Acrylic vs Fiberglass Bathtub Showdown: Making the Best Choice

You may not have paid much attention to it, but the material your bathtub is made from plays a huge role in how enjoyable your bath is. And no, it’s not just about the look. Details like how well it retains heat, how comfortable it is, and how easy it is to clean make all the difference.

If you are torn between tubs made from acrylic or fiberglass, two of the most common materials for walk-in tubs, then this guide is for you. We will break down the pros, cons, and key features of each so you can make the best choice for your bathroom.

A Brief Overview of Acrylic and Fiberglass Bathtubs

Acrylic Bathtub

If you’re upgrading your bathroom and want a modern, stylish look, an acrylic bathtub might be the perfect choice.

Acrylic tubs are made from vacuum-formed colored sheets of clear plastic and reinforced with layers of fiberglass. They’re easy to clean, maintain, and surprisingly lightweight, yet durable enough to last around 10 to 15 years. They also come in various shapes, textures, and colors.

And the coolest thing about this tub? You’ve got options! You can mount acrylic tubs to the wall to save space. For a luxurious, spa-like feel, choose a freestanding model, such as the Transparent Resin Bathtub DG811. Made from durable, transparent resin, this freestanding tub measures 1700 × 800 × 550 mm. You can place it anywhere in your bathroom without compromising charm or functionality.

Acrylic tubs also come with headrests, built-in seats, and even whirlpool jets to enhance your bathing experience.

Fiberglass Bathtubs

Fiberglass bathtubs, also known as fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), are an affordable option for bathroom upgrades.

Fiberglass tubs are made by heating tiny layers of interwoven glass fibers until they bind together. Once fused, manufacturers mold them into the desired shape and then spray them with a resin gel coating. This adds an extra layer of protection and shine.

What makes fiberglass tubs a top choice goes beyond their affordability. They are also fairly durable, relatively easy to clean and maintain, and, best of all, easy to install.

Remember when we mentioned acrylic tubs are lightweight? Fiberglass tubs are even lighter, making them easy to move around.

Similarities Between Acrylic and Fiberglass Bathtubs

Acrylic and fiberglass tubs have different materials and construction. However, they share several key features:

• Unlike traditional cast iron tubs, acrylic and fiberglass tubs are lightweight. This makes them easier to install and move, especially freestanding acrylic models.
• Both materials come in various shapes and sizes. This makes it easy to find a tub that complements your bathroom layout.
• Compared to other materials, acrylic and fiberglass tubs tend to be more affordable.
• Both use fiberglass layers to boost durability and extend lifespan.

Differences Between Acrylic And Fiberglass Bathtubs

Before deciding on the best tub for your bathroom, it’s smart to compare your options. Here are some key ways acrylic and fiberglass tubs differ:

1. Acrylic tubs come in more shapes, fixtures, colors, and textures than fiberglass tubs.
2. Many homeowners prefer acrylic because its manufacturing process is considered more “hands-on and personalized.”. How so? Well, acrylic tub production involves heating an acrylic sheet. This is then stretched over a mold to form a solid, desired shape. In comparison, fiberglass manufacture is as simple as spraying a layer of gel coating over the mold.
3. They are both easy to clean and maintain. However, fiberglass tubs are more susceptible to stains due to their gel coating, especially if not properly cleaned after use.
4. Although both are durable, acrylic tubs outlast fiberglass tubs by far. This is because fiberglass tubs are more likely to crack, scratch, or fade due to how they’re made and the materials used.
5. Fiberglass tubs tend to absorb water more easily. If not sealed properly, they can stain and become breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

Pros And Cons Of Acrylic Bathtub And Fiberglass Bathtub

Before deciding on the best tub for your bathroom layout, it is always wise to compare the different types available so you can find one that suits both your space and budget. 

To make it easier for you, here is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs.

Acrylic Bathtubs

Pros:

1. Durability: Acrylic walk-in tubs are highly durable. Thanks to their material composition and construction. They are less likely to chip, crack, fade, or scratch compared to other types of tubs. With proper maintenance, they can last 20 years or more.
2. Easy Installation: Acrylic tubs are easy to install because they’re lightweight and easy to move. Because they’re so light, they can be installed on any floor without needing extra reinforcement. 
3. Design Flexibility: Acrylic tubs are available in various shapes and sizes. So, as a homeowner, there’s no need to settle for what is “available.” At George Construction Group, we can help homeowners design and fabricate custom acrylic bathtubs that perfectly fit their space, style, budget, and personal taste. Whether you want a sleek freestanding tub or a wall-mounted option, we have you covered.
4. Heat Retention: If you enjoy long, steamy showers, you’ll appreciate how well acrylic bathtubs retain heat. For example, the Acrylic Bathtub OMQ-9171, retains heat for approximately 50 minutes to one hour.
5. Maintenance: Acrylic tubs are easy to clean. For instance, the Jacuzzi-2 Bathtub can be wiped down gently with a soft cloth, thanks to its non-porous surface. 

Cons

1. Cost: Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive than fiberglass tubs. This is mainly because they’re made with higher-quality materials and require a more delicate, customized manufacturing process. However, when you weigh all the benefits, you will realize that they are well worth the cost.
2. Potential for Discoloration: Over time, exposure to certain chemicals or UV light can cause acrylic tubs to fade or lose their color.

Fiberglass Bathtubs

Pros

1. Availability: Fiberglass tubs are often mass-produced. This is because their manufacturing process is shorter and less complex than that of acrylic tubs. Therefore, they are widely available.
2. Weight: Fiberglass tubs weigh about 70 pounds. They are lighter than acrylic tubs, which typically weigh around 100 pounds.
3. Affordability: For homeowners seeking to save money without compromising functionality, fiberglass tubs can be a great option. They’re typically less expensive than other types because they’re easier to manufacture and made from widely available materials.

Cons

1. Limited Options: Fiberglass tubs typically come in basic shapes and colors. These colors, however, may not meet the needs of those seeking more stylish or unique designs.
2. Durability Issue: Fiberglass tubs are made from thin materials. As a result, they’re more prone to cracking, scratching, and impact damage over time.”
3. Poor Heat Retention: Fiberglass tubs can not retain heat for extended periods. This is because they are made with materials that don’t insulate well. On average, they can only keep your bathwater warm for about 20 to 30 minutes.
4. High-maintenance: Fiberglass is more prone to mold, stains, and mildew. So, it often needs more frequent cleaning and maintenance to stay looking fresh. The downside? Prolonged scrubbing and harsh cleaners may cause it to wear down and lose its shine over time.

What to Choose?

Choosing the right tub depends mainly on what matters most to you. If you value a tub that is highly durable and can also keep your water warm for an extended period, then you will love acrylic tubs.

Conversely, if you want something that is both affordable and functional, consider fiberglass tubs. They are easy to find, lightweight, and get the job done without breaking the bank. If you want a tub that’s attractive and low-maintenance, acrylic is the better choice.

At the end of the day, there’s something for everyone. It’s all about finding what suits your space, style, and budget best.

Conclusion

Acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs have their benefits and downsides. Understanding their differences will help you select the bathtub that best suits your needs and enhances your bathroom experience.

If you are ready to transform your bathroom to one that truly reflects your taste and style, then George’s Construction Group has got you covered.

Since 2006, we have been proudly supplying high-quality, custom-made acrylic bathtubs and other home improvement products to customers across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. Our tubs are built to last!

Contact us today to discover how we can help you bring your bathroom dream to life!