When choosing a bathtub, the two main options are usually acrylic and porcelain. Acrylic tubs offer an excellent option for everyday use and are relatively cheaper than porcelain tubs.
However, acrylic tubs lack the durability and scratch resistance that porcelain provides. Porcelain tubs are resistant to scratches, heat and most chemicals, making them perfect for upscale customers who need something more durable.
On the other hand, they are more expensive than acrylic tubs and take longer to clean. Ultimately, Acrylic vs Porcelain Tubs is a matter of choice; What is essential is to understand the pros and cons of each component before you make your purchase to choose the one that best suits your needs.
What is Acrylic Tubs ?
Acrylic tubs are durable and attractive bathtubs that have become increasingly popular. They are made from acrylic, a strong and lightweight polymer, and fibreglass reinforced with resin for extra stiffness and strength.
Acrylic tub interior surfaces come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and finish with glossy or matte and other finishes such as Vortex Flow and Whirlpool.
They are significantly lighter than the average cast-iron bathtub, making the installation less complex and less expensive than other materials.
Meanwhile, their rapid temperature adaptation helps speed up refilling with hot water during a bath or shower, allowing you to enjoy your soak without unnecessary waiting.
Along with durability and affordability, acrylic tubs offer ease of installation, making them an ideal choice for renovation projects due to their compact shape that fits into most existing bathrooms.
Some things could be improved regarding the longer-term use of these acrylic tubs. Acrylic is incredibly vulnerable to scratches and can fade or discolor over time.
Although these surface stains may not affect its useful life, they can cause an unpleasant eyesore in a bathtub that no one wants to use.
What is Porcelain Tubs ?
Porcelain tubs are classic bathtubs known for their heat retention and scratch resistance. What makes these bathtubs unique is that instead of being made from ceramic, they are made from vitreous porcelain glazed with an enamel coating.
This unique construction allows porcelain tubs to withstand higher temperatures than other materials, making them perfect for homeowners who enjoy long hot baths.
Another attractive feature that makes porcelain tubs is their soft glossy surface that lasts longer than ceramic or plastic, making them easier to clean and maintain in tip-top condition.
Furthermore, thanks to the heavy glazing of its surface, a well-made porcelain bathtub will provide years of good service without any cracks or chips from daily wear and tear.
There is no denying that porcelain tubs bring an aesthetic appeal to any bathroom, and these unique tubs make them highly desirable fixtures in almost every home.
Porcelain tubs are a classic and luxurious choice for bathroom design, but they come with some drawbacks, Namely, cost, weight, and installation difficulty.
Porcelain tubs are significantly heavier than other materials due to their high-quality construction and durability. This can make them more expensive to transport and install than alternatives like acrylic or fibreglass.
Porcelain takes more effort to install correctly because it requires a slightly different process than other types of tubs. Despite the challenges posed by these factors, many find that the luxury porcelain offers outweigh any potential downside.
Comparison of Acrylic vs Porcelain Tubs
1. Acrylic Tubs Are Less Expensive Than Porcelain Tubs
The price significantly differs between acrylic and porcelain tubs; acrylic is considerably cheaper than porcelain because of its durable, plastic-like material that won’t crack like tile with age. While this means you won’t have to spend as much upfront for an acrylic tub, it does mean you’ll have to replace it more often.
2. Acrylic Tubs Are Easier to Install Than Porcelain Tubs
Acrylic tubs are very easy to install because acrylic tubs are generally lighter and more flexible than porcelain tubs, making them easier to transport and install.
3. Porcelain Tubs Are More Durable Than Acrylic Tubs
While acrylic tubs offer budget-friendly options with a relatively short lifespan, porcelain tubs offer more durability while providing an elegant feel.
Compared to acrylic tubs, porcelain is much more complex, making it ideal for those who prefer a long-term investment in their bathroom remodel.
4. Porcelain Tubs Are More Difficult to Clean Than Acrylic Tubs
Acrylic tubs may require an initial wipe after each use, but beyond that, a good cleaning regularly will do the trick quite nicely.
Porcelain tubs, however, require more attention and dedication to maintenance. Regular wiping is not enough; Scrubbing with a mild cleanser is usually necessary to keep it looking bright and pristine.
5. Acrylic Tubs Are Available in a Wider Range of Colors and Styles Than Porcelain Tubs
Acrylic bathtubs come in many colors and varieties, only sometimes found in porcelain bathtubs.
How to Choose the Right Tub ?
But after understanding everything, keep a few things in mind before deciding. One of the essential aspects is size – will your new tub fit into the existing space?
What about accommodating any potential growth and family needs? Additionally, you’ll want to consider what shape works best for both form and function.
How easy will it be to install in your existing configuration? Last but not least, budget is also an essential factor.
Considering all these criteria will help ensure you choose the perfect tub for your bathroom renovation.
FAQ: Acrylic vs Porcelain Tubs
Q1.Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?
Can acrylic tubs fade over time, or do acrylic tubs turn yellow? Acrylic tubs can turn yellow from exposure to UV rays, harsh cleaning agents or improper installation, which can discolor acrylic shells more quickly than other materials.
Q2.Do acrylic tubs crack easily?
The good news is that acrylic tubs are durable and long-lasting. Their quality construction and reinforcement with an inherent fibreglass backing make them relatively more cracking-resistant than other materials such as steel or cast iron. However, extreme temperature or pressure changes can cause excessive cracking or discolouration of the surface of an acrylic tub.