Acrylic Bathtub Refinishing and Repairing

Acrylic or Steel Baths - Which is the Better Choice?

Acrylic and steel are the two most common materials that you will come across when choosing a new bath. But which is the right one for you?

The simple answer is that there are good and bad versions of both.

Times and technology have changed, and the majority of acrylic baths (apart from the very cheapest ones from the DIY sheds) are sturdy and long-lasting. In fact, we sell many more acrylic baths than their steel counterparts, but that's not to say steel doesn't also have its merits.

Acrylic Baths

Acrylic baths are manufactured from a sheet of acrylic that is typically 4, 5 or 8mm thick. They are then reinforced underneath, usually with a wooden or steel support frame and by placing a wooden baseboard in the centre of the bath. This is then coated by spraying on fibreglass reinforcement, resulting in a sufficiently strong bath at a low price-point.

Acrylic baths are cheap. A good quality acrylic bath is usually cheaper to buy than a similar quality steel bath for the simple reason that they are easier to make and are mass-produced in their thousands.

Acrylic baths are generally quite strong nowadays. Even cheap acrylic baths usually have a wooden frame, wooden baseboard and layers of fibreglass reinforcement. ArmourCast heavy duty acrylic baths are reinforced with several layers of rock-solid resin, making them just as sturdy as a steel bath but at a more affordable price.

Acrylic can be moulded into all sorts of shapes and designs very easily so there's typically more variety than steel. If you want an affordable bath with a square internal design (a popular design choice), you won't find a steel option unless you are prepared to fork out a hefty sum. It's easy to find this type of bath in acrylic at a more attractive price.

Acrylic baths are warmer to the touch than their steel counterparts. There's nothing like a nice warm relaxing soak in the cold, winter months, but lying back on cold, hard steel isn't quite the same. This said, steel is pretty good at transferring heat quickly, so it doesn't stay cold for long.

Acrylic is non-porous. This makes it easy to clean, and ensures mould and bacteria cannot grow on its surface. It is also easy to polish out any scratches in acrylic.

In years gone by, acrylic baths were a flimsy affair, and it didn’t take much weight for them to flex in the centre. Nowadays, with the inclusion of quality acrylic material acrylic is the most popular material for baths, and for good reason.
Steel Baths

Steel baths are made from a sheet of steel that is pressed into shape. It is then cleaned, and an enamel coat is sprayed on the steel to create a hygienic and durable finish. The bath is then fired at high temperatures, much like toilets or basins are, to make a strong chemical bond between steel and enamel.

Steel baths were a very popular option in years gone by, but they have been largely overtaken in popularity by the modern acrylic bath. Much of this comes down to price and changing tastes rather than an inherent weakness.

The best steel baths from high-end specialists are very hard wearing and resilient, and almost impossible to scratch. These 3.5mm thick steel baths are also very difficult to chip (one of the main drawbacks of the budget steel bath), even if you drop something heavy.

Premium steel-enamel baths are also resistant to UV light so they won't fade or change colour over the years, something that acrylic can be susceptible to. They are chemical-resistant, so you don't need to worry about discolouration. Steel-enamel looks the business too, and is a good match for the similarly-glazed porcelain toilet and basin sitting alongside it.

Steel is also non-porous, and is therefore just as good at preventing bacteria or mould growth.

Steel is eco-friendly. As a natural raw material, it is 100% recyclable and a better environmental choice than acrylic, which is produced by burning fossil fuels.

Cheap steel baths are quite easy to chip if you accidentally drop something on it. Whereas you can polish out a little nick in acrylic, it's more difficult to mend a chip in a cheap steel bath.

Steel is cold to the touch, and this can be a negative for some customers. However, steel is a good heat-conductor, so it warms up quite quickly once you fill it with warm water. Bear in mind that the tops of the bath that aren't touching the water will stay quite chilly, so it's perhaps not so nice in the winter months when you want to lie back and relax.

Source: Drench

TubNotch Renovations offers not only utility/functionality but also elegance. Our unequivocal and affordable refinishing, repairing, resurfacing and replacement options that give you the new surfaces for your old bath tub/shower liner and kitchen/bathroom counter tops.

Acrylic or Steel Baths - Which is the Better Choice?

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