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I am in the process of planning an remodel of my guest bath. The house was built in 1978 and has fiberglass bathtubs throughout. Since I will be pretty much gutting the entire room and retiling, I thought I’d be a fool not replace the existing fiberglass tub before it cracks and begins leaking (if it hasn’t already). Now the question. What to replace it with. What are the pros and cons of the various tubs on the market. Enameled Cast iron, enameled steel, or acrylic. I’m not looking for a whirlpool tub, just a good basic tub that will hold up well and provide good long-term service.
One more question. I was planning to install 30# builder’s felt to the studs behind the tub and concrete backer board before reinstalling the tub and tile. (The house is a concrete slab, so underfloor is concrete) Is there anything wrong with this approach?
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Who on earth ever told you fiberglass tubs aren't reliable? Far as I know they're very reliable.
As for the pros/cons, look at cast iron tubs, they've been around for YEARS. That attests to their durability, and with todays innovative technology, they can be refinished easily if they ever become damaged.
*FHB had a comparison of acrylic and fiberglass tub/showers in their "What's the difference" column about 2 years ago. Do not use enameled steel. Go to any tailer park, fourplex, etc. to see why. They ding, rust, look and feel cheap. Note that most of the disounted, damaged-in-transit tubs at the builders supply are enameled steel.Cast iron will last forever but is a grunt to move in. Get someone who's done it before to help. There is a knack to it. I used CI in one bath and it looks great and cleans easily but is cold on your back when you first lean back.For any tub: put fiberglass batting around the tub before dropping it in place. It will retain heat MUCH longer and you won't have to keep topping off with hot water during a long soak. Felt and concrete backer board are good. -David
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I am in the process of planning an remodel of my guest bath. The house was built in 1978 and has fiberglass bathtubs throughout. Since I will be pretty much gutting the entire room and retiling, I thought I'd be a fool not replace the existing fiberglass tub before it cracks and begins leaking (if it hasn't already). Now the question. What to replace it with. What are the pros and cons of the various tubs on the market. Enameled Cast iron, enameled steel, or acrylic. I'm not looking for a whirlpool tub, just a good basic tub that will hold up well and provide good long-term service.
One more question. I was planning to install 30# builder's felt to the studs behind the tub and concrete backer board before reinstalling the tub and tile. (The house is a concrete slab, so underfloor is concrete) Is there anything wrong with this approach?