Which Is Best: Steel or Fiberglass Bathtubs?

Steel Advantages

• Steel bathtubs were originally made as an alternative to cast-iron tubs, and they look similar to them but weigh less. Their glass-like enamel surface is resistant to scratches and acid, but abrasive cleaners are still not recommended. Steel bathtubs don’t fade, and they will keep their original color and gloss. They’re also inexpensive and easy to install. The price for one in 2011 was between $110 and $300 dollars.

Steel Disadvantages

• If you like long and hot soaks, steel bathtubs may not be for you. Water cools down more quickly in a steel tub than one made of fiberglass. A steel bathtub is noisy when you pour water into it, and the bathtub sounds hollow when it’s tapped, which some people don’t like. Steel bathtubs only come in a few standard sizes, and there aren’t as many colors to choose from either. These tubs may dent when they’re installed. They’re also prone to chip and, if they do become scratched, the steel will rust. The thin-gauge of the steel used on most tubs has a certain amount of “give” and will flex under the weight of a large person.

Fiberglass Advantages

• Fiberglass bathtubs give you a wide variety of styles to choose from. They’re lightweight, easy to install and can be molded into many shapes. Scratches are easy to repair with a gel-coat repair kit that you can purchase in automotive and marine stores. In 2011, the price for a fiberglass bathtub was between $250 and $300.

Fiberglass Disadvantages

• You won’t find many colors or sizes to choose from if you go with a fiberglass tub. Fiberglass bathtubs are also more likely to stain than steel tubs, and once stained they’re hard to clean. Since they’re only protected by a thin gel coat, they’re easy to scratch or chip and prone to damage from caustic materials. Water can enter chips that aren’t fixed right away and cause damage to spread. It’s also difficult to color match when doing repairs. Fiberglass bathtubs don’t hold heat well, but some of the better quality tubs have a layer of rigid polyurethane foam between the fiberglass coats to help with heat retention.