This even includes a “couples tub” complete with two nesting tub basins that form the shape of a yin-yang symbol. Large cast-iron jetted tubs can cost $3,500 and more. Freestanding cast iron bathtubs weigh 385 pounds on average. Cast-iron tubs are available in many more sizes and shapes than the familiar clawfoot tubs of Victorian vintage. Fiberglass and cast-iron bathtubs in some ways represent both ends of the spectrum for bathtub options. With an overall thickness of about 1/4 inch, fiberglass tub material is relatively flimsy stuff, which also explains its light weight. Compare Products The floor joists (the horizontal structural supports) may be undersized for the floor’s span. It used to be that cast-iron tubs simply didn’t offer these options. Fiberglass (and other plastic tubs) are modern, moldable, versatile, and lightweight. The exterior of the tub is painted with several layers of primer and paint to match the looks of the interior but without the enamel. Supporting a Cast-Iron Bathtub . Cast Iron Bathtubs. The most common alternative to fiberglass bathtub material is acrylic.

Enameled steel essentially is a flimsy version of cast iron, with a much thinner enamel coating (but they’re still pretty tough and can last many years). Since many cast iron tubs are antiques, they can fetch a premium well over their scrap value — up to about $2,000. The floor structure in a well-built home usually can handle the weight of a cast-iron tub. Two popular bathtub materials are steel and cast iron. Through use and age, the coating can crack, chip or wear, making the bathtub look old and worn. Freestanding tubs, and particularly footed tubs, bear all of their weight on four small points of contact, and those bear on the subfloor as well as the framing below. But if you suspect your floor framing might not be what it should—perhaps there are dips and soft spots in the floor, or it simply doesn’t feel solid underfoot—have an experienced builder or an engineer check it out. By using The Balance Small Business, you accept our

Fiberglass (or other plastic/moldable material) is also the material of choice if you want a tub with matching wall panels or a tub-shower combo. ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CAST IRON BATH TUB CLAW FEET HARDWARE TOOL ART. Most modern bathtubs are made of thermoformed acrylic, porcelain enameled steel, fiberglass-reinforced polyester, or porcelain enameled cast iron. Manufacturers bake a porcelain finish over cast-iron tubs or apply an enamel finish to protect the metal from rusting. In fact, many sources refer to fiberglass and acrylic interchangeably. If you’re looking for an acrylic tub rather than fiberglass, check into the tub construction, as many manufacturers and retailers use “acrylic” loosely. As of 2018, cast-iron bathtubs start at about $400 for a basic, alcove-style unit. Today, you can find cast-iron tubs with jets, handles, and some molded features, but you’ll pay dearly for these extras. Weight is an important consideration, but it’s not a deal-breaker in most cases. Showing slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES} - Make an Offer{"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}rare big heavy cast iron WOOD STOVE or BATH TUB eagle talon claw ball feet 4pcANTIQUE CAST IRON SALESMAN SAMPLE BEIGE PORCELAIN ENAMEL BATH TUB DOLL HOUSE TOYAntique Ball Eagle Claw Foot Bathtub Tub Leg Cast Iron (2) antique cast iron bath tub CLAW FEET different sizes -lot BAntique Ball Eagle Claw Foot Bathtub Tub Feet Cast Iron legs original VINTAGE ANTIQUE FANCY GARGOYLE FACE CAST IRON BATH TUB WOOD STOVE LEGS SET OF 4(2) antique cast iron bath tub CLAW FEET different sizes -lot AVintage Cast Iron Foot Tub Leg Bathtub Feet Replacement Antique 6 x 2-1/2"Vintage Cast Iron Tub Bath Tub Claw Feet Bear Eagle (lot of 4) RARE Vintage Wolff Miniature Salesman Sample Cast Iron Bath Tub clawfoot antique vintage cast iron porcelain bath tub bathtub - rare big heavy cast iron WOOD STOVE or BATH TUB eagle talon claw ball feet 4pc - ANTIQUE CAST IRON SALESMAN SAMPLE BEIGE PORCELAIN ENAMEL BATH TUB DOLL HOUSE TOY - Antique Ball Eagle Claw Foot Bathtub Tub Leg Cast Iron - (2) antique cast iron bath tub CLAW FEET different sizes -lot B - Antique Ball Eagle Claw Foot Bathtub Tub Feet Cast Iron legs original - VINTAGE ANTIQUE FANCY GARGOYLE FACE CAST IRON BATH TUB WOOD STOVE LEGS SET OF 4 - (2) antique cast iron bath tub CLAW FEET different sizes -lot A - Vintage Cast Iron Foot Tub Leg Bathtub Feet Replacement Antique 6 x 2-1/2" - Vintage Cast Iron Tub Bath Tub Claw Feet Bear Eagle (lot of 4) - RARE Vintage Wolff Miniature Salesman Sample Cast Iron Bath Tub - clawfoot antique vintage cast iron porcelain bath tub bathtub Weight is an important consideration, but it’s not a deal-breaker in most cases.

You can’t beat cast iron in this category. For every bathtub shape in production, there’s probably a version in fiberglass. Miracle Method, like many refinishing companies, offers a five-year warranty.

If you plan to have tile under the tub, make sure the subfloor is stiff enough to resist deflection (flexing) adequately for the tile.

Otherwise, the tile will crack. However, if the tub is not suitable for resale, scrapping the bathtub may prove worth your time. While there really is no similar alternative to a cast-iron bathtub, if you like the look and feel of an enameled surface, a much cheaper alternative is enameled steel.