Porcelain Enameled Steel
Porcelain-enameled steel is a common and often inexpensive option.
It is constructed of steel sheeting that is coated with porcelain enamel.
This pop in of tub is made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Acrylic tubs are lightweight and relativelyeasy to install.
Fiberglass (FRP)
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Fiberglass is another affordable bathtub material.
The tub is made of molded iron coated with porcelain enamel.
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A cast-iron tub is a higher-end option, but it is an investment that lasts.
Enameled cast iron is prized for its durability.
This material can also be refinished when damaged, further extending its lifespan.
The Spruce / Jay Wilde
The only significant disadvantage (and a serious one) is the weight.
The tubs typically are finished with a gel-coat finish.
Fiberglass, acrylic, and enameled steel are the most widely used materials for bathtubs.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are both lightweight, smooth, and affordable.
It’s not easy to know if your tub is fiberglass or acrylic but here are some clues.
Fiberglass has thicker edges than acrylic tubs.
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Fiberglass feels cooler to the touch than acrylic.
Finally, fiberglass tubs are usually white and acrylic comes in more color options.
it’s possible for you to tell if you have a porcelain or enamel tub with a magnet.
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If a magnet does not stick to the tub, it could be porcelain.
If a magnet sticks to the tub, it’s enamel cast iron.
However, fiberglass and acrylic tubs are not magnetic, either.
