There is a kind of soothing we all seek that only a bubble bath can satisfy. For a child who scraped his knee, for a teenager who just experienced a devastating break-up, for a mom who’s working her ass off both at work and at home, for a dad who’s struggling to meet all the deadlines – a warm relaxing bath can always make us feel better.
But before we get all the perks a good bathtub can give, we must first know which bathtub material is best for you and the whole family.
To meet our growing needs, bathtub manufacturers now offer a variety of tub materials that we can choose from. There are fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron, porcelain, cultured marble, and wood to name a few.
While these innovations may overwhelm you, we decided to narrow down our focus on this article to give you a better grasp of understanding between the two most common materials: Acrylic and Fiberglass.
In this Guide
The Top Acrylic and Fiberglass Tubs Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. WOODBRIDGE Modern Bathroom Freestanding Bathtub |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Empava 67" Luxury Freestanding Bathtub Soaking SPA |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. American Standard Studio Acrylic Tub |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. WOODBRIDGE Modern Bathroom Freestanding Bathtub
If you are looking for a freestanding tub that has a luxurious space for the comfort of your long legs, then this fiberglass tub may be the perfect fit for you. This tub has a double wall design, made with two layers of acrylic to keep water warm for a longer period of time.
The acrylic topcoat also ensures durability and the high gloss finish makes everything look clean even after long years of use. Its glossy finish makes it easy to maintain. What’s more remarkable is that it is scratch and stain-resistant.
Its unique design will give your bathroom a touch of elegance at an affordable price. It comes with a brushed nickel overflow and push pop-up drain. Faucets are also available for additional purchase. They come in a variety of colors to complement your bathroom.
Its 60-gallon water capacity is perfect for those who enjoy soaking in a deep tub. With its depth of 28 3/8″, you can immerse your full body in a relaxing warm bath.
And for your extra peace of mind, Woodbridge provides 5 years limited warranty on the bathtub surface and structural, while 1-year limited warranty on the plumbing parts.
Specs
- Dimension: 67″ Length x 31 1/2″ Width x 28 3/8″ Depth
- Color: White
- Water Capacity: 60 gallons
- Material: Full fiberglass construction with two layers of acrylic
Pros
- Comes with an anti-leak design drain & pipe system
- Glossy finish is resistant to dulling, scratching and fading
- Double walled to keep the water warm
Cons
- Depth may make cleaning difficult
2. Empava 67″ Luxury Freestanding Bathtub Soaking SPA
This stylish Empava freestanding bathtub may be the bathtub you’re looking for. As it is made from acrylic, it is lightweight and will most probably not require additional support on your bathroom floor. It is also reinforced with fiberglass for added durability.
Since this tub isn’t painted, the glossy acrylic finish gives a longer lasting shine and a color that doesn’t fade. You can definitely enjoy this shiny tub for many years making it purchase worthy.
On top of that, it has double slipper configuration and two bathers can comfortably fit at once. The dimensions of the tub make it spacious enough making sure your legs aren’t cramped when you bathe with your loved ones.
Moreover, its water capacity of 58 gallons is ideal for bathers who like a full-body immersion. So if you are the kind of person who likes to soak all the worries away, then Empava 67” Luxury Freestanding Bathtub is the perfect choice for you.
Specs
- Dimension: 66.92″ Length x 31.49″ Width x 22.83“ Depth
- Color: White
- Water Capacity: 56 gallons
- Material: Acrylic reinforced with fiberglass
Pros
- Stylish design
- Length of tub is ideal for taller people
- Adjustable metal feet for your added convenience
Cons
- May need to hire a professional for plumbing and installation
3. American Standard Studio Acrylic Tub
This sleek bathtub comes at an affordable price. So if you are renovating your bathroom or it’s time for you to replace your old tub but you are tight on budget, this tub may be the one you’re looking for.
What sets this tub apart is it is ADA compliant. This is especially important for family members who have special needs or mobility issues. The textured floor is slip resistant giving you and your loved ones extra safety when using the tub.
This affordable tub is made from high gloss acrylic reinforced with fiberglass making it durable and easy to maintain. As for installation, it is made easy as it comes with a pre-leveled tub bottom. It also has an integral three-sided tiling flange to also prevent water seepage.
To put an icing on top, you can enjoy a lifetime limited warranty on this American Standard Studio Bathtub. It’s affordable, durable and easy to install. These three important features in one make this tub a good value for money.
Specs
- Dimension: 60″ Length x 30″ Width x 18“ Depth
- Color: Arctic
- Water Capacity: 48 gallons
- Material: Acrylic reinforced with fiberglass
Pros
- Pre-leveled tub bottom for easier installation
- Limited lifetime warranty
- ADA compliant
Cons
- Depth may not be ideal for taller people
Acrylic vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs: At a Glance
While these two are different bathtub materials, they work together perfectly that the bestselling bathtubs in the market are made from acrylic reinforced with fiberglass.
So, whether you are renovating your bathroom, or you are purchasing a tub for your newly built dream house, read on as we walk you through the pros and cons of the tubs we recommended above and give you a deeper background on these two great bathtub materials.
Acrylic vs Fiberglass Tubs: What’s the Difference?
Now that we’re digging deeper on our acrylic vs fiberglass bathtubs article, read further to know more about these two materials, their pros and cons and what makes them popular for most people.
Acrylic Bathtub
Pros
- A lot of options in colors and sizes
- Easy to install
- Retains heat well
Cons
- Prone to scratching
What makes an acrylic bathtub a great bathtub material? If you have a unique color and style in mind, there’s a big chance that an acrylic bathtub will satisfy your stylish preference.
One of the amazing things about this bathtub material is that you will not run out of color and style to choose from. You can definitely find one which will perfectly match your entire bathroom design.
Aside from that, acrylic bathtubs are one of the most popular choices because of their durability. Moreover, acrylic bathtubs are also often made with a non-porous surface which means it does not absorb water and can keep the water warm longer.
With proper maintenance and use of the right cleaning materials, you can enjoy the service of this tub for 10 to 15 years. It is also lightweight and therefore easy to install.
Fiberglass Tubs
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
Cons
- Porous in nature
Fiberglass bathtubs are a wise option if you are planning to install a bathtub on your second floor. Its lightweight material doesn’t require additional support to be installed which is often the case for heavier bathtub materials.
Fiberglass is also known as glass-reinforced plastic or GRP. What makes this material interesting is its ability to be molded into complicated shapes. That’s why it is a popular material for bathtub manufacturers since it can accommodate any consumer’s stylish taste. You will ever run out of options for your personal taste and needs.
Final Thoughts
Indulging yourself with a gorgeous bathtub doesn’t need to be expensive. The reason why acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs are gaining popularity, is that they are not only budget-friendly but they are also stylish and attractive.
Now that you’ve read our acrylic vs fiberglass tub article, you get the idea why people are getting hyped about these two bathtub materials.
And if you are torn between the two, opt for a tub that is made both from acrylic and fiberglass like the Woodbridge Tub. Acrylic bathtubs that are reinforced with fiberglass, and vice versa, are durable and certainly offer good value for money.
