Bob F wrote:
aemeijers wrote:
Bob F wrote:
aemeijers wrote:
Don't give up- old iron tubs, if the porcelain is good, are worth
saving. They beat the heck out of all but the high-end special-order
modern tubs.
Are they significantly better than brand new cast iron tubs?


You priced a Real Cast Iron tub, lately? If the porcelain coating on
the old one is good, not cracked or stained, and still shiny, it is
worth a couple hundred bucks in effort or hired labor to salvage it,
assuming the color and style meet your (and SWMBO's) requirements.
I'm sure you can still get brand new tubs that are as good, but you
won't find them at the big box, and you will pay through the nose. If
it isn't abused, and there is nothing horrible in the water or the
cleaning chemicals used, a good porcelain-coated tub can last a
century or more. Modern plastic or fiber ones look tired after 20
years. Other than where idiot Previous Owner chipped it by dropping
wrenches, the 1960 tub in this place looks like new. The plastic 1978
shower stall in the addition looks like it belongs in the type of
motel where you only stay when everything else is booked solid.

I bought a new cast iron tub at Home Depot a few months ago. They are in stock,
$329.


Hmm- the big-boxes around here don't carry ANY iron tubs, just plastic
or that thick faux-cast stuff that feels less flimsy than a typical
plastic tub. When I looked online last year, Real Iron tubs from the
major brands started several hundred higher than that.

(checks Lowes website)

Well, I guess my search params were too tight last time. I did find a
couple entry-level ones in the mid-300s. But only a couple. Most were
anywhere from several hundred higher to several thousand for the
'designer' tubs.

I still the old ones are worth salvaging, if they are in good shape,
just on principle.

--
aem sends...