If you’re in the market for a new bathtub, you may be wondering what type of material to choose. Cast iron bathtubs have been a popular choice for over a century, and for good reason. They offer a classic and aesthetic look, excellent durability, and heat retention ability. However, it’s important to note that these bathtubs are also the heaviest option available.
Before selecting a cast iron tub, it’s important to consider the weight retaining ability of your bathroom floor. An average cast iron bathtub can weigh around 300 pounds, but the weight can vary depending on the size, wall thickness, and model type.
In this article, we’ll discuss the average weight, benefits, and setbacks of cast iron bathtubs to help you make an informed decision for your bathroom.
Cast Iron Bathtub History
Cast iron bathtubs have been around since the early 1880s when inventor David Buick introduced them as part of classic bathroom interiors. These bathtubs are made by bonding cast iron with porcelain enamel, resulting in an aspiring and aesthetic look inside the bathroom.
The alloy-carbon element in cast iron allows manufacturers to mold it into any shape they desire. This inspired them to create clawfoot and freestanding models, as well as other shapes due to the easy molding facility. Once installed, cast iron tubs ensure long-lasting service life.
Today, vintage cast iron bathtubs are still popular due to their durability and classic look. They are available in various sizes, shapes, and styles, making them a versatile choice for any bathroom.
How Much Does A Cast Iron Bathtub Weigh?
Cast iron bathtubs are known for their durability and vintage look, but their weight can be a concern for homeowners. On average, a cast iron bathtub can weigh anywhere from 240 to 500 pounds, making it the heaviest type of bathtub available.
The weight of an empty cast iron tub depends on its size, shape, and thickness of the cast iron. When filled with water, the weight of the water must also be considered. Here are some examples of the weight of different types of cast iron bathtubs:
- Alcove cast iron bathtubs are a popular option, with a length of 55 inches and a weight of up to 300 pounds. They can hold up to 32 gallons of water.
- Freestanding cast iron bathtubs are among the heaviest, with larger variants weighing up to 500 pounds. The average weight for a freestanding cast iron bathtub is 375-400 pounds, with sizes ranging from 60 to 75 inches.
- Kohler’s Seaforth model cast iron bathtub weighs up to 277 pounds, has a length of 54 inches, and can hold up to 33 gallons of water.
In summary, the weight of a cast iron bathtub depends on its size, shape, and thickness of the cast iron. The weight can range from 240 to 500 pounds, with freestanding bathtubs being the heaviest.
How Much Water Does An Average Cast Iron Bathtub Hold?
When you’re considering purchasing a cast iron bathtub, it’s important to know how much water it can hold.
This information is crucial for two reasons: first, to ensure that you have enough hot water to fill the tub, and second, to avoid damaging your bathroom floor due to excess weight.
The water capacity of a cast iron bathtub depends on the model you choose. Here are the water capacity and weight of some popular cast iron bathtub models:
| Bathtub Model | Empty Weight (lbs) | Water Capacity | Water-filled Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pegasus Claw Feet Tub | 247 | 36 | 738 |
| KOHLER Bellwether | 310 | 32 | 768 |
| Aqua Eden Clawfoot Tub | 280 | 40 | 805 |
| KOHLER Dynametric Tub | 345 | 35 | 828 |
| Barclay Products Roll Top Tub | 350 | 55 | 1000 |
As you can see, the water capacity of these models ranges from 32 to 55 gallons. Keep in mind that one gallon of water weighs 8.32 pounds, so a full bathtub can weigh well over 500 pounds.
Before installing a cast iron bathtub, it’s important to measure your bathroom floor’s weight capacity. This will help you avoid any costly damage that could occur due to excess weight.
In summary, the water capacity of an average cast iron bathtub varies depending on the model you choose. It’s important to measure your bathroom floor’s weight capacity before installing a bathtub to avoid any potential damage.
How Much Weight Does Bathroom Floor Support?
4 Benefits of Cast Iron Bathtub:
- Cast iron bathtubs are durable and long-lasting, making them a sturdy and reliable option for any bathroom.
- Cast iron tubs offer a timeless classic look that never fades away from its aesthetics, which can quickly elevate your bathroom decor.
- Cast iron is scratch and chip-resistant, so you won’t need to worry about its maintenance, which is also a money-saving deal.
- These tubs are available in different shapes and styles, giving you the freedom to choose your favorite style, shape, and color to match the bathroom décor.
The Setbacks of Cast Iron Bathtub:
Cast iron made bathtubs are heavyweight, so they will need additional support, which can run the risk of damaging the floor.
These tubs are highly expensive, making them not very budget-friendly.
When installing a cast iron bathtub, it is crucial to know the load capacity of your bathroom floor. Ideally, a concrete floor can withstand the average weight of any cast iron bathtub with ease.
However, wooden-floored bathrooms and upstairs bathroom tub installations require a moderate-weight cast iron tub.
To determine whether your bathroom floor can hold the weight of a cast iron tub, you should follow the building codes for floors. According to the floor codes, the bathroom floor can easily accommodate 40 square feet per foot (SPF). For instance, if your bathroom is 10ft long and 7.5ft wide, its floor spacing will be 75 square feet. So, its actual load capacity will be around 3000 pounds.
It is essential to consider the weight of your toile, basin, and other installations before finalizing the tub model.
Choosing a moderate-weight bathtub is always the best practice, even if your bathroom floor is made with the strongest concrete. It will save you from any possible damage to the bathroom floor.
Final Words
In conclusion, cast iron bathtubs are a great addition to any bathroom. Despite their heavyweight, they are easy to install on most concrete floors and add a classic medieval vibe to your bathroom décor.
They are also low maintenance and have a long-lasting performance, making them a valuable investment.
