Acrylic or steel bath?
Question:I need to buy a new bathroom suite. Do I buy acrylic or sttel? I was wondering which is best and why? Thanks
Answers:
Both are good tubs that will last many years if installed properly.
Acrylic will not chip if something is dropped on it and it is better for long hot baths. Since it is plastic it provides some insulation to keep the water hotter longer.
Acrylic can be damaged if not installed properly.
Steel tubs have been around for a long time and have a good reputation. They don't need support under them so installation is easier. The porcelain finish is very durable to abrasion but not impact.
If I were the type that liked to sit back in a bath for a long time I would go with the acrylic.
You will need to use sand at the bottom of the acrylic type if it doesn't have a built in support. I've seen the acrylic types break, so I like the steel ones better.
Acrylic is much better than steel for two reasons. They are cheap and easy to repair if they are somehow damaged and acrylic does not rust. The steel tubs tend to rust out around the drain and overflow. The acrylic tubs wont crack unless you buy a really cheap one. You get what you pay for.
I like acrylic for this reason mostly. Mold and mildew will not stick to the acrylic and is much easier to clean than a steel tub. Obviously, tubs shouldn't get that bad, but alot of bathrooms don't have adequate ventilation to also help prevent M&M. The other reason I like these units is because they can come as one piece(walls and tub), or in multiple(tub and wall pieces). The good thing about this is there isn't a seem where the wall would meet the tub and allow for water to leak thru.
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