acrylic bathtubs pros and cons
It’s probably the most durable tub available, and the finish is resistant to chipping, scratching and denting, as well as most types of chemicals. A fiberglass bathtub is made by forming layers of fiberglass into the desired shape, then coating it with Gelcoat resin. Also sometimes called enameled steel, this is another inexpensive and very common bathtub material. Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more, If you created your account with Google or Facebook, 4 plants that can rid your real estate listings of toxins, 51% of homeowners plan to renovate their homes this year, 7 staging tips for giving your listing the farmhouse look, Affordable housing crisis deepens for communities of color amid COVID-19, 50% of agents will leave: One broker predicts real estate's future. Acrylic. The soft streams produce a gentle effect on the skin. But what we didn’t look at, back then, were the many different material choices you have, and since that time I’ve gotten several questions from homeowners looking to change out their bathtub, all with a similar dilemma — “I’m not sure what material it should be constructed of.”. Typically, walk-in bathtubs come equipped with a door that opens and closes on the front or side of the bathtub. You can also custom-order a bathtub made from teak and certain other woods. Better results. Both come in different sizes, depths, materials, and functions, which greatly influence costs. Subscribe to Inman Select for Breaking News and Exclusive Industry Content. Acrylic tubs use fiberglass sheets for reinforcement underneath vacuum-formed sheets of colored acrylic. These tubs come in different sizes, shapes and designs. You have more design options with this material than any other. Miracle Method, for example, uses a blend of fast-drying acrylic … Easy to customize and clean Pros and Cons of Bathtub and Shower Liners Pros . The tub is stamped from a thin sheet of steel, then finished with a layer of porcelain enamel. Better Homes and Gardens: Ultimate Guide to Buying a Tub. Let’s look at some of the different choices, and try to clear up a bit of the confusion. As for aesthetics, cast iron tubs have a richer, more timeless appearance that appeals to high-end design schemes. She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. Product Review – Acrylic Luxury Series with Combination Air Spa and Whirlpool Massage Systems; Pros Cons – Rapid draining system – Uses 26 air jets and 13 water jets – Chromatherapy light system – Lifetime warranty on door seal, 15-year warranty on tub shell, 10-year warranty on everything else – Self-cleaning system – In-line heating Fiberglass bathtubs start as a molded fiberglass form that gets coated with a layer of acrylic, called a gel coat. Acrylic. Acrylic is a good all-around choice, although it may lack a certain high-end appeal for some people. To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings. each Woodbridge bathtub is crafted to support the body's form and provide a deep, satisfying soak. If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252, Password Reset Instructions have been sent to. Like acrylic, they also have excellent heat retention and are easy to clean. It’s designed to this way because the pan has to facilitate water movement toward the drain. Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. Porcelain tubs are usually made from steel or cast iron that's coated with enamel. Here are the pros and cons of choosing to reglaze your current tub over the installation of a new one. The freestanding design makes full-body immersion possible in a smaller space. And, in the case of wood and some of the stones, it’s going to require a lot of maintenance in order to retain the tub’s original beauty. There is no simple answer to the question of which is more energy and cost efficient, a shower or a bathtub. These tubs are extremely heavy, and require special structural framing to support their weight. Walk-in showers tend to be sleeker in style than boxy or bulky bathtubs, and the glass walls that often enclose them contribute to an airier, less crowded aesthetic. Which one you ultimately choose is going to come down to a combination of looks, comfort, ease of maintenance, and, of course, cost. Water Concerns. Acrylic is a little bit heavier than FRP but the best way to think of it is as an upgrade over the more common material. Bathroom Faucets Bathroom Sinks Showers Bathroom Vanities Toilets Bathtubs Shop All Bathroom. Pros are highly trained, and they have access to better materials than you can't get at a big-box store. The surfaces are smooth and slippery and can be more easily scratched than other bathroom materials. The double-walled insulation keeps water hotter longer. The Real Word: Can ShowingTime competitors step up? Small bathtubs solve big challenges in bathroom design when space is limited. First learn their pros and cons. Acrylic retains heat and does not get as cold as other bathroom materials, such as tile and marble. They're quite heavy and can be quite expensive. 1. Let’s start with some of the more common options: Also known as FRP, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, this is typically going to be the least expensive bathtub material. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity (www.sweetfrivolity.com). Your subscription will automatically renew for on . Some may feel that acrylic is not as high end as other types of tubs. Sign up for Individual Select membership today. Breaking news as it happens. Wisegeek: What are the Pros and Cons of Using a Porcelain Bathtub? The pressure from the hard stream is high and in turn, produces some massaging effects. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The material of the tub, fiberglass with an acrylic topcoat, is lightweight, non-porous, and easy to keep clean for busy bathrooms. Cast iron bathtubs are also popular, and they can add a lot of character to a bathroom. Although they are more expensive than acrylic bathtubs, cast iron lasts much longer. These tubs are durable and easy to clean. The design of most shower pans is similar to that of modern bathtubs in that the bottom of the area where you actually stand often does not touch the ground. The cost difference is usually fairly low, and it can be molded into a wide variety of different shapes. From cold to close: How to ensure a seamless closing. You will be charged . Many homeowners choose acrylic bathtubs because they are versatile and budget-friendly. Thanks to the sealing on these doors, water stays in the tub and doesn't flood the floor. Liners cover up bad walls. It looks like a brand-new bathtub when the work is finished. Coalesce's Select Membership is no longer active. The advantages are low cost, light weight, ease of installation, and a finish that can be repaired. An average bathtub holds between 25 and 40 gallons of water, but the typical bath is about 30 gallons, allowing for the body’s displacement of water.A 10-minute shower with a new low-flow showerhead, by contrast, will use about 20 gallons of water. Acrylic is a sheet installation process for shower walls, not tiles. Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews. For the purposes of this guide, we assume that the average homeowner wants to install a 5-foot soaking tub made of acrylic in their bathroom. They’re also typically going to be among the most expensive tubs on the market. Pros and Cons of Acrylic Bathtubs Retailers like Quality Bath list the pros and cons of acrylic bathtubs, starting with affordability. The common alcove design is a standard 60 inches long by 32 inches wide by 18 inches high. The gel coat provides the color and protective finish. You can custom order a bathtub from a variety of natural stone materials, including granite, marble, onyx, travertine, basalt, sandstone and other materials. Acrylic is also lightweight, inexpensive and resistant to impact and changing temperatures. List of the Pros of Reglazing a Bathtub. Acrylic models can weigh as little as 50 pounds, compared to the approximate 1,000-pound weight of a cast iron tub, says Better Homes and Gardens. Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive due to the manufacturing process. Acrylic material is cut in one large piece to fit your shower wall per corner. Always check a cleaner’s label before using it. Several years ago, we discussed some of the many options available when replacing a bathtub or a tub/shower combo. Acrylic tubs are colored sheets of clear plastic reinforced with layers of fiberglass. Acrylic . The benefits of fiberglass bathtubs include being affordable, lightweight and their availability of styles and colors. Pros . With a keen Focus on comfort & depth. Cons These tubs are made from crushed limestone mixed with resin, then finished with Gelcoat. Bathtubs have become an integral part of a home’s décor, … Custom options are available as well. Wisegeek lists the pros and cons of porcelain tubs, which many people consider more luxurious than acrylic or cast iron. You also have a lot of choices of shapes, sizes and colors. The result is that there are many different types of tubs you can choose from for your bathroom. This material is not perfect, however, so if you're planning to buy or refinish a tub, learn about the disadvantages as well as the advantages of acrylic tubs. The surfaces are nonporous, smooth and comfortable. The advantages are pretty much the same as for fiberglass, although acrylic tubs are more expensive. For a built-in tub, a 5-foot, 18-inch deep acrylic soaking tub costs around $350. Whether free-standing, a whirlpool, built-in, combination, or walk-in, each has its own set of specific pros and cons. Here is a list of the best acrylic bathtub for your beautiful home. An acrylic tub usually lasts 10 to 15 years before it becomes faded and significantly scratched, while a quality cast iron tub can last more than 100 years with proper care. On the other hand, cast iron is heavyweight and demands high price than any other material. Forgot your username? It creates a glossy finish with many different prints. If a cast iron tub gets scratched and chipped, however, repairs are more involved. This type of tub is made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets that are reinforced with fiberglass. It looks like you’re already a Select Member! There seems to be a problem with your Inman Select Membership. Here are 10 bathtub design ideas to make the most of your small bathroom space. All these characteristics explain why so many bathtubs are made of acrylic. Leading commentary by award-winning journalists. It offers you the option of a soft or hard water stream. Acrylic is lightweight, thus it can be installed on any level of the dwelling. User promo code onward25 during checkout to save 25% on your Inman Select Membership. While a cheaper option for a bathtub, fiberglass is not as durable as acrylic. However, you’ll have to deal with the maintenance of all that grout, and the irregular interior surface may not be the most comfortable to relax on with bare skin. Use a soft cloth, sponge or terrycloth towel to prevent scratches. Tub and shower liners are a faster fix than completely demolishing and replacing your bathroom. The door gives seniors the ability to enter the tub without having to lift their legs over the threshold, as with traditional bathtubs. Premium quality acrylic construction reinforced with fiberglass for strength and durability that will provide years of use and satisfaction. A pedestal sink is also aesthetically pleasing and perfect if you want to give your bathroom a classical vibe. There are a large variety of tubs to choose from. If you’re looking for a material that will last, this would be it. They’re durable; they retain heat well; there are a variety of subtle, natural-looking colors available; and the finish can be repaired if needed. It’s also easy to maintain, repairable, and damage-resistant. Acrylic Bathtubs. The heavy material also tends to retain the water’s heat. The advantages are pretty much the same as for fiberglass, although acrylic … Acrylic tubs use fiberglass sheets for reinforcement underneath vacuum-formed sheets of colored acrylic. Fix all chips, cracks, rust, and discoloration to make the tub look brand new again. For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here. Retailers like Quality Bath list the pros and cons of acrylic bathtubs, starting with affordability. It depends on your style and your needs. Acrylic is resistant to chips and cracks, and if anything does occur, it usually can be fixed with an acrylic tub repair kit. Pros & Cons of an Acrylic Tub ... Acrylic tubs generally do not last as long as enamel or porcelain over metal for this reason. Pros: Porcelain bathtubs maintain a very nice sheen and luster, and their surfaces are very smooth as well, maintaining an old antique aesthetic. Unfortunately, fiberglass bathtubs do not retain heat well and are also subject to scratching easily and fading. Building a better bathtub: the pros and cons of 9 bathtub materials, Some keep water hot, but convenience comes at a price, What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments. That means you’re right in the price range of a bathtub reglazing project. This is one of the main advantages that surely deserves to be mentioned in rain shower head pros and cons discussion. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing (www.wordsmythcontent.com), and she enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a variety of related industries. Bathtub refinishing costs between $300 and $600, with most homeowners spending $437 on average. Cons: You won’t have any storage space under the sink or any counter space around it. The surfaces are nonporous, smooth and comfortable. The gentle slope of the tub makes a great spot for relaxation. Pros: The pedestal under the sink sits between the underside of the sink and the floor, concealing any pipework in between. Liners are quick fixes. To begin with, you might be surprised to find that you have more options than you would have thought. Acrylic tubs are a very popular option due to their versatility, durability, wide range of options, and low cost. Personally, it’s one of my least favorite materials. On the downside, they’re somewhat heavy and relatively expensive, and may require a long lead time to get. You will receive additional instructions via email. Professional tub resurfacing costs about 75% less than replacement, lasts for 10 to 15 years, and provides a glossy finish coating that makes the tub look brand new.. The Advantage (PROS/CONS) Of The Wine Chateau Roma Kitchen/Bath Mat by East Urban Home To Users: It will work well for compact size and small homes; It can last for a long time when used; The product remains an amazing easy tool-free set up; Buyers can apply this piece of furniture in their condo, apartment or office Let's take a closer look at this charming and vintage sink, so you can … With an overall thickness of about 1/4 inch, fiberglass tub material is relatively flimsy stuff, which also explains its light weight. Whether you’re a family with small children or a bathtub is an essential for you, a more compact size bathtub might be the answer you are looking for. 4. There are a number of different colors available, and there’s a richness to cast iron that’s hard to match. Acrylic Versus Fiberglass Shower. A cast iron tub is also heavier. These days more and more primary bathrooms are separating the tub and shower so that now you have a dedicated shower space and a separate bathtub. Acrylic tubs are lightweight and relatively easy to install. Cons: Out of style, complex installation. Fiberglass is porous, so it can absorb water and warp. Top headlines from around the real estate industry. The acrylic acts as a barrier between the fiberglass and bathtub, so water is prevented from getting in where it's not supposed to. To help you find the best sink for your kitchen, we wanted to discuss the pros and cons of one of the oldest, yet forever trendy, styles of sinks available to homeowners - The Farmhouse Sink. Little to no mess. Freestanding oval shapes average about 60 by 41 by 24 inches, and corner bathtubs are larger, approximately 60 by 60 by 22 inches. The cost typically falls somewhere between acrylic and cast iron. Delta also advises homeowners to avoid using some other popular types of cleaners that might damage the acrylic surface; check their site for updated cleaning information. Please update your billing information to reactivate your membership. Pros. They’re also especially useful when replacing fiberglass or acrylic tub/shower units, as they fit in the same 5-foot opening and can be finished off nicely with a ceramic tile surround. Disadvantages are that the finish can scratch or discolor over time, although the better grades of tub finishes have now reduced that problem to a minimum. Cast iron tubs are made by pouring molten iron into a mold of the desired shape, then smoothing it and coating it with a thick layer of enamel. It's also easy to keep clean. And now for some less common material options: Solid-surface materials are relative newcomers to the bathtub market. 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. Badeloft, a manufacturer of bathroom products, including acrylic tubs, explains that their tubs are made from vacuumed acrylic sheets and reinforced by fiberglass. A heavier tub may require extra floor support, especially in second-story bathrooms. The Costs for Constructing a Handicapped-Accessible Bathroom. Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox. Acrylic and fiberglass shower units are low-cost, low-maintenance alternatives to ceramic and stone tile. Unlike tub or shower refinishing, liners extend above the bathing area and up the walls. How to Choose A Kitchen Sink Read Article. Bathtub Refinishing Costs. Badeloft USA: What is an Acrylic Tub: The Beginners Guide to Acrylic Tubs, Quality Bath: Acrylic Tubs: Everything You Need to Know, Delta: How to Clean Your Acrylic Delta Shower or Tub. Among them acrylic bathtubs and fiberglass both are now day gain huge popularizes because of its lightweight, durability and inexpensive price tag. You have a lot of options for color, size and style, and the Gelcoat finish used with cultured marble is more durable than that used with fiberglass. 15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion. As you’d imagine, with any of these true one-of-a-kind pieces you get an unbeatable “wow factor,” but it comes with a pretty high price tag. The finish is resistant to most common chemicals, and retains its gloss for a long time. The most common bathtubs materials are- Acrylic, cast iron, fiberglass, Americast Porcelain, and so on. Acrylic tubs, which are made from plastic, are known for their strength, durability and sheen. On the downside, these tubs are extremely heavy and require extra labor — and often extra floor reinforcement — to install. We list and describe your bathtub options here. Please contact the parent account holder or Inman customer service @ 1-800-775-4662 customerservice@inman.com. Ceramic tile tubs can be made on site to whatever size and shape you desire. Never use steel wool or scrubbing pads, and always rinse thoroughly with clean water. Delta recommends non-abrasive cleaners or regular dishwashing soap. On the downside, they’re heavier than fiberglass or acrylic; the surface can rust and chip under impact; and you’re very limited in the number of shapes and sizes available. Still, countless acrylic tubs are on the market and in today's homes, so it may make sense to buy one. They can also be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. What Are the Advantages of a Shower Vs. a Bathtub? Reading the best acrylic bathtub pros and cons you have to choose the best one for you. Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines. On the negative side, fiberglass tubs are thin; they flex and don’t have a stable feel; they’re not very durable; and the finish is prone to fading, scratching and cracking. The Pros & Cons Read Article.