The word cast iron bathtub conjures the image of something crude and heavyweight and not something to be placed in a modern bathroom. But it is not so. With their easy maintenance and durability, the ease with which they can be painted to fit the overall décor and design of the bathroom, not to mention the many styles that these bathtubs are available in has made them a firm favorite for those looking for a touch of class to their bathroom. This article will look at the major consideration needed to be looked at when choosing a cast-iron bathtub and the advantages of choosing a bathtub made from this timeless material.

Cast iron is extremely strong, which means it is unlikely to break and will last for years with even the most minimal of maintenance. Some people actually choose to buy antique bath, especially cast iron soaking tubs, and some of these bathtubs are in many cases decades old. Another advantage of the cast iron tub is that the interior of the bath tub is made of porcelain, which makes it stain, abrasion and wear resistance. Porcelain does not stain easily, and any staining which does occur can usually be got rid of by a quick clean with a mild chemical cleanser. Porcelain is also fire resistant, which adds to the safety element of your bathroom.

A cast iron bath tub can be painted according to the décor of your bathroom. It can be painted both on the exterior and the interior, making for some great color combinations if done properly. A freestanding bathtub made of cast iron can be painted over the total surface. This is something that cannot be done with many other types of bathtub materials, and so is a definite advantage for those who like to change the look of their bathroom often. If you change the color scheme an enamel bathtub can be painted-refinished-easily, adding a new look to the bath.

In terms of style, there are many different styles and sizes of cast iron bathtubs available. One of the old favorites is the Roll Top Clawfoot Tub. This provides a classic bath tub design and the beauty is timeless. It carries an old world charm with understated beauty and elegance. It is a classic vintage cast iron bathtub which can make for a real antique bathroom.

Other styles of cast iron bathtub include the slipper tubs, which have a largish back where you can lie and relax in the warm water, and the double ended tubs, which have rounded backs and a faucet mounted on the side of the tub so you can soak lying in different positions. If you are not too keen on the look of the antique claw foot bathtub then a cast iron pedestal bathtub might be an ideal option for you. As the name implies, they stand on a pedestal, and some think they look more elegant and sophisticated than a tub with a claw foot base.

Kohler is one of the oldest manufacturers of cast iron bath tubs and is still one of the leaders. But before you choose which manufacturer and type of cast iron bathtub would suit your bathroom the best, it's wise to do some research. This is easy nowadays. Just by visiting some bathroom supplier websites you can get a good idea of what is available. All the details are there… size, style, material, picture... All you have to do then is choose and order online.

As you can see there are many variations of the cast iron bathtub, and many reasons to choose one. Whether you go for the claw foot type, the slipper tub or the double-ended tub, there is sure to be a cast iron bathtub to fir your bathroom. With it's continued popularity its probable that the cast iron bathtub will continue to be a favorite for the bathroom for years to come.