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A Cast Iron Choice: Is it For You?
When you hear the words cast iron bathtubs, you probably envision an old claw foot bathtub with pipes that clanked and clanged. These types of bathtubs used to be seen in almost every house not so many years ago. Cast is not the kind of iron that was used, however most people think so. It actually is describing how the tub was made. Molten iron is shaped by putting it into a mold.
Although they are only about 5 feet long, they make up for that by being deeper than your traditional tub. The tubs have a very glossy finish due to being fired at higher temperatures. They can withstand higher temperatures than other materials used for making bathtubs.
Cast iron bathtubs, when properly taken care of can last for many years. The casting of the iron helps them to keep water warm longer than typical bathtubs. They are very durable and do not scratch or chip easily. However should you need repairs, it cost less to repair these tubs than the newer models.
Due to the fact that they are made from iron, these bathtubs are extremely heavy. If you are thinking of installing one, make sure your foundation is strong enough to hold it. If your home has a basement you should have it checked out to make sure the floor is sturdy enough to prevent the tub falling through. This is especially true if you put one in an upstairs bathroom.
Since these tubs are not built in like more modern ones, the pipes are visible. If you are installing one of these tubs, chances are you are going for an old fashioned look. Instead of worrying about hiding the pipes, emphasize them. Use copper piping that will go along with your antique look. You can always put the pipes in to make them less noticeable but the charm of having one of these tubs is that they are different from more modern tubs.
One tip when it comes to choosing the fixtures and pipes is to make sure that you get the right ones for your tub. Since they are predrilled, the fixtures you choose must match. You cannot just pick one because they may be either too large or too small for the holes that are already in the tub.
When it comes to choosing the cast iron bathtub that you want there are many different models to choose from. The traditional clawfoot tub has four feet that are made to look like animal claws. These are used on furniture also although in a smaller version than the ones for bathtubs. A slipper cast iron bathtub is higher on one end than the other resembling a slipper. A double slipper is higher on both ends. A pedestal cast iron tub has a base at the bottom instead of the four feet.
As you can see there are many types of cast iron tubs available. If this is the tub for you, there are several places to find them. The prices also vary ranging from just under a thousand dollars to several thousand. It is entirely based on the type of tub you decide you would like in your home.
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