Difference Between Acrylic And Ceramic Tubs

Both acrylic and tile shower and bathtub surrounds have their own unique benefits.

Difference between acrylic and ceramic tubs.

If you re looking for an acrylic tub rather than fiberglass check into the tub construction as many manufacturers and retailers use acrylic loosely. Acrylic bathtubs are manufactured with a layer of 4 8 mm thick acrylic sheet which is reinforced from underneath with steel or wooden frames. Although there is something that you need to take into consideration before buying an acrylic or porcelain bathtub. At first glance some future home buyers may perceive acrylic to be less elegant than a tile bath or shower system.

Acrylic is warmer to the touch than porcelain and acrylic tubs retain the heat of the bath water in them longer than iron or steel tubs do. The advantages and disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs. They can be installed by a professional crew or by a diyer. There are several key differences between fiberglass and porcelain tubs and understanding these differences can help inform your choice between the two.

Most shower kits include a shower pan and two or three solid wall panels although some are one piece shells in which the shower base or bathtub is integrated with. Acrylic bathtubs are usually molded through a thermal process that bonds an acrylic finish over fiberglass reinforcement. Acrylic tub surrounds iron and steel tubs must be surrounded by a water resistant wall usually consisting of ceramic tile making installation of these tubs costly time consuming and labor intensive. When choosing a bathtub one of the choices a homeowner has to make is what material the tub will be constructed of.

A porcelain bathtub is usually constructed on a base made of iron or steel glass or tile. Thereafter the entire tub is reinforced with fiberglass. In general porcelain tubs are heavier than acrylic. There are many options.

More and more homeowners are opting for fiberglass alternatives to the heavy and expensive ceramic covered metal tubs of years past. The central base of the bath is further supported with a wooden base. Pre fabricated shower stall units are usually fiberglass or acrylic kits created in a factory and shipped to your home in one or several pieces. With acrylic bathtubs they require cleaning with only mild and non abrasive liquid cleaners and similar like this a mild detergent or warm water plus baking soda paste will do the job with porcelain bathtubs.

Difference between acrylic and steel bathtubs. In reality though the low maintenance benefits of acrylic versus the continued maintenance of tile should be taken into consideration as well. 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.