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Cast Iron vs Acrylic Tubs: How to Choose

We make clawfoot, pedestal and slipper tubs in both cast iron and acrylic, so the choice comes down to how the tub will be used and where it's going. Here is how the two compare.

Cast iron

Our cast iron tubs have a porcelain surface over a cast iron body. They feel solid and substantial, the surface is hard and glossy, and once the tub is warm it holds the heat of the water well. The trade-off is weight: a cast iron tub takes several people to carry, and the floor under it needs to be ready for the load.

Acrylic

Acrylic tubs are much lighter, which makes delivery easier, especially up stairs or into an upper-floor bathroom. Acrylic feels warm to the touch from the start. It also allows a wider range of shapes: our acrylic tubs include single slipper, double slipper and rectangular soaking tubs up to 72" long.

Weight

A cast iron tub weighs far more than an acrylic one of the same size, even before any water goes in. Water adds the most: a gallon weighs about 8.3 lb, so our tubs, which hold from 31 to 68 gallons, carry roughly 260 to 570 lb of water when full, plus the bather.

Floor support

Whichever you choose, have your contractor check the floor, particularly for an upstairs bathroom or an older house. A full cast iron tub concentrates a lot of weight on four feet.

Care

Both clean up with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth. Skip scouring pads and harsh powders, which can dull the surface.

At a glance

Cast iron Acrylic
Weight Heavy Light
Feel Solid, glossy porcelain Warm to the touch
Heat Holds heat well once warm Warms up quickly
Best for Ground-floor or reinforced bathrooms Upstairs bathrooms, tight deliveries
Our lengths 60"–72" 60"–72"

Browse our cast iron tubs and acrylic tubs, or compare sizes in our bathtub chart.

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