Soaking in Style: Your Essential Guide to Buying a Cast Iron Bathtub
Whether you are searching for a new home or considering renovating your current bathroom, adding a bathtub to the master bathroom will increase the value of your home in a number of ways. Giving your bathroom the ultimate focal point can often prove difficult, but there is one type of tub that will always astound when situated as the room’s focal point: a cast iron bathtub.
Due to its incredible appearance and ability to keep water heated for extended periods, this item has been used in private restrooms for decades. Still, choosing the right one can be a minefield with so many options available nowadays, so I’ve compiled this guide to assist you in making the right choice when shopping for bath tub cast iron online.
Significant Things to Consider
How are Cast Iron Baths Made?
The process of constructing a tub of cast iron is lengthy and intricate, so I’ve broken it down into a few paragraphs that cover the fundamentals. Prior to enamelling, the metal is initially cast into moulds. Before enamel is applied, it is extensively cleansed using shot blasting, which involves blasting the surface of the cast with iron grit at high velocity using compressed air. This eliminates any grime on the metal.
The enamel is then sprinkled onto the surface of the metal, which has been elevated to a temperature higher than the enamel’s melting point. The furnace in which this process occurs enables the enamel to dissolve upon contact with the cast, resulting in a highly smooth coating for the entire product. The enamel is permitted to dry during a process known as “firing,” which occurs in furnaces containing specialised equipment.
Is Weight Going to Be a Problem?
As you might assume, a large piece of iron will not be particularly simple to lift. The fact is that these bathtubs are extremely weighty even when empty, so when they are full, they can place a great deal of pressure on floors; therefore, you must ensure that the flooring you choose can withstand the weight. You should probably avoid tiling this area due to the high risk of splitting; instead, experts suggest using high-quality wood.
Furthermore, if you have a lavatory on the second floor and the room is not structurally solid enough to support a bathtub, there is a very real chance that the tub will crash through the ceiling when it is filled to capacity. Upstairs spaces in contemporary homes are typically not designed to support the weight of these bathrooms. Ultimately, the expense of reinforcing your ceiling may not be worth the trouble, so it is probably best to install one in a bathroom on the lower level.
Is Your Bathroom a Good Match for It?
In reality, this depends on numerous variables. Firstly, if your bathroom has a more traditional design, a bath tub cast iron design should fit in well. It may appear a little out of place in contemporary settings, as the general style is geared towards period designs.
As previously mentioned, you must also consider the bathtub’s weight. If you only have an upstairs bathroom or limited space, a cast iron tub might not be the best choice. Fortunately, there are alternatives that replicate the appearance without being nearly as weighty. Lastly, a decent cast iron bath will not be inexpensive, so ensure you can afford to purchase and maintain one before deciding.
There are Plenty of Finish Coatings to Choose From
When it comes to selecting the finish for your cast iron bathtub, your options are nearly limitless. The exterior of the bathtub, and features like the legs, may be painted any colour desired. Choose a pastel hue that either complements or contrasts well with the space’s colour for the best results.
Alternatively, polished cast iron baths offer a gorgeous interpretation of the design and will truly elevate your bathroom. Not only can a polished bathtub be incorporated into any traditional bathroom regardless of its colour, but it will also reflect light, making the room appear larger.
Consider the Types of Faucets You May Need
With cast iron tubs, it is typically challenging to affix taps directly to the tub, so many people choose to install freestanding fixtures that allow the tub to preserve its pristine appearance. For the ultimate classic bundle, freestanding faucets can also be complemented by chrome pipe covers and a shower mixer.
How to Best Maintain Your Tub?
Steel wool and other abrasive cleaners should not be used to clean a cast iron bathtub, despite its durability. Use a cleaning product intended for the material, or add dish soap to a bathtub filled with tepid water, leave for 30 minutes, then drain and dry with a microfiber cloth.
How Can You Identify a Cast Iron Bathtub?
Find a powerful magnet and place it against the bathtub’s wall. If it stays put, your bathtub is composed of steel or cast iron. Acrylic and fibreglass bathtubs are not magnetic, unlike metal bathtubs. Another noteworthy fact is that an acrylic bathtub enhanced with fibreglass can last up to 15 years. In contrast, cast iron bathtubs can last up to seventy years, and if properly cared for, even more.