Subway tile vs fiberglass tub/shower

[Josh Beller]

Hey everyone. I'm in the middle of a rehab in Texas. Wondering if it's worth redoing a shower in subway tile or sticking with a fiberglass tub/shower combo. Anyone had better luck with one or the other? I love the look of subway tile but think maintenance wise the fiberglass might be a better route. Looking forward to seeing everyone's thoughts.

[Jim K.]

@Josh Beller

I'd avoid the tile unless you're absolutely sure you can find the right guy to do it. I do my own tile surrounds, so I'm not going to bore you with a load of information on the subject, but doing really good shower tile work isn't easy and there are more guys who say they can do it well than can actually do it. Many will quietly take shortcuts that will limit the life of your shower surround to save themselves work or because they simply don't know any better.

If you do go with the tile, here's one tip: if you see your guys hauling green drywall into your house to install in the shower, get rid of them immediately, no matter what they say about "waterproof gypsum" products.