Acrylic bathtubs and cast iron bathtubs are both popular options for bathroom remodeling because they provide a high-end look at an affordable price point.
In your quest to update your bathroom and make it look more contemporary, you may have considered replacing your old tub with acrylic or cast iron one. Both options are available in a range of styles and sizes, but how do you decide which one will be best for you?
Click on links for easy navigation
Acrylic Vs Cast Iron tub
What is an Acrylic Bathtub?
What is Cast Iron Bathtub?
Comparison of Cast Iron Tub vs Acrylic
Pros and Cons of Acrylic and Cast Iron Bathtub
Acrylic Vs Cast Iron tub
The bathtub you choose plays an important role in how comfortable and enjoyable your bathroom will be. With the two main options being acrylic and cast iron, it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you and your bathroom décor.
Here’s what you need to know about each option so that you can make the right choice.
What is an Acrylic Bathtub?
Acrylic, on the other hand, is made from polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA which is an acrylic polymer resin. This means it’s more flexible than steel and doesn’t rust easily because it doesn’t contain any iron or carbon steel—which means no rusting!
In fact, many people use acrylic tubs because they think they look more luxurious than cast iron ones do!
What is Cast Iron Bathtub?
Cast iron is a type of metal that is made from molten pig iron. The molten metal is cast into a shape and then heated in an oven at about 900 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours. After it’s cooled down, the cast iron is formed into whatever shape you want. Cast iron can take a lot of abuse and still hold up well over time.
The cast iron tubs are highly versatile and can be used in many different settings. Also, the cast iron tub has a good finish that will last for many years.
Related: Cast Iron Tub Benefits
Comparison of Cast Iron Tub vs Acrylic
Here’s how these two types of tubs stack up against each other, so you can decide which is best for your budget and design aesthetic.
Materials
Cast Iron and Acrylic bathtubs, both are made different because they are made out of different materials
Cast iron tub material is a combination of cast iron and porcelain fused together with a layer of enamel on the surface. It is generally used for bathroom accessories such as sink basins, toilet bowls, shower stalls, and bathtubs
Acrylic tub material is sheets of acrylic fused together with fiber reinforced. It is often used for outdoor furniture and other outdoor applications that are exposed to extreme weather conditions such as cold winters and hot summers.
Durability
Cast iron tubs are the most durable. Since they’re made of cast iron and have a porcelain coating, they’re heavy and solid.
The cast iron tubs are made with a process called “firing” whereby they are melted down into a shape and then formed into a single piece of material.
Acrylic tubs, on the other hand, are not as durable as cast iron tubs. Acrylic is flimsy by nature and can break if it is dropped or otherwise damaged.
Maintenance
Cast iron tubs are easy it is to maintain. The only problem with cast iron tubs is that they may rust if the porcelain coating gets to wear down. If this happens, then you will need to invest in a special rust protector and apply it once a month.
However, if your cast iron tub has never been rusted before, then you can use the same treatment as you would for any other type of surface. Just remember to wipe down the entire surface with a cloth or sponge after each use so that there is no dirt left behind.
If your acrylic tub gets dirty, then there are several ways that you can clean it up without taking out all of your money. You can use a product called Better Life Tub Clean which will remove any stains from your acrylic tub without leaving any residue behind either! It also works great for cleaning glass surfaces as well!
Another way that people have cleaned their acrylic tubs without having to buy special cleaning products is by using Dishwashing detergent. This product has been designed specifically for washing dishes and other items inside of your kitchen sink! It contains bleach which helps kill bacteria.
How to maintain your Acrylic or Cast Iron Tub
The maintenance of cast iron and acrylic tubs is similar.
First, you can clean them with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water to remove any dirt or food particles. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe away any soap residue.
Next, rinse the tub with hot water and then allow it to dry completely before refilling with your choice of scented soaps, shampoos, and conditioners.
If you need to remove a mineral deposit from your tub, simply use a soft brush or an abrasive pad on a rag to scrub away the buildup.
Cost
The cast iron tub is more expensive than the acrylic tub. Both of them offer the same safety features, which makes them both equally safe to use.
The acrylic tub, however, is less expensive than the cast iron tub, which makes it even more popular among homeowners who want something cheaper than their old cast iron bathtub.
Weight
The weight of a cast iron tub depends on the quality of the material and how well it has been made. Cast iron is a strong material that can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to rust and corrosion. The weight of cast iron tubs ranges from about 220 pounds to more than 520 pounds.
Acrylic tubs weigh less than cast iron because they are made from polyethylene, which is lighter than steel or aluminum. Acrylic weighs between 110 pounds to 300 pounds depending on its thickness and quality.
Heat retention
Cast iron tubs are known for their heat retention capabilities.
In a cast iron tub, the iron retains the heat much longer than the acrylic. This means that you will be able to stay in your tub longer without having to get out and get something else to sit on. The heat retention also means that there is less chance of condensation forming on your walls and ceiling, which can be an issue with some types of acrylic tubs.
On the other hand, Acrylic tubs are also good for retaining heat, which is great if you want your bathroom to stay warm when you’re taking a shower or soaking in the tub. However, they tend to lose their heat more quickly than cast iron tubs, which means that your hot water will run out quickly and you’ll have to wait longer before you can use it again
Pros and Cons of Acrylic and Cast Iron Bathtub
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision about which bathtub will be best for your unique needs.
Acrylic bathtubs
Acrylic tubs are fiber reinforced, lightweight, and easy to move around, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re a great way to get your feet wet in the world of luxury baths. They also tend to be less expensive than other types of tubs.
Acrylic bathtubs have a nice look that is not slippery when wet and is resistant to mold and mildew which can be an issue in other types of tubs due to the porous nature of their material. Most jacuzzi tubs are made out of acrylic material.
The Drawbacks are that they are susceptible to staining over time and they can be difficult to repair when they get damaged or stained. They also need to be cared for more carefully than other types of tubs because they don’t hold up well against harsh chemicals.
Cast Iron Bathtubs
Cast iron tubs are made from iron instead of plastic or latex that can stain easily. They are extremely durable, heavier in weight, and less prone to staining than other materials.
They’re also easy to maintain, retain heat well, and don’t require frequent cleaning or scrubbing.
A Cast iron bathtub last decades and can be a great investment as it helps in keeping the water temperature at a constant level.
The only Downsides are that cast iron tubs tend to be more expensive and rust overtime than other options.
Which is better cast iron or acrylic bathtubs?
A common problem with cast iron tubs is that they will rust over time when exposed to moisture or water. This poses a problem because if you have a leaky faucet or drain, then your tub will rust.
To prevent this from happening, you should purchase an acrylic tub instead of a cast iron one because it is less likely to rust over time due to its lack of porous surface material.
