Let's just agree that a good-looking bathroom makes us appreciate a house even more.
A few months ago, I found a massive crack down the middle of my bathtub, which left me worried. Before this incident, I never thought that there was a need to remodel my bathroom. But then I thought of utilizing this opportunity to change the look and feel of the space as it has been years since I had done it.
However, when I went shopping for the bathroom fixtures, I became confused about the various options. I already knew that I didn’t want metal fixtures, but I never thought about the several other materials that I would come across.
A quick research on the internet helped me narrow down to the two best materials - Vikrell and acrylic. After spending a good deal of time searching for the best material, I chose to go with Vikrell bathroom fittings. I am very happy with how my bathroom looks now, and on top of everything, keeping it clean has been a breeze!
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today I will tell you everything on the topic of Vikrell vs acrylic. Without further ado, let's begin.
Vikrell Vs. Acrylic
What Is Vikrell?
When I first learned that there's a material called Vikrell, I’ll admit I was surprised as I had never heard of it before. With a bit more research, I got to know that Vikrell is a material patented by Kohler, a well-known company that deals with plumbing products.
This material is created using a mixture of fiberglass and polyresin, so the end product is durable and stain-resistant. No wonder it's a popular material used in bathroom fittings.
Moreover, Vikrell is so lightweight that even a single person can carry and install the fixtures. You will mostly find Vikrell products in white, and it usually has a high gloss finish.
- Item Package Dimension: 11.49999998827L x 3.99999999592W x 2.699999997246H inches
- Item Package Weight - 2.0502990366 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Made from solid Vikrell material for strength, durability, and lasting beauty
- Designed with an 18-3/4-in apron
- 3-in drain to floor clearance
What Is Acrylic?
I don't think that there's a need for me to tell you a lot about acrylic as it's a versatile material found in various forms. When it comes to bathroom fittings, acrylic is often combined with fiberglass or resin to add durability.
People love acrylic because of its beautiful finish that gives a high-quality look to your bathroom. Also, acrylic is available in many color options to add your personal touch to a space.
- CHILL: Beverage tub is great for entertaining; chill alcohol, water, soda & more
- CONVENIENT: Use integrated handles to easily carry from one room to the next
- QUALITY: Drink tub is crafted of high quality & durable crystal-clear acrylic
- Acrylic construction with fiberglass and resin reinforcement, three wall alcove installation with tile flange and integral tub apron | Drain kit is not included
- 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 lbs.
- Right hand drain bathtub
Key Differences Between Vikrell And Acrylic
1. Watertightness
After encountering the huge crack in my previous bathtub, I wanted to have something that would have a watertight seal. One of my reasons for going for Vikrell fixtures was its design that goes together like a tight-fitting jigsaw puzzle. So, there's no way for the water to evade the structure.
Even though acrylic is also a non-porous material, it takes time to install the fixtures so that water cannot seep through the gaps. However, when it's installed properly, acrylic can last for a long time and prevent water damage to a bathroom.
2. Appearance
When it comes to the topic of appearance, a lot of it will depend on personal preference. Some people may find the plain white finish of Vikrell to be boring, while others will love the way it reflects light in a bathroom.
However, if you like fixtures with high gloss, choosing acrylic units will be a good choice. It’s also favored by those who love to have color in their bathrooms. But, you should be careful while cleaning acrylic surfaces as harsh chemicals can lead to discolorations.
In that respect, Vikrell is preferable as its surface doesn't react with chemicals, and it looks the same even after a decade of use.
3. Cleaning
I think that cleaning can be a stress-buster, and there have been times when I have spent hours cleaning my home. Having said that, I'm not too fond of surfaces that have the same gloomy look after I have finished cleaning them.
Hence, before I decided on the material of my bathroom fixtures, I searched for the best ways to clean them. To my surprise, I realized that it was quite common for people to neglect cleaning instructions, and it often leads to ruined surfaces.
One of the foremost reasons for my choosing Vikrell is because it’s easy to clean. I make sure to wipe down the walls of the tub with a little bit of soapy water to keep the surface clean. Moreover, the best thing about Vikrell is that it's stain-resistant, so it will look the same even if you accidentally spill, say, coffee on it.
In contrast, taking care of acrylic takes a bit more dedication. As chemicals can corrode and stain acrylic, you will need to find a cleaning agent that's suitable for it. Also, as a glossier surface, acrylics get soiled sooner than Vikrell.
4. Cost
Let me tell you something, the lower cost of an item doesn't always mean that it has to have inferior quality. Rather than judging a product by its price, I like to dig deep into its specifications to ensure that it would work for me.
And that's what made me choose Vikrell, as the bathroom fixtures made with this material are cheaper than acrylic. But, the surprising thing is that the bathroom fixture has a similar look, and it's hard to tell them apart if it's your first time looking at Vikrell.
So, set your budget and assess the options carefully to make your choice. However, many people do think that spending on acrylic is a better option as it lasts longer.
Final Words
I hope that this guide about the two different materials for bathroom fixtures will help you make a better choice. Just make sure to know more about the individual product before bringing it home.
Also, keep in mind that the nature and composition of these materials may change with the manufacturing company. So, you might need to spend some time finding products that you will love (just like I did!). And, do let me know about your experience choosing bathroom fixtures for your home.
Till then, goodbye and take care!