5 Common Materials Used in Bathtubs

Knowing what bathtubs are made of can help you choose the right material when shopping for a replacement or renovating a bathroom. Since the tub is usually the largest part of a bathroom and a tough fixture to replace, the material and style are important decisions. You're likely familiar with fiberglass and acrylic tubs but other selections include porcelain enamel steel, cast iron, and cast polymers, each with different characteristics.

Here are the pros, cons, and features of each of the most common bathtub materials to help you make the right selection when buying a new bathtub.

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Porcelain Enameled Steel

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Porcelain-enameled steel is a 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 where objects are dropped
- Rust can form even with the smallest chip
- Limited options for color and shape
- Can be noisy if not insulated
- Loses heat quickly
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Acrylic

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Acrylic tubs are popular for their versatility, durability, wide range of designs, and low cost. This type of tub is made from vacuum-formed acrylic sheets 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
- Surfaces 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)

The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz

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

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A classic bathtub material, enameled cast iron is very durable—and 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 lasts. Enameled cast iron is prized for its durability. This material can also be refinished when damaged, further extending its lifespan.

The only significant disadvantage (and a serious one) is the weight. A cast-iron tub can be quite difficult to install (and remove) because it is so heavy and may require structural reinforcement of the floor.

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
- May be costly
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Cast Polymer (Cultured Marble, Granite, or Onyx)

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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

FAQ

What material are bathtubs commonly made from?

Fiberglass, acrylic, and enameled steel are the most widely used materials for bathtubs.
How do you know if a tub is fiberglass or acrylic?

Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are both lightweight, smooth, and affordable. It's not easy to know if your tub is fiberglass or acrylic but here are some clues. Fiberglass has thicker edges than acrylic tubs. Fiberglass feels cooler to the touch than acrylic. Finally, fiberglass tubs are usually white and acrylic comes in more color options.
How can I tell if my bathtub is porcelain or enamel?

You can tell if you have a porcelain or enamel tub with a magnet. If a magnet does not stick to the tub, it could be porcelain. If a magnet sticks to the tub, it's enamel cast iron. However, fiberglass and acrylic tubs are not magnetic, either.