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Steel, Cast or FG?

DoRight | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 6, 2014 08:56am

Bath tubs.  What do people like?  Steel, Cast Iron, or FG.  I see alot of FG tubs.  is this because for spec houses they are cheap?

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  1. oldhand | Apr 06, 2014 09:59pm | #1

    my preference..

    1- cast iron, 2- composite, 3- steel.

    I see mostly composite tubs go in maybe some of it is because they come in more "stylish" patterns and colors.

    1. DoRight | Apr 07, 2014 01:05pm | #2

      Why?

      Why cast iron first and steel last?

      Thanks

      1. oldhand | Apr 07, 2014 09:08pm | #3

        stand in both and decide...

        I believe the finish is much thicker on cast over steel for one thing. Look at the margins of both, the steel finish looks like paint overspray while the cast looks like bonafide baked enamel.

        In 2010 I was studying how to replace my old failed finish cast iron tub. Times were lean and the $100 steel tub was looking pretty good. Enter an historic tornado a couple miles away during which I resided in the old 350# tub. Next day among other assorted debris deposited on my property  was a steel tub. The front skirt was bent up at a 90* angle to original and it had a couple dents in it  sorta like bullet marks. Also about a quart of muddy water.

         I don't offer this as any reason to buy a cast iron tub over a 40# steel one but it pushed me over the fence for the cast iron one...

        1. DanH | Apr 08, 2014 07:21am | #4

          Yeah, it would probably be possible to make a substantial steel tub, such that you didn't feel like you were sitting in a tin can, but it's not commonly done, probably because cast iron is as cheap and light as a well-made steel tub would be.

  2. cussnu2 | Apr 08, 2014 07:04pm | #5

    A tornado can put your truck up in a tree.  A couple hundred pounds doesn't mean squat....but if it makes you feel better just before you get sucked up into the air then that's something.

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