Acrylic vs. Porcelain Tub: Which Is the Best Option for You?

When it’s time to replace your tub, it’s not just about picking one that’s the perfect size but also finding the best material for you and your family. Now you’ve narrowed down your options and are looking at acrylic and porcelain tubs but aren’t sure how they measure up to each other. This guide will cover what makes each option special and when you should consider one over the other.   

Acrylic Tub Pros and Cons

Let’s look at what makes acrylic tubs a go-to option for some homeowners and things you should consider. 

Pros

Versatile Styling

Acrylic tubs are made from acrylic sheets that are heated to roughly 392 degrees F, so they’re easier to work with. Then thousands of tiny holes vacuum air out, allowing them to take the shape of the tub mold. These tubs are reinforced with fiberglass and resin shell. Because of this process, acrylic tubs can come in any shape, size, or color.  

Lightweight

Acrylic tubs weigh 75 to 110 pounds on average, making them one of the most lightweight bathroom materials available. This is a huge plus for homeowners DIYing their bathroom remodel and carrying their tub up or down stairs. 

Budget-Friendly

Some homeowners don’t want to shell out big bucks on a new tub but still want a quality choice. On average, standard acrylic bathtubs cost $700 to $1,000, making them an easier option for budget-conscious homeowners.

High Heat Retention

Ever got in a tub, and just when you started relaxing, the water was cold? Needless to say that it places a damper on what should have been an enjoyable bath. But one of the many upsides of an acrylic tub is that because of its non-porous surface, it doesn’t transfer heat quickly, leaving you with warm, soothing water for longer.  

Doesn’t Easily Crack or Chip

An acrylic tub isn’t vulnerable to weight or impact, so it doesn’t easily crack or chip under pressure. 

Cons

Vulnerable to Scratches

While they won’t crack or chip, these tubs are vulnerable to scratches. This is something to consider, especially if you have pets or kids that also use your tub. 

Not a Good Long-Term Investment

While acrylic tubs are fairly durable, they’re easier to scratch, can discolor, and starts to warp over time. These tubs typically last for 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. And that’s not a very long time frame, especially since you’re looking at changing your tub every decade. 

Porcelain Tub Pros and Cons

Now let’s cover a few pros and cons of a porcelain tub. 

Pros

Doesn’t Scratch Easily

Porcelain tubs have a cast iron or metal base with porcelain enamel on top. Because of its coating, it’s less prone to scratches. 

Can Last for Decades

With proper maintenance, porcelain tubs can last for at least 20 years, making it an excellent purchase if you want a tub that can last a lifetime. 

Resale Value

If you plan to be on the market soon for a new house, porcelain tubs have great resale value. Since they have a long lifespan, you can mention this added perk to buyers. 

Cons

High Initial Cost

Typically, these tubs aren’t as budget-friendly as other bathtub materials. Because of how they’re made and the material used in the process, these tubs can cost $400 to $2,000+. Plus, the porcelain enamel could fade in time, requiring you to refinish it. 

Chips and Cracks Easily

Its hard surface can make it easier for it to chip and crack. You’d want to avoid dropping sharp or hard items on it to help increase its lifespan.

Heavy

Porcelain tubs weigh 200 to 700 pounds, depending on the type of tub you want. So, they’re not a DIY option for homeowners looking for a weekend project; you’ll need to contact a pro who installs bathtubs.

Slippery

The process involved in designing a porcelain tub requires its coating to be glossy and smooth to the touch. And while this adds to its charm, it can also cause it to be slippery. 

Acrylic Tub vs. Porcelain Tub: What’s the Difference?

Now that you know what makes acrylic and porcelain a worthwhile option for your next bathtub, let’s look at how they compare head-ups. 

Weight

Acrylic bathtubs weigh far less than their porcelain peers. Even its heaviest model doesn’t compare to a lightweight porcelain bathtub. 

Lightweight: Acrylic tubs

Easy to DIY

One of the key reasons homeowners look into DIY projects is so they can complete the project themselves. And out of these options, only acrylic tubs make this a feasible DIY bathroom remodel project (with a second pair of hands, of course). 

If you’re leaning towards installing a porcelain tub, this isn’t a DIY project we recommend. With some of its lighter models weighing roughly 200 pounds, even with a helper, this installation can be a safety hazard, and you can accidentally drop and break it. Instead, contact a bathtub installer near you so they can safely and correctly install your new soaker. 

DIY-friendly: Acrylic tubs

Heat Retention

Acrylic bathtubs retain more heat than porcelain ones. While porcelain bathtubs don’t instantly start losing heat, they don’t stay warm as long as acrylic.  

Higher heat retention: Acrylic tubs

Durability 

Acrylic bathtubs don’t easily chip or crack, but they’re vulnerable to scratches and stains and can warp over time. Also, improper installation can put these tubs at risk of breaking. Porcelain tubs aren’t easy to scratch but can chip or crack when hit with a heavy or sharp object. 

Most durable: Tie

Maintenance

These tubs are fairly similar if you’re looking for a low-maintenance tub. A gentle, non-abrasive cleaner should do the trick for both. However, porcelain tubs are more resilient to scratches, so that they can handle abrasive cleaners better than acrylic tubs, but you should still stick with non-abrasive ones to help prolong the lifespan of your tub. Plus, the porcelain tub’s glossy finish makes it easy to wash off dirt and grim. 

Since chemicals can eat away at acrylic surfaces over time, it’s best to use only non-abrasive cleaners that won’t impact its coating. Eventually, you’ll need to refinish both materials, but you can use refinishing kits for the job.    

Maintenance requirements: Tie

Cost

Cost plays a major role when weighing the pros and cons of acrylic vs. porcelain tubs. An acrylic tub has a low initial cost, but not a long lifespan, so you might need to replace it sooner than anticipated. A porcelain tub is more expensive initially but can last decades with proper maintenance. 

Higher ROI: Porcelain tubs

Which Is the Better Material for Your Bathtub?

When deciding whether to invest in an acrylic or porcelain bathtub, it depends on your needs. If cost is a dealbreaker, you might be more interested in an acrylic tub that initially costs less than porcelain. If you love taking long baths and still have access to water that’s just the right temperature, acrylic is the best bathtub material for heat retention between them. 

Porcelain tubs might be best if your new tub also needs to accommodate your kids and four-legged family members since it can hold its own against scratches. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a tub that has some longevity and can add to your home’s resale value. 

If you’re on the fence, consult your local bathtub installer for personalized help about the best tub for your home based on your needs.