5 Common Materials Used in Bathtubs

Bathtub materials affect the look, feel, weight, heat retention—and price—of these high-ticket plumbing fixtures. And since tubs are not easy to replace, it really pays to know what you are buying so you can be happy with your choice for many years to come. Here are some basic pros and cons for each of the most common bathtub materials to help you make the right selection when buying a new bathtub.

These are the five basic bathtub materials, each with a list of their characteristics.

01 of 05
Porcelain Enameled Steel

Porcelain-enameled steel is a very common and often inexpensive option. It is constructed of steel sheeting that is coated with porcelain enamel. This type of tub is somewhat heavier than acrylic or fiberglass but is much lighter-weight than old-fashioned enameled cast iron.

Pros
- Can be very affordable
- Relatively lightweight
- Available in standard sizes (60 x 30 inches)
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The surface can chip when objects are dropped
- Rust tends to form with even the smallest chip
- Limited options for color and shape
- Can be noisy if not insulated
- Loses heat quickly
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Acrylic

Acrylic tubs are a very popular option due to their versatility, durability, wide range of options, and low cost. This type of tub is made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets that are reinforced with fiberglass. Acrylic tubs are lightweight and relatively easy to install.

Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Available in many colors, shapes, and sizes
- Durable
- Non-porous surface
- Surface is repairable
Cons
- The surface can scratch if cleaned with abrasive cleaners
- Stress points must be properly reinforced during installation
- Acrylic is more expensive than fiberglass
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Fiberglass (FRP)

Fiberglass is another affordable bathtub material. This type of tub is made of layers of surface coat, polyester resin, and fiberglass reinforcement. Fiberglass tubs are less expensive than acrylic but also less durable.

Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to clean and maintain
- The surface can be repaired
- A great option for a shower/tub combination
Cons
- Not as durable as other materials
- The surface can crack and scratch
- Finish tends to fade
- Limited color options
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Enameled Cast Iron

A classic bathtub material, enameled cast iron is very durable—and very heavy. The tub is made of molded iron coated with porcelain enamel. A cast-iron tub is a higher-end option, but it is an investment that will really last. The only significant disadvantage (and a serious one) is the weight. A cast-iron tub can be quite difficult to install because it is so heavy and may require structural reinforcement of the floor.

Tip

Many experts prefer enameled cast iron for its durability. This material can also be refinished when damaged, further extending its lifespan.

Pros
- Very durable
- Thick enamel is resistant to chipping and scratching
- Can be resurfaced
- Timeless look
- Excellent heat retention
- Many color choices available
Cons
- Very heavy
Continue to 5 of 5 below
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Cast Polymer (Cultured Marble, Granite, or Onyx)

Cast polymer bathtub materials include engineered natural stone and solid surface materials. These are made by molding together minerals, polymeric materials, and resins to form a solid material similar to solid-surface countertops (such as Corian). The tubs typically are finished with a gel-coat finish.

Pros
- Can be affordable
- Many color options
- Surface scratches can be buffed out
- Easy to clean
- Stain- and mildew-resistant
Cons
- Can be brittle
- Wearing of gel coat can lead to unrepairable cracks

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