First, let’s talk about why fiberglass tends to be one of the cheapest tub materials on the market. It starts with how fiberglass tubs are actually made.

Fiberglass tubs consist of layers of glass fibers that are spray-coated with resin. From there, fiberglass tubs receive a gel finish, which is typically what you’re restoring if you refinish or resurface a fiberglass tub.

While acrylic tubs often start with a layer of fiberglass, they mostly consist of several layers of heated high-tech polymer sheets. They remain smooth and non-porous without any gel or resin coat, which makes them far more scratch-resistent and durable than fiberglass tubs.

Whether your kids use your bathtub for regular bathing or you use your bathtub for relaxation and hydrotherapy, one thing is certain: you need real temperature control. In this case, we’re not talking about hot and cold taps to control the temperature of the water coming out of your faucet. We’re talking about how well your tub retains heat while in use.

Fiberglass is thin and porous, which means that it tends to pull warmth from your bathwater and then cool down quickly. This has the effect of cooling down your entire bath, often within a span of 20 minutes or less.

Acrylic functions as an insulator. It’s nonporous, which means it’s not drawing any of that moisture or heat into the tub walls. Acrylic tubs can retain heat for up to 30 minutes before you might start to notice a slow, subtle decline in degrees.

 This is one category where fiberglass wins, at least a first glance. You can typically replace one fiberglass tub with another fiberglass tub for as little as $4,000, while high-quality acrylic tub replacements start at around $11,000. 

While acrylic tubs undoubtedly cost more upfront, you’re going to get more mileage out of your acrylic tub, more customization and design options, and encounter fewer unexpected or ongoing costs. If you go with fiberglass, what starts as a cheap $4,000 tub replacement can end up costing upwards of $6,650 (and as much as $16,900) in the long run.

If you’re designing a tub or tub-shower combo for a home you’re going to live in for years to come, you’re not just thinking about immediate concerns. You’re also thinking about your long-term experience, and that includes the cleaning process.

Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are both considered relatively easy to clean, but acrylic does have fiberglass beat in this category. While both have a smooth surface that can be wiped down with a mild cleanser and soft sponge or cloth, the non-porous nature of acrylic is much better at preventing stains.

That means that not only is it easy to clean your acrylic shower, but it’s easy to keep it looking like new. Fiberglass, on the other hand, can reach the point of staining and discoloration that it never looks truly clean.

Fiberglass has become a mainstay in contemporary bathroom design for a reason. It’s cheap, it’s easy to install, and it’s a common go-to for quick builds and flips. If you’re looking for something that will last longer and look nicer, acrylic might just be the better choice.

What’s next? Take a look at our guide to the types of acrylic bathtubs you can choose from when you get a bathtub replacement from companies like ZINTEX Remodeling Group.