ), so its worth just a few minutes of your time to get this choice right. The primary difference between acrylic and fiberglass tubs is the formation process. , youll learn how to get rid of this dangerous spore. Read my post, 3. Required fields are marked *. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Both materials will also likely get discolored overtime at the same rate if cleaned frequently with harsh materials. Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time. Eventually becomes porous as topcoat wears away, Add acrylic tub surrounds to your list of quick, cheap, and easy bathroom upgrades. 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. Fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Then, its molded, shaped and sprayed with a resin gelcoat. There are so many components that contribute to the cost of installation. 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. 5 Category Showdown: Battle of the Bathtubs, 1. Top Reasons For Your Shower Door Leakage Issue and Possible Solutions, Does Replacing Bath With Shower Devalue House: An Answer. *Sold and installed by Safety Tubs Company, LLC an affiliated company of American Standard Brands. Need professional help with your project? Next, manufacturers remove air from between the acrylic and the mold, allowing the acrylic sheet to morph into the mold. Thankfully, both acrylic and fiberglass are lightweight materials that usually dont require any extra floor reinforcement. Safe, Comfortable, Well-Designed Walk In Tub. Acrylic is most commonly used to form seats, headrests, whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs. Cracks in a bathtub can lead to mold growing in your tub. (To learn more about the longevity of a bathtub, read my post. Then, once we understand each material, well be able to determine in which category it will rein. Its really important to consider the similarities of these bathtub materials so that you understand how they are structured and designed. The average cost of acrylic bathtubs is $500 to $1,200. The last step is to add the tub features, such as grab bars and drains. Were reader-supported. As bathtubs get older, they are more prone to chipping and fading. Fiberglass is also a strong material with relatively low maintenance. Fill out the form below and Ill send you my Save Big $$$ Cheat Sheet. These tubs are, therefore, longer lasting and easier to clean. Please review the highlighted fields below. 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. fiberglass similarities The perfect tub can become the crown jewel of your bathroom, Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. fiberglass acrylic vs summary comparison document dimick brad july 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. 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. You can create an acrylic liner replica of your current tub. When considering fiberglass vs acrylic tubs, lets look at the pros and cons for each. Learn why the KOHLER Walk-In Bath has a 96% rating among customers. A traditional rectangular bathtub is 60 inches long. Installing a cast iron bathtub costs up to $14,000, compared to the $200 to $800 it costs to install fiberglass. So, what are the similarities between fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs? Note: If youre moving the location of the bathtub to use a different plumbing wall, prepare to pay up. No matter whether youre living with headaches or dry skin, a soak in the tub can be a simple and effective at-home therapy. shower fiberglass tub showers acrylic bathtub piece bathroom roof cap concerto maax bath Fiberglass is sprayed with a gel coated mixture over a mold. (To learn more about the longevity of a bathtub, read my post Whats the Expected Lifespan of a Bathtub?). Its one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install. But, surprisingly, one of these two materials is actually quite good at doing this job (though its skill is under the radar). This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and ShareASale, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. GreenSky is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper ($300-$500) than acrylic tubs ($500-$1200) but are less durable. All bathtub materials are durable, but some have even more strength and longevity than others. Cast iron bathtubs weigh up to five times as much as fiberglass and acrylic tubs, weighing in at up to 500 pounds. In terms of weight, fiberglass weighs less than acrylic given that thicker layers of the latter material are requiredto achieve the same strength. Can you tell me why tub grab bars say not to use on fibreglass tubs? Does The Size of Your Walk-In Tub Matter? More than 200 different colors available. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2020. and are less likely to damage your floor. As one of the most trusted brands in the industry with over 140 years of experience in creating. Acrylic bathtubs are more durable than fiberglass bathtubs and retain heat better. bathroom bathtubs fiberglass acrylic vs remodel which Offer valid only while supplies last. Both are fiberglass-based with a shiny finish.