skip to main content

cast iron vs acrylic kids' tub

8 years ago

Are cast iron tubs better, look better over time, don't loose shine, easier to clean, don't scratch? Is this true? Should I choose cast iron vs acrylic? Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

emma
8 years ago
I had cast iron kitchen sinks when I was younger and they do loose their shine, they are harder to clean, cleansers will remove the finish......but don't remember it scratching. They are a lot heavier.

Regarding a bath tub I don't think it will make any difference because you can clean them with soap and water, a kitchen sink often has to scrubbed to get rid of stains. I have inserts in all 3 of my bathrooms and no trouble cleaning them at all.
abekker
Original Author
8 years ago
What kind of insets do you have?
Related Discussions
acrylic vs cast iron tubs
Q
Comments (6)
We chose cast iron tubs (Toto 1525's) when we reno'd our two main bathrooms. They aren't huge, or fancy, just soaking tubs, but IMHO cast iron is the way to go if your floor can support it (or will after adding add'l support) and the budget allows for it. Definitely solid, and supposed to retain heat better, too. We love ours. If we had had bigger bathrooms, it would have been nice to have a longer version (for stretching out while lying in the tub) but we were constrained by room size. Even so, ours are pretty roomy and very comfy and as I mentioned, solid.
...See More
How slippery are new cast iron tubs vs. porcelain tubs
Q
Comments (9)
In my Kohler cast iron shower pan, I use something called R.O.G.3 Its a spray. I can't remember how I came across it. Supposedly it is recommended by Kohler. It works well. I wash my light gray shower pan about once every 3 months. I am the only one using it and I don't go barefoot. So it stays very clean. I could wash it more often, but I can hardly tell the difference. I clean the walls about once or twice per year, because I wipe the entire shower down after every shower with a microfiber auto detailing towel that I got at The Rag Company. Wiping down everything prevents any build up of soap and keeps all areas from getting moldy. I turn my fan on, and run about 30 minutes, when I start my shower and have never had any mold issues in the bathroom. Nothing steams up. the towels I use for drying are: edgeless-avalanche-20-x-40-super-plush-drying-microfiber-towel I hang it over my glass shower door and it dries beautifully. When I wash the microfiber, I wash on hot water with only other microfiber products. You don't want to wash microfiber with cotton, etc, because the lint from these other fibers are believed to "clog" the grabbing capacity of the microfiber. I used a squeegee for a few months and hated the process. A towel is SO MUCH easier IMO.
...See More
acrylic vs. porcelain steel bathtub vs. refinishing existing tub
Q
Comments (9)
I renovated the bathroom in my condo last year, which included replacing the tub. The enamel on the old tub (installed in the 1970s) was very scratched. The new one is a a Bootz porcelain on steel tub. It's only been about 15 months since the renovation was completed but I have no problems so far. The non-slip bottom is not difficult to keep clean. I use Barkeeper's Friend cleaner (easily available in stores and not expensive) per the manufacturer's instructions. I went with porcelain on steel because I live on the second floor of an apartment building, and since the old one was not cast iron I didn't know if the weight of a new cast iron tub would be a problem. I went with Bootz on the recommendation of my contractor, who has installed a bunch of them with no complaints. A neighbor refinished their tub a few years back and the fumes were terrible.
...See More
Tub Help - freestanding tub cast iron soaker or acrylic with hydro?
Q
Comments (3)
I had an acrylic pedestal tub in my last home, it was beautiful but it did not retain heat as long as I would like. Also it had to be reinstalled and I think they put some type of foam/cement in the base and then it did not budge at all. I also need to make a decision on a tub in the next two weeks and I will likely go with a pedestal acrastone tub ( American Bath Factory Nob Hill) . My first choice would be a victoria albert elwick if I had the space, I need 60" and I can not find a pedestal style I like in a 60" length with this company. Please post what you decide to go with.
...See More
kats737
8 years ago
If it helps you, I have two boys 4 and 2 and have bathed them just fine in a cast iron tub. I think each one has slipped and fallen, with a minor bruise to the ego more than anything. I think the tub spout poses more of a injury hazard than the hard surface does.

Our cast iron tub is 90 years old and with the original finish. It is not high gloss everywhere but looks pretty great.
abekker
Original Author
8 years ago
I have cast iron voyager in our baths now, have had them for 15 yrs. Haven't had acrylic though. I should probably go to a store and take a look. Do they feel plastcy?
scpalmetto
8 years ago
I have had cast iron tubs for my entire life until about 15 years ago when we moved into a home with a cultured marble tub. Never had a problem - ever - with cast iron, no chips or scratches and I always found it held the finish well. (At least the older tubs did, not sure about today's manufacturing processes.) The cultured marble however, as well as the high end acrylic tubs my kids have in their homes, have not held their shine as well. I also find they are so much harder to clean. Just think about how difficult it is to get something oily like spaghetti sauce out of a plastic container as opposed to how easy it is to wash it off a china plate. Bathtub rings are the same. I find it is easier to get them off the porcelain finish on cast iron than it is on the plastic like acrylic tubs. They are really pushing the lighter weight tubs as they are easier and cheaper to ship but my money is on cast iron. I just ordered a Cheviot tub for our MB.
abekker
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Dion, you solidified my decision to go with cast iron for the kids bath, just feels more solid to me when you are standing in it taking a shower.
nancylouise5me
8 years ago
Also, if you are prone to soaking or taking long baths, cast iron holds the heat longer then the acrylic tubs. We have cast iron claw foot tubs in 2 of our 3 bathrooms. They are both at least 100 years old. Still shiny up the sides and on the rims, a more flat appearance on the bottom.

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Why You Might Want to Put Your Tub in the Shower

By By Any Design Ltd.

Save space, cleanup time and maybe even a little money with a shower-bathtub combo. These examples show how to do it right

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Get a Claw-Foot Tub for Your Bathroom

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Here’s what to know about buying vintage or new — and how to refurbish a classic

BATHROOM DESIGN Dreaming of a Spa Tub at Home? Read This Pro Advice First

By By Any Design Ltd.

Before you float away on visions of jets and bubbles and the steamiest water around, consider these very real spa tub issues

BATHTUBS 8 Beautifully Different Tub Materials for Bath-Time Luxury

By Shane D. Inman

Elevate your bathroom — and your bathing experience — with a tub that feels like an indulgence

MOST POPULAR Should You Keep Your Tub?

By Jennifer Ott Design

There are reasons to have a bathtub, and plenty of reasons not to. Here’s how to decide if you should keep yours or pull the plug

BATHROOM DESIGN Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Add Color to Your Tub

By Jennifer Ott Design

Perk up that old claw-foot with a hit of paint that’s as bold or subtle as you please

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING See a Soothing Backyard Bathhouse Born From a Salvaged Tub

By Annie Thornton

Creative thinking and DIY skills give a Portland couple a pergola-covered 'hot tub' under the stars

BATHROOM DESIGN 7 Metal Tubs That Steal the Show

By Jennifer Christgau-Aquino

Industrial-style metal tubs offer lightweight, unique alternatives to porcelain. Could a metal tub be for you?

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — Waterproofing and Drainage

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 4 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick your waterproofing materials and drain, and don't forget to test

SHOWERS Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — Choosing Accessories

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 5 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right niches, benches and bars for the best showering experience

Sponsored

DryHome Roofing & Siding, Inc.

82 Reviews

Loudon Co. Roofing, Siding & Exterior Remodeler Best of Houzz 5 times!

More Discussions

Old Shower L Side Seal

0

Shower tile suggestions with Calacatta Gold 3x3 hexagon floor

2

shower pan over existing ceramic tile floor?

3

can i fix picture framing effect on bathroom tile?

4

Where to place toilet paper roll holder?

5