Acrylic Vs Fiberglass Freestanding Tub

Fiberglass tubs are made of the same material that is used for boats and cars.

Acrylic vs fiberglass freestanding tub.

The problem with fiberglass is that it is less resistant to scratch compared to acrylic. This means that the acrylic process is more hands on and not as manufactured. Fiberglass is sprayed with a gelcoat mixture over a mold. Our freestanding bathtub material guide will allow you to get a better understanding of the different types of bathtubs on the market today.

Acrylic tubs are made with vacuum formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass. 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. Acrylic tubs can be reinforced with fiberglass which will increase durability and rigidity but will also increase the price of the tub. Acrylic tubs use fiberglass sheets for reinforcement underneath vacuum formed sheets of colored acrylic.

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. The advantages are pretty much the same as for fiberglass although acrylic tubs are more. With the second type of acrylic tub the acrylic is backed with a composite making it heavier and more strong. Compare stone resin cast stone acrylic cast iron fiberglass and porcelain freestanding bathtub materials.

Acrylic is commonly used to form seats headrests whirlpool jets and other molding details for tubs. Budget acrylic tubs have little reinforcement and can feel. Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive than a fiberglass tub due to the manufacturing process. Acrylic is exceptionally durable and the likelihood of this material chipping cracking or fading is rare.

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. The average weight of acrylic tubs is 100lbs while that of fiberglass tubs is 70lbs. Its color also tends to fade easily. They re also lightweight very durable and require less maintenance unlike other materials.