Enameled vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs

Today's bathtub buyers have several options.

Enameled cast-iron or steel and fiberglass bathtubs are commonly used in homes today. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Whether remodeling an old bathroom or building a new one, give careful thought to what will work best before investing in a new bathtub.

Cost

Fiberglass tubs are usually the cheapest of the three options. Steel-shell porcelain-enameled tubs are more expensive than fiberglass but are still generally a reasonably priced option. Porcelain-enameled cast-iron tubs are the most expensive of the three.

Advantages

Fiberglass tubs come in almost any shape imaginable and can be easily repaired if damaged.

Steel-shell enameled tubs resist acid, corrosion and abrasion. The color does not fade.

Enameled cast-iron tubs are the most durable of the three. The enamel coating is the same used on steel-shell tubs. A cast-iron enamel-coated tub is the most durable and long-lasting of the three and usually comes with a lifetime warranty.

Disadvantages

Fiberglass tubs are not as durable and long-lasting as an enamel-finished tub. They will show scratches and fade. The color is sprayed on and the finish will dull eventually. The surface is very porous and tends to stain easily. They can be difficult to keep clean. Mold and mildew are especially difficult to remove from a fiberglass tub.

Steel-shell and cast-iron tubs are very cold. Bathwater will naturally cool quickly. The enamel finish on both steel-shell and cast-iron tubs will chip or crack if something heavy is dropped on it, such as a wrench during installation. Once it is cracked or chipped, the tub will rust.

Installation

Fiberglass tubs are light and easy to handle for installation. They can be purchased with a tub surround or wall covering as a set, which saves money and time on wall protection installation.

While the initial investment in a steel-shell tub may seem quite reasonable, the wall around the tub must be covered with tile or a similar substance, which will add to the cost. They are heavier than fiberglass tubs and take a bit more muscle to maneuver into place.

Cast-iron enameled tubs can be difficult to install because of the extra weight. They are generally not easy to set in place and also require wall tile or something similar to waterproof the walls.

Caution

Cast-iron enameled tubs are extremely heavy and may require additional floor support.

References

• The House Designers: Bath Tub Basics
• Bath World: Acrylic Bathware Surfaces: Consumers: Advantages and Overview