Looking for reasonably priced alcove tub and shower surround

[applecrispy]

We are updating our bathroom and getting a new tub. I'm having a hard time judging what a "good" price is for an alcove tub and which brand to buy. Our contractor suggested buying a tub and then buying a separate shower surround (instead of tub surround) because the shower surround walls are taller to contain the water/moisture. I spouted off a few brands I've heard of before (Delta, American Standard, Sterling) and contractor said those were all reputable brands. 

I'm now in the process of picking out a tub and shower surround and I am seeing awful online reviews/horror stories about acrylic tubs cracking. I just want a good, reliable tub that is not going to crack in the next 10 years. I was all excited when I found this Delta tub at Home Depot but after reading the reviews where over 60 people say the tub cracked, I am thinking it's a cheap piece of crap:
www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-Classic-400-Curve-60-in-Left-Drain-Rectangular-Alcove-Bathtub-in-High-Gloss-White-40114L/204342340?fbclid=IwAR1t7tEz5WlyqdRoMN6D_O00Wmv_LFg2ZHBjY41D-3CUpAHNnFs5DrejsK4

The reason I was looking at that particular Delta tub is because I found a shower surround that I really liked: www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-Classic-400-60-in-W-x-74-in-H-Three-Piece-Direct-to-Stud-Alcove-Shower-Wall-Surround-in-High-Gloss-White-40104/204342331

I want a surround with a lot of built in shelving and a flat surface. 

Anyone have any suggestions of brands and the price point they were looking at? At this point I don't know if $1,000 or $3,000 is a good price point for a nice quality tub. 

[simpsongal]

I bought a duravit acrylic tub off wayfair. Had great reviews. Reliable brand too. It was an acrylic drop in - like 68”? And under $1000. I’m cautious about buying good brands at places like Home Depot bc sometimes they sell a lower quality product to the big box stores. So I’d go with something from Ferguson or another retailer like wayfair with reliable reviews.

[applecrispy]

Jul 2, 2022 13:00:11 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

I bought a duravit acrylic tub off wayfair. Had great reviews. Reliable brand too. It was an acrylic drop in - like 68”? And under $1000. I’m cautious about buying good brands at places like Home Depot bc sometimes they sell a lower quality product to the big box stores. So I’d go with something from Ferguson or another retailer like wayfair with reliable reviews.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm worried about, an inferior product at a big box store. Thank you for the suggestion! There's actually a Ferguson about an hour North of us, I will check them out. 

[atarianna]

We chose the Americast tub by American standard when we built. It mimics the feel of a traditional cast iron tub without the weight of it. We love it and it’s super durable.

[libbygrl109]

We redid our bathroom 12 years ago with a Sterling acrylic tub and surround. We got it from a Kohler showroom. It has held up very well with no evidence of cracking. I am seeing some wear where water tends to sit after a shower.

[zaneyzoo]

We are just starting the process and have decided to use Onyx at the recommendation of several friends who have been pleased with them as well as two contractor friends.