That means that, once your bath heats up, it’ll stay warm and keep your bathwater warm for an extended period of time. The feet are screwed onto the tub during installation and leveled. Cast iron baths will also fit in well with all kinds of different bathroom styles. Once the tub has cooled down, a coat of a glossy material such as acrylic, porcelain or enamel is added. But it’s not always going to be in everyone’s budget to go with cast iron over acrylic. Along with his two brothers and their experience, he hopes to turn Shower Plus Bath into the ultimate one-stop spot for recommendations on bathroom equipment, remodel supplies, and information on everything from cleaning to maintenance. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Cast iron If you’re looking for a material that will last, this would be it. This is a tub that you buy and use for years, lasting even through kitchen remodels. When it comes to the installation process, the cast iron tub will cost more owing to its weight. The two materials are molten at high temperatures then mixed in specific amounts. If you maintain them properly, they can last you for generations. But the good quality new acrylics may last as long as that bathroom, until someone gets sick of it and remodels it or replaces the tub. There are a few things to keep in mind with this model before you make the purchase, though. The difference in heat retention isn’t a major deciding factor since even an acrylic tub will retain heat long enough for you to have a bath and a for few minutes afterwards. In case this occurs, it’s often the glossy part made of enamel, porcelain or acrylic that gets chipped. Why is My Toilet Overflowing? How to Choose Between Acrylic and Cast Iron Tubs. … While Acrylic (plastic) tubs come in a different quality levels. Acrylic is always warm to the touch, which means you won’t freeze when you climb into an acrylic bath this winter. Between the two, cast iron tubs require less attention  and will last the longest when subjected to similar conditions. They then cool to the desired tub shape. If not installed properly, it can easily get damaged through warping and chipping. Even if you take a minimalistic approach to bathroom design, your cast iron bath will serve as a statement piece that will wow people when they walk into your bathroom space. I don't think it weighed even 45 pounds when I moved it out of … Everyone has their own personal preference. When you purchase a cast iron bathtub, it will force you to make a big financial commitment in most cases. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A cast iron bath that is well maintained will usually last a lot longer than an acrylic bath even if it’s reinforced. The finish involves polishing the tub to a fine and glossy surface. They will improve the overall look of your bathroom space in a way that an acrylic bath simply can’t. :/ If you can, I would. If you’re on a tight budget, go for an acrylic tub. Expect to spend at least $500 for the average acrylic tub, which is still significantly less expensive than cast iron or specialty materials. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. ... Over a period of 25 minutes, the cast iron tub lost another 22.4 degrees and the CoreAcryl lost a total of 20 degrees. It hold the heat better than acrylic, doesn't scratch like acrylic, but is lighter than cast iron. In some cases, you might even pay more a few thousand for a customised cast iron bath. When you install one of these baths in your home, you might have to reinforce your flooring so that the bath doesn’t fall through it. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Neptune certainly counts in that category, IMO. In the case of cast iron tubs, pure iron is melted at very high temperature and then poured into molds. For cast iron, the process is nearly the same save for the addition of color. Your email address will not be published. 3 Sure Fixes to Stop It, Why is My Toilet Tank Not Filling? Acrylic tubs have the edge over stone resin bathtubs regarding initial, but requires more upkeep over time. Cast iron bathtubs will last you much longer, as they are quite durable. So even if you decide to completely change the look of your bathroom in 10 or 15 years, you won’t usually have to worry about swapping out your cast iron bath for a new one. This also means that simply moving the tub into place can be a real project. At the moment, the price for a 60-inch tub made of acrylic goes for a minimum of $500. You’ll never have to worry about that when you invest in an acrylic bath like those from Phoenix. However, stone resin tubs are the clear winner regarding the high-end appeal, comfort, and the overall bathing experience. How to Clean a Bathroom (Illustrated Guide for Floors, Tiles, Vents), 8 Best Shower Panels to Buy [2020 Reviews]. If you’re trying to decide between the two, you should look at some of the pros and cons associated with each before settling on either acrylic or cast iron. However, there are some differences between them which may be important in deciding whether to get an acrylic bathtub or one made from cast iron material. It’s not unusual to find cast iron baths in homes that have been around for decades, and they can be refinished over time to bring them back to life. Cast-iron bathtubs are more expensive than acrylic tubs. To help you figure out the best tub for you, we compared the benefits of acrylic versus cast iron. While it’s always advisable to hire an experienced plumber for any bath, it won’t be difficult to get an acrylic bath into your home and install it. Cast iron is stronger than acrylic as it is made out of a heavier and more solid material making it more hard-wearing and longer lasting. Together with my business partner we own and operate Shower Enclosures UK.com Ltd. We’ve been running the business for over 9 years and have amassed a reasonable amount of knowledge and expertise on the subject of shower and bathroom hardware. You can’t beat cast iron in this category. For example, most mild damages can be repaired with a home kit for repairing cracks and chips. Acrylic vs. Americast vs Cast-Iron/Enml? Cast Iron Tubs: On the other hand, cast iron definitely comes out on top in terms of durability, as their extreme durability means that they will probably last you forever. All you’ll need with the cast iron tub is to wipe it clean after showering and remove any stubborn stains with soap and a washing sponge. The two materials are molten at high temperatures then mixed in specific amounts. While the two bathtub materials have their advantages and disadvantages, it could be a task telling the apart and deciding which one best suits your needs. But that commitment will often pay off in the long run. We redid our two baths recently. Also, these bathtubs require less maintenance than acrylic ones. How Do You Fix a Leaking Toilet Valve & Pipe? Damaging the thick iron beneath is nearly impossible. The color of the tub is also added in the molten state. In contrast, acrylic is less durable but better suited for bathrooms that see plenty of traffic. So you can see that weight is definitely something that must be considered. Take a look at the things you should consider below before making your final decision. ShowerPlusBath. One alternative to some of the cast-iron clawfoot tub's failings is to purchase an acrylic clawfoot. After doing this, the acrylic layer adheres to the walls of a solid mold. For bathtubs, the time you can spend in it will depend on how long it retains heat and, as a result, the warmth of the water. If you don’t repair the chip, the iron below may rust. They each have their own distinct pros and cons, which is what makes the acrylic vs cast iron bathtub debate such an interesting one. There are many home designers who prefer cast iron baths over acrylic ones because of the clean and crisp lines that they add to a bathroom. Just a inexpensive steel tub with hardened foam glued to it. The mixture cools and hardens, taking the shape of the mold. A similarly-sized cast iron tub will cost at least $1,300. One of the biggest arguments made in favour of cast iron baths during the acrylic vs cast iron bathtub debate is that cast iron baths look better and can make a great centre piece for any bathroom. Still going to perform like a steel tub, as they always do. For both tubs, you ave several options falling between the general categories of freestanding and fixed tubs. These cookies do not store any personal information. It does scratch if you're not careful. Bathrooms may vary in price, shape, size, quality, color, manufacturers, as well as in the material from which they are made. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper ($300-$500) than acrylic tubs ($500-$1200) but are less durable. When compared, iron is a better heat conductor than acrylic and fiberglass. In one we put a cast iron shower pan (Kohler Salient), and in the other an acrylic airjet tub. Owing to the ease of making acrylic tubs, however, there are more color variations of this tub than cast iron ones. Acrylic is less durable compared to cast iron. Are you thinking about adding a new bathtub to one of the bathrooms in your home? The color of the tub is also added in the molten state. Acrylic and cast iron bathtubs are quite popular. Acrylic models can weigh as little as 50 pounds, compared to the approximate 1,000-pound weight of a cast iron tub, says Better Homes and Gardens. Why Stone Resin Tub vs. Acrylic Tub? Of the two, you’ll spend more buying a cast iron tub than an acrylic one. A … Like cast iron tubs, you should not have to worry about a steel tub rusting or cracking. For the acrylic tub, its lightness makes it easy to install, with the standard floor able to withstand its weight even when in use. Stone resin is more durable, Easier to clean than acrylic, Cost effective, Retains heat. The acrylic vs cast iron bathtub debate is one that’s been going on for a long time now. Cast iron keeps its condition for longer because it is more durable and cannot be damaged easily. Cast iron baths look especially good in modern bathrooms. If you’re torn between acrylic vs cast iron tubs, your needs are what will determine what you go for. But the great thing about cast iron is that it will heat up slowly over time and then retain warmth for a lot longer than acrylic will. You should choose the one that appeals to you the most before installing a new bath. These tubs look exactly like their cast-iron kin, except they work even better. Its best to look at their products before you hire them and look at the warranty. They then cool to the desired tub shape. Cast iron's main drawback is its weight, 350-500 pounds, which may complicate second-floor tub installations. But plumbing manufacturers did not dwell only on such material, and over time new ones appeared, such as steel, acrylic and much more. It might prevent you from wanting to take a bath. Acrylic does not feel flimsy, I had the same concern. Enough that we’ve been able to put together a series of blog posts that should make buying bathroom goods that little bit simpler and help answer all the most popular questions. If looked after properly, don’t be surprised if your cast iron bath does literally last you a lifetime. Cast iron tubs also retain their resale values over the long term compared to all other types of bath tubs. Some are really cheap, thin plastic that have the potential to crack over time (particularly if they are poorly supported/improperly installed). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Another difference in this category is that acrylic bath tubs could get discolored while iron cast ones don’t. When you decide to go with an acrylic bathtub over a cast iron one, you will most likely save yourself a lot of money. While you will have to practice some patience while waiting for a cast iron bath to heat up, it will be worth it in the end. Cast Iron Bathtubs. Cast iron tubs, by contrast, don't need any extra work done to make them feel more solid, but it is prudent to check the flooring and, if necessary, reinforce it for the cast iron tub's extra weight. Cast iron baths, on the other hand, are often more expensive. Another quality to consider when installing an acrylic bathtub is heat retention; when insulated upon installation, they hold heat almost as well as cast iron. What is it: Molten iron poured directly into a bathtub mold, before it is smoothed out then covered in a layer of enamel.. Pros: Cast iron is perhaps the most durable tub on the market.With the strength of the material used, it is highly resistant to scratches and chipping, meaning less care needs to be placed on cleaning as well. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There are so many different baths on the market today, which can make it very difficult to find the right one. The finish involves polishing the tub to a fine and glossy surface. Cast iron is known to be excellent when it comes to durability and longevity. It’s not uncommon to see cast iron baths going for a thousand pounds or more. The Definitive Shower Door Guide For 2021. But it’s not always going to be in everyone’s budget to go with cast iron over acrylic. Owing to its heaviness, a cast iron tub is stable enough to hold other accessories such as a shower-head without toppling over or getting damaged. They’re perfect for anyone trying to add a bathtub to their bathroom without blowing their budget. Made from iron coated with enamel, these bathtubs have excellent heat retention, easy maintenance, are highly resistant to scratching and chipping, are aesthetically more … Author: jeffw_00 Hi - In shopping for whirlpools, I'm getting mixed information so I'm coming to the people who know 8-} I've found whirlpools made of acrylic, Cast-Iron with baked-on-Enamel (Kohler), and Americast (Am. Difference in Cost. Thanks for taking the time to read our posts. High-quality acrylic tubsare made by pouring a molten mixture of acrylic, fiberglass and color into a mold. When it comes to their weight, fiberglass bathtubs weigh 70lbs while acrylic ones weigh 100lbs on average. You also won’t have to worry about the shocks that can sometimes come along with using a cold cast iron bath in the winter. (5 Quick Fixes), 7 Best Rain Shower Heads: Top Combo, Ceiling & Wall-Mounted, How to Increase Toilet Flush Power (Pressure). When the material on the outer surface chips, it’s easily refinished with DIY kits at home. As such, hot water poured into the two types of tubs at the same temperature will retain its heat for longer in an iron cast tub than in an acrylic one. Cast-iron tubs have removable feet, so they may be made of a variety of metals and have several styles. They’re then poured into a mold which has the design of the bathtub. Check out our blog to read more about bathtubs, showers, and other parts of a bathroom. This comes about due to their differences in longevity and heat retention with cast iron being the better of the two. Cast Iron Is Often Considered Timeless. If you have a lot of users, don’t plan on moving house and want something that will last for decades, save up for a cast iron tub instead. Required fields are marked *. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Two of your best options will be acrylic and cast iron baths. To get a feel for the thud factor of a cast-iron tub, hit the bottom of an old-fashioned cast-iron … But a cast iron bath could present some challenges and could force you to bring in a specialist who knows how to put a cast iron bath into place without running into any problems. This can come at an added expense and could make your cast iron bath even more expensive than it already is. This is because they last longer and are more resistant to damage than acrylic tubs. Acrylic is synthetic in nature and is often mixed with fiberglass for strength and durability. For deep and wide cracks, you’ll need to call in an expert to do the repair. Acrylic vs fiberglass tubs - how do they compare? Cast iron tubs are made from molded cast iron and covered with an enamel coating. Cast iron tubs also rarely get damaged. Damage to an acrylic tub can be undone depending on the extent of the damage. Overall, cast iron tubs cost more than the acrylic ones. While both are excellent options, many have their favorite based on style and upkeep. The cast iron feels sturdier, and with the comments about the tubs holding heat better, I wish it had been in the budget to do a cast iron tub. Acrylic baths, meanwhile, are much lighter than cast iron ones. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Cast polymer costs a little more than acrylic; however, its surface doesn't stand up as well. You can usually install them on any level in your home without adding any reinforcements to your flooring. There are some large cast iron baths that can exceed 1,000 pounds, or approx 500kg. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. When the … Cast Iron Tubs typically weigh around 300 pounds vs. an Acrylic Clawfoot Tub averaging around 120 pounds. Cast-Iron Bathtub Vs.Acrylic Materials and Construction Comparison. If you can afford a cast iron bath, it’s a great option. You’ll need to reinforce the floor area unto which the tub will stand since most floors are not meant to bear such weight in a single area. © 2020. Another material that is available in some tub configurations is a combination of resin with volcanic rock. Heavier tubs often require extra floor support and some upper-story bathrooms may not be able to adequately support a cast iron tub. A tub with a solid-iron core, weighing in at 350 pounds or more, feels considerably more solid than a tub made with synthetic fabric mesh, resin, and a thin layer of plastic. You may need to pay more since some cast iron tubs come with an unfinished exterior. Std). For one, it is very heavy, and by saying heavy we really mean it. A cast iron tub is also heavier. To properly draw the two materials apart, the following aspects shall be assessed: Acrylic is synthetic in nature and is often mixed with fiberglass for strength and durability. And soon the cast iron became the main raw to make baths of. CoreAcryl Acrylic Tubs vs Cast Iron Tubs All Classique and Hotel Line soaking tubs produced by Baths of Distinction are made from CoreAcryl. Cast iron tubs are extremely heavy while acrylic tubs are lightweight (on average, over 300 pounds for cast iron vs. 75 for acrylic – and that’s before the water is added). Acrylic bathtubs are much easier to carry and installed than the cast iron tubs, which are usually very heavy. According to Shower Plus Bath, a … Such a repair can cost up to $500 depending on the size of the damage. Both acrylic and cast iron bathtubs are available in many different shapes and sizes for you to pick from. Frank remodeled bathrooms and living rooms throughout high school, (alongside his father), and began his own side work throughout college. American Standard’s Spectra Cast Iron Tub at Wayfair ($1,050) Bathtub Materials. Your email address will not be published. Acrylic tubs last approximately 30 years while fiberglass bathtubs last less than 15 years. Cast Iron will last longer, it just will. If you’re to go for this type, choose the high-end variants as they’re thicker and more strengthened than the low-end ones. You can thus recoup a large part of their initial cost when selling them off. It’ll be a more pleasant experience overall and will allow you to take a bath whenever you want. Owing to this reason, you’ll need expert hands to properly install the cast iron tub in your home. Frank Lewis is a jack-of-all-trades DIY repairman and weekend warrior, equipped with over twenty years of knowledge and experience to help you with your bathroom today. Re: Cast iron vs. Americast; Author: Dunbar (KY) I am installing an Americast tub in the morning. If you can't find a cast iron that's as comfortable as an acrylic, then go with acrylic, IMO. In most cases, an acrylic tub will have acrylic feet, and the finishes and styles are slightly more limited. Such a job can cost about $50. If there’s anything that doesn’t make sense or needs expanding on please let us know in the comments. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. While cast iron bathtubs will cost you substantially more than acrylic baths in most cases, there’s a reason for that. Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. You can also reach out to me on LinkedIn. Walk-In Shower vs Bath: Which Is Better for Your Home. You can usually find cheap acrylic baths starting at just over £100, with better reinforced or thicker acrylic models upwards of £200. Acrylic is a good all-around choice, although it may lack a certain high-end appeal for some people. ... Acrylic: This is a type of plastic featuring a high-gloss finish and excellent durability. They’re then poured into a mold which has the design of the bathtub. Acrylic and cast iron are two of the most popular materials for bathtubs because of their premium, lasting qualities and ability to elevate the look of any space. Not only are they lighter and easier to move, but minor scratches on their surface can be buffed out. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is there anything worse than climbing into a cold bath during the winter months? These two are preferred for their durability and premium feel besides their ease of maintenance. Acrylic tubs are thicker than fiberglass, so they're less prone to flexing, and they retain heat better than fiberglass. In another manufacturing method, heat and suction are applied on the flexible acrylic layer. Prior to running a warm bath, your cast iron bath will likely be very cold to the touch. Acrylic vs cast iron bathtub For the price point, cast iron bathtubs are a great deal better than acrylic. Acrylic as a tub material isn't porous and can be custom made for your bathroom. If you can afford a cast iron bath, it’s a great option. That makes cast iron baths ideal for those who like to soak in the bath for a long time at the end of a long day. One of the big disadvantages of installing a cast iron bath is they are just about always very heavy. For cast iron, the process is nearl… It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Stone Resin vs. Let’s start the acrylic vs cast iron bathtub discussion by talking about price. Your email address will not be published. Cast Iron. Acrylic is a lot more comfortable as it doesn't conduct heat (cast iron can feel a bit cold against your skin). Acrylic tubs will also get discolored while cast iron ones will not. Required fields are marked *. It’s enough to turn many people off from taking a bath in the first place. Cast-polymer: Cast-polymer tubs traditionally replicate the look of marble, granite, or onyx, and they're available in a range of solid colors. When the same is installed on an acrylic tub, it could warp or get damaged from the weight of the accessories.
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