Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Cast Iron Tub or acrylic

Advise needed on the best type of tub to buy; acrylic or cast iron. Currently have fiberglass and is cracked and leaked through the basement ceiling? Thanks for all recommendations

Dale

If I had my druthers, I'd get cast iron with porcelain coating. Neither porcelain or acrylic can be cleaned with abrasive cleaners. Hard water minerals and abrasive cleaners can take a toll on surface finishes over time. The plus for acrylic is that scratches can be buffed out, but acrylic does not have the kiln-fired, glass like finish of porcelain. Cast iron holds heat and bath water tends to hold heat longer than the acrylic. Too, budget is a consideration. Buy the best your budget will allow and install and clean and maintain as recommended. Cheap fiberglass without proper installation and support beneath tub will crack! This is a common problem in households with big people. Most of the ladies I know have 6'+ guys who are ex-football heroes and still weighing in at about 300 more or less. Go Boston!

I think you answered your own question. Cast iron will never crack, and with proper care will look good long after you are gone.