Acrylic vs. Stone Resin vs. Clawfoot Tubs: How to Choose
Freestanding soaking tubs come in a few common materials, each with real trade-offs in weight, heat retention, and style. Here's how they compare.
Acrylic Freestanding Tubs
Acrylic is lightweight, which makes it easier to install (especially in upper-floor bathrooms) and generally more affordable. Insulated double-wall acrylic tubs hold heat noticeably better than thin single-wall versions. Acrylic works well in modern and contemporary bathrooms with clean lines.
See our Acrylic Freestanding Tubs collection.
Stone Resin Tubs
Stone resin (sometimes called solid surface) is heavier and denser than acrylic, which gives it a substantial, high-end feel and generally better natural heat retention. It's a good middle ground between the affordability of acrylic and the traditional look of a clawfoot tub.
Clawfoot Tubs
Clawfoot tubs are typically hammered copper or stainless steel, raised on decorative feet rather than sitting flush with the floor. They bring a classic, traditional look and tend to be the heaviest and most expensive option, often requiring professional installation help due to their weight.
See our Clawfoot Tubs collection.
Comparing the Three
| Material | Weight | Heat Retention | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Lightest | Good (insulated) | Modern |
| Stone Resin | Heavy | Very good | Contemporary to transitional |
| Clawfoot (copper/steel) | Heaviest | Varies by metal | Traditional |
The Bottom Line
Choose acrylic for an easier install and a lighter budget, stone resin for a substantial feel without the weight of metal, and a clawfoot tub if a classic, traditional look matters most to you.