What Is The Best Material For A Clawfoot Tub - Cast Iron Or Acrylic?

By Author: Jesse Whitehead
Total Articles: 130
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Vintage, antique, and clawfoot bathtubs are renowned for their timeless beauty and practical functionality. Most vintage tubs are made of cast iron that is covered with a very hard porcelain enamel finish. Until recent years, cast iron and porcelain were the best materials available for bathtubs. However, in recent years modern technologies have seen the introduction of new materials that rival the traditional construction materials of yesteryear.

Today there are two commonly used materials in clawfoot tub faucets: Acrylic and cast iron. While both are durable and strong materials, each has its own advantages due to the differing physical characteristics inherent in the materials. This article presents some of the advantages of each material.

Advantages of Porcelain/Cast Iron Material

1. Porcelain enamel surfaces are extremely hard, which makes it more scratch resistant and easier to keep clean than acrylic.
2. The heavier weight of an iron tub makes it harder to move out of place if it is not anchored securely to the floor. This is why it is important that the tub be fixed to the floor if ...
... possible, as moving such a heavy item can easily scratch the floor surface and possibly damage plumbing components that are attached to the tub.
3. Cast iron tubs appears more substantial and solid to some people, and has an overall heavier "feel" than an equivalent acrylic tub.
4. Tubs made of iron look more authentic historically as most antique or vintage clawfoot tubs are made of this material.

Advantages of Acrylic Material

1. Although acrylic is more easily scratched than porcelain covered cast iron, it is often easier to repair by simply sanding and polishing it.
2. Acrylic is a lighter weight material than iron, which makes the tub considerably easier to move and install.
3. While the acrylic tubs may not look as authentic historically as a cast iron tub to some people, they are generally much better suited for installing additional features. One such popular feature installed in many acrylic tubs is whirlpool type jets, which transforms the tub into a mini hot tub right in your bathroom. .

Finally, whatever type of tub material you choose is largely up to your own personal preferences, and to a lesser extent, your budget as acrylic tubs are generally less expensive than those made iron. The important thing is that whether you select porcelain enameled cast iron or lighter weight acrylic, you will be able to experience the sheer pleasure and relaxation of taking a deep soaking bath in your own clawfoot bathtub anytime you desire.
Learn more about vintage bath tubs, clawfoot tub fixtures, and clawfoot shower faucets here.