9 Top Pros & Cons of Acrylic Freestanding Tubs
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Acrylic is a bathtub material used to create freestanding tubs that offer an excellent combination of comfort, durability, and flexibility of design. With a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colors available, homeowners can easily find an acrylic bathtub that suits their personal style and bathroom decor.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic freestanding tubs are lightweight and easy to install
- Excellent heat retention enhances the bathing experience
- Low maintenance due to stain and mold resistance
Benefits of Acrylic Bathtubs
Acrylic freestanding tubs are a great option if you are considering a new tub for your bathroom. They have many great benefits that make them a popular choice for homeowners.
1. Lightweight
One of the major advantages of acrylic bathtubs is that they are much lighter than traditional tub materials, such as cast iron or steel. This lightweight nature makes them easier to handle and maneuver during installation.
2. Easy to Install
Since acrylic tubs are lightweight, installation is significantly less complicated compared to installing heavy cast iron or steel bathtubs. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of installation errors which can lead to long-term issues.
3. Retains Heat Well
Acrylic bathtubs are known for their excellent heat retention properties. The insulating properties of acrylic allow it to retain heat much more effectively than other materials. This means you can enjoy a comfortably warm bath for an extended period without worrying about the water losing its heat too quickly.
4. Finish Stays Glossy Over Time
The finish on acrylic bathtubs is both smooth and durable, resisting cracks and chips. Over time, this glossiness remains intact, providing a shimmering bathing oasis for years to come.
5. Easy to maintain
Maintenance is incredibly simple. Acrylic tubs are easy to clean and remain low-maintenance throughout their lifespan.
6. Mildew and mold-resistant
Acrylic bathtubs are resistant to mildew and mold due to their non-porous nature. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize cleanliness and hygiene in their bathroom spaces. With a little regular upkeep, your acrylic bathtub will stay sparkling, inviting, and mold-free.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Bathtubs
Keep these disadvantages in mind when deciding if an acrylic freestanding bathtub is the right choice for your bathroom. While there are some potential concerns, the overall benefits may still outweigh these minor issues.
1. Scratch Easily
Acrylic tubs, while beautiful and durable, do have one major drawback: they scratch easily. This is because their surface is more sensitive to abrasive cleaners and rough sponges. Try using gentler cleaning products and a soft cloth to avoid any unsightly scratches.
2. Pricier Than Fiberglass
When comparing acrylic to other bathtub materials like fiberglass, you might notice that acrylic tubs are a bit pricier. While acrylic provides a higher-quality finish and longer-lasting durability, it does come at a cost. If you’re willing to make an investment in your bathroom, an acrylic bathtub can be well worth it.
3. May Flex
Though generally durable, acrylic tubs can sometimes flex under significant weight or movement, making the tub feel less stable. This often depends on the quality and thickness of the acrylic used. To minimize this potential drawback, it’s essential to choose a high-quality acrylic tub and ensure it’s properly installed.
Freestanding Bathtub Materials
Terin Lewis is a showroom sales consultant at Expressions Home Gallery by Reece in Austin, Texas. Over coffee, we discussed the best materials for freestanding tubs. She told me:
“The best bathtub material depends on what you’re looking for. Cast iron is great for retaining heat just like stone composite tubs. Cast iron models typically have a more traditional look, whereas stone resin tubs come in different shapes and sizes. Acrylic tubs tend to be lighter and available in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles.”
The below table compares different materials for freestanding tubs:
| Material | Acrylic | Porcelain Enameled Steel | Fiberglass | Cast Iron | Stone Resin | Stone | Copper | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 60-150lbs | 90-150lbs | 40-100lbs | 300-500+lbs | 150-300+lbs | 500-1000+lbs | 50-100lbs | 200-400lbs |
| Durability | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Heat retention | Good | Good | Poor | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Customization Options | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Price range | $300 – $2,000 | $400 – $1,500 | $200 – $1,000 | $500 – $10,000 | $1,000 – $4,000 | $2,000 – $10,000 | $1,500 – $5,000 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Installation | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Complex | Moderate | Complex | Complex | Complex |
| Aesthetics | Versatile | Classic look | Limited | Classic look | Modern | Natural | Unique | Unique |
As you can see in the table above, acrylic bathtubs are typically lighter and more durable than porcelain-enameled steel and cast iron bathtubs. While free standing copper bathtubs and stone resin tubs (aka solid surface tubs) are more durable than acrylic, they are also much more costly and have less options for customization.
What Is Double Walled Acrylic
When considering a new bathtub for your home, you may come across double-walled acrylic freestanding tubs. One of the main features that sets these tubs apart from others is their double-walled construction. This not only provides extra insulation but also adds to the overall comfort and luxury of the tub.
Double Walled Acrylic Freestanding Tubs
There are many double-walled acrylic freestanding tubs in different styles available from various retailers. The double-walled construction provides added benefits for your bathing experience.
Double-ended tubs are a popular choice in this category. These tubs have a symmetrical design, with both ends gently sloping and rising to support your head and neck while you soak. This design is perfect for those who value relaxation and comfort while bathing.
So, why choose a double-walled acrylic freestanding tub?
For one, the double-walled construction offers improved insulation. This means that the water in your bathtub will retain heat for a longer period of time, keeping your bath warm and inviting.
Additionally, the lightweight yet durable nature of the acrylic material allows for more flexibility in design compared to other materials like cast iron or steel. This gives you the opportunity to choose from a wider range of styles and shapes to perfectly fit your bathroom aesthetic.
While the luxury of double-walled acrylic freestanding tubs is apparent, it’s important to note that their price can vary. The final cost will depend on the specific retailer, model, and any additional features you may choose, such as built-in whirlpool jets or a custom finish. However, these tubs generally fall within a reasonable price range and can be a great investment for your home.
Top Picks For Acrylic Freestanding Bathtubs
1. Best Acrylic Freestanding Whirlpool Tub
Water Massage Freestanding Bathtub
This 71″ (180 cm) freestanding is perfect for a relaxing soak and a vibrant massage! Equipped with 8 jets and a water capacity of 95.1 gals (432.3 liters), this tub offers the bather a full soaking, whirlpool chromotherapy experience.
The modern acrylic finish is slip, scratch, and stain-resistant. This oval tub is spacious and offers a sloped side for extra comfort.
The drain, overflow, and tub filler are included in this package. For your peace of mind, the manufacturer offers a 1-year limited warranty.
2. Best Acrylic Clawfoot Soaking Tub
Clawfoot Soaking Tub by Vanity Art
This graceful, double-walled acrylic Clawfoot freestanding slipper tub is designed for a woman (but is big enough for a man!) The tub is wide and deep with a gentle slope and holds 50 gals (227.3 liters), ensuring a comfortable deep soak.
Easy to clean, the tub is stain and scratch-resistant and comes with an already-installed polished chrome pop-up drain on the left side of the tub.
4 adjustable clawfoot leveling legs complete the look of this stunning tub. A 1-year parts warranty against defects is offered by the manufacturer.
3. Best Acrylic Freestanding Tub
Aquatica Purescape™ 045 Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub
The Aquatica Purescape™ 045 is designed to fit anywhere. The compact contemporary design and high-quality, high-gloss white acrylic surface with a center drain placement and a soaking depth of 15.25″ (39 cm) offer ultimate comfort in a tub for a single bather.
The overflow and pipe and a unique overflow slot are included with this slim bathtub, and no assembly is required. The tub has standard features, but a range of optional extras can be purchased. These include drain fittings, a headrest in a range of colors, and solid wood accessories.
Use coupon code SHANA10 for 10% off all purchases at Aquaticausa.com
The Verdict: Freestanding acrylic tub benefits
The benefits of acrylic bathtubs include their lightweight nature, ease of installation, heat retention, long-lasting glossy finish, and resistance to mildew and mold. Choose an acrylic freestanding tub for your bathroom and experience these advantages firsthand while maintaining a stylish and functional bathing space for years to come.
Tags: Acrylic freestanding tubs, Benefits of acrylic tubs, freestanding tubs
