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Acrylic Vs Fiberglass Tub: What’s The Difference?

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Medically reviewed by Mary White, MD
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Fiberglass tubs and acrylic tubs also have lots of differences. These separate the two kinds of tubs from each other. Here are some of these differences:

Acrylic Tub

Many people pick acrylic tubs because they are easy to clean and do not easily scratch. They are also very durable, so they last longer.

This makes them more expensive than other materials, including fiberglass.

Since acrylic is a kind of plastic, it needs to be heated during walk-in tub manufacturing. After heating, the softened sheets are stretched over a mold to form it into the right size and shape.

The disadvantage of this process is that some areas of the tub become thinner because they are overstretched, which affects maintenance.

In terms of beauty, acrylic is preferred by many because it is shinier than fiberglass. Since it is easier to clean, it can always be kept in style especially since its color does not fade easily.

Fiberglass Tub

Fiberglass tubs are considered to be the most affordable walk-in tub.

Therefore, this is the first choice for those who want to find a durable yet less expensive tub.

Fiberglass tubs can be thick enough to be harder, more scratch-resistant, and more durable.

Fiberglass is made of tiny interwoven glass strings. To create a tub, it is formed into a gel and spread evenly onto the mold.

This has to be done at the right temperature for the manufacturing to be perfect. Fiberglass tubs are usually coated with acrylic to make them shiny and easier to clean.

The problem with fiberglass is that it is less resistant to scratch compared to acrylic. Its color also tends to fade easily.

For this reason, it usually does not last longer than acrylic tubs. However, if just treated carefully and cleaned always, then the lifespan of fiberglass tubs also lasts a long time.

Similarities

When fiberglass and acrylic tubs are put on sale, no one can easily tell them apart. They have similarities in their materials. For instance, they are both plastic molded. In addition, acrylic tubs have some fiberglass in them.

Therefore, it is not surprising that they appear almost identical.

Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are both known for their beauty, durability, and convenience. This is why they are the top choices for bathtub installation and remolding. Moreover, these tubs are similar in that they do not need high maintenance.

They do not require a thorough cleaning all the time, and homeowners can just use simple cleaning products such as soapy water, vinegar, or just water to clean fiberglass and acrylic tubs.

Common Tub Materials

Contemporary walk-in tubs are made of different materials. However, the most common materials are acrylic and fiberglass. These two have risen above the others because they can be adapted to whatever style the designers want to use them in.

They can be in different colors, shapes, textures, and styles and people just love them.

Both acrylic and fiberglass tubs are great, but they, of course, have differences.

To help buyers decide on what kind of tub to get for their homes, they must learn about the characteristics of the two materials, including their similarities and differences.

Also, read your page about Safe Step Walk-in Tub to learn more about the price and cost of installation. Kohler is another company that offers a great price, and it’s one of the best walk-in tubs on the market right now.

How to choose the best Walk-in Tub?

Both acrylic and fiberglass tubs have advantages over the others and yet have their own downsides.

Therefore, it depends on the buyer to determine which one meets their standards. Whatever they choose, as long as they know how to take care of it they can guarantee that it will be durable.

Read our principal page with all the necessary information to get the best walk-in tub for you.