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Design Dilemma
n312

14 years ago
I need a functional bathtub for my children's bathroom. Will be bathing babies and preschoolers in it for at least the next 5-6 years so don't want something too deep that will be hard on back (I am 5'1). Keep hearing cast iron is the only way to go but it is countered by people saying an acrylic bath when taken care of properly is a better option. Cast iron keeps water warmer but needs hotter water to fill since its cold when not in use; acrylic can be filled with warm water because it won't be so cold to the touch all the time. So much back and forth! I just want something simple and won't have an opportunity to remodel this bathroom for 20 years or more. Advice? FYI, we are doing white subway tile with a brick pattern cloud white glass with marble and sea shell mix mosaic accent and light grey tile on the floors (boy and girl will be sharing this bathroom) so I think an all white tub is my best bet, but which brand and model? I can do a 60" long tub alcove style and prefer something with a height of 17 inches or less. Right now we have an old 14" high tub and its great and so easy to bathe the babies in. But its alice blue and has got to go!
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    14 years ago
    Acrylic is a better option. It's a softer material and can be easily maintained. For younger kids the softness and warmth will make a difference. Good luck.

    Comments (30)

    • PRO
      14 years ago
      If you are having a remodeling done, I suggest the cast iron...its classic, its sturdy but it is heavy...so you need brawny contractor and flooring that is in good shape to support. I wouldn't put in any other kind of tub...I have built 3 of my own homes and raised two kids..and build other homes for people now..and swear by them. Kohler is a great product line, comes in all prices and widths. Classic white is always the best way to go for a lifetime of enjoyment.

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    • 14 years ago
      There's a review on Amazon of the Kohler cast iron Villager model tub which says it's great except it is too shallow for soaking. May be what you want. A tub that is not too deep but still a tub.
      see http://www.amazon.com/KOHLER-K-715-0-Villager-Left-Hand-Drain/dp/B000XVV8HA
    • PRO
      14 years ago
      I would agree Cast Iron will hold up to the kids toys and years of wear and tear. It is colder and harder, but there are tons of anti slip and bumper products for tubs available from the baby stores. Kohler makes great fixtures and a white or Biscuit will go with any decor and tile. If you want a punch of color then incorporate the color into the shower curtain, wall paint and towels. That way when you want a change in wont hurt as much as re-tiling.
    • 14 years ago
      I love the tile you are using in the bathroom. Where did you find it? Thanks!
    • 14 years ago
      Thanks freyaa. The tile is available from www.terratileandmarble.com/ and I actually purchased mine through Standard Tile which has stores in New Jersey http://stdtile.com/locations/.
      This particular mosaic was called CRS SKSH Mix430 1/2x1 1/4 seashell and can be described as "Mini brick gray glass stone mixed mosaic".
      I will be posting photos of the finished bath once the vanity top has been installed and painting is complete.
    • 14 years ago
      Cast Iron would be my choice, having raised 2 kids with an old cast iron tub. It was 14" high outside and a water depth of 8.5". I am replacing with a Kohler again and of similar dimensions. I would not think acrylic would be good for the long haul, but I don't know for sure. The finish of acrylic is what I would be concerned about.
    • 14 years ago
      Thanks for the input enduring. We ended up going with the Americast Princeton tub from American Standard. Feels (and sounds) solid like cast iron, we love the safety grips at the bottom of the tub for the kids and it looks great. Time will tell how it holds up but so far, so good. I plan to post photos of the finished product once the final touches are in (vanity light and mirror).
    • 14 years ago
      looking forward to the pictures.
    • 13 years ago
      n312 Hi! I am remodeling my kids bathroom and would love to see the final pictures of your bathroom. Love the tile and would like to know what floor tile you got to go with it? Also, what shower head did you purchase?
    • 13 years ago
      We have the cast iron Kohler Villager, and it has worked really well in our children's bathroom. Not too deep for bathing. I like that if I need to shower in that bathroom, the tub is wide enough that I don't feel cramped. Cleans easily.
    • 13 years ago
      Oh wow! I totally forgot to come back and post photos. I am going to try to take some pictures today so everyone can see how it turned out. We are happy with the results and I love the mosaic I used so much, I wish I used it in one of the other bathrooms we remodeled too! I will try to get something up today or sometime this week.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks. I would really appreciate if you could get it up today. We need to order our tile this week and we love it. Thanks
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      I put some photos up, take a look (click where it says ideabook to see all the photos I posted, not just the first one) ...... http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13334765/thumbs/Shared-Gender-Neutral-Children-s-Bathroom
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      This is a nice cast iron one that is 60 x 32 if you decide to stick with cast iron

      http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Bellwether-60-x-32-alcove-bath-with-integral-apron-and-left-hand-drain/productDetail/Baths-or-Whirlpools/427014.htm?brandId=656446&skuId=403796&categoryId=429297
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      For what you're looking for, we also really like this tub

      http://www.americh.com/pd3.php?s_product_model=Turo&s_product_shape=&s_product_length=&s_product_width=&s_product_height=&product_id=222
    • 13 years ago
      Our first home had a large acrylic tub and the weight of the water would make it flex and crack the caulk around the tub. So I'd vote for cast iron. Love the shell tile you picked.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Kathleen, what you just described is exactly why so many shoppers are afraid of fiberglass and acrylic tubs. But your experience was with a tub of poor quality. I am going to take a photo and post it in just a second...
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      The Americh Tubs have double walled floors. They are to be set directly on the subfloor without a mortar bed because they are that well built. These tubs will not flex. Another instance of "You get what you pay for." These tubs are made in California.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      That's a piece of the floor by the way. This particular piece came from a tub that fell off of a truck so it got cut up for educational purposes.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      We really try to NOT sell junky tubs because, inevitably, the contractor or tile guy gets blamed for the installation when there are leakage problems over the years, when, in fact, they were cause because the homeowner bought a product of such poor quality that there was no way to install it well. The thinner and cheaper products flex and warp allowing water to get where it should never be. Can you tell I love what I do?
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      But this is not to say that there is anything wrong with cast iron. It's just heavy and more expensive if you're comparing the same size and depth.
    • 13 years ago
      Deep tubs are nice, several models such as the peanut and colony that are in the three hundred price bracket and look nice
    • 9 years ago

      i am interested in the americast princeton tub with white subway tile. i will probably use the lowes american olean subway tiles - will they match the princeton tub? do i get the white or arctic white tub? n312 -your bathroom turned out great!

    • 7 years ago
      Hi!! I was ready to go with the Kohler Archer but now so worried. Anyone have any input on this? It’s for a kid friendly bathroom.
    • PRO
      7 years ago

      Julienne Brown. start your own bew post. This one you have commented on is 6 years old and you'll never get any response once the forum sees this is so very old.

    • PRO
      7 years ago

      I have had acrylic tubs in my last 2 homes I love them . And if one of the kids slips and falls a lot easier on a little head than cast iron.Also a heck of a lot easier to install and carry up the stairs.

    • 7 years ago
      @Patricia, getting inside a narrow bathroom is my biggest frustration. I decided to go with acrylic!
    • 5 years ago

      any updates?

    • 5 years ago

      Updates regarding what? It has been a long time but I am just here to say that the tub and tile and hardware have held up remarkably well. We have very hard water so the grout does turn red after a while but we use Mold Armor Mold Blocker and it keeps the rust colored stuff at bay for a long time in between regular cleaning. The tub still looks brand new and I am so glad we went with it. The only regret I have is not spending a little more money on that glass and stone mixed mosaic strip and making it larger and/or having one strip at towards the top of the shower and one towards the lower third. It is so beautiful, holds up well, hasn't discolored at all and really completes the look of the bathroom. We just swap out hand towels as the kids get older to freshen up the look.

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