Common Bathtub Materials: Pros, Cons, and Costs for 2026

Choosing a bathtub is a bigger decision than most people expect. The material affects everything: how warm the water stays, how much cleaning you will do, how long the tub lasts, and of course, how much you will spend. This guide covers the most common bathtub materials, what they are actually like to live with, and what they cost in 2026.

What are bathtubs made of?

Bathtubs come in a wide range of materials. At the cheaper end, fiberglass, enameled steel, and basic acrylic keep costs low, but some of these are porous, which means they soak up water over time and need more scrubbing (and eventually, replacement). At the higher end, stone resin, cast iron, and copper are denser, non-porous, and hold heat much better, so your bathwater stays warm longer.

Fiberglass

What it is: Fiberglass is a type of reinforced plastic formed into layers, molded into a bathtub shape, and then coated with a layer of gelcoat resin.

Pros: Fiberglass tubs are among the cheapest you will find. They are lightweight, easy to move, and easy to install. If the surface gets scratched or cracked, minor repairs are usually doable without replacing the whole tub.

Cons: Fiberglass is one of the most fragile bathtub materials. It is porous, meaning it absorbs water over time, which can lead to cracking, warping, and internal damage. The finish tends to fade and scratch with regular use, and the material has a tendency to flex underfoot, which makes it feel unstable. Most fiberglass tubs will need replacing within 10 to 15 years.

Enameled Steel

What it is: A stamped steel shell coated with a layer of porcelain enamel. It is one of the most common materials found in builder-grade bathrooms and apartments.

Pros: Enameled steel tubs are affordable, lightweight (compared to cast iron), and have a smooth, glossy surface that resists stains and is easy to clean. They feel more solid underfoot than fiberglass or acrylic.

Cons: Steel does not retain heat well, so bathwater cools down faster. The enamel coating can chip if struck by heavy objects, and once chipped, the exposed steel underneath is prone to rust. These tubs can also feel cold to the touch before filling, and they tend to be noisy when water hits the surface.

Porcelain

What it is: Porcelain tubs are typically constructed from cast iron or stamped steel, then coated with porcelain enamel, a material made by fusing powdered glass to the surface at high temperatures until it melts and hardens into a smooth, durable finish.

Pros: Porcelain has that glossy, smooth finish that most people picture when they think of a traditional bathtub. The enamel surface resists scratches well, and cleaning is simple. A little baking soda and warm water handles most stains.

Cons: That smooth surface is also quite slippery, which can be a safety concern. Porcelain does not hold heat especially well on its own (the insulation depends on what is underneath the enamel). The enamel is scratch-resistant but brittle under impact. A dropped shampoo bottle can chip the finish, and once chipped, repairs are difficult to make invisible.

Acrylic

What it is: Acrylic tubs are made from solid sheets of acrylic (a type of plastic derived from petrochemicals, stabilizers, resins, and fillers) that are heated, molded into a tub shape, and then reinforced with fiberglass on the underside.

Pros: Acrylic is non-porous, so it does not absorb water. It retains heat better than fiberglass or steel, resists mildew and stains, and comes in a huge range of shapes and sizes. It is also relatively lightweight, making installation easier than heavier materials.

Cons: Like fiberglass, acrylic can flex underfoot, which makes cheaper models feel less stable. The finish scratches more easily than porcelain or cast iron. Quality varies widely. Budget acrylic tubs with thin walls and minimal reinforcement will feel flimsy and may discolor over time, while mid-range and higher-end models with thicker reinforcement perform much better.

Ceramic

What it is: Ceramic bathtubs are created by forming ceramic tiles together. Ceramic itself is clay that has been heated to high temperatures until it hardens.

Pros: Ceramic offers a wide range of options for size, shape, color, and style since the tiles can be arranged in many configurations. It is also fairly affordable.

Cons: Ceramic tile tubs require ongoing grout maintenance. If the grout deteriorates, water can seep behind the tiles and cause structural damage. The tiled surface also feels uneven and bumpy against bare skin, which many people find uncomfortable for soaking. Heat retention is poor compared to solid-body materials.

Stone Resin

What it is: Stone resin is a composite of crushed natural stone bound with polymer resin and natural minerals. You get the weight and feel of real stone without the extreme cost or the need for specialty installation.

Pros: Stone resin is non-porous, highly durable, and resistant to scratching, staining, and cracking. It retains heat well and has an exceptionally long lifespan. The color does not fade with repeated water exposure, and the material is 100% recyclable. Cleaning is simple. Most stains and mildew wash away with warm water, and mildly abrasive cleaners like Comet or Ajax can handle tougher residue. Stone resin is also significantly lighter than natural stone, making it easier to install and available in a wider range of freestanding shapes.

Cons: Stone resin costs more upfront than acrylic or fiberglass, though it is still well below natural stone or copper. It is heavier than acrylic, so plan your installation accordingly. That said, the low maintenance and long lifespan tend to make up for the higher initial price over time.

Cast Iron

What it is: Molten iron poured into a bathtub mold, smoothed, and then coated with a layer of enamel.

Pros: Cast iron is arguably the most durable bathtub material available. It is highly resistant to scratches and chipping, and cleaning is easy. Most mildew washes off with warm water and baking soda. Cast iron also has the best heat retention of any common bathtub material, so your bathwater stays warm for a long time.

Cons: Durability comes at a cost: weight. Cast iron tubs are extremely heavy, often weighing 300 to 500 pounds. Your floor may need reinforcement before installation, which can add a few thousand dollars to the job. The tubs are also expensive to buy and a headache to move.

Cultured Marble

What it is: Cultured marble is made from crushed limestone mixed with resin, then finished with a layer of gelcoat. It is designed to look and feel like natural marble without the full weight or cost.

Pros: Cultured marble retains heat well and has a rich, polished look that reads as high-end. It comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Minor scratches or dull spots can be repaired with car wax or silica-based polishing products.

Cons: It is fairly heavy and expensive. Cleaning requires more care than other materials. Ideally, the tub should be wiped down after each use with a mixture of soap and distilled vinegar. Without regular maintenance, cultured marble is prone to discoloration and mildew buildup over time.

Copper

What it is: Copper bathtubs are made by hammering sheets of pure copper into a bathtub shape. The process is labor-intensive, which contributes to the high price.

Pros: Copper tubs have excellent heat retention, a distinctive appearance that develops a natural patina over time, and natural antimicrobial properties that resist bacteria and mold. Cleaning is easy and does not require harsh chemicals.

Cons: Copper tubs are very heavy and among the most expensive bathtubs on the market. They are also harder to find than mainstream materials, and the look is not for everyone. The patina that develops naturally can be appealing or off-putting depending on your taste.

Wood

What it is: A custom-made bathtub constructed from waterproof or water-resistant wood species such as teak, hinoki (Japanese cypress), or cedar.

Pros: Wooden tubs have a genuinely unique aesthetic and a warm, natural feel. Since wood is easy to shape, these tubs can be made in almost any size or configuration. Popular wood species like hinoki also release a pleasant natural fragrance when wet. If you want a bathroom that feels more like a Japanese onsen than a standard American bath, wood is how you get there.

Cons: Wood requires the most maintenance of any bathtub material. The waterproof sealant needs regular attention: overuse washes it away, while underuse dries out the wood and accelerates rotting. Wood tubs also cannot tolerate chemical cleaners. Between the purchase price, ongoing maintenance, and the need for special framing and drainage, wood is by far the highest-commitment option on this list.

What does a bathtub cost by material?

Bathtub prices vary a lot depending on the material, size, and whether you are buying a standard alcove tub or a freestanding model. Below is a general breakdown of what to expect in 2026. (Source) These prices are for the tub itself and do not include installation labor, which typically adds $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the job.

Keep in mind that the total project cost also depends on factors like plumbing modifications, faucet selection, tile work around the tub, and any floor reinforcement that may be needed for heavier materials. A simple bathtub swap where the new tub fits the same footprint will always cost less than a layout change.

Bathtub care by material: what to expect

One of the most overlooked factors when choosing a bathtub material is how much work it takes to keep it looking good over the years. Here is a practical summary of what maintenance looks like for each material.

In general, stone resin, cast iron, and copper are the lowest-maintenance materials over the long term. Fiberglass and basic acrylic are the easiest to install upfront but require more attention and earlier replacement. Wood demands the most ongoing care by a wide margin.

How to choose the right bathtub material

Budget is the obvious starting point. Fiberglass and acrylic are the cheapest ways in. Stone resin gives you the best quality-to-value ratio in the mid-to-premium range. Natural stone and copper are luxury territory.

Before you fall in love with a tub, check your floor. Cast iron, natural stone, and copper are heavy enough that your subfloor may need reinforcement, especially on a second story. Stone resin offers a premium feel at a fraction of the weight.

If you take long baths, heat retention matters more than you might think. Stone resin, cast iron, and copper keep water warm the longest. Fiberglass and enameled steel cool down fast.

Be honest about maintenance. Fiberglass and ceramic tile tubs need regular attention. Stone resin and cast iron barely need anything. Wood needs constant care. Pick the material that matches your actual willingness to clean, not your best intentions.

Style is worth considering too. Stone resin tends to look best in modern, minimalist bathrooms. Cast iron and porcelain suit traditional or vintage spaces. Copper and wood are statement pieces that work best when the rest of the room is designed around them.

If you can, visit a showroom. Photos only go so far. Sitting in a tub and feeling the surface, the depth, and the weight gives you a much better sense of what you are buying. Badeloft offers free material samples if you want to compare textures and finishes at home before committing.

Popular bathtub material trends in 2026

If you are curious about what other people are actually buying, the industry data from the past couple of years paints a pretty clear picture.

Acrylic dominates overall volume

No surprise here: acrylic is still the most popular bathtub material by a wide margin. It held roughly 40% of the global bathtub market by revenue in 2023 (Source), and other reports estimate it makes up closer to 68% of total units sold. (Source) It is affordable, lightweight, and comes in more shapes and sizes than any other material. The acrylic bathtub market was valued at around $4.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.6 billion by 2032. (Source)

Stone resin and solid surface are the fastest-growing premium segments

Stone resin (sometimes listed as solid surface) has been gaining ground fast, especially in freestanding tubs. Stone resin and solid surface options now make up about 18% of the freestanding bathtub market, and that share keeps growing. (Source) A big part of the appeal is sustainability: nearly 47% of bathtub buyers now say they prefer products made from recyclable materials, and stone resin is 100% recyclable. It is the go-to for buyers who want something nicer than acrylic but do not want the weight or complexity of cast iron or natural stone.

Cast iron holds steady in a smaller niche

Cast iron accounts for about 12% of total bathtub units sold and around 28% of the freestanding segment. (Source) It is still the top pick for historical renovations and boutique hotel projects where durability and a traditional look are the priority. That said, the weight keeps it out of a lot of modern builds, especially in high-rises and upper-floor remodels where floor reinforcement is not practical.

Fiberglass is declining but still common for budget projects

Fiberglass still holds about 15% of total bathtub sales and remains the default for drop-in and alcove tubs in guest baths, rentals, and quick renovations. But its share has been slipping. Mid-range acrylic keeps getting cheaper and lasting longer, and more buyers are willing to spend a little extra upfront to avoid replacing the tub in 10 years.

Other trends worth knowing about

Freestanding tubs keep getting more popular. Freestanding models made up about 42% of global bathtub installations in 2023. In the U.S., 46% of new home constructions included a freestanding tub. (Source) That is good news for stone resin and cast iron, since those are the most common materials in freestanding designs.

Sustainability is a real factor now. Close to half of bathtub buyers say sustainability matters in their purchase decision. Manufacturers have responded with recyclable acrylic blends, stone resin composites, and even bamboo resin options. Stone resin has a natural advantage here since it is fully recyclable and does not involve the harsh chemical processes that fiberglass production does.

Smart features are showing up. About 22% of new freestanding bathtub models now include digital controls for temperature, water flow, or LED lighting. (Source) Smart bathtub sales hit an estimated 3.5 million units globally in 2023. (Source) It is still a niche, but it is growing fast in premium residential and hotel projects.

The overall market is growing. The global bathtub market was valued at somewhere between $10.9 billion and $16.1 billion in 2023 to 2024. (Source) Most projections put growth in the range of 2.7% to 5.8% annually through the early 2030s. North America leads in revenue; Asia-Pacific leads in total units, driven by China, Japan, and South Korea.

At the end of the day, the best bathtub material is the one that fits how you actually live. A simple acrylic alcove tub works perfectly for a lot of people. A freestanding stone resin tub is worth the investment if you want something that looks and feels premium without the hassle. Whatever you pick, getting the material right from the start saves you from dealing with replacements, repairs, and regret down the road.

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.