Acrylic vs Cast Iron Bathtub: Which Should You Buy?

When shopping for a bathtub, two materials come up again and again: acrylic and cast iron. Both make excellent tubs, but they feel and behave very differently. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you choose the right one for your bathroom and how you live.

Acrylic Bathtubs

Acrylic is a lightweight material reinforced with fiberglass. It has become the popular choice for good reasons:

• Lightweight and easier to install, often without floor reinforcement
• Warm to the touch and good at retaining heat
• Available in many shapes and styles
• More affordable and easy to repair if scratched

The tradeoffs are that acrylic can scratch and is less rigid than cast iron, though quality acrylic tubs are durable with normal care.

Cast Iron Bathtubs

Cast iron is molded iron coated in a thick porcelain enamel. It is the heavyweight option in every sense:

• Extremely durable, often lasting generations
• Excellent heat retention for long soaks
• A solid, substantial feel and a glossy enamel finish
• Resistant to scratching and chipping with normal use

The tradeoffs are significant weight, which often requires floor reinforcement, a higher price, and a cold surface until the water warms it.

How to Choose

1. Want easy installation and lower cost: acrylic
2. Want maximum durability and a heirloom tub: cast iron
3. Concerned about floor support or an upper floor: acrylic
4. Love long hot soaks and a solid feel: either, both retain heat well

The Bottom Line

Acrylic suits most modern bathrooms with its blend of value, warmth and easy installation. Cast iron is for those who want a tub that lasts a lifetime and do not mind the weight and cost. Compare both in our acrylic bathtubs and full bathtub collections.