Fiberglass bathtubs have earned a spot in many people's bathrooms, but does one belong in yours?
The construction of a fiberglass bathtub
A fiberglass bathtub is a molded bathtub. To construct the tub, fine glass particles are pressed into a mold in layers and held together with resin. The resulting bathtub features a built-in wood frame for strength.
What can you expect from a tub made in this manner?
Pros of fiberglass bathtubs
They're lightweight. Unlike a cast-iron bathtub, fiberglass units do not require the extra effort and expense of reinforcing the bathroom floor. They are also easy to unload and carry into the house-a definite plus if you will be taking on a remodel yourself.
They're low cost. Molded fiberglass bathtubs are available at a variety of price points and, aside from steel tubs, are probably the cheapest option on the market.
They're easy to repair. A cracked fiberglass tub doesn't have to mean a replaced fiberglass tub. Often cracks can be repaired using an epoxy resin repair kit, not so with most solid-surface tubs.
They can be incorporated into a shower stall. Many fiberglass tubs can be installed on their own or as part of a shower kit. If you plan to use your bathroom for both showers and baths, this can be a great feature.
Cons of fiberglass bathtubs
They can flex or break. Since fiberglass bathtubs are molded, they're more vulnerable to stress than a solid-surface tub. They can break if they aren't adequately supported by their wood frames or if they're subjected to a lot of weight.
They become dull over time. Fiberglass bathtubs are protected by a gel coat, but once that coating wears off, the tub will become dull in appearance.
They can show scratches. Over time, a fiberglass bathtub will show scratches, and these generally aren't something that can be repaired. On a solid-surface tub, repairs are a possibility.
Fiberglass tub buying tips
All fiberglass tubs are not created equal. Before you make your selection, spend some time looking at how each bathtub is constructed. Ideally, you want to choose a tub that has a sturdy wooden framework and thick fiberglass walls. These two features will ensure that you get a long life out of your purchase.
If you have further questions about the quality of the model that you are considering, check online.
Fiberglass bathtubs can be a good bathtub option, but they're not the only good option. Visit your local home improvement center to check out all of the bathtub materials available to you, and then consider the pros and cons of each material before making your decision.
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