by Philip |
Last Updated: April 1, 2020 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
If you’re getting ready to install a new bathtub, there are a lot of options available to you. Many materials and styles can give your bathroom a unique ambiance and comfort.
We like acrylic bathtubs. They are lightweight, easy to install, and easy to clean, maintain, or repair. They hold in heat pretty well, so you can enjoy your bath longer. Acrylic bathtubs are also inexpensive compared to some other materials.
We’d like to show you the benefits of acrylic bathtubs and then give you our best acrylic bathtub reviews so you can choose the right tub for your family.
Choosing the Best Acrylic Bathtub
With these decision-making factors in mind, here are some of the best options we could find. We also considered customer reviews when selecting our top choices.
Most Affordable Freestanding Bathtub: Woodbridge Acrylic Contemporary
The Woodbridge Freestanding Contemporary Soaking Tub is one of the best acrylic freestanding bathtubs you can find. It’s definitely our favorite.
The price tag makes this tub incredibly attractive.
Most freestanding bathtubs are triple the price of an alcove bathtub or more. This Woodbridge bathtub has a price comparable to an alcove bathtub.
The slope of the sides makes for a lovely contemporary look and added comfort. You can recline in this bathtub in luxurious style and have it as a focal piece in your bathroom interior design.
The 27-inch depth and double-walled insulated construction ensure that you will get a long soak in the hot water. The capacity of this bathtub is 55 gallons, and the tub measures 59 inches long by 29 inches wide.
This tub, with its sturdy metal bracket assembly, can bear 1000 pounds, which is the best we’ve seen so far. The bracket assembly is stainless steel — there’s a brushed nickel drain assembly and a chrome filler assembly. The tub itself is lucite acrylic reinforced with fiberglass and Ashland resin. All materials are of superior quality.
One thing to watch out for in this model is that the drain assembly may be improperly attached thus leading to a leak on first use. If you inspect the drain assembly before installation, you should be able to prevent this.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Stylish and comfortable
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Comes complete with plumbing attachments and filler
Cons:
- Plumbing and drain assembly sometimes arrives with faulty construction
- ✅ [DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS]: Exterior Dimension: 59" Long x 28 3/4" Wide x 27 1/2" Deep – Effective Tub Capacity: 55 Gallons
- ✅ [NON-SLIP DESIGN]: Non-Slip bathtub meet ASTM standards for Slip Resistance to keep our customers safe, while providing a smooth easy to...
- ✅ [PREMIUM QUALITY CONSTRUCTION]: WOODBRIDGE bathtub is made out of 100% high gloss white LUCITE acrylic and reinforced with ASHLAND resin...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Alcove Bathtub: American Standard Cambridge Apron-Front Americast
American Standard is one of the best brands in bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures. Their innovative Americast construction is much lighter than cast iron or other bathtub materials, and this alcove-style bathtub is lightweight and easy to install. It is a little heavier than some other acrylic alternatives, but still easily manageable for two people to carry and install.
This tub has a deep 14-inch basin for a comfortable soaking experience. The bathtub holds 50 to 60 gallons when full.
The sidewalls and base of the tub have great insulation to keep your bathwater nice and hot. It’s also sound-insulated so you can enjoy an over-tub shower without waking up your family.
American Standard also has a patented floor texture, called StanSure, which is slip-resistant for safety yet still easy to clean. The porcelain enamel finish is superior to most other acrylic bathtubs because it is resistant to abrasion and maintains a fine luster with minimal cleaning.
The solid, sturdy feel to the tub is quite impressive. The steel core doesn’t flex much and gives the bather a sense of stability and long-lasting comfort.
Although the installation dimensions are 70 inches by 46 inches, the interior bathing space is only 60 inches by 32 inches. The sloping sides were constructed with lumbar support in mind, but they also substantially diminish the space for sitting. Taller bathers might have trouble fitting in this bathtub.
Pros:
- 14-inch depth
- Insulating sides and base
- Patented textured floor for non-slip safety
Cons:
- Shorter interior basin (60 inches, sloped) so not ideal for tall people
- Durable Americast is lighter than cast iron, easier to handle
- Soothing 14 inch depth for soaking comfort
- Excellent heat retention qualities keeps bath water warmer longer
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 16:11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Deepest Alcove Bathtub: KINGSTON BRASS 60″ Contemporary
The KINGSTON BRASS Acrylic Alcove Bathtub is one of our favorite alcove bathtubs. The basin is extra spacious, with a 16-inch water depth before reaching the overflow drain. The side-to-side and front-to-back dimensions are similar to the previous model, but with straight sidewalls. This tub will fit any bather comfortably.
This tub has a capacity of 58 gallons of water. Its dimensions are 60 inches long by 31 inches wide by 22 inches deep.
KINGSTON BRASS makes the tub from sturdy fiberglass, coated with resin on the underside for additional strength. The top surface has a smooth layer of acrylic for waterproofing and easy cleaning. It’s light enough for a single person to install, weighing only 71 pounds.
While not our experience with the brand, some buyers are nevertheless having issues with durability and quality control. Before installing this tub, check for an even resin application on the underside. If the resin is thin or missing in spots, this could lead to fractures or cracks that will leak across your bathroom.
Pros:
- 16-inch deep basin
- Reinforced with fiberglass and resin for extra strength
- Super lightweight
Cons:
- Reports of poor durability from some buyers
- Acrylic construction with fiberglass and resin reinforcement, three wall alcove installation with tile flange and integral tub apron | Drain...
- Product dimensions – 30-11/16" W x 60" L x 22-1/6" H | Water depth – 14” to overflow | Tub capacity – 58.2 gallon | Weight – 95...
- Right hand drain bathtub
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Freestanding Bathtub: American Standard Cadet
The American Standard Cadet is a beautiful freestanding bathtub that will complement any bathroom, whether styled in modern or classic decor.
It’s nice and deep and spacious inside, to provide a warm and comfortable bathing experience. It measures 66 inches long by 42 inches wide, with an installed height of 23 inches. The chrome fixtures and spray nozzle are an attractive addition, especially if you are bathing children or beloved pets.
The tub doesn’t have insulation, so install some of your own if you want to keep your water warm for longer or keep the bathing experience quiet for the convenience of others.
A few users had complaints about the unfinished lip around the top edge of the bathtub, which made it feel rough and poorly finished.
American Standard offers a limited lifetime warranty on its bathtubs, so you have this protection if necessary.
Pros:
- Includes chrome faucet and fixtures
- Easy to install anywhere in your bathroom
- Deep basin and comfortable, roomy interior
Cons:
- Much more expensive than alcove models
- CLASSIC OVAL DESIGN with polished chrome tub filler, hand shower and dr
- EXTRA-DEEP BATHING WELL for a totally relaxing experience
- HIGH-GLOSS CAST ACRYLIC is smooth, lustrous and easy to clean
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Most Fashionable Freestanding Bathtub: AKDY 67″ White
This AKDY freestanding bathtub is the most stylish bathroom accessory reviewed today. Its beautiful design will provide comfort and style to any bathroom.
The contoured design of this bathtub makes it a great bath to recline in. This tub measures 70 inches long by 30 inches wide by 29 inches deep, and the interior sitting area is 36 inches long by 20 inches wide by 18 inches deep. Its maximum weight capacity is 661 pounds.
The double-walled acrylic construction keeps the heat in your water, so take your time and relax.
Unusual, yet still glamorous, it complements almost any bathroom style and decor.
AKDY’s customer service truly puts this product over the top and this is evident in their great customer support. Several users reported online that. They are quick to respond to installation concerns and quick to ship out replacements for damaged tubs during shipment.
Pros:
- Comfortable curved contours
- Fashionable appearance
- Exemplary customer service
Cons:
- Less than 14-inch overflow depth
- WHAT YOU NEED: Looking for a way of adding an elegant touch to an otherwise dull bathroom? Would you like to enjoy that luxurious SPA-like...
- PREMIUM QUALITY DESIGN: This Modern Bathtub is made from superior quality, highly durable acrylic with reinforced fiberglass, guaranteed to...
- WIDELY COMPATIBLE: This stand alone bathtub is easy to install, being compatible with most available tub fillers. Say goodbye to the hassle,...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 09:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Why Buy Acrylic?
Acrylic bathtubs are a sought-after choice for home owners these days.
Foremost, we should talk about the price. Acrylic is one of the least expensive materials, so buying an acrylic bathtub is easier on your wallet than many alternative products.
Acrylic is also easy to shape and mold, so you can find an acrylic bathtub in almost any style that you need, whether freestanding, corner, or alcove bathtubs.
When reinforced with fiberglass and resin, acrylic can be robust and long-lasting. The smooth finish is easy to clean and maintain, and while it can easily chip or scratch, there are polishes and repair substances to fix this kind of damage quickly.
These bathtubs also retain heat very well, so your water stays hot longer.
Acrylic sometimes discolors or stains over time, so it will probably show signs of use after a few years, but it will continue to perform well.
Compared to cast iron and many other materials, acrylic is very lightweight. It’s so light and easy to install that many homeowners order acrylic bathtubs online and install them themselves. Cast iron, another popular material for bathtubs, will be more durable in the long run, but it comes at a much higher price.
Things to Consider When Buying an Acrylic Bathtub
Buying an acrylic bathtub is not a complicated process. While shopping for the best acrylic bathtubs to suit your home, take into consideration the size and style of the tub you want, and who will use it.
Size
Before you commit to a bathtub, make sure you measure the spot in your bathroom where you intend to put it. By far, the most widely used type of bathtub is an alcove-style, designed to fit tightly into a specific space, so make sure you have those dimensions measured accurately.
You may be considering a corner bathtub. These can be an attractive addition to a bathroom and nice and relaxing to soak in, but they usually take up more space than an alcove tub.
Also, a corner tub can have an irregular shape, so it’s harder to fit the other bathroom utilities around it. Make sure you’re able to install this kind of tub in your house before buying one because the unusual shape can make delivery and installation very difficult.
If you are planning to buy a freestanding tub or claw-foot bathtub, then you have much more flexibility with where you put it. You need only be sure that you can get the plumbing to the space for the taps and drainage.
Regardless of the style of the bathtub, you should always know its weight. This is a particular concern if you are installing this tub in an upstairs bathroom. Some floors, especially in older houses, may not have a rating for the full weight of a water-filled bathtub.
Most modern houses have floors rated between 40 to 50 pounds per square foot. By multiplying the base dimensions of the bathtub, and then multiplying that by the weight rating of your floors, you can make sure that your floor can support your tub.
For example, a bathtub that measures 60 inches (5 feet) by 36 inches (3 feet) has a base area of 15 square feet. If you multiply 15 square feet by a weight rating of 40 pounds per square foot, your floor should be able to support that bathtub as long as it weighs less than 600 pounds.
Water weighs about 8.35 pounds per gallon. So to help with your estimate, a 50-gallon bathtub will weigh an extra 418 pounds when full.
This is where acrylic bathtubs are advantageous. Acrylic is a lightweight material, so these tubs are much lighter than most alternatives, including cast iron, copper, porcelain, ceramic and marble.
Style
Another great advantage of acrylic bathtubs is that manufacturers can shape them into almost any style.
The design of most bathrooms is for an alcove bathtub. These bathtubs are typically only paneled on one front-facing side, because bathroom walls will surround the other three sides.
When you’re choosing the best acrylic alcove bathtub for your bathroom, make sure you pay attention to “right-handed” vs. “left-handed” tubs. They make alcove bathtubs with plumbing connections on one end, so it’s essential to have them installed the right way round so that your water lines and drain pipes will connect easily.
Corner tubs can be much larger and more luxurious. If your bathroom has the space for a corner bathtub, this can turn your bathroom into a spa experience.
If you have plenty of space and are willing to install some extra plumbing, a freestanding bathtub can make your bathroom unique. A nice freestanding tub can go just about anywhere and will allow you to enter from any side. Claw-foot tubs are especially popular and will give your bathroom a classic, timeless feel.
There are a few other special bathtub styles to consider, which we will discuss in this next section.
Who Will Be Using It?
If your bathtub is for your master bathroom, a spacious corner tub or an antique-looking claw-foot model might interest you. But if you are choosing a bathtub for other members of your family, consider their needs, too.
For example, if you are deciding on a tub for the young children, a deep and spacious tub might be difficult for them to climb in and out of. Children usually bathe best in a shallow alcove tub.
Or, if you are choosing a bathtub for the elderly members of your family, consider a walk-in style, or even an undermount design, for their safety. Bathers who are at risk of slipping and tripping are much safer in walk-in bathtubs, which don’t have tall sidewalls to step over.
An undermount bathtub, recessed into the floor and with a handrail, is another safe yet opulent addition to your bathroom.
Conclusion
With so many great choices, it was hard to choose one from the best acrylic bathtubs on our list. After much debate, we are choosing the Woodbridge Acrylic Freestanding Contemporary Soaking Tub.
All the reviews we found admired its look and comfort, and we definitely appreciated all the top-quality materials that went into its construction. Both the tub itself, made from lucite acrylic and Ashland resin, and the plumbing fixtures, made from brushed nickel and stainless steel, will guarantee to keep your bath in great shape for a long time.
We loved the style and shape, too. Not straight-sided, or overly sloped, The side walls perfectly combine comfort and spaciousness. The double-layered construction of the Woodbridge B0011B is perfect for insulating the sound and temperature inside the tub.
Lastly, we’d say that bathtub-shopping is always very exciting. The right design can make for a really relaxing time in the bath especially if you are able to do some interior decorating. In fact, just adding a bathtub tray, laying out your favorite book and candles, and putting on some soothing music on your waterproof speakers can make a wonderful home spa experience.
Author: Philip Andrew
A writer and teacher who enjoys lazing around and building winter nests out of duvets. “Most are too itchy. You’ve got to be picky.” His goal is to create a complete home spa for 24/7 access to rest and relaxation. Next on the agenda: a barrel sauna for the garden. Connect with Philip on Twitter @completehomespa.