What’s the Difference Between Acrylic and Solid Surface Tubs?

The bathtub is one of the focal points of your bathroom, especially if you’re planning on a freestanding tub that will turn heads. Whatever your vision is, there’s a tub that’s just right for your budget and bathroom remodeling needs. If you’re at a crossroads and deciding between acrylic and solid surface tubs, consider their pros, cons, and differences to sort out which option is the best fit for you.

Acrylic vs. Solid Surface Tubs: Key Differences

Acrylic tubs are lightweight, wallet-friendly, and easy to install, while solid surface tubs are heavy, cost at least three times more, and require professional installation. Acrylic bathtubs are glossy and have a plastic-like appearance, but solid surface bathtubs have a luxurious look that mimics natural stone. Below we go over all of the differences in more detail.

What Is an Acrylic Tub?

Acrylic bathtubs are made from acrylic sheets, fiberglass, and resin. These tubs are hollow, lightweight, and weigh 100 pounds or less, making them easy to install compared to other types of bathtubs. They’re one of the more affordable tub options available and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Best for: 

• A quick bathtub remodel

• DIYers who want to do the installation themselves

• Budget-conscious homeowners

Pros of Acrylic Tubs

Acrylic bathtubs are a solid choice if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly tub that’ll get the job done. There are acrylic tubs of all types, which makes shopping a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a chic freestanding bathtub, a walk-in tub for older adults, a drop-in model, or an alcove tub, you’ll find the right acrylic bathtub for your home. Moreover, acrylic tubs are lightweight, so a couple of people can tackle a DIY installation.

Cons of Acrylic Tubs

While acrylic tubs are a sensible choice, some find their appearance lacking. They don’t have the luxurious look of a solid surface bathtub or the white shine of a porcelain tub, so if you’re looking for a tub with a high-end vibe, this may not be the best fit. Additionally, while you’ll save on costs with an acrylic tub, you may notice stains or scratches over time that can lower its visual appeal.

What Is a Solid Surface Tub?

Solid surface tubs are made with a mixture of resin and crushed stone minerals, such as marble, quartz, and limestone. This makes for a durable tub with an elegant look. The majority of solid surface tubs on the market are freestanding, a popular choice for luxury bathrooms. If you can’t find a model that’ll work for your needs, a custom tub is always an option.

Best for: 

• Contemporary bathrooms

• Homeowners looking for a custom tub

• Busy families who need a low-maintenance bathtub

Pros of Solid Surface Tubs

There are several advantages to using solid surface in your bathroom. Solid surface bathtubs fit perfectly inside modern, high-end bathrooms because they mimic the appearance of natural stone. Plus, they’re easy to maintain, unlike tubs made of real luxurious stone materials. 

Since they’re made with molds, it’s possible to order a custom solid surface bathtub to the exact dimensions and shape for your space. They’re also durable and have high heat retention, so they last a long time and allow you to enjoy extended soaks without the water getting cold.

Cons of Solid Surface Tubs

Solid surface tubs cost three times or more than their acrylic counterparts, which is a disadvantage if you’re working with a strict budget. It’s not feasible to DIY the installation, which is a drawback for those looking to save on labor costs. And as much as solid surface tubs appear like natural stone, they don’t provide the caliber of luxury that granite or marble bathtubs offer.

Acrylic vs. Solid Surface Tubs

When choosing between acrylic and solid surface bathtubs, here are the most essential points to consider.

Appearance​: Solid Surface Tub

If you were to choose a bathtub material based on looks alone, solid surface bathtubs would be the winner. They retain their matte or glossy appearance throughout their lifetime, and the natural stone look complements sophisticated bathrooms. Acrylic tubs, on the other hand, are glossy with a plastic-like appearance and the color can dull over time.

Options and Customizations​​: Solid Surface Tub

Both acrylic and solid surface tubs offer a wide range of options, but customizations are only available for the latter. Several brands offer acrylic bathtubs in various designs to choose from, although the available shapes are going to be conventional. If you want something out of the norm or a tub that’s a specific size, you’ll want to look into ordering a custom solid surface bathtub.

Durability​​: Solid Surface Tub

Solid surface bathtubs are more durable and resistant to cracks, chips, stains, and scratches. On the other hand, acrylic tubs are crack- and chip-resistant but can stain and scratch more easily. It’s possible to prevent scratches on acrylic tubs with proper care and maintenance, but stains are harder to control if they’re caused by hard water.

Price​: Acrylic Tub

Acrylic tubs cost $700 to $1,000, which is substantially less than $2,100 to $8,000 for solid surface tubs. This makes acrylic a good fit if you want to stay within your budget. The build quality and feel of your tub will depend on the brand and model you choose, so it’s best to check out reviews before making a purchase. 

If you have time, visit a showroom and see the tub in person. Some acrylic tubs don’t get good reviews because homeowners notice they scratch easily, while others have glowing reviews for their high-quality construction. For those who want to invest in a solid surface tub, it’s a worthwhile option with several advantages.

Ease of Installation or DIYability​: Acrylic Tub

For the most part, bathtub projects are too complex for DIYers, so you should hire a bathtub installer near you. If you happen to have a lot of plumbing know-how, you may be able to DIY an acrylic tub installation, but not a solid surface one. This comes down to the weight of the tub. With one helper, you can manage to place an acrylic bathtub in the right spot, but installing a 300-pound solid surface tub requires trained pros. 

Moreover, the ease of installing acrylic tubs makes it a good candidate for second-story bathrooms or bathrooms that need to be finished quickly.

Ease of Repair​: Tie

The most common repairs for both tubs are for scratches, which are DIYable if they’re shallow. You need to sand slowly in a circular motion, starting with 600-grit sandpaper and using finer grits as you progress. Always wear a respirator while sanding to protect your lungs. Stains on acrylic tubs are also easily fixed with a paste made with 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts baking soda. Apply it to the stain, wait 60 minutes, and rinse.

Maintenance​: Tie

Both acrylic and solid surface bathtubs are fairly easy to maintain. They’re nonporous, making them resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. Always use the right type of cleaning products, as harsh, abrasive cleaners or sponges can scratch both tub materials. Most acrylic and solid surface tubs are best cleaned using dishwashing liquid, baking soda, or mild soap, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Heat Retention​: Solid Surface Tub

If you enjoy long soaks, a solid surface bathtub may be a better fit. These tubs have better heat retention, so the water stays warmer for a longer period of time. If you’re leaning toward acrylic tubs, you can get one with double-wall insulation to increase the heat retention.

Length of Life​: Solid Surface Tub

Acrylic tubs have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, while solid surface ones last 15 years or longer. Make sure you get the most out of your tub by hiring a pro for proper installation and maintaining and cleaning the tub regularly. Keep in mind that a shorter lifespan means you’ll have to invest in the costs of installing a replacement bathtub sooner than if you choose a longer-lasting material.

Eco-Friendliness or Sustainability​: Solid Surface Tub

Solid surface tubs are more eco-friendly because they’re manufactured using natural materials. Since solid surface has better heat retention, you’re less likely to replace the hot water during a long bath and use less water. Solid surface tubs also last longer, so you won’t need to discard and purchase a replacement as often.