Blog | South Shore Dream Bath | Rockland, MA | Bathroom Remodeling

Should I Go for a Cast Iron or Acrylic Tub? - South Shore Dream Bath

Written by Stephen Ryan | Nov 9, 2022 12:16:13 PM

Introduction

At South Shore Dream Bath, we offer bathtub
installation for the residents of Rockland and the nearby areas. We have been
in business for about five years and provide you with bathroom upgrade services
to modernize your home at an affordable cost. When it comes to bathtubs, most
of our clients debate between acrylic and cast iron. Whereas both materials
provide quality tubs, the latter comes at a significantly higher price. It is
heavier and requires special installation on the bathroom floor. In this
article, we shall break down the differences between the two materials and help
you make a suitable choice for your home.

Durability

Acrylic tubs usually get reinforced with fiberglass
to prevent chipping, cracking, and denting. This keeps them looking new for
years, allowing you to enjoy having a beautiful bathroom. On the other hand,
since cast iron tubs are metallic, they can’t crack or chip. They have a
significantly longer lifespan than their counterparts.

Customization

Due to the flexibility of the acrylic, it is
possible to get various shapes, designs, and sizes. This feature allows one a
wide variety of tubs to choose from, according to their preference. However,
cast iron does not give this benefit. The molten iron usually gets poured into
a mold and then allowed to cool, thus limiting the designs available from this
material

Heat retention

Every once in a while, you may need to take a long
relaxing hot bath to refresh your body. This requires a tub with high heat
retention. Cast iron has the highest score in this category. However, acrylic
tubs also keep your water warm for a long time as compared to other bathtubs
within the same price range.

Installation and Maintenance

The light material of the acrylic tub makes them
suitable for any part of the home. It also does not require additional support
or reinforcement. However, cast iron tubs usually need careful installation.
Our experts ensure that the floor is strong enough, and we add some
reinforcement to keep the tub stable. This installation may come at an extra
cost.

When it comes to maintenance, cast iron requires the
least work. You may only need to clean the tub weekly with soap, water, and a
soft sponge. The metal’s smooth lining allows dirt to come off quickly and
rarely stains. However, acrylic is pretty different. Though long-lasting, the
material stains easily. Therefore, you need to clean it frequently to keep it
looking in top shape.

Conclusion

Both materials make
excellent bathtubs, and you can enjoy relaxing hot baths for years. However,
the acrylic tubs are for homeowners looking for cheap, customized, and light
options that require easy installation. The cast iron option is for anyone who
desires a long-lasting tub and is willing to pay the extra cost for the
installation process.