Stone Resin vs Acrylic Baths: Which is Best for UK Homes?

Choosing the proper bath for your UK home involves considering materials that align with your lifestyle, budget, and bathroom design. Two popular options are stone resin baths vs acrylic baths, each with its pros.

What are Stone Resin Baths?

Stone resin baths are made from a mix of natural stone minerals and resin. This combination creates a heavy, durable, and luxurious bath that resembles stone. Stone resin baths feature smooth, matte, or polished finishes and excellent heat retention. Often freestanding, they’re a statement piece that elevates any bathroom design.

What are Acrylic Baths?

Acrylic baths are made from lightweight plastic moulded into various shapes and sizes. They’re popular because they’re affordable, easy to install and have a glossy finish. Acrylic baths are a favourite in many UK homes, suitable for traditional and modern bathrooms.

Durability and Maintenance

Stone resin baths are incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and discolouration. The hard-wearing material can withstand daily use for many years without losing its luxurious look. Cleaning is easy - just warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. For more, see our post on how to clean stone resin baths.

Acrylic baths are more prone to scratches and can discolour over time, especially if you use abrasive cleaning products. Lighter and easier to install, they may require more maintenance to keep the surface looking good.

Heat Retention and Comfort

A significant advantage of stone resin baths is their excellent heat retention. Bathwater stays warm for longer. It’s a more indulgent bathing experience. The natural stone composition also feels warm and comforting.

Acrylic baths lose heat quickly. You may need to shorten your bath time or add hot water more frequently to maintain a warm temperature.

Design and Style Options

Both stone resin and acrylic baths come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Stone resin baths are premium and sculptural, making them suitable for both modern and traditional bathrooms. The natural white finish, with either a matt or polished surface, is the perfect finishing touch for any bathroom.

Acrylic baths are more versatile in manufacture, with options for wall-mounted, deck-mounted, and built-in designs. Ideal for smaller bathrooms or budget-friendly solutions. Stone resin baths are made from hard-wearing, often fully recyclable, and eco-friendly materials. They’re durable, resulting in fewer replacements and less waste, which is sustainable living.

Acrylic baths are made from plastic and have a larger environmental footprint as well as a shorter lifespan, resulting in more replacements.

Why Stone Resin Baths are the Best for UK Homes

While acrylic baths are inexpensive and easy to install, stone resin baths are durable, heat-retaining, and luxurious, making them the best option for UK homeowners. They retain heat, resist stains and are a beautiful statement piece for a warm, comfortable and timeless bathroom space.

Invest in a stone resin bath, and you’re investing in quality, sustainability, and a bath-time indulgence for your home.

What is the price range for stone resin baths compared to acrylic baths?

Stone resin baths generally come at a higher price point than acrylic baths due to their premium materials, durability, and luxurious finish. While acrylic baths are more affordable and accessible for most budgets, stone resin baths offer long-term value through their superior heat retention, resistance to stains and scratches, and timeless aesthetic appeal. The investment in a stone resin bath reflects not only quality craftsmanship but also the creation of a luxurious space that enhances any bathroom design. To learn more, check out our post on the average cost of a Baulane bathtub.