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Resource for inexpensive cast iron tub

12 years ago

I need two cast iron tubs for upstairs baths (one child, one guest). I have ruled out the Kohler Villager because of the low water level. Any other recommendations? Off brand is fine as long as good quality - but definitely cast iron. I know Toto makes one with a good water height but it is quite a bit more.

Thanks

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Comments (7)

sw_in_austin
12 years ago
I bought a Kohler Mendota (chosen because it was deeper than the Villager; I have another Mendota, which I like) online -- from FaucetsDirect -- for about $800. I don't really know how that compares price-wise. Shipping was free (maybe because I bought other stuff; it may have been $1500 and over meant shipping was free) and the tub came in about 5 days.
chrisk327
12 years ago
check out the Kohler Bellwether. Its cheaper than the Mendota, and has about the same height. I think I paid somewhere in the high $500s.

bought this for the same reason you didn't want the villager.
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User
12 years ago
"because of the low water level"

You have now gotten out of the commodity bathtub market and entered a more specialized or low vol. one.

Those low cast iron tubs are made by the tens of thousands because almost every home and scores of hotels in America has one. They function pretty well as a dual use for a shower or bath. Raising the side and deepening the water level inhibits access as a shower and adds lots of weight and expense to the unit.

So, deeper tubs are usually acrylic or fiberglass because they are cheaper , lighter, faster to produce and can sell at a better price point, thus moving more units.

It's not that you can't find a deep cast iron tub, it's that they won't be at the cheap price because of low volume.
EnolaEagle
12 years ago
If your search to cast iron becomes dull and you need an alternative, SwanStone makes the Veritek tub which has 6 color selections (3 of which are granite colors) Retail price on those is around $300 and they have a nice drainage design which keeps water from running off the skirt. Just throwing another option at you...

Todd Stull
Enola, PA
cluelessincolorado
12 years ago
You can also go to some of your local salvage yards. I was in one the other day and saw a few deep tubs in good condition.
athensmomof3
Original Author
12 years ago
The funny thing about the Villager is that the side is not much higher than similar tubs (like the Bellwether or Toto 1515) - a half an inch or so. However, the water level in the Toto is 2 inches higher than the Villager. I guess it has to do with the placement of the overflow valve?
cat_mom
12 years ago
FWIW, we are very happy with our Toto 1525's.

Interesting tip; our plumber told us to install it on (?) one of the plywood subfloor layers, but the next layer should go in after the tub was set/installed (so that layer butts up to the side of the tub). Once the tile was laid, the tub effectively became an ever-so-slightly "sunken" tub. I think he had us do this to facilitate stepping in/out of the tub (or he just prefers the look :-)).

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