| Vintage, antique, and clawfoot bathtubs are | | | | than an equivalent acrylic tub. |
| renowned for their timeless beauty and practical | | | | 4. Tubs made of iron look more authentic historically |
| functionality. Most vintage tubs are made of cast iron | | | | as most antique or vintage clawfoot tubs are made |
| that is covered with a very hard porcelain enamel | | | | of this material. |
| finish. Until recent years, cast iron and porcelain were | | | | Advantages of Acrylic Material |
| the best materials available for bathtubs. However, in | | | | 1. Although acrylic is more easily scratched than |
| recent years modern technologies have seen the | | | | porcelain covered cast iron, it is often easier to repair |
| introduction of new materials that rival the traditional | | | | by simply sanding and polishing it. |
| construction materials of yesteryear. | | | | 2. Acrylic is a lighter weight material than iron, which |
| Today there are two commonly used materials in | | | | makes the tub considerably easier to move and |
| clawfoot tub faucets: Acrylic and cast iron. While | | | | install. |
| both are durable and strong materials, each has its | | | | 3. While the acrylic tubs may not look as authentic |
| own advantages due to the differing physical | | | | historically as a cast iron tub to some people, they |
| characteristics inherent in the materials. This article | | | | are generally much better suited for installing |
| presents some of the advantages of each material. | | | | additional features. One such popular feature installed |
| Advantages of Porcelain/Cast Iron Material | | | | in many acrylic tubs is whirlpool type jets, which |
| 1. Porcelain enamel surfaces are extremely hard, | | | | transforms the tub into a mini hot tub right in your |
| which makes it more scratch resistant and easier to | | | | bathroom.. |
| keep clean than acrylic. | | | | Finally, whatever type of tub material you choose is |
| 2. The heavier weight of an iron tub makes it harder | | | | largely up to your own personal preferences, and to |
| to move out of place if it is not anchored securely to | | | | a lesser extent, your budget as acrylic tubs are |
| the floor. This is why it is important that the tub be | | | | generally less expensive than those made iron. The |
| fixed to the floor if possible, as moving such a heavy | | | | important thing is that whether you select porcelain |
| item can easily scratch the floor surface and possibly | | | | enameled cast iron or lighter weight acrylic, you will |
| damage plumbing components that are attached to | | | | be able to experience the sheer pleasure and |
| the tub. | | | | relaxation of taking a deep soaking bath in your own |
| 3. Cast iron tubs appears more substantial and solid | | | | clawfoot bathtub anytime you desire. |
| to some people, and has an overall heavier "feel" | | | | |