Acrylic Vs Fiberglass Freestanding Tub

Compare stone resin cast stone acrylic cast iron fiberglass and porcelain freestanding bathtub materials.

Acrylic vs fiberglass freestanding tub.

To be shiny and easier to clean fiberglass tubs are usually coated with acrylic. Acrylic tubs use fiberglass sheets for reinforcement underneath vacuum formed sheets of colored acrylic. Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive than a fiberglass tub due to the manufacturing process. Our freestanding bathtub material guide will allow you to get a better understanding of the different types of bathtubs on the market today.

With the second type of acrylic tub the acrylic is backed with a composite making it heavier and more strong. As you can see the difference in weight is slight unless you re comparing them to cast iron tubs which usually average 500 600 pounds for the same size. Acrylic tubs can be reinforced with fiberglass which will increase durability and rigidity but will also increase the price of the tub. Its color also tends to fade easily.

Budget acrylic tubs have little reinforcement and can feel. Acrylic tubs are made with vacuum formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass. They re also lightweight very durable and require less maintenance unlike other materials. The average weight of acrylic tubs is 100lbs while that of fiberglass tubs is 70lbs.

The advantages are pretty much the same as for fiberglass although acrylic tubs are more. Fiberglass tubs can quickly fade and cracks and scratch happen often. This means that the acrylic process is more hands on and not as manufactured. Acrylic is commonly used to form seats headrests whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs.

With the first type of acrylic tubs additional layers of fiberglass are sprayed on for durability and the tub is sealed to add shine and protection. Weight is an important factor when choosing freestanding bathtubs. Fiberglass is sprayed with a gelcoat mixture over a mold. Acrylic tubs tend to be more expensive than fiberglass and have a deeper color layer that can be more durable than the relatively thin gel coat used on fiberglass tubs.