I had an Ameicast tub put in in the mid-90's and it was fine. I just remodeled that bathroom and replaced it with the Belleweather and it is very nice

I agree. It’s a stunning space / completely, as is. Not to be seen again... truly remarkable.

You will never improve upon this.

I hate to argue this point but what is you love or not about the tub. IMO cast iron in the old days was a great idea since most places did not have continuos hot like we have now . I love acrylic tubs they can be had as an awesome deep soaker style are light weight to install and last a very long time . I use Maax a ot ,decent pricing, great styles and a heck of alot cheaper than cast iron. We all have hot water to add when the water cools no need for something to hold the heat .I would be curious to know the size of that tub I have found many that were samller than 60" long and almost all quite shallow too.

JMO…. I kinda love the tile work and tub area.

I would change out every thing else. The floor, vanity, toilet, gone!

That doesn't look like a 1930's bathroom to me. I'd probably change it too, if it were my house.

I usually fight to save anything old. The floor and grout looks like it’s been painted at some point. The shower tiles I love. Vanity, not so much. I’d probably keep the tub if it is bath worthy and deep enough for you. I’d probably replace the floor but keep it in coordinating vintage look.

Thanks for all the comments! I also love and appreciate vintsge charm, but to me this feels like a tan 70s remodel - certainly not original to the house based on that formica vsnity and vinyl wallpaper

plus - the shower grout is a mess - and that three handle shower is frustrating - it definitely needs work and replacing pipes makes sense

(plus the dark beige brown irks me!)

Keep the cast iron tub. we sre in middle

if remodel and we kept the cast iron tub, granted ours isnt as old as yours , but cast iron tubs are great!

Cast iron or not, this isn't an especially unique vintage tub (you can easily buy something similar in cast iron today, unlike those 1930's/40's/50's curved corner/alcove tubs that are pretty hard to duplicate). And I'm all about preserving vintage tile, but I'm with you on scrapping this - you could definitely do something that goes with the era of the house much, much better.

As for your actual question - if your current floor is supporting cast iron with no issues, replacing the tub with the same material shouldn't be a problem. Acrylic tubs feel cheap to me (and they definitely don't belong in a 1930's home IMO) - I can always feel the difference when I step into them. I'd recommend replacing with a cast iron unit and reinforcing the floor or addressing any issues with the floor if needed. It's possible your contractor just doesn't want to deal with installing a heavier tub or lugging it up a flight of stairs - which is a short-term issue for him, but you'll be living with that decision for the duration.

Thanks for all the comments! I also love and appreciate vintsge charm, but to me this feels like a tan 70s remodel - certainly not original to the house based on that formica vsnity and vinyl wallpaper

You are correct and the color back then was called Fawn. (Former shower curtain stylist so remember that color less than fondly.)

However I'd be loathe to get rid of that tub if it's in good condition compared to what you can buy nowadays. Quality is just not the same.

@cpartist @gtdj519 ive hemmed and hawed over removing the tub - its in fine condition and could easily glaze (also then dont have the hassle of tryinf to remove) however really wsnt to get to the very old old pipes under there to replace….

I have two circa 1993 American Standard tubs in two bathrooms, both of which have seen heavy use, and they’re still in great shape. You might also take a look at Kohler. Either way, though, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to take a sledge hammer to that tub; it’s just not worthy of trying to work around.

Thank you @Sammy

This looks like a late 70’s early 80’s bath to me, not special and not something period to the home. I’ve used Americast, held up pretty well. They feel more solid than steel but less weight than cast iron. Nothing beats cast iron though for longevity. That said my tub is acrylic.

@HALLETT & Co. thanks - some of these other posts were getting in my head! haha — have to fugure out if cast iron is worth trying tk get up the narrow stairs etc

We renovated recently and removed an old cast iron tub that had been reglazed badly several times - it was tough for our plumbing team to find someone to cut it up and get it down the narrow stairs.. we opted for an acrylic model for our replacement,

I absolutely love old things too but definitely appreciate the new pipes that our team was able to run to the new bath as well as a nice level subfloor 😅

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@la_la Girl oh wow that photo terrifies me but yes to fresh new pipes and subfloor! haha

however really wsnt to get to the very old old pipes under there to replace….

I forgot about that! I lived in 2 old homes, a 1927 bungalow and an 1898 Victorian Farmhouse so get where you're coming from.

My plumbers went on about how nobody does cast iron tubs anymore they aren't worth it, acrylic is just as good.

I looked at him and told him he didn't have to get it upstairs.

All the sudden cast-iron was great.

I also wonder what this bathroom would look like cleaned up, regrouted and caulked.