April 15, 2024
Can Acrylic Bathtubs Replace Porcelain?
February 3, 2020
For the longest time, porcelain has been the standard material used for bathtubs, but acrylic has become more and more popular in recent years. While we don’t think acrylic will “replace” porcelain, it certainly is a viable and competing option. Both acrylic and porcelain have their pros and cons, and as an expert Maryland bathroom remodeler, we wanted to take some time to talk about them today.
Heat Retention
Most acrylic tubs retain heat better than their porcelain counterparts, so in terms of heat retention, acrylic certainly has the competitive edge. Many porcelain tubs will try to counteract their loss of heat with foam insulation, but the advantage still goes to acrylic.
Durability
Porcelain is typically a much harder surface than acrylic, and most porcelain coating is scratch-resistant. Keep in mind though that a hard drop could chip or break a porcelain tub. Acrylic is softer than porcelain and is less scratch-resistant, though any scratches may be able to be buffed out with a baking soda paste. A slight advantage has to be given to porcelain for its resistance to scratches.
Cleaning
Many people choose acrylic for their outdoor spas because they are able to withstand chemicals, as well as changes in temperature. Acrylic tubs are able to withstand a lot and usually can be cleaned with any mild nonabrasive liquid cleaner. Porcelain tubs can also be cleaned easily. Most porcelain tubs can be cleaned with a mild detergent and some warm water. You definitely should avoid using any kind of acid on a porcelain tub though, as this can lead to some serious staining.
Consult With an Experienced Maryland Bathroom
Remodeling Company
Here at Bath Doctor, we’ve been providing our bathroom remodeling services to Maryland for years, and we’ve remodeled thousands of bathrooms. When you do something for as long as we’ve done it, you learn a couple of things along the way, and we’re always happy to share our knowledge.
We’re proud to employ one of the industry’s best bathroom remodeling teams, and our team is always ready to help you. Members of our team are standing by ready to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call today!
