Is a cast iron bathtub really desirable?

What I know is that they're very durable, and also, the water in the tub tends to stay warm longer. Not sure exactly how that compares to other tubs specifically, so hoping that others will chime in!

Yup, they are rare! Everything now is porcelain covered steel, fiberglass, or acrylic. It mainly was a weight problem. Claw foot free standing tubs are getting a resurgence as people renovate vintage homes. The cast iron built ins are getting in demand also. There are a few companies that are refurbishing old cast iron. If yours is in good condition, it can be repainted to look as good as new. Either professionally or DIY.

If I could economically replace my current tub with a cast iron tub, I would do it! The iron holds the heat well. They are easier to clean, as well.

Thanks, Terry. I appreciate your input.

If your tub is in good condition .....Were it me , I would keep it . My house was built in 1904 , We have a cast iron clawfoot tub , built in with cabinets we have a step stool to climb in , it is very nice . But no one here enjoys baths . but for the rare occasion . Blissfully warm and cozy .

My mom's house was built in 1926 and has the built in cast iron. I love it. Terry is correct. In my house, built in 1986, I have the builder grade fiberglass one piece units. They suck. Always look dirty and scratch easily. In time, I will yank out and replace - with cast iron. I would hang on to it.

I have had all types of tubs and the cast iron are the best. They clean up good and they don't crack or get damaged like the fiberglass and plastic ones and they hold the heat. When I tried to bathe in a fiberglass one piece unit, the water got cold before I was done and when itdeveloped a crack it was repaired but continued to crack. Keep the old one, you are better off.

Although extremely heavy (and very hard to move out), cast iron is the way to go. You can certainly have it refinished and it will look like new.

Check out angieslist.com for How to Choose the Best Bathtub

Keep it,you won't be sorry,they are easier to keep clean than the newer fiberglass ones,and don't get yellowed with age,or from some cleaners.I still have one,and will never get rid of it.Newer is not always better.

I sold my house last year with a cast iron tub and have a new fibreglass one. Miss my old bath so much - it was wider, deeper and more comfortable and held the heat much longer.

My 1937 porcelain over cast iron is in mint condition. I love it. Great size and depth and so easy to clean.

Keep it for all the reasons mentioned by others... Unless you hate the style and want to put in a custom shower for ergonomic or design reasons. New builder grade stuff is deplorable... But there are beautiful higher end options.

I would hold on to it, they don't make quality items now a days. That will last long after your gone. They make junk now so you have to constantly buy replacements. And to remove tubs at least now you need to replace tile it's like a Pandora box. Just keeps going. Keep it if not sell it on line. But then don't replace with a cheap one just have shower installed sounds like no one will miss it. I personally don't like sitting in a tub it's just your dirty self water and grosses me out but it's great for kids.

Hello, we remodeled our old farm house. Looked for a nice new cast iron and found the price huge and the size small compared to what we had. Took four men and a hernia to move it around in the remodel but loved keeping this piece of our old house.

I would love to have a cast iron bath tub. Best ever.

Definitely keep the cast iron! Sturdy and durable for a lifetime.