Tile vs fiberglass for tub and shower surrounds

General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Tile vs fiberglass for tub and shower surrounds

Will G.
Rental Property Investor · Maryville, TN · Member since 2009 · 529 posts · 414 votes

hey pocketeers,

What do you prefer for your rentals....

Tile surround with tub or fiberglass tub and shower surround?

Whats easier to maintain long run?

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
8y

I would consider the costs first, then take a look at which one is easier to maintain. Personally, I'm going with the surround.

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  • Dustin Mathenia
    Flipper/Rehabber · Dallas, TX · Member since 2017 · 174 posts · 157 votes
    8y

    Fiberglass easy to relace last 10+years easier to clean than grout and it' cheaper what I've seen a lot of is fiberglass tub shower in the 2nd bath and nice tiled shower in the master because the decision maker tenant or buyer looks at where they're going to be showering who cares about the 2nd bath 

    1Reply
  • Christian Wathne
    Investor · San Jose, CA, Bellevue, WA · Member since 2016 · 327 posts · 257 votes
    8y
    I’d always go nice tile backsplash in the kitchen, but for a rental definitely recommend fiberglass tub/shower surround
    1Reply
  • Sam Shueh
    Real Estate Agent · Cupertino, CA · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y

    fiberglass one piece will not leak. Tiles will fall off seep through grouts and damage the wall, floor etc.

    1Reply
  • Rob Myers
    Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2014 · 180 posts · 114 votes
    8y

    I've torn out too many low quality tub surrounds to the point that I just go with tile now.  Property constructed, it will last a very long time.  Make sure to have a cement board backer with an appropriate moisture barrier.  I use a basic builder grade 12x12 large format tile that I pay around $1 a piece for.  Install of the tile costs me around $250.  All in, I'm around $500 to get the work done.  Yes, this is double what you could get a basic fiberglass surround put in for but the durability and peace of mind is worth it to me.

    1Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    8y

    I would consider the costs first, then take a look at which one is easier to maintain. Personally, I'm going with the surround.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • Will G.
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Maryville, TN · Member since 2009 · 529 posts · 414 votes
    8y

    Obviously the porcelain finish on a new tub is more durable(at least they used to be) than fiberglass, but keeping the caulk and grout looking good has been a chore.

    What about the hybrid setup steel/porcelain tub, with fiberglass panels surrounding?

    1Reply
  • Deren Huang
    Real Estate Agent · Tulsa, OK · Member since 2016 · 408 posts · 242 votes
    8y

    I usually tile the surround just because I think it looks nicer. 

    But I have seen some of the faux stone look fiberglass and was surprised by how they looked. 

    1Reply
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