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Is Your Tub Fiberglass or Acrylic?

If you’re thinking about replacing your bathtub, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which tub replacement material to choose. Before you do, however, it can be helpful to know what kind of bathtub you currently have. If you dislike your current tub, choosing a different material can ensure a better experience with your replacement. So, is your tub fiberglass or acrylic? By reading this guide, you’ll learn helpful tips to help you determine the answer. 

As you plan your bathtub replacement project, feel free to use our experts as a helpful resource. You can reach us at any time by contacting us online or calling your local EZPro Baths Express location.

Most Common Bathtub Materials

Before you can determine a question such as- is your tub fiberglass or acrylic? It helps to know more about the most commonly used bathtub materials. Let’s take a closer look. 

Fiberglass (or Reinforced Plastic)

Fiberglass tubs, which are also called fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), are made with layers of glass strings that are heated and then molded into a particular shape. After it’s molded into the desired shape, a resin gel coat is applied, giving it a glossy finish. 

Fiberglass is a popular tub material because it’s relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install. However, over time, the surface of a fiberglass tub can scratch or crack, and the finish may start to fade. this results in needing a fiberglass tub repair or replacement.

Acrylic

Acrylic tubs are made from clear vacuum-formed acrylic sheets that are reinforced with fiberglass during the manufacturing process. While they are slightly more expensive to make compared to fiberglass tubs, they are more durable, making them a popular option with many local homeowners. 

Acrylic bathtubs are also lightweight and non-porous, and they come in a wider range of styles, colors, shapes, and sizes compared to fiberglass tubs. 

Porcelain Enameled Steel

Another commonly used bathtub material is porcelain enameled steel, which is made from steel sheeting that is then coated with porcelain enamel. A steel tub is heavier than acrylic and fiberglass, and it’s a fairly cost-effective option. 

Steel bathtubs can easily chip when objects are dropped in them and they are prone to rust, which isn’t something you have to worry about with fiberglass or acrylic. Steel tubs can also be noisy if they’re not properly insulated. 

Enameled Cast Iron

Known as a more “classic” bathtub material, enameled cast iron is made from molded iron that is coated with porcelain enamel. This is a high-end option and significantly more expensive than a fiberglass, acrylic, or steel tub. Cast iron tubs are also extremely durable and can be resurfaced, which is why some homeowners think they’re worth the investment. 

One downside to cast iron tubs is that they are very heavy, making them difficult to install, as they often require structural reinforcement on the floor. 

Is Your Tub Fiberglass or Acrylic? Here’s How to Tell if You Have a Plastic or Acrylic Bathtub

If you’ve been wondering, “Is my bathtub fiberglass or acrylic?” there are a few signs you can look for to help you determine the answer. 

Touch the Surface to Feel the Temperature

Go into your bathroom and touch the surface of your tub with your hand. If it’s cool, you likely have a fiberglass tub. If it’s neutral or warm to the touch, it’s a good sign that you have an acrylic bathtub. 

Look at the Color of Your Tub

Next, pay attention to the color of your tub. While most fiberglass bathtubs come in white, acrylic tubs come in a variety of different colors. However, the most important thing to pay attention to is the floor of your tub. 

If the bottom of your tub looks faded or yellow compared to the sides of your tub, it’s likely made from fiberglass. While fiberglass will fade or discolor over time, acrylic will not. 

Check the Edges of Your Tub

Another way to check is by inspecting the edges of your bathtub. Thinner edges are usually a sign of a plastic fiberglass tub, while thicker edges are usually a feature of acrylic bathtubs. This isn’t always the best way to determine what tub material you have, however, because, without something to compare it to, it can be hard to determine whether the edges look thicker or thinner. 

Check for Signs of Damage

Take a close look at the surface of your bathtub. If it is stained or faded, then it’s a good indication that you have a plastic fiberglass tub. Do you notice scratches or cracks on the surface of your tub? That’s also a sign that your tub material is fiberglass. 

Look at the Support System

Depending on how your home is set up, you might be able to see underneath your bathtub to look at the support system from your crawl space or basement. If you’re able to look, this can give you insight into which material you have. Fiberglass bathtub supports will look like a lot of strings, while acrylic tub supports will be smooth. 

How to Tell if You Have a Steel or Cast Iron Tub

Are you curious to see if you have a steel or cast iron tub instead? There are a few different things you can do to make the determination. 

Use a Magnet

Grab a magnet from your refrigerator and take it to your bathtub. If it sticks to the side of your tub, you can feel confident that you have a steel or cast iron tub, since a magnet will not stick to fiberglass or acrylic. 

Push on the Side of Your Tub

Another option is to gently press the side of your tub. Fiberglass and acrylic are slightly flexible materials, so they’ll have a little give. Steel or cast iron tubs, however, are sturdy and they won’t give when you push on them. 

Take a Closer Look at Your Tub

When trying to determine which tub material you have, take a close look at the surface. Does it look similar to a ceramic dish? If so, you likely have a steel or cast iron tub. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs have a finish that looks more like plastic. 

Knock on Your Tub

Finally, knock on your tub a few times and listen to what it sounds like. A quiet sound is often the sign of a cast iron tub. A steel bathtub, on the other hand, will sound loud and high-pitched, since steel isn’t as thick as cast iron. 

How to Choose the Right Material for Your Bathtub Replacement

If you can answer the question “is your tub fiberglass or acrylic?”, you can start to think about what kind of replacement bathtub you want. As you make your decision, here are the most important things to consider to help you create a beautiful bathroom you’ll love for years. 

Cost

Before deciding which material to choose, set a budget for how much you’re comfortable spending. However, don’t just look at the initial price tag. You should also consider the cost of future maintenance and repairs in your decision. 

Don’t forget to ask us about our financing options to learn more about how to get a new bathtub for a price that fits your needs. 

Durability

While no tub material is resistant to every type of damage, you’ll want to choose an option that will last as long as possible. Did you know that we only install virgin acrylic, which has a thicker top layer compared to other types of acrylic and fiberglass?

What’s even better is that our durable acrylic bathtubs are backed by a lifetime warranty against discoloration, cracking, and fading. 

Heat Retention

When you want to experience all the benefits of taking a hot bath, it’s important to choose a material that will keep your water warmer for longer. Acrylic bathtubs are known for their heat retention, especially compared to fiberglass, so you can enjoy your relaxation time comfortably. 

Ease of Installation

As we mentioned above, fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs are both lightweight, making them easy to install compared to other materials. Here at EZPro Baths Express, we can often install your new acrylic bathtub in as little as one day so you can start enjoying it as soon as possible. 

Weight

Another important thing to consider is the weight of the material. If you choose a heavy cast iron bathtub, your floors will need to be reinforced, which will increase the overall cost of the project. A lightweight acrylic tub, however, can be installed in place of your old tub without any extra steps. 

Ease of Maintenance

Finally, think about how much cleaning and maintenance you want to do in your new tub. Porous materials like fiberglass stain easily, making them harder to clean. Acrylic bathtubs, on the other hand, are easy to clean and require less maintenance compared to other tub materials. 

Consider an Acrylic Bathtub for Your Home

Now that you have a better idea of how to answer “Is your tub fiberglass or acrylic?” you can determine whether you want a different material for your bathtub replacement. If you’re interested in installing an acrylic tub, contact us online or call your local EZPro Baths Express location to request a free estimate.