What are the advantages or disadvantages of a Steel batrhroom Tub vs a Cast Iron Tub?

Answer 1

Steel tub tend to have a slight deflection when heavy objects are dropped in them allowing for a small (sometimes microscopic) crack in the enamel to form. Once moisture can get under the surface rust will form and spread the damage greatly.
Cast iron is also considered quieter and if the enamel does get cracked or chipped, repairs are easily made.

Answer 2

Steel tubs are lighter in weight making them easier to install. It will also bend, not break as an iron tub will. The glaze will break but the actual tub won't. That means that if the tub is fell and something catastrophic occurs the chances are the tub won't release all the water onto the floor.

Iron has a much more solid feel and I think it retains heat better.

I did install one steel tub with a friend, it had some sort of insulation on it. The insulation was very dark gray, almost black, about a quarter inch thick and it had all the advantages of the cast iron tub without the weight.

Answer 3

Advantages: lighter in weight. Disadvantages: can be damaged a bit easier and the repair would be a bit more difficult. Really a tossup as to which to use.

: : Can anyone tell me the advantages/disadvantages of a bathtub made of Americast vs. a cast iron tub? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have not been pleased with the Americast. It's essentially a steel enamel tub with a thicker coating. They chip like steel tubs and are not that much cheaper. Cast iron provides the best value. LonnythePlumber

Answer 4

Americast Vs Cast Iron

Answer 5

Steel
Pro's
Lighter, Easier to install, easier to transport and deliver to site, less expensive

Cons
doesn't conduct heat as well as Cast Iron therefore bath water will need to be refreshed more frequently.
won't withstand the same amount of impact without damaging porcelain glazing.
Porcelain glazing usually thinner as well.
Conducts the sounds of a bath or shower.
Appx 10 year product life

Cast Iron
Pro's
Deadens more sound, conducts heat very well good for bathing, withstands incredible impact, thicker porcelain glazing, at least 20 year product life

Cons
Very Heavy, Kohlers Villager which is a fairly standard size rings in at a whopping 252 lbs. More expensive as well you could probably pick up a cheapie briggs tub at home supermart store for $100.00 where as a nice cast iron model is going to cost you at least $300 - $400 but well worth it in my opinion.

even steel contains iron, both materials are subject to rust but that is why they are glazed with porcelain. If the undersides were to get wet they would both rust and the cast iron being much thicker than a sheet of steel stamped into a tub shape would last an eternity before rusting all the way through.

Answer 6

Steel tubs are lighter than cast iron(approx. 330 lbs.) but do not generally hold the heat as well as cast iron. some steel tubs such as the american standard americast tub have a coating designed to help with the heat loss issue. In my opinion the cast iron tub is the most durable choice and if weight is not an issue it is the one I choose for my customers

Answer 7

Steel is cheaper and much lighter than cast iron. Steel transfers heat from water much faster than cast iron. Steel is noisier than cast iron when using for a shower. Steel has a tendency to twist, flex, warp and is much less stable than cast iron. If you use a steel tub with a shower enclosure, like ceramic tile, the steel will move more than ceramic, so you get caulking failures, leaks around shower doors.
Maybe you should consider fiberglass and plastic. They are lighter than steel, made like fiberglass boats, less shower noise, easy maintenance, wide variety of colors. You can pack the bottom with insulation, to help keep bath water hot, if it is a built in unit.

Answer 8

steel is cleaner and won't rust whilst a cast iron one will save you from a bomb blast.