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Porcelain on steel bathtubs?

15 years ago

Looks like we may have to give up on a cast iron tub due to weight issues with our floor. I really don't want acrylic or fiberglass--so is porcelain on steel a good compromise? Are they much lighter than cast iron? Can anybody recommend a good-quality brand or model? We're not looking for anything fancy, just a basic, standard bathtub.

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JohnnieB
Original Author

15 years ago

Thanks, I have been trying to find a porcelain on steel tub but nobody seems to make them in sizes bigger than 5 feet long. We want at least a 5 1/2 foot tub. Why is this so difficult to find? I read somewhere that porcelain on steel was one of the most popular and common materials for bathtubs.

Our GC is concerned about the weight (in part because the tub will be placed parallel to the floor joists, rather than across them) and now our architect is recommending an acrylic tub. It will be considerably lighter and considerably cheaper, but I really, really don't like acrylic tubs. :o(

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Comments (6)

kevin1727
15 years ago
I've had porcelain tubs in most of my houses. Only in the most recent house were they a problem with rusted out places. It appears it could be due more to damage at installation than the tub itself.
I don't know about the weights but most of the web sites show the weight of the tubs.
I recommend getting a brand name tub and then making sure the installation is done carefully so the porcelain is not cracked or chipped anywhere.
Kevin
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Thank you raehelen :) Yes, I did have my moments of panic! And it's still not everyone's choice but I didn't design it for everyone so I guess that's ok :) I'm thrilled with it! The tub is great. The arm rests towards the back take up some of the width and the grab bars do as well. Personally, I would have preferred a wider tub (that might not be an issue for you) but I couldn't/wouldn't sacrifice anymore space. I'll get used to it. After all, I've been in the same tub for 26 years. Anything is going to have a period of adjustment. It's plenty wide for most people tho. I just like a lot of room :) One thing I didn't take into consideration is setting the tub in a mortar bed. You're supposed to (that or the expandable foam). I never realized how much give was in my previous porcelain over steel bathtub. I've got one SOLID and STURDY bathtub but it's like sitting on a concrete slab (lol) I've got a video of my grandson playing in it (with the bubbles and lights on). If you're interested in seeing it in action, I'll post the YSI link. Monica
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People need to be aware that if you install a tub made of fiberglass and acrylic it has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. Wish I had known that before I installed mine. Wish I could have gone with steel and porcelain. Have to replace it now because a tenant broke the fiberglass tub. I've been told that with the same maneuver that she broke the fiberglass tub she would have probably punctured a steel tub. It's second floor so I can't go cast iron. At least steel with porcelain has the best chance of holding up without any major assaults to it. Fiberglass is made to be replaced unfortunately.
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DLM2000-GW
15 years ago
Check out American Standard Americast products. Same look and feel as cast iron but much lighter. I have a 5-1/2' bathing pool and love it - looks/feels just like cast iron, holds heat well and I use it a LOT.

Here is a link that might be useful: Americast products
mahatmacat1
15 years ago
That's interesting, dlm...I keep reading people's bad experiences with Americast and AS's nonexistent customer service/warranty support. So you haven't had bad experiences with it, e.g. cracking because of flexing?
DLM2000-GW
15 years ago
fly - We have 2 Americast tubs in this house and had one in our last house - never had an issue with any of them. The one in the master bath is the bathing pool and as I said, I use it a lot. Look like the day it was put in and that's coming up on 15 years. The other is in the bath shared by my boys - mostly showers but both of them do enjoy long soaks, too (shhhh don't tell them I said that, must be inherited!).

As for the customer service, unfortunately it's not just AS. My DH is in the remodeling business and over the last 23 years has seen service in all aspects with all of his suppliers go out the window.
Deb
mahatmacat1
15 years ago
Ah, thanks, dlm. That's good information. Which one do you like to soak in? Although we don't have 5.5' in this bath.

and that's too bad about the suppliers and decline in service. It seems that warranties are all about deniability rather than accountability these days (see my travails with Thermosoft)...

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