i'm trying to decide on a fiberglass one piece tub and surrounding walls...pros and cons ????

Answer 1

I have a 3-piece ACRYLICA tub setup in my main bath. The three pieces construct a full environment. There is a 'ceiling' that is curved, wall section with shelves and handles and a jacuzzi tub as the bottom and 3rd piece. Easy install and silicone the horizontal joins of the three pieces.
It is fairly easy to maintain by using normal cleaners but no scouring (or you'll scratch the acrylic and lose the shine). You can actually use car wax on it to help avoid buildup of hard water stains and soap scum etc. between cleanings. Works well, very happy with it but it cost about $2500 for the pieces/kit and then there's install(which I did myself but...).

Answer 2

I just finished adding a replacement tub/shower to a house I am remodeling. And adding a 2nd bathroom.

Be very careful of the dimensions. Many bathtubs are installed BEFORE they add the door frame and door to the entrance of your bathroom. It may be a very tight fit to get things into the room.

In the bathroom where I replaced the tub, I could not get the new tub into the room and then lay it down. I would have sworn I needed another 6-8 inches of space. Finally hired an experienced plumber - he stood it straight up and then "flipped it" and got it to lay down. The bathroom is only about 1/4" wider than the bathtub. How he did it - I still have not understood.

Answer 3

Fiberglass

Pros – Affordable, lots of styles, lightweight.

Cons – Finish is not as durable as acrylic, doesn’t hold heat well, can scratch and fade, limited colors.

As far as the others:

Enameled Cast Iron
Pros – Very substantial, timeless look, durable, wide variety of colors, retains heat well, mid-range price.
Cons – VERY heavy – floor may need to be reinforced to support tub, can chip so you see the black cast iron below, fancier (claw foot) more expensive.

Enameled Steel
Pros – More affordable and lighter than cast iron, but with a similar look.
Cons – Can chip easily, limited colors, can be noisy when water hits it, can dent on installation.

Acrylic
Pros – Wide choice of styles, colors and sizes, more durable than fiberglass, lightweight, holds heat well if insulated.
Cons – More expensive than fiberglass, can scratch and stain (especially with hair dye).

Cast Polymer – Cultured Marble, Granite or Onyx
Pros – Looks like stone, thicker than acrylic, holds heat well.
Cons – Gel-coat finish not as durable as acrylic.

Soapstone
Pros – Retains heat well, good for timeless or contemporary custom look.
Cons – Very expensive, heavy.

Metal – Brass, Copper
Pros – Creates a custom look, thicker gauges resists dents.
Cons – Very expensive, limited sizes and shapes.

Answer 4

i have used sterling 4 pc. unit 2 times now
it all snaps to gether in back and uses no caulking\
i will use from now on, on everything i do
it is solid plastic /fiberglass mix thoughout
will stratch of course but can not see because
it is same color all the way through
called Vikrell by sterling

Answer 5

Pros and cons of what?
They are all adequate its just that one piece surrounds need to bee carefully measured. Most people get them home and realize thy cant get it in the bathroom door!!

Answer 6

PRO- It's Only 1 piece .CON- Usally won't fit in to house to install it.