Acrylic and steel. These are the common materials that most homeowners choose for their bathroom. The question, which one suits you best?
It can’t be denied that each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses, and by uncovering what those are, you can be able to figure out which material will work well for your bathroom. Let’s get a closer comparison of the two to find that out.
Overview of Acrylic Baths
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Acrylic baths tend to be a more preferred option for those who want a warmer bath. Aside from that, they’re a lot easier to move and transport due to their light weight as opposed to their steel counterparts.
A bath made of acrylic is also very easy to clean. By making sure that it’s free from any scratches, you can be able to maintain its appearance and durability throughout the years. When it comes to size, acrylic baths tend to be the larger option with a lot of shapes and sizes to choose from. Lastly, it’s a lot cheaper than other materials, steel included.
Overview of Steel Baths
On the other hand, steel baths tend to be a lot more durable and stronger compared to acrylic. Therefore, if you prefer a bath which can serve you for a long period of time, a steel bath is the best option. Also, it’s able to retain the heat of the water longer compared to an acrylic-made bath. This only means that the water will remain hotter longer, not to mention it can help you save on the heating costs.
Like acrylic baths, steel baths are also able to maintain their appearance for a long period of time, perhaps even longer. As they generally have a smoother surface, cleaning is a lot easier. The caveat is that it’s way heavier, and moving it around your house will require a lot of effort.
A Comparison of Various Aspects
1. Strength
When it comes to strength, both are equal in terms of normal usage. Even if you turn them upside down then jump on top of it, they just won’t break.
Although steel is technically stronger than acrylic, you can’t really notice a major difference unless you have superhuman strength to break each of them or if a strong force gets into the equation. With this, you can rest easy knowing that strength is an issue on neither of them.
2. Durability
In terms of durability, acrylic baths win, albeit a small margin. The reason is because steel baths normally have enamel coatings to help them achieve that glossy finish. However, they will require more care and maintenance to make sure it won’t chip off. Once it does, repairing would be an issue.
Meanwhile, acrylic baths are more resistant to impact, making them the ideal option for a large family. They don’t chip off, and you can easily fix the scratches through acrylic filling. In this area, acrylic baths clearly win in terms of resistance to damage and ease of repair.
3. Design
Steel baths are generally geared towards a minimalistic approach. They come with an extremely glossy finish, and their overall appearance makes for a very modern-looking bathroom. Acrylic baths, on the other hand, offer more options when it comes to design and appearance.
That said, if you’re more of a minimalist, steel baths if for you. If you want more aesthetic flexibility, then you’re better off with acrylic baths.
The Verdict: Which is the One for You?
There is really no cleaner on this win. The choice will boil down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a bath that is resistant to chipping, can last for years, can be easily repaired, and comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, then acrylic is for you.
Meanwhile, if you want a minimalist option with a shiny white finish, can retain warmth, and can last for a longer period of time, then you’d best go for a steel bath. Just keep in mind that you have to shell out more money on this one though.
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