When it comes time for you to replace your old bathtub with something new, you have plenty of great options to choose from. The shower and tub market is currently valued at over 8.6 billion dollars. So, it’s not hard to find a model that works for your home and needs.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or want to get a sophisticated tub with all the bells and whistles, acrylic bathtubs are the way to go. Acrylic is a popular material that’s used in homes all over the globe. Thanks to its lower manufacturing costs and lasting durability, it’s a lasting investment that will pay off for years to come. Check out our best acrylic bathtub reviews below to see which fixtures we think are worth your attention.
What Are Acrylic Tubs?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Bathtubs, in some shape or form, have pretty much been around since the dawn of man. They predate showers by hundreds of years. While advancements in the tech and plumbing world have led to some great innovation in bathtub design, the core design of these fixtures remains the same.
The bathtub design we know and love now was first introduced in 1883. Back then, bathtubs were made out of cast iron. Those tubs were quite stunning, but they weren’t practical for your average homeowner. Luckily, the 1960s saw the introduction of fiberglass. Molded fiberglass tubs quickly became the norm. That is, however, until acrylic came onto the scene.
Acrylic is a clear plastic material that’s known for its strength. It was first created in the 1800s, but it wasn’t officially patented until about a century later. Acrylic changed the bathroom fixture game when it was first introduced to the market.
You see, fiberglass tubs had a couple of disadvantages. The tiny glass fibers used to mold the tubs created an uneven surface that was porous and prone to damage. These tubs were notorious for soaking in water, resulting in leaks, warping, and discoloration.
Contrary to popular belief, acrylic tubs usually aren’t completely hollow. Most manufacturers use fiberglass as a core. The acrylic is thermoformed over the fiberglass, creating a protective shield that addresses many of the common issues that older tubs faced.Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The Benefits of Choosing an Acrylic Bathtub
As a whole, acrylic is considered to be much easier to take care of than other materials. The smooth and non-porous finish lets water slip right down to the drain. Plus, grime doesn’t latch onto it. This makes cleaning up your new bathtub as easy and wiping it down.
Generally speaking, acrylic is also easier on the wallet. The average cost of an acrylic bathtub ranges from $500 for a simple model up to $1,200 for a luxury brand. The quality of the design and your location will contribute to the final price you pay. Even still, this is significantly lower than many of the alternatives. Considering acrylic’s easy maintenance requirements and durability, that price tag is a steal.
Finally, the last benefit worth mentioning is the lightweight build. Cast iron tubs can weigh several hundred pounds. To safely install one of those fixtures in your home, you would have to add some extra reinforcement in your floor joists. This is especially true if the tub is going to be installed on the second floor.
With acrylic tubs, you don’t have to worry about any of that. They only weigh around 100 pounds. Sometimes, you can even get fixtures lighter than that. Newer bathtub renovation companies can utilize acrylic to cover your existing tub, providing you with a brand-new look and finish without all of the hard work of a new installation.
Types of Acrylic Bathtubs Available
When it comes to design, the sky is the limit for acrylic. One of the first things you need to think about as you’re shopping for that perfect bathtub is the core design that works for your bathroom space. Here are some of the most common designs you’ll see in homes.
Alcove Bathtubs
An alcove bath is perfect for smaller spaces. As the name would suggest, they fit snuggly into pre-built alcoves. Typically, tubs will only have one finished side. The skirted side provides a nice finished look while the remaining sides are hidden by the alcove walls. Most alcove bathtubs can be used in conjunction with a shower. They usually measure about 60 inches long by 30 inches wide.
Drop-In Tubs
While alcove tubs usually have at least one finished side, you might not get with a drop-in fixture. That’s because drop-in tubs are meant to be used with a surrounding frame. You can design the frame how you want. The tub is installed within it. There’s usually a lip as well to keep everything sealed.
Freestanding Bathtubs
Freestanding tubs offer that spa-like experience that so many people are after. These fixtures are fully finished and can be installed anywhere that has access to plumbing. While they do cost a bit more than other varieties, these tubs are relatively easy to install and provide a nice look to your bathroom space.
Luxury Bathtubs
Luxury tubs are those fixtures that do much more than help you clean up. They’re purposely designed with relaxation in mind. In most cases, they’re bigger and have unique installation requirements. You can easily find large corner tubs, fixtures with tons of body jets, and even tubs that you can use with your partner. Whatever the case may be, expect to pay more if you’re looking to invest in a luxury tub.
Key Considerations When Choosing the Right Acrylic Bathtub for Your Home
Before you choose the first acrylic bathtub that catches your eye, there are some things to consider. Bathtubs are a big investment. Not only can they affect the comfort and quality of your bathroom, but they can also play a part in changing your home’s overall value. Here are some of the most important things to think about when you’re looking for an acrylic tub.
Bathroom Configuration
First things first, how is your bathroom configured? In addition to figuring out the type of bathtub you need, it’s important to pay close attention to the location of the drain. Some waste drains are located on the lefthand side of the tub while others are on the right. Moving the location of your drain is possible, but it will add additional costs to your renovation project. So, keep that in mind and choose a tub that works with your existing layout.
Design Limitations
Next up, it’s a good idea to ensure that your bathroom can physically accommodate your new tub. We’re not talking about size here. Weight is something that most people don’t think about. Unfortunately, it can be an issue that affects your home in the future.
Acrylic tubs are very lightweight. However, when you add water into the mix, they can tip the scales at 500 pounds or more. Your floor joists need to be able to support that load. Otherwise, you run the risk of deflection and sagging. Consult with a general contractor if you’re unsure. As a good rule of thumb, it never hurts to add additional joisting to prevent the floor from having any issues.
Color and Shape
Now we’re getting to the fun stuff! Acrylic bathtubs come in all shapes and sizes. The material is heated and put under vacuum pressure to take the shape of any mold. Thus, you can find some cool designs out there. Take a look around your existing space and find a model that matches your style. Whether you prefer sleek modern lines or traditional trim, you can find a bathtub to match.
Optional Extras
Looking for a bathtub that doubles as a spa? There is no shortage of tubs on the market with fun extras to help you relax. These include everything from powerful jets that massage your muscles to lights that provide a therapeutic experience. Those extras will cost more. However, they’re a must-have if you plan on turning your bathroom into a place where you can get a bit of relaxation.
5 of the Best Acrylic Bathtubs
Woodbridge Modern Glossy Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub
This bathtub from Woodbridge is a work of art. It’s a freestanding model that’s designed to look very modern and sleek. You can get the tub in several different shapes. However, each one has some distinct style that will make the tub the centerpiece of your bathroom.
When it comes to build quality and finish, this tub doesn’t disappoint. It’s carefully molded and is reinforced with both resin and fiberglass. The resin and fiberglass portion work to house the included overflow drain and waste plumbing.
The acrylic material is used to mask all of the tub’s inner workings, creating a smooth finish that looks as good as it feels. The tub takes on a glossy finish that’s easy to clean. For some peace of mind, Woodbridge is including a 5-year warranty on the surface.
The bathtub is a bit larger than an alcove fixture. It’s approximately 67 inches long and 32 inches wide, depending on the design you choose. From the bottom of the tub to the location of the overflow drain, there are about 15 inches of soaking space.
Pros:
- Large and deep design
- Holds approximately 60 gallons of water
- Reinforced with resin and fiberglass
- Comes with brushed nickel drain
- Built-in overflow drain
- Includes manufacturer installed drain pipe
- Available in several modern shapes
- Comes with 5-year warranty on finish
Cons:
- Tub drain pipe prone to leaking
- Drains very slowly
- Heavier than other options
Ove Decors Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub
From Ove Decors is this stunning freestanding bathtub. The fixture has a very sleek look, making it a great addition to any modern space. From a size standpoint, it’s slightly larger than most bathtubs. It’s roughly 7 inches long and 33 inches wide. As a result, you’ll need plenty of space for installation.
Speaking of installation, this tub has a few unique components. First, the drain is located at the center of the bathtub. This can prove to be an issue if you have a left or right-facing drain. It’s not recommended that this be installed on concrete floors, as it can make accessing the drain difficult.
The good news is that the tub does come with a pop-up drain. It’s covered in a nice mirror-chrome finish that complements the included overflow drain. The tub has a smooth finish and is reinforced with fiberglass for peace of mind.
Pros:
- Modern freestanding design
- Comes with pop-up drain
- Integrated overflow drain
- Fade-resistant acrylic
- Reinforced with fiberglass
- Up to 70 inches long
- Weighs less than 100 pounds
- Leveled bottom
Cons:
- May be too big for some spaces
- Not made for concrete floors
- Unique layout may require extensive renovation work
Kingston Brass VTDE603122L 60-Inch Contemporary Alcove Bathtub
Looking for a simple bathtub that won’t break the bank? Check out this model from Kingston Brass. It’s a no-frills tub, so don’t expect to find any hidden fancy features. The design is simple, making it an accessible option for everyone regardless of budget or bathroom style.
This is an alcove bathtub with one finished side. One of the sides features a clean apron that’s modeled out of one piece. Thus, there are no seams to constantly monitor. Furthermore, the sides that go against your alcove wall feature flanges. The design of the flanges prevents water from getting behind your tub surround.
The acrylic material used to finish the tub is quite nice. It’s smooth to the touch and is a bit thicker than what you’d find on most models. It’s between 2 and 4 mm thick depending on the area.
Pros:
- 63-gallon capacity
- Alcove design
- Available with left or right drain
- Weighs less than 100 pounds
- Reinforced with fiberglass and resin
- Simple apron design
- Easy installation process
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with any hardware
- Questionable construction quality
- Thinner walls
FerdY Freestanding Acrylic Soaking Bathtub
This oval-shaped tub from FerdY has some great comfort features. First, the shape of the tub makes it easy for you to get into a cozy position as you soak. It doesn’t have any hard edges or awkward corners. It’s molded for the contours of your body. Secondly, the tub has integrated lumbar support. It supports your back so that you can relax without any pain.
Overall, the bathtub is very well-built. It’s made of multiple layers of resin and fiberglass. The outer acrylic layer is smooth and easy to clean. Plus, it’s scratch-resistant. This makes it easier to maintain in the long run.
The bathtub comes with a center drain and an overflow drain. There are also two different drainage pipes included. One of them is flexible, allowing you to install the bathtub to your existing waste pipe without having to worry about a cumbersome renovation project.
Pros:
- Designed for comfort
- Freestanding tub
- Two drainpipes are included
- Integrated overflow drain and center drain
- 58-gallon capacity
- Available in several shapes
- Reinforced with fiberglass
- Scratch-resistant finish
Cons:
- May be too small for taller users
American Standard 2973102.011 Studio Acrylic Tub
American Standard is a big-name brand with a solid reputation among homeowners. This simple acrylic tub continues that tradition. It’s an alcove tub with a very simple design. Only one side is skirted, ensuring that your bathroom has a finished and cohesive look.
Underneath all of that glossy acrylic is a foundation made out of fiberglass. The fiberglass adds strength to the unit while also making it easy to install. The unique thing about this bathtub is that it’s designed to be very DIY-friendly. The bottom is pre-leveled and there are sizable flanged on three sides to prevent seepage of any kind.
You can get the bathtub with the drain on the left or the right. It measures approximately 60 inches by 30 inches, which is standard for most shower/tub combinations.
Pros:
- Alcove design
- Full skirt on one side
- Fiberglass reinforcement
- Minimalist design
- Available with left or right drain location
- Easy to install
- Weighs less than 100 pounds
- Leveled bottom
Cons:
- Doesn’t include any hardware
- Requires separate drain purchase
Conclusion
A brand-new bathtub is a great way to breathe new life into your home. While there are tons of different models on the market to choose from, acrylic tubs allow you to create that spa-like experience at only a fraction of the cost. Any of the tubs we went over will serve you well. However, we have to give a special shout-out to the model from FerdY.
The FerdY tub is the clear winner of this roundup because it is exceptionally well-built. It has many layers of resin and fiberglass for reinforcement. Plus, it comes with integrated drains. The winner of this roundup almost went to the tub from Woodbridge, as it has many of the same included features. However, FerdY takes it one step further by including two different drainage options.
The flexible drain lets you install the tub without having to do extensive renovations. Considering that most bathrooms are not equipped to deal with center drains, this is a nice touch. Furthermore, the slightly smaller footprint opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to placement. This tub is just small enough to fit into homes where traditional freestanding models could never go.
All in all, the FerdY tub is just a very well-built tub. Thanks to its beautifully modern aesthetics, this tub can compete with big-name brands all the same.