I think the "sandpaper rash" concept is incorrect. I'd like to hear from any parent who's child suffered from a "sandpaper rash" while bathing in a tub with a textured bottom. I have a Kohler with textured strips on the bottom. It is not a problem for me as I sit, so I doubt if it is for children. I would have recommended a cast iron 4.5' tub. Sounds like you got something else though. I would like hear what you did go with, might be helpful to someone else with this issue.

In addition to Americast, which I've heard some problems with, I just found something called "Bootzcast" and I'd love to know more about it. In fact, there's an answers.com question out asking for information about the difference between the two. We have a second floor kids' tub to do soon and I'd love to have something sturdier than acrylic to go in there, but without the weight of cast iron.

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.

I guess I had just been looking at Lowe's and HD to see that a porcelain tub is $255 and acrylic is $250. I figured that was pretty darn cheap and don't see a reason to not go that route. I'll have to look into cast vs regular steel to see what the price difference is. If it's big I'm not sure that I'm willing to spend a big chunk but I'll have to discuss it with my wife.