Acrylic vs. Cast-Iron Tub: Which Is the Right Option for Your Bathroom?

While cast-iron bathtubs have been around since the late 1800s, acrylic tubs are still a relatively new kid on the block, rising to popularity in the 1970s. When you’re weighing bathroom remodel ideas, deciding between an acrylic versus cast-iron tub comes down to a number of factors, including bathtub replacement costs, maintenance requirements, longevity, and look.

What Is an Acrylic Bathtub?

Acrylic bathtubs are made by heating a sheet of acrylic and forming it to the tub mold with vacuum suction. The bathtub has an apron that reaches to the floor on the front and sometimes one or both ends of the tub. Acrylic tubs can also be freestanding. The bottom of the tub is coated with fiberglass to protect and strengthen it creating a lightweight bathtub that is easy to transport and install. 

Pros

• Affordable: Acrylic bathtubs are affordable, costing between $700 and $1,000.

• Lightweight: Acrylic bathtubs are reinforced with fiberglass, both very light materials, so they are easy to transport and can be installed anywhere without additional floor support. 

• Available in a variety of sizes and styles: Because acrylic is so lightweight and versatile, it can be molded into a variety of sizes and styles to create unique bathtubs.

Cons

• Doesn’t retain heat as well as cast iron: While acrylic bathtubs do a good job retaining heat, they can’t match the heat retaining properties of cast iron.

• Not as long-lasting or durable: Acrylic bathtubs hold up well to lots of use, but they aren’t as durable as cast iron.

• Prone to stains: If not cleaned regularly, acrylic bathtubs can be prone to staining, so it’s important to keep up with cleaning and maintenance. 

What Is a Cast-Iron Tub?

Cast-iron tubs were initially marketed in America as horse troughs in the late 1880s with the bonus that they could also be used as a bathtub. Because of their durability and heat retaining properties — refilling it with hot water wasn't as easy as turning on the tap — their popularity as a bathtub grew.

Coated with enamel, cast-iron tubs are scratch and crack-resistant, though they are susceptible to rust if there are nicks in the surface. Today’s cast-iron tubs can come in a standard bathtub size or be more customized. Some have an apron and look similar to a standard acrylic tub, others capture the nostalgia of clawfoot bathtubs, and they can also be freestanding and sit directly on the bathroom floor.

Pros 

• Retains heat: Cast-iron tubs retain heat well, making long soaks possible.

• Durable: These tubs are scratch and crack-resistant and last for years with proper maintenance.

• Can be refinished: If you want a DIY project or to save on the cost of a new tub, you can refinish a cast-iron bathtub for as little as $50 with a refinishing kit. You can also pay more and have a professional restore it for you.

Cons

• Very heavy: Cast iron is a very heavy material, so the floor under a cast-iron tub will need added support to hold its weight.

• Susceptible to rust: Though they’re coated with enamel, cast-iron tubs can rust if there are nicks and scratches, even tiny ones, in the protective surface.

• More expensive than acrylic: While some cast-iron tubs can cost as little as $400, they are typically more expensive than acrylic and can cost up to $14,000.

Acrylic Tub vs. Cast-Iron Tub: What’s the Difference?

Appearance: Tie: Based on Personal Preference

Acrylic versus cast-iron tubs differ in appearance, so the right choice comes down to the overall bathroom design and aesthetic you want. Cast-iron tubs are often a statement piece, whether they’re a clawfoot tub or a standalone bathtub. Acrylic tubs are much more common and therefore are more likely to blend into the overall bathroom design.

The manufacturing method of acrylic tubs allows them to come in a wider range of styles and shapes, but cast-iron tubs can also vary in appearance. Some look similar to a standard acrylic tub, but with the increased durability that cast iron offers.

Options: Acrylic

Both acrylic and cast-iron tubs come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can often look very similar. Because acrylic is easily molded, it offers more options than cast iron. Today’s bathtubs, whether cast iron or acrylic, typically come in white. However, it’s possible to find other colors, commonly gray or black, if you want to recapture the mid-century color craze in a modern way. 

Durability: Cast Iron

Cast iron is incredibly durable and while the enamel coating may chip or crack, the underlying iron tub likely won’t. This means that if the tub becomes chipped, cracked, or rusted, it’s possible to refurbish a cast-iron tub rather than replace it. Acrylic tubs are also durable, but they can’t compete with the strength and durability of cast iron.

Installation: Acrylic 

Installation is similar for both tubs and first requires removing the original bathtub. Once you have the new bathtub in place, you’ll need to check to see if the holes for the plumbing line up with the actual plumbing. If they do, then it’s mostly a matter of aligning the new bathtub and hooking up the plumbing. 

If they line up, you’ll need to measure for the new plumbing, install it, and then hook up the bathtub. Installing a cast-iron tub may require adding floor support to hold its weight, which can be done by an experienced DIYer, or you can hire a professional bathtub installer near you to get the job done

Heat Retention: Cast Iron

While acrylic tubs hold heat well, they’re no match for a cast-iron tub that has superior heat retention. This is one of the things that originally made cast iron an ideal material for bathtubs. 

Maintenance: Cast Iron

Choosing the best bathtub material often comes down to its maintenance needs. Both acrylic and cast iron require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance. Acrylic can be prone to stains, so regular cleaning is essential for keeping it looking good through the years. Cast iron can be prone to rust, so keeping an eye out for any chips or nicks and repairing them quickly can help keep rust at bay.

Cost: Acrylic

Acrylic bathtubs cost less than cast-iron tubs, running between $700 and $1,000. However, depending on the brand, size, and style, they can cost much more. Cast-iron tubs cost between $400 and $14,000, with an average cost of around $1,300.

Cast-Iron vs. Acrylic Bathtubs: Which Is Best for You? 

To decide between an acrylic or cast-iron tub, you should consider these tips to choose the best bathtub:

• Budget: First work out how much money you can dedicate to your bathroom remodel cost and then decide which tub will help you stay within your budget.

• Installation method (DIY or professional): Consider your skills as a DIYer and the cost of professional installation.

• Aesthetics: Decide on your bathroom aesthetic and then determine which type of bathtub will fit into it.

• Durability: Cast-iron tubs are more durable than acrylic tubs, but acrylic tubs can also last for years with proper maintenance.

• Maintenance needs: Weigh the different maintenance needs of acrylic and cast-iron tubs to determine how much upkeep you’ll want to do over the tub's life and whether you plan on refinishing it.

If you want a high-end look that will last for a long time, a cast-iron bathtub might be the right choice. But keep in mind that it will cost more and likely require professional installation to be sure the floor will be able to hold its weight. An acrylic bathtub will likely be more affordable and lightweight, saving on both purchase and installation costs. But it may not offer the same aesthetic and durability as a cast-iron tub. Either tub can be an excellent choice for a bathroom. And if you decide that you don’t want a bathtub at all, you can always convert the tub to a walk in shower.