Acrylic tubs are durable because they're reinforced with fiberglass. Most last around 15 years, but with proper care and maintenance, they might last even longer.
Acrylic is much more durable than a fiberglass tub. The chance of an acrylic tub chipping, cracking or fading is unlikely. Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time. Both styles can be cleaned with simple cleaning solutions.
Acrylic is a soft and flexible material, making it perfect for creating a wide range of tubs in different shapes and sizes.
While acrylic tubs may scratch more easily than cast iron, they're less susceptible to chipping and the cracks may be easily repaired (a feat more complicated in cast iron tubs).
Acrylic tubs are lightweight, like fiberglass, but they are more robust and less likely to warp, stain, or be damaged by cracks or chips. However, because acrylic is easily scratched, always clean with a gentle sponge or microfiber towel. On average, the lifespan of an acrylic bathtub is approximately 10-15 years.
Acrylic, being lightweight, is easier to install and doesn't require the same structural support. Also, porcelain is prone to chipping, and repairs can be expensive. Acrylic is less damage-resistant but can be repaired more easily if scratched. With acrylic, you also aren't trapped in one style.
Limited Lifespan
While acrylic bathtubs save you on cost upfront, they usually don't last as well as sturdier materials like cast iron or stone. As the years go by, acrylic can get a bit fragile, which could mean trouble like cracks and surface wear.
Acrylic is the shortened name for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is a type of rigid plastic with a great level of transparency—so impressive it's often used in place of glass. It also happens to be the number-one plastic for laser cutting.
Avoid Abrasives and Pads
Scrubbing pads and abrasive cleaning products — even “soft” scrubs and textured dish sponges — can scratch the acrylic finish. Acrylic tubs need only soft and slippery materials and cleaning products.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Resistant to Cracking
Crack resistance that reinforced acrylic baths have is an important advantage really worth mentioning. Acrylic bathtubs are highly durable. Plus, they will not develop cracks.
Cast iron is the most durable and longest-lasting type of bathtub you can buy, and vintage cast iron tubs are very popular. However, if a cast iron tub is too cumbersome to get to a second-floor bathroom in your home, an enameled steel tub is the next best thing.
Con: Acrylics have finite lifespans. You'll need to replace all those custom fixtures and panels within 10 to 15 years. That doesn't mean thermoplastics have shorter lifespans than every other alternative, though, so weigh up the durability of your material options side by side.
There is a possibility that your acrylic tub turns yellow over time, but if you maintain it and clean it properly and frequently, you don't have to worry about yellow stains for some time. Keep in mind that acrylic tubs are prone to discoloration and stains, so make sure to take care of it properly.
Steel baths are an excellent choice if you're looking for a durable tub that can last for generations and offers superior heat retention. On the other hand, acrylic baths are more affordable, lightweight, and flexible in terms of design options.
According to the American Standard, a leading manufacturer of bathroom fixtures, most of their acrylic tubs are designed to support up to 1000 lbs (454 kg) when properly installed.
Acrylic is more likely to chip than polycarbonate because it is less impact-resistant. However, if you are wondering which is more scratch resistant, acrylic or polycarbonate, you'll find that acrylic does not scratch as easily.
Acrylic (Plexiglas®, Lucite®, and Acrylite®) comes from natural gas and is completely inert when in solid form. American-made acrylic does NOT yellow in the sunlight. Witness the protective canopies and bubbles in the World War II bombers- they are still clear after 50 years in the sun!
You'll be happy to know that an acrylic bathtub is well worth the investment. The average lifespan of an acrylic bathtub is 10 to 15 years, making it a long-lasting investment. You can expect your new acrylic bathtub to stand the test of time and provide you with years of enjoyment.
A low-quality acrylic bath may flex a little whereas a reinforced bath won't, so choosing one of those is always a good idea.
Apply a line of caulk around the area where the tub meets the floor to securely anchor it in place. Should a freestanding bath move? The answer is no, they shouldn't. If you're wondering how to secure a freestanding acrylic tub to the floor, some models can be anchored or siliconed to the floor for added stability.
Cast iron bathtubs are the most durable and are made by pouring molten iron into a shaped mold. The mold is then smoothened and coated with enamel. The tubs are resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting, and they can last as long as a house.
Texture and Surface
Fiberglass: Run your hand across the surface. Fiberglass often feels lightweight and slightly rough in areas where the finish might have worn down over time. Acrylic: Acrylic tubs are known for their smooth, glossy finish that feels solid and polished.