Tile or Fiberglass for Tub Surround?

Question

What are people choosing for shower surrounds these days above a tub? Tile or Fiberglass? Redoing a bathroom in a duplex and torn between tile for the higher-end appearance I'm going for -or- fiberglass for the less maintenance and longevity

Heath M. · Answer

Depends on what I’m replacing. If it’s an old fiberglass tub/shower then I go back with a tub and shower surround. If there’s a cast iron or similar tub there already then I’ll tile it. Typically just the subway tile and charcoal grout.

I’ve also toyed with the idea of putting a stand up shower only and not a tub in. Mainly to try to market my 2 bedroom units to people that don’t have kids. Maybe they’ll be using the spare room as an office or be a single person instead of trying to fit a family of 4 in the unit.

Joe Scaparra · Answer

Picture doesn't do it justice but pattern is aqua blue and looks nice.

Bo Smith · Answer

Depends on your exit strategy tbh. Tile = higher perceived value if selling soon, but fiberglass saves you from tenant maintenance headaches long-term. Flip or hold?

Melanie Thomas · Answer

I usually look at it through the rent and tenant lens.

If it’s a lower end or workforce style property, I go fiberglass all day. Less maintenance, fewer grout issues, easier to keep clean, and way fewer calls over time.

If it’s a higher end unit or the finish level is expected for the rent you’re charging, then tile makes sense. It gives the look tenants expect and helps justify the rent, as long as it’s installed correctly.

Match the finish to the rent and the tenant profile. Over improving usually doesn’t pay off, and under improving can hurt leasing. Good luck & happy investing!

Theresa Harris · Answer

I have fiberglass, but it is an 'all in one unit' where the seam between the two is well above the edge of the tub.  If I have to replace something in my rental, it will be with one of those.  I've had to do repairs to tile and also the simple surround that gets caulked to the top of the tub.

Henry T. · Answer

Beautiful Joe! Doesn't have to be marble, but this is what a shower should be. One surface, easy clean, no grout. (corners ok).  Excellent job. Surrounds are no good, they're not tall enough. Always go to the ceiling if you can. No mold here, ever. Tile is dead unless you enjoy cleaning it every week.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

Any property I acquire has to meet a few fiscal tests:  will it cash flow enough to be worth it, is it in a market that attracts a strong tenant base - as well as provides for solid appreciation. As such, tile is the preference for both me and my clients; higher-end markets/tenants expect it.  Having said that, a renovated bathroom is a tenant magnet.

Joe Scaparra · Answer

Good point on making one a shower if you have a 2/2 property.  You can also go to a man-made marble slab look, similar to a surround but looks more upscale and take it all the way to the ceiling.  Companies out their that can put any design on the slabs that you are looking for and they can put one piece per wall.  Looks nice, might cost you more if you have them install but really any decent handyman could install.

Jules Aton · Answer

I use surround because I hate grout lines that never get clean and don't want to pay for a slab. I'm open to ideas so will see what others suggest.

Tile or Fiberglass for Tub Surround?

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