• Plastic and fiberglass bathtubs each have their pros and cons.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of MoToMo
  
  

Cost

• Fiberglass units are a great cost-effective option if you are in the process of building a new home. Acrylic or plastic units are more expensive than fiberglass.
  
  

Size

• If you are remodeling it is best to avoid fiberglass tubs, as their size makes them difficult to fit through most doorways. Accordingly, they are not time- or cost-efficient when you're remodeling a home. Plastic units are much more convenient in size if you are remodeling.
  
  

Pros

• Positive features of plastic units include their availability in an assortment of colors, they're mold- and mildew-resistant, and they don't stain or scratch easily. Furthermore, plastic tubs hold heat better than fiberglass units.
  
  

Cons

• One of the cons of installing a fiberglass unit is that it will turn yellow as it ages.
  
  

Cleaning

• Fiberglass tubs should be cleaned gently, because once they are scratched it becomes more difficult to get them clean. A plastic tub should not be cleaned with any cleanser containing ammonia, as this can erode the acrylic, resulting in cracking.