How Long Do Bathtubs Last?

Published on Wednesday August 21, 2024

As one of the most used rooms in your home, your bathroom should be a place where you enjoy spending time. It should be a place of calm, relaxation, and enjoyment. For many, this means renovating your bathroom to become the oasis it should be.

This is particularly true when choosing a new bathtub and shower area. Since you and your family use these on a daily basis, you’ll want to ensure that the new shower or bathtub you select will be durable enough to last for years to come.

When it’s time to choose a new bathtub, make sure you know how long it should last.

Lifespan of a Bathtub

Several factors impact the lifespan of your bathtub, including frequency of use and how well it’s maintained through proper cleaning.

Also, remember that not all bathtubs are made equal—the material your tub is made of also plays a massive role in how long your bathtub will last.

Let’s look at the lifespan of the two most common types of bathtubs.

How Long do Fiberglass Tubs Last?

A fiberglass tub should last between 10 and 15 years. Homeowners who opt for these often choose them because of their affordability and easy installation process.

However, there are a few cons to fiberglass tubs that may shorten the lifespan of the tub:

Poor durability. Fiberglass is so lightweight because it’s much thinner than other bathtub materials, which makes it more susceptible to cracking and leaking over time.

Soft finish. The epoxy coating on fiberglass tubs scratches easily, creating hard-to-clean grooves where bacteria and mold can grow. The epoxy color is also prone to fading over time, leaving an uneven appearance.

Too flexible. Since fiberglass isn’t a super hard material, it tends to warp and bend over time. This can cause the caulk sealant to peel and crack, leading to water damage.

How Long do Acrylic Tubs Last?

On average, acrylic tubs last 15 years or longer. Acrylic-coated tubs are very easy to clean, which means you can spend more time enjoying the tub and less time maintaining it.

Acrylic is also a much better insulator than other materials, letting you enjoy a warmer bath for much longer.

Signs You Need a Bathtub Replacement

If you’re unsure whether a new bathtub should be part of your bathroom upgrade, ask yourself:

Is the Bathtub Stained or Scratched?

Even with proper cleaning and maintenance, tubs deteriorate over time. Not only do staining and scratching diminish the appearance of your bathroom, but they also breed harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you and your family ill.

Does the Bathtub Leak?

If your bathtub isn’t made of a durable material like acrylic, it may warp and crack with repeated use. This allows water to leak around and under the tub into the drywall and wooden support beams of your home. Water damage can cause severe structural issues and encourage dangerous mold and mildew growth.

Do I See Mold or Mildew?

Dark patches growing along the grout and caulking surrounding your tub need to be addressed ASAP. Mold and mildew are known to cause respiratory problems, especially for children, the elderly, and those with existing allergies, asthma, or other respiratory illnesses.

Is My Bathtub Difficult to Use?

At the end of the day, bathing shouldn’t be a chore. Whether you need more therapeutic or accessible options or simply don’t enjoy using your current bathtub, consider an upgrade.

The Benefits of a Long Baths™ Bathtub

Trust the Long Team to transform your bathtub from outdated to outstanding.

Our bathtub products are non-porous, antimicrobial, and engineered to be mold, mildew, soap scum, rust, and stain-resistant. Made of high-density ABS and non-porous acrylic, our bathtubs are stronger and more scratch-resistant than traditional porcelain, steel, and cast iron bathtubs.

In addition to durability, Long offers customization for your acrylic tub. We offer a variety of colors and patterns, tub skirts, fixtures, and accessories, including custom-built shelving to give you a perfect bathtub built to your exact preferences.

Our lifetime warranty guarantees your bathtub replacement, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy your new tub for years to come.