When choosing reliable bathtub and shower bases, we often feel puzzled. Numerous options are there. Durabath is a famous brand and a top favorite for bathroom remodeling projects.
However, homeowners often feel confused about selecting between DuraBath SSP vs. Acrylic.
DuraBath SSP has a luxurious appearance and is available in various standard and customized sizes and shapes. Contrastly, Durabath Acrylic is lightweight and simple to clean.
But, Durabath SSP is more durable than DuraBath Acrylic.
A Quick Comparison Table
Learning some primary details of both flooring bases will give a quick idea. If you are more interested, then you can go further.
| Specification | DuraBath SSP | Durabath Acrylic |
| Materials | Ground minerals and polymer resins | Heat-fitting acrylic |
| Appearance | Luxurious look | Good look |
| Weight | Higher | Lower |
| Versatility | Huge design options with custom or standard sizes and shapes | A limited number of designs, sizes, and colors |
| Resale value | Decent resale value | Lower resale value |
| Cleaners’ endurance | Resistant to different cleaners | Prone to get damaged from caustic cleaners |
| Durability | Not prone to | Less durable |
| Price | A little bit more pricey than Durabath SSP | Less Costly Option |
Overview of DuraBath SSP
DuraBath is a leading manufacturer of solid surface shower units, vanities, tubs and sinks. Their SSP material is composed of natural minerals, acrylic resins and pigments.
Key benefits of DuraBath SSP include:
- Waterproof – Impervious to water and moisture
- Durable – Resists chips, cracks, stains and mildew
- Low Maintenance – Easy to clean and disinfect
- Customizable – Can be made in any size and shape
- Stylish – Wide range of colors and textures
- Comfortable – Warm to the touch
- Safe – Does not use silica fillers
- Warranty – Lifetime limited warranty
As a solid surface, DuraBath SSP provides a strong, seamless foundation for shower walls and floors. The non-porous material makes cleaning and sanitizing simple. It’s naturally resistant to stains, soap scum and mildew.
DuraBath offers options from economical standard colors to premium designer finishes. The material can be fabricated into one-piece units or wall surround kits for easy DIY installation.
Overview of Acrylic
Acrylic sheets are an affordable plastic material commonly used for bathtubs, showers, and enclosures. Some key qualities include:
- Low Cost – More budget-friendly than most other shower materials
- Easy to Clean – Resists soap scum buildup and stains
- Lightweight – Acrylic sheets are lighter than solid surface products
- Easy Installation – Many acrylic units are one-piece for quick fitting
- Color Options – Available in white as well as colored opaque or translucent panels
- Short Lifespan – Acrylic loses its shine and degrades faster than other materials
With proper care, acrylic can provide a waterproof, cost-effective option for shower bases and walls. However, it tends to show wear and scratches faster than materials like DuraBath SSP. Acrylic can become brittle and degrade more rapidly with heavy use.
Pros and Cons of DuraBath SSP
What are the biggest advantages and downsides of using DuraBath SSP solid surface material?
Pros:
- Extremely durable and resistant to damage
- Customizable to any size and layout
- Easy to keep clean and disinfect
- Wide range of color and finish options
- Warm, stone-like feel
- Made in the USA
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons:
- More expensive upfront cost than acrylic or fiberglass
- Professional installation required
- Minor repairable scratches possible
- Not recommended for outdoor use
DuraBath SSP provides durability and luxury feel at an affordable price point for solid surface. The main drawback is the higher initial cost.
Pros and Cons of Acrylic
What are the biggest pros and cons associated with acrylic shower walls and bases?
Pros:
- Most budget-friendly shower material option
- Resists soap scum and mineral deposits
- Lightweight for easy handling
- Some options have color or translucency
- Quick installation of one-piece units
- Short lead times available
Cons:
- Not as durable or scratch-resistant as solid surface
- Degrades and yellows over 5-10 years
- Limited size and shape options
- Lacks natural stone look and feel
- Seams may leak over time
- Lifetime limited warranty
For short-term use, acrylic provides an affordable shower solution. But for lifelong durability, materials like DuraBath SSP are worth the additional investment.
Comprehensive Differences Between DuraBath SSP And Acrylic
So you got a brief idea, right? Doesn’t it seem interesting to know more about both bathroom flooring options?
Surely, it does! Let’s learn in-depth details about them.
- Materials
Let’s first talk about the materials. Durabath SSP is made of a combination of Ground minerals and polymer resins.
The inclusion of polymer resins makes the product water-resistant and fade-proof. Also, it helps to create a durable, thick, and highly glossy coating.
On the contrary, Durabath Acrylic is made of Heat-fitting acrylic materials.
They have an impressive melting point. This type of bathtub base is tough and durable too.
- Appearance
An enchanting look of shower bases grabs immediate attention. Hence, giving importance to the appearance of bathtub and shower bases is necessary.
You can expect to have a luxurious look from Durabath SSP. Its advanced design and eye-catch glossy finish can give your first impression.
Contrastly, Durabath Acrylic is a traditional based product. It adds a simple appearance. People who want a plain look will love this type of bathroom solution.
- Customization
- DuraBath SSP can be formed into virtually any size or shape for a fully custom shower.
- Acrylic has size limitations and fewer shape options since it comes in standardized sheets.
- Weight
Weight is an essential factor for installation. Durabath SSP is heavier than Durabath Acrylic. Hence, installing Durabath Acrylic is more easygoing.
You may need a helping hand to install the unit on the second floor or above. Be cautious while carrying them. After all, the heavier loads have a chance to break.
- Versatility
Durabath SSP comes with huge designs and color options. You can get them in standard and customized shapes. This gives you a lot of versatility to add the best matching option.
In contrast, Durabath Acrylic is available in a limited number of designs, sizes, and colors. But, they are ideal for any regular bathrooms and tubs. It won’t be a concerning point.
- Resale Value
Durabath SSP is made with advanced high-quality, and thicker materials.
Its innovative design ensures a great resale value. Plus, this surface base creates a safer showering environment.
You won’t have to worry about an expensive leak in your flooring.
After all, it is an excellent waterproof solution. You can easily install Durabath SSP for any high-end luxury spa bathroom.
So, Durabath SSP will have a higher resale value than Durabath Acrylic. After all, it adds great functionality to your bathroom floor.
- Cleaners’ Endurance
the aesthetics of your bathroom can fade away over time due to stains and spots. Regular cleaning is mandatory. Otherwise, harmful bacteria and germs may develop
Dirt and dust may become super hard. It will then be complicated to remove. Using an effective bathroom floor cleaning solution is essential. House owners often use too harsh products.
These solutions are good at keeping the bathroom floor super clean. But not all floor surfaces can endure the chemical reaction of these cleaners.
Durabath SSP has a tough protective coating. It is resistant to various cleaning solutions. Contrastly, Durabath Acrylic is prone to get damaged by caustic cleaners.
- Durability
Bathroom and shower floors can last for several decades. Durabath SSP is more durable than Durabath Acrylic. The advanced one is made from heavier, thicker, and tougher materials.
It is not prone to have cracks and other damaging issues soon. But correctly installing the flooring solution is necessary. Otherwise, they won’t last too long.
- Price
Advanced and high-quality bathroom floor bases have a higher price. After all, they are made with many innovative compounds to offer better functionality.
Durabath SSP has an expensive option than Durabath Acrylic. You will have a decent budget to install Durabath SSP for larger bathrooms.
Durabath Acrylic is a perfect option. It comes at an affordable price. You won’t have to spend too much on bulky showers and bathroom bases.
What Will Be The Suitable Choice For Your Bathroom?
Choosing a particular bathroom flooring option requires you first consider a few aspects. Consider what functionalities you want from it. Also, taking into account its durability, pricing, installation, maintenance, and other things are vital.
Durabath SSP is an ideal choice if you want a highly advanced option. It will add beauty to your bathroom. Plus, the flooring solution has extreme durability. You can choose from ample colors, sizes, and shapes.
Durabath Acrylic is a good pick when you prefer a more affordable option. It can give your bathroom floor a simple look. But don’t expect it to be highly durable and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DuraBath acrylic is a simple and porous-free bathroom and shower flooring base. It is effortless to clean and can improve the bathroom look.
Acrylic is an excellent solution to protect the bathroom floor and wall from water damage. This product doesn’t prone to leaking issues gradually.
Re-Bath manufactures all products of DuraBath SSP. They have a limited lifetime warranty. You can expect them to last for several decades easily.
Tiled showers generally can last 60 to 80 years. But yearly maintenance and regular cleaning are crucial. Resealing the tiles on an annual basis is a good rule of thumb. Also, you may need to change the grouting once every decade. This is especially necessary for too busy bathrooms.
Yes, solid surface shower materials like DuraBath SSP generally outperform acrylic in durability, longevity, and customization capabilities. Solid surface is resistant to chips, scratches, and stains while acrylic tends to show wear and tear over time. Solid surface can also be fabricated into any shape and size.
An acrylic shower refers to a bathtub or shower unit constructed from acrylic plastic polymer sheets. It typically comes in a one-piece design or as a simple shower surround kit. Acrylic is an affordable option but lacks the high-end performance of materials like DuraBath SSP.
Final Thought
Here we come to our conclusion part on Durabath SSP vs. Acrylic. Choosing either option is okay if it fulfills your bathroom requirements.You should aim at having the best value from the investment.
If you want a luxurious feel and extreme durability, Durabath SSP seems a perfect pick. But when affordability and simple design attract you more, Durabath Acrylic is a better choice.