Replies

1. 
   DanH | Oct 10, 2009 06:25am | #1

   Cast iron. If you treat it halfway decently (and don't have really hard or iron-rich water) it'll last 50 years -- long enough for you to get REALLY tired of the color.

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
1. 
   Ted W. | Oct 10, 2009 06:35am | #2

   Ditto. I would never want fiberglass or plastic bathroom fixtures of any sort, but expecially the bathtub. And the tin can tubs... well, they're just plain cheap.~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

2. 
   IMERC | Oct 10, 2009 06:49am | #3

   iron will out last the two together many times over...

    

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   
   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    

   "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

3. 
   DanT | Oct 10, 2009 11:12am | #4

   While iron is the most durable choice and certainly will sit firmly in place it is expensive and difficult to work with on the install.  I concure with the above on plastic, acrylic and fiberglass as being flimsy and the surfaces are much less durable.

   However the stamped steel, if you buy a good one, is a viable alternative. 15-20 year life, a true baked on porceline finish and if you live their long enough and get tired of the color affordable to change next time.  Most people today don't live in a house that long so they are changing even the most traditional stuff out every 10 years or so anyway.

   My choice for a tub is an American Standard Solar model bath tub.  About $300 for white and colors are $100 more.  We used to stock these and probably installed 120 of them.  Use a bag of mortar under them and a good 2x4 back rail and you have a great finish, durable unit at about half the cost.  DanT

4. 
   Jercarp | Oct 10, 2009 04:05pm | #5

   You install it one time, and then it's done. You use it the rest of your life. Go with the iron. It retains the heat.

1. 
   DanH | Oct 10, 2009 04:07pm | #6

   Actually, a composite or insulated steel unit probably retains the heat in the water better.
   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

1. 
   Jercarp | Oct 10, 2009 04:25pm | #7

   You might could be right.

2. 
   sunsen | Oct 11, 2009 09:31pm | #11

   Interesting...I have clients who complain about the initial cold with iron tubs so they don't want them.

1. 
   DanT | Oct 12, 2009 12:39am | #12

   From time to time we would have a tub install on an outside wall.  We would take the steel tub I described and stuff the perimeter with insulation.  No complaints about cold on any of them.  DanT

3. 
   Bitchincamaro | Oct 12, 2009 06:33pm | #13

   "It retains the heat".  Exactly!  If the tub's going to be used more as a tub and less for showering, cast iron is the only way to go.  If you'll only rarely "bathe" in the tub, consider the lighter, cheaper alternatives.

1. 
   DanH | Oct 12, 2009 06:42pm | #14

   I prefer cast iron for a shower because it's much firmer underfoot.
   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

1. 
   Bitchincamaro | Oct 12, 2009 06:49pm | #15

   I would agree with you with the exception of something like the Americast product. 

5. 
   JohnCujie | Oct 11, 2009 04:30am | #8

   My opinion is to get a six foot tub that an adult can actually fit into unless it is for little kids only.

   John

1. 
   barmil | Oct 11, 2009 04:35am | #9

   I have no problem, as an adult, standing in a standard five foot tub while taking my shower. Anything outside of standard is sure to be more expensive, plus bathrooms tend to be designed for a standard tub. Mine, for instance, would require relocating the toilet and moving a wall to have the larger tub. Not a good idea.

6. 
   Dinosaur | Oct 11, 2009 05:19am | #10

   Cast iron beats the others hands down, for quality, longevity, and long-term value.

   If you do get tired of the colour before it dies (say, 50-75 years from now) a CI tub is worth having refinished. None of the others are.

   Me, I'd go for white. Never goes outta style and goes with any other colours you put in the room.

   BTW a 'standard' 5 foot tub is a waste of money. If you're not going to put in a 6 footer, nobody but a midget or a child will ever use it to bathe in. Take the same dough and put in a big stall shower instead.

   Unless you plan on manufacturing bathtub gin or something, of course....;o)

   Dinosaur

   How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
   low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
   foolish men call Justice....