Acrylic vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs: How They Compare and Which Is Best for You

When it comes time to install a new bathtub, there are several design choices to make. If you’re comparing acrylic versus fiberglass bathtubs, the choice won’t be easy. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs look reasonably similar at first glance, but there are plenty of visual and physical differences between them. While fiberglass is more affordable and lighter, acrylic is more durable and lasts longer. Take a look at this matchup to see which bathtub comes out on top.

Acrylic vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs: Key Differences

While acrylic and fiberglass are both popular and inexpensive bathtub materials, there are some differences you may want to consider when shopping for one.

What Are Acrylic Bathtubs?

An acrylic tub is not “100% acrylic”—it’s made of clear plastic reinforced with fiberglass. While both can be found at any hardware store, acrylic bathtubs are slightly more common and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Good heat retention

• Nonporous and easy to clean

• Repels well against moisture and mildew

• Lightweight

Cons

• Prone to scratches, especially with non-compatible cleaners

• Prone to flexing

• Fewer high-end options

What Are Fiberglass Bathtubs?

Fiberglass is an equally popular bathtub material that can be found in most hardware and bathroom supply stores. It shares many of the same pros and cons as acrylic, with the biggest difference being fiberglass tubs are more affordable.

Pros

• Affordable

• Lightweight

Cons

• Thin material that can easily chip or fade

• Less durable

Acrylic vs. Fiberglass: Which Is a Better Tub?

Acrylic and fiberglass are both solid, inexpensive options that give your bathroom a facelift, though they differ in cost, lifespan, weight, and durability.

Cost: Fiberglass 

The cost to replace a bathtub is obviously a key consideration, but both acrylic and fiberglass tubs are reasonably affordable compared to many other materials. 

Acrylic tubs average $1,000 to install, while fiberglass tubs cost up to $800, including installation.

Appearance: Acrylic 

An attractive bathtub pulls your entire bathroom together to create a relaxing and inviting space.

Acrylic:

• Available in more colors than fiberglass

• Has a smoother, glossier finish

Fiberglass:

• Has an acrylic or gelcoat finish to emulate the smoothness and gloss of acrylic tubs

• Gelcoat doesn't last as long as proper acrylic tubs

• Gelcoat eventually fades and cracks, and it isn't quite as smooth to begin with

Installation: Tie 

Both acrylic and fiberglass tubs are comparatively easy to install if you have the right experience and tools. However, because getting the plumbing wrong can be a costly disaster, it’s best to hire a local bathtub installer instead.

A standard acrylic bathtub tips the scales at around 100 pounds, while a comparable fiberglass model weighs only 70 pounds. So if you're installing a tub upstairs, a fiberglass one is easier to carry. However, because acrylic is more robust, it can withstand more weight and pressure during the installation process.

Care: Acrylic 

Your new bathtub shouldn't be difficult or complicated to clean—nobody enjoys extra housework.

Acrylic:

• Can use a wider range of cleaning supplies

• Can use rougher cloths and gritty cleaning substances

• Not prone to staining

• Has a smoother surface less likely to encourage limescale buildup

Fiberglass:

• Gelcoat is fairly soft, so it scratches easily

• Cannot use abrasive scrubbers or cleaning substances

• Prone to staining

• Rougher surface catches limescale

Durability: Acrylic 

Installing a bathtub costs money, so you want a solid return on your investment in terms of longevity and durability.

Acrylic:

• Lasts up to 30 years

• Less prone to cracking

• Less prone to scratches 

• Thicker and less brittle than fiberglass

Fiberglass:

• Lasts up to 15 years

• Brittle and prone to cracking

• Scratches easily

• Thin

• Eventually becomes porous as the topcoat wears away

Repair: Tie 

Whatever tub you have can encounter surface scratches and cracks. Ideally, a repair should be affordable and straightforward.

Acrylic

Acrylic is solid, so if it eventually shows signs of wear and scratches, you can simply sand out the layer of damage and apply a glossy topcoat. However, more significant damage, such as a crack, usually goes right through the tub’s wall because it's a solid sheet of acrylic.

Cracks in acrylic tubs are challenging to repair and may require you to have a whole new tub installed.

Fiberglass

Scratches in fiberglass tubs are more challenging to repair, requiring extra steps, including color-matching. Remember, it's the gelcoat that holds the color, so when refinishing a scratch or crack, you'll need to find the right color for the new topcoat. If you opt for a clear coat, the fiberglass beneath will show through. 

A single crack in a fiberglass tub is repairable, unlike an acrylic tub, as it probably won't penetrate all the layers of fiberglass. However, it still needs a speedy repair because exposed fiberglass is porous.

Cost to Install a Bathtub

A new bathtub costs anywhere from $2,000 to $9,400, depending on materials, labor, and additional factors. But you can expect closer to the $1,000 range for acrylic and fiberglass unless you’re doing other renovations. Installation costs will also factor into the type of tub you choose because some are easier to install than others. High-end and uniquely sized models are more expensive than standard-size tubs. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a bathtub may seem easy for a DIYer, but there are many factors to consider before attempting it. Bathtub installation is physically challenging due to the size and weight of the tub. While fiberglass may be light compared to a cast-iron tub, you’ll still need two people to lift it. Reconnecting plumbing and electrical is also dangerous, and if done improperly, they’re expensive to repair. 

Installing a bathtub is not for the novice. Entrusting its installation to the pros will allow you to avoid injury, keep your bathroom and home damage-free, and save you money in the long run.