When looking to update the area surrounding your bathtub, you will have several options. Some, such as replacing the tile or having a professional solid surface panel installation, are expensive. However, using do it yourself bath tub surrounds you can enjoy the benefits of a more modern bathroom, at a fraction of the cost. Do it yourself bath tub surrounds are made of either fiberglass or acrylic. Each material has its benefits and downsides. In this article the benefits of using fiberglass compared to using acrylic will be explored.
What They Have in Common
Both fiberglass and acrylic bath tub surrounds come in a wide variety. No matter what color or style you want to decorate your bathroom in, you will be able to find a tub surround that fits. It is also possible to select additional features in the tub surround whether you go with fiberglass or acrylic. What can these extra features be? Practical and comfortable examples include built in towel bars and soap dishes.
Now the Differences
The main benefit of using fiberglass is that it is a durable material. If you and your family use the tub very frequently, going this route makes a lot of sense. Overall, fiberglass is considered the material of choice for the more quality oriented consumer. Not only is it durable, but it also feels solid and sturdy. Compare this to acrylic, which suffer from a cheap and plastic-like feeling.
This extra comfort and durability comes at a price, as you might have guessed. In general, you can expect to pay around a $100 more for a fiberglass model than a corresponding acrylic model. Is the added quality worth that amount to you? Only you can decide. What can be said is that fiberglass tub surrounds offer a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade your bathroom and that choosing one, for many, is an attractive compromise between price and quality.
