Difference Between Acrylic And Ceramic Tubs

There are several key differences between fiberglass and porcelain tubs and understanding these differences can help inform your choice between the two.

Difference between acrylic and ceramic tubs.

Commonly the base is porcelain enamel coated and then high temperature fired. In reality though the low maintenance benefits of acrylic versus the continued maintenance of tile should be taken into consideration as well. They can be installed by a professional crew or by a diyer. 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.

More and more homeowners are opting for fiberglass alternatives to the heavy and expensive ceramic covered metal tubs of years past. In general porcelain tubs are heavier than acrylic. 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. Acrylic bathtubs are usually molded through a thermal process that bonds an acrylic finish over fiberglass reinforcement.

There are many options. When choosing a bathtub one of the choices a homeowner has to make is what material the tub will be constructed of. 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. Both acrylic and tile shower and bathtub surrounds have their own unique benefits.

Size yes it. Difference between acrylic and steel bathtubs. 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. The central base of the bath is further supported with a wooden base.

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. A porcelain bathtub is usually constructed on a base made of iron or steel glass or tile. At first glance some future home buyers may perceive acrylic to be less elegant than a tile bath or shower system. Although there is something that you need to take into consideration before buying an acrylic or porcelain bathtub.

They re also especially useful when replacing fiberglass or acrylic tub shower units as they fit in the same 5 foot opening and can be finished off nicely with a ceramic tile surround. Thereafter the entire tub is reinforced with fiberglass. Acrylic bathtubs are manufactured with a layer of 4 8 mm thick acrylic sheet which is reinforced from underneath with steel or wooden frames.