Resin bathtubs are a more modern bathtub material type that not every homeowner is aware of, but that are becoming increasingly popular as people learn about their benefits. Resin tubs are made of stones, minerals, and acrylic materials and are becoming well-known for their solid surface and beautiful, natural appearance and feel. They effortlessly add an elegant, high-end atmosphere to your bathroom upon installation.

The Difference Between Resin and Acrylic Bathtubs

Q: What is an Acrylic Tub?

on the market today — and for very good reason. These comfortable, versatile, and low-maintenance tubs work with a lot of different homeowner needs, preferences, and styles, making them a favorite among many homeowners when it comes to a bathroom upgrade. Acrylic tubs are made of vacuum-formed acrylic sheets that are usually reinforced with fiberglass to help add durability to the final bathtub.

Q: Is a Resin or Acrylic Bathtub Right For You?

So what’s the difference between resin and acrylic tubs? Obviously, the material type plays a big role in determining the difference between these two types of tubs and which one is best for you. Acrylic tubs will look, feel, and behave differently from a stone resin tub simply because one is made out of acrylic and fiberglass while the other utilizes stone, resin, and minerals. Both of them are highly versatile so they both come in a lot of different designs and styles, but they will give your bathroom a slightly different appeal.

Published on Friday July 19, 2024

When it’s time for a new bathtub, there are many options to consider. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is what kind of material your new tub should be made from. Two popular choices are resin and acrylic, but which one is better for you?

We explain the pros and cons of each material.

What is an Acrylic Tub?

Acrylic tubs are incredibly popular due to their comfort, versatility, and low maintenance. They’re fully customizable depending on your needs, preferences, and style. They’re also very affordable for practically any budget, adding to their appeal.

Acrylic tubs are made of vacuum-formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass for added durability. Their flexibility allows for the creation of fully customizable bathtubs, making them ideal for homeowners looking for unique, traditional, or space-specific tubs.

Being lightweight, acrylic tubs can be installed on any floor of your house without much trouble or added expense. The addition of fiberglass makes them durable and low-maintenance for households with kids or pets.

What is a Resin Tub?

Resin tubs, made of stones, minerals, and acrylic materials, are becoming popular because they add an elegant, high-end atmosphere to your bathroom and have a natural appearance and feel. They’re impermeable to water discoloration and have a glossy gel coating.

To make a stone resin tub, real, natural stones are crushed and bound together using polymer resin and other natural minerals. Even though they’re made of stone, they’re very flexible. This means they can be made into different shapes, sizes, and styles, fitting your personal preferences and bathroom designs.

Is a Resin or Acrylic Bathtub Right For You?

Let’s look at some of the factors to take into consideration when choosing between an acrylic or resin bathtub.

Cost

Acrylic tubs are among the most popular on the market, partly because they are also among the most affordable.

Stone resin tubs, while not the most expensive on the market, are still more expensive than acrylic tubs.

Durability

Acrylic tubs are durable and resistant to cracking or chipping, so they last a long time and resist damage even when used regularly. If they do end up damaged, they’re reasonably easy and inexpensive to repair, clean, and maintain.

Stone resin tubs are easy to clean and maintain, but if the gel coating wears off, they become less durable than acrylic tubs.

Heat Retention

With a smooth, comfortable, non-porous surface that retains heat and keeps the water warmer for longer, acrylic tubs give you a nice, enjoyable soak that doesn’t get cold too quickly.

Stone resin tubs also have excellent heat retention, so you can expect a long, comfortable bath without needing to re-warm the water.

Maintenance

Acrylic tubs can easily get stained and discolored over time if not cleaned regularly. While they’re durable and resistant to cracking, they can scratch easily, attracting stains. However, these scratches are easy and inexpensive to repair in acrylic tubs.

As a non-porous surface, resin tubs are resistant to mold, stains, bacteria, chemicals, flaking, breakage, and dirt. However, if the gel coating wears off, they can develop cracks, making them rough and unattractive. While they can be repaired to look like new, it’s easier to fix the issue early on.

Weight

Acrylic tubs are light and easy to install. You don’t need to reinforce the floors before installing them on the upper floors of your home. However, many homeowners don’t enjoy the hollow feel of an acrylic tub.

Even though they’re made of stone and minerals, resin bathtubs are also lightweight, so they don’t require a complicated or expensive installation process.