Steel or Acrylic Bathtub? - Mexen Ireland

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Steel or Acrylic Bathtub?

Steel or Acrylic Bathtub?
Category: Bathroom Renovation
Author: Mexen

Steel or acrylic bathtub — this is a question everyone asks themselves when decorating a bathroom. The most popular solution found in most homes is the acrylic bathtub. Steel bathtubs are less popular among consumers, but they are more resistant to various mechanical damages. We will guide you on which bathtub to choose!

What will you learn from this article?

In their bathroom, everyone wants to have perfectly selected equipment. That's why so many important decisions need to be made. One of them is the choice between a steel and an acrylic bathtub. From this article, you will learn:

  • What are the advantages of steel models, and what are acrylic ones?
  • Which bathtub has the greatest durability?
  • Which bathtub is more comfortable to use?

bathtub in bathroom

Acrylic or Steel Bathtub — Which to Choose?

When choosing the right bathtub for our bathroom, the shape and size are not the only dilemmas; the material it's made from is also significant. The most popular are acrylic and steel bathtubs. There is truly an abundance of models made from these materials. So, an acrylic or steel bathtub - check the properties of these materials.

Acrylic Bathtub — Characteristics

The advantages of acrylic bathtubs include, above all, the wide availability of different models, whether traditional, rectangular or corner, of asymmetric shape. By choosing an acrylic bathtub, it will be easier to match it to the bathroom style, both in terms of shape and dimension. Acrylic is a material that has several fundamental advantages:

  • it is pleasant and warm to the touch,
  • it retains water temperature well,
  • it allows silent filling of the bathtub with water,
  • it's easy to clean,
  • it is resistant to discoloration.

Acrylic bathtubs are more frequently chosen by customers precisely due to their user-friendly features. This material is warm to the touch and retains water temperature excellently, unlike steel bathtubs. Who doesn’t love to soak in a hot bath after a long day? Acrylic bathtubs are definitely better in this regards. Additionally, acrylic is a smooth material and therefore easy to keep clean. Cleaning an acrylic bathtub takes only a few minutes. However, it is important to note that a smooth surface is less resistant to mechanical damage. Strong chemical agents can also damage it. It is essential to avoid using aggressive preparations. Check what to clean an acrylic bathtub with.

Steel Bathtubs — Properties

In contrast to acrylic bathtubs, steel bathtubs are characterized by being cold to the touch, and during a bath, the water cools down quickly. Moreover, filling them is quite loud, and there might be a need to insulate the bathtub with styrofoam to mute it.

It should be considered that steel has high resistance to mechanical damage. Over the years, you will not notice visible signs of wear. The material, steel, is highly resistant to scratches and various kinds of damages. A key advantage of this solution is the enamel layer baked at high temperatures. The glassy, hard coating shows extreme resistance to scratches, mechanical impacts, and the action of strong detergents or cosmetic dyes. High-class enamel will not yellow under UV rays and retains its original gloss for decades.

Acrylic Bathtub — Weight and Dimensions

The weight of a standard acrylic bathtub is not high. Usually, an acrylic bathtub measuring 150 × 70 cm weighs about 30 kg. Therefore, bringing such a bathtub into the house and placing it in the chosen location is not difficult.

Acrylic bathtubs are available in various shapes and dimensions. In stores, different models are available, like a wall-mounted bathtub, a rectangular bathtub, as well as a freestanding bathtub. So you can easily adjust the appropriate type of bathtub to your bathroom.

Steel Bathtub — Weight and Dimensions

Steel bathtubs are noticeably heavier than their acrylic equivalents. Depending on the thickness of the used sheet metal and the enamel layer, a model with a length of 150 cm can weigh from 40 to even 50 kg. This greater weight, however, translates into a monumental stability of the construction when placed on a dedicated frame.

bathtub in bathroom

How to Match a Bathtub to Your Bathroom?

Regardless of which bathtub you finally decide on, pay attention to a few factors when purchasing. This way, you will make a good choice:

  1. Do not opt for the cheapest models — check the reviews on the bathtub you want to purchase. Choose bathtubs from reputable manufacturers who care for the quality and durability of the material against damages. The cheapest acrylic bathtubs are highly susceptible to scratches and have low resistance to impacts. Moreover, low-quality sanitary acrylic discolors within just a few months of use.
  2. Choose a size appropriate for the bathroom size and the height of the users — the most comfortable during long baths is a bathtub 10-20 cm shorter than the average height of the household members. You will adopt a comfortable position in it.
  3. The shape of the bathtub is determined by your bathroom style — for Provencal and rustic interiors, the freestanding bathtub works best. The true classic, effective for most arrangements, is the rectangular bathtub.

See the most popular types of bathtubs.

Steel Bathtubs vs Acrylic Bathtubs - The Decision is Difficult but Possible to Make!

Both acrylic and steel have their advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing is to match the bathtub to your needs and expectations. 

  • If you want the bathtub to be warm to the touch and comfortable to use, choose an acrylic bathtub.
  • If you care about the ability to regenerate, resistance to mechanical damage, invest in a steel bathtub. It will last for years, without any signs of use.

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