Homeowner · Iowa City, IA · Member since 2011 · 6 posts · 0 votes
As the kids move out we have decided to rent our home since its in a great location. We need to update our bathrooms and we are wondering if porcelain tile would be a better choice of material than a fiberglass bath and shower enclosure.
Investor · Little Rock, AR · Member since 2010 · 628 posts · 251 votes
15y
I think it will come down to "which one is the easiest to clean". I am thinking about in between tennants. I can imagine mildew will be left to do it's thing in the grout ETC, and ETC. My vote would be a glass stall and enclosure.
Don
Real Estate Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 671 votes
15y
If it is a nicer house I would go with the tile. It also lasts longer. It is a lot less expensive to install the fiberglass surround. I would get the Sterling Accord if you go that route. This is what we use in our properties. It can be had for around $350.
Investor · Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 450 votes
15y
I used FRP for the tub surround and continued it as a wainscote for the remainder of the bathroom. But my rental is in a lower income neighbrhood and while it looks fine, it probably wouldn't be popular for nicer places. I have a window in the shower area too, so I needed to work around that. I considered all angles of the bathroom rehab and I don't think it will make a big difference if you go fiberglass or tile. But if you ever need to get to the shower plumbing in the future, you might be thankful to have gone with tile (and that you saved some extra tiles and grout to match).
Homeowner · Iowa City, IA · Member since 2011 · 6 posts · 0 votes
15y
Thanks Guys.. Home is in a nice part of town close to the university of Iowa Hospital so no FRP. It would be a doctor or higher income type who rents it. But that doesn't mean they would wipe it down after each use. I was thinking about this.