Sofia Martinez
Plastic tub surrounds are made of acrylic, a plastic material. Acrylic tub surrounds are a popular choice for bathrooms as they are budget-friendly, quick to install, and long-lasting. They are also waterproof and resistant to chipping and scratching. However, some people dislike the look of acrylic tub surrounds, finding them cheap-looking or unnatural-looking. Additionally, acrylic tub surrounds can be expensive, depending on the manufacturer and the range.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Acrylic tub surrounds are mid-range, at $600 to $800. |
| Ease of Installation | Acrylic tub surrounds are DIY-friendly and quicker to install, saving on contractor costs. |
| Durability | Acrylic is generally thicker and more chip- and scratch-resistant than fiberglass. With proper care, acrylic units can last a lifetime. |
| Aesthetics | Acrylic shower surround panels with tile and stone patterns may not look real. |
| Waterproof | Acrylic tub surrounds are made of non-porous materials, providing a waterproof surface. |
| Cleaning | Acrylic tub surrounds are easy to clean and won't discolor, stain, fade, or yellow over time. |
| Warranty | Most acrylic manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their products. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic tub surrounds are easy to clean and install
- Acrylic tub surrounds are more expensive than plastic
- Acrylic is thicker, more scratch-resistant, and longer-lasting than plastic
- Plastic tub surrounds can reduce the value of a home
- Acrylic tub surrounds are available in a variety of colours and textures
Plastic tub surrounds are easy to clean and install
Plastic tub surrounds are a great option for those looking for an easy-to-clean and install alternative to traditional tiling. While they may not be the most luxurious option, they are a practical and budget-friendly choice for many.
Acrylic tub surrounds are made of plastic and are a popular choice for those looking for an upgrade. Acrylic is much cheaper than purchasing individual glass or ceramic tiles and is quicker to install, saving on contractor costs. Acrylic is also long-lasting and durable, with some units lasting a lifetime if cared for properly. It is scratch- and chip-resistant, and its coloured-throughout material means it won't stain, fade or yellow over time.
One-piece tub surround units are available for new constructions or major remodellings. However, they are usually not suitable for replacing or removing an old surround. Three-piece or five-piece systems are often easier to install, especially for DIY enthusiasts. A one-piece system can be more complex and may require a professional to install, which will increase costs.
Plastic tub surrounds are easy to clean and maintain, with no grout to worry about. This makes them a good option for those who want a low-maintenance solution. They are also waterproof, which is ideal for a shower space.
While plastic tub surrounds may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, they are a practical and functional choice. They are a good alternative to tiling and can be a cost-effective way to transform the look of your bathroom.
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Acrylic tub surrounds are more expensive than plastic
Acrylic tub surrounds are made of plastic, but they are more expensive than other plastic tub surrounds. This is because acrylic is a thicker and more durable material than other plastics. Acrylic is scratch- and chip-resistant, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. On the other hand, cheaper plastic tub surrounds can look, well, cheap. They can reduce the value of your home and are not seen as an upgrade.
Acrylic tub surrounds are also more expensive than plastic because of the way they are sold. Acrylic panel manufacturers protect their professional installing dealer networks by not selling their products directly to consumers. This means that you have to invite a contractor into your home to show you their products, and you may be surprised by how much these systems cost.
For example, an acrylic tub-to-shower conversion can cost between $7,000 to $15,000. This is a huge range, and it's important to shop around to find the best price. In comparison, plastic tub surrounds can be as cheap as $130, although a higher-quality plastic surround will cost between $300 to $400.
Acrylic tub surrounds are also more expensive than plastic because they are seen as more luxurious. They can mimic the look of upscale stone finishes like marble or granite, which are desirable to buyers. This makes them a good investment if you are planning to sell your home, as an upgraded bathroom can bring a big return on investment.
However, if you are planning to stay in your home for a while, it's important to pick a tub surround that you like and that fits your budget. Acrylic tub surrounds may be more expensive than plastic, but they have many advantages, including being low-maintenance and long-lasting.
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Acrylic is thicker, more scratch-resistant, and longer-lasting than plastic
Acrylic tub surrounds are a great option for those looking for a durable and long-lasting product. Acrylic is made of plastic but is thicker and more scratch-resistant than other plastic products. This added thickness and scratch-resistance make acrylic a longer-lasting option compared to other plastic tub surrounds.
Acrylic tub surrounds are a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and quick upgrade to their bathrooms. They are much cheaper than purchasing individual glass or ceramic tiles and can be installed quickly, saving on contractor costs. Acrylic is also a good option for those who want a low-maintenance tub surround as it is easy to clean and won't stain, fade or yellow over time.
While acrylic is a great option for many, there are some drawbacks to consider. Acrylic tub surrounds may look cheap and can reduce the value of a home. Additionally, while acrylic is generally thicker than other plastic products, it can still be flimsy and thin compared to more expensive options like solid-surface or engineered stone tub surrounds.
For those looking for a more luxurious option, acrylic tub surrounds can also be designed to mimic the look of upscale stone finishes like marble or granite. These options are more expensive, with prices varying depending on the thickness, stiffness, and appearance of the product. However, despite the higher price point, these options are still relatively affordable compared to other stone finishes and offer the same benefits of standard acrylic, including durability and low maintenance.
Overall, acrylic tub surrounds are a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, durable, and long-lasting option. While there are some drawbacks, such as the potential for a cheap appearance, the benefits of acrylic, including its thickness, scratch resistance, and low maintenance, make it a popular choice for homeowners.
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Plastic tub surrounds can reduce the value of a home
One of the main concerns with plastic tub surrounds is their cheap appearance. Some homeowners and construction professionals argue that replacing a unique tile design with a plastic surround can be a downgrade, making the space look less appealing. This can be a significant factor in reducing the value of a home, especially in "move-up" neighbourhoods where buyers often have higher expectations.
Another issue with plastic tub surrounds is the potential for leaks and mould if they are not installed properly. This can create long-term problems and increase maintenance costs, which can further detract from the overall value of the home.
Additionally, the limited brand options for plastic tub surrounds can be a disadvantage. While some brands, like Sterling by Kohler, are known for their durability and customer satisfaction, other off-the-shelf units may not offer the same level of quality. This can impact the longevity and aesthetics of the tub surround, affecting the perceived value of the home.
It is worth noting that the impact of plastic tub surrounds on resale value can vary depending on the target buyer. For example, young professionals may prefer modern shower installations, while families with children often require at least one bathtub. In luxury markets, high-end showers and standalone tubs are often desired. Therefore, the presence of plastic tub surrounds may have a more significant impact on resale value when targeting specific buyer segments.
To maintain maximum market appeal, it is generally advisable to retain at least one bathtub in the home. However, with the rise of personalised wellness spaces and changing lifestyle preferences, the decision to install a plastic tub surround should consider local market dynamics and potential buyer preferences.
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Acrylic tub surrounds are available in a variety of colours and textures
Acrylic tub surrounds are a great option for those looking to renovate their bathrooms. They are available in a variety of colours and textures, allowing homeowners to customise their space to their liking. While some may opt for the classic white colour, which can maintain its lustre and brilliance with proper maintenance, there are other options for those who want to experiment.
For instance, acrylic shower surround panels with tile and stone patterns can provide the look of tile or stone without the grout joints. These panels are 100% waterproof and have indented faux grout joints in a different colour than the tile or stone pattern. This is a great option for those who want the functionality of acrylic without sacrificing the aesthetic of tile or stone.
Another option for acrylic tub surrounds is the Onyx Collection, which offers panels in different colours and textures. This collection is known for its ease of use, as there are no grout lines to worry about. Quality is important when choosing a tub surround, as you want it to last. The Onyx Collection provides a durable and long-lasting option that can enhance the look of your bathroom.
In addition to colour and texture variations, acrylic tub surrounds also come in different styles, such as the Classic Acrylic, Grüvwall, and Froggwall Wall Systems. These systems offer a fresh upgrade to your shower or tub area, providing a high-quality and innovative approach to bathroom design. With years of experience in the renovation business, manufacturers are constantly striving to deliver great products at reasonable costs.
While acrylic tub surrounds offer a range of colours and textures, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. Acrylic products can be more expensive than other options, and the installation process may require a professional, adding to the overall cost. However, with the variety of choices available, homeowners can find the perfect acrylic tub surround to suit their preferences and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic tub surrounds are made of plastic, budget-friendly, and are quicker to install. They are also long-lasting, resistant to staining, fading, and yellowing, and come with long warranties.
Acrylic tub surrounds can be expensive and may look cheap. They are also not easily available for DIY installation.
Some alternatives to an acrylic tub surround are laminate shower wall panels, cultured granite shower wall surrounds, PVC composite wall panels, and Fibo laminate wall panels.
Plastic tub surrounds are waterproof, long-lasting, and easy to clean and install.
Plastic tub surrounds may look cheap and can reduce the value of the home.
