Fiberglass vs. Acrylic Bathtubs

What Are the Pros and Cons of an Acrylic Bathtub?

Like fiberglass tubs, there are some key things to keep in mind before choosing an acrylic tub for your home. Consider the following pros and cons. 

Advantages

• Durability: Acrylic is a durable material that’s resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, ensuring the tub maintains its appearance, even after years of use. 

• Versatility: Acrylic bathtubs come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and styles, allowing you to customize your tub to suit your unique bathroom layout and design preferences. 

• Heat retention: Acrylic retains heat well, providing a comfortable bathing experience and allowing for longer, more relaxing soaks. 

• Lightweight: Acrylic bathtubs are lighter than alternatives like cast iron, making them easier to transport and install. 

• Easy maintenance: The non-porous surface of acrylic bathtubs makes them easy to clean and maintain, requiring a simple care routine to keep them looking new. 

Disadvantages

• Cost: Acrylic bathtubs may be more expensive than fiberglass options upfront. However, since they are more durable and require fewer repairs over the life of the tub, you may find that you spend less in the long run when you choose an acrylic bathtub. 

• Sensitivity to abrasive cleaners: While acrylic is durable, it can be prone to scratching if abrasive cleaners or sharp objects are used. Similarly, acrylic surfaces may be susceptible to staining from certain chemicals or dyes, requiring mindful cleaning to prevent discoloration. 
• Flexibility: Acrylic can flex under pressure, which may cause the bathtub to feel less sturdy compared to other materials like cast iron. However, proper installation can prevent this. 

Fiberglass vs. Acrylic Bathtubs: How Do They Compare to Each Other?

Now that you know more about each of these materials, let’s see how they compare to each other in terms of some of the most important factors to consider. 

Appearance

While available in a range of colors, fiberglass tubs typically have fewer choices compared to acrylic. Fiberglass tubs often aim to replicate the look of materials like porcelain or stone, in a more cost-effective package, however, they may gradually look less vibrant due to fading over time. 

On the other hand, acrylic tubs have a glossy, smooth finish that adds a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Because they are available in a broader spectrum of colors and styles, acrylic tubs offer more chances for customization to suit your design preferences better. 

Their sleek, contemporary designs enhance the overall ambiance of the space and maintain their appearance with proper maintenance, resisting fading and retaining their glossy finish over the years. Whether you want a custom-made tub, a hydrotherapy option, or a walk-in tub, you can make it happen with acrylic.

The winner in appearance: Acrylic

Care and Cleaning

Fiberglass tubs are relatively easy to clean, usually requiring only mild soap and water for regular upkeep. However, they can be prone to staining depending on the types of chemicals or cleaners you use, so you’ll need to be mindful when choosing cleaning options. 

Acrylic tubs are also easy to clean, again with mild soap and water. The non-porous surface of acrylic makes it resistant to stains, and it’s less prone to damage compared to fiberglass. Acrylic tubs typically maintain their glossy appearance with minimal effort, as long as you use non-abrasive cleaners. 

The winner in care and cleaning: Acrylic gets the slight edge

Durability

In terms of durability, acrylic bathtubs have an edge over fiberglass ones. Acrylic is known for its resilience, offering a sturdy and long-lasting option for bathtubs. Acrylic tubs are resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, maintaining their appearance well over time with proper care. They also tend to have a more solid feel compared to fiberglass, providing a sense of stability and durability. 

In contrast, fiberglass is more prone to scratching, cracking, and fading with frequent use. While both materials can last for years, acrylic tubs have a reputation for lasting longer and requiring fewer repairs, making them a reliable choice if you’re looking for longevity when planning your bathroom remodel.

The winner in durability: Acrylic

Cost

When comparing the cost of fiberglass and acrylic tubs, fiberglass options tend to be more budget-friendly. Fiberglass bathtubs are typically less expensive to manufacture, which translates to lower retail prices for consumers. This affordability makes fiberglass an attractive option for those working within tighter budget constraints. 

Acrylic tubs often come with a higher initial price tag due to their more sophisticated manufacturing process and the versatility of the material. However, thanks to our flexible financing options, you can get the acrylic tub of your dreams for the right price when you work with Inaugural Home Improvement. 

The winner in cost: Fiberglass, though keep in mind that this material is less durable and will need to be repaired or replaced sooner than an acrylic tub

Installation

The lightweight nature of fiberglass makes transportation and positioning during installation more manageable, reducing the need for additional support structures. Additionally, fiberglass bathtubs typically come in one-piece or modular designs, simplifying the installation process further. 

Acrylic bathtubs are also lightweight and easy to install. In most cases, we can complete an acrylic tub installation in as little as one day!

The winner in installation: Tie

Repairs

Fiberglass and acrylic tubs have different repair processes. As mentioned above, fiberglass tubs are susceptible to damage over time. Repairing fiberglass typically involves patching the damaged area with a fiberglass repair kit, which doesn’t always result in a seamless finish. 

While it’s less likely for acrylic tubs to need repairs, if it does, the process involves sanding down the damaged area. After that, the next step is to apply an acrylic repair kit, which can blend seamlessly with the original surface for a nearly invisible fix. 

The winner in repairs: Acrylic