9 tips on which cast iron bathtub to choose: advantages, disadvantages, size

The modern market offers such a wide selection of bath bowls that you can choose any one in shape, size and color.
Previously, cast iron products were popular, now buyers prefer acrylic and steel options. But still, cast iron bathtubs do not lose their relevance due to the unique properties of the metal, for which it is highly valued. The size of a cast iron bath can be standard, reduced or increased.

When choosing a cast iron bath bowl, consumers choose standard shapes and sizes.

Depending on the size of the bathroom, the bathroom can be either narrow or wide. Of course, it is most comfortable to be in a wide bathroom, especially for tall people.

How to choose?

The choice of the size of a cast iron bathtub is influenced by many different parameters. But there are 3 main ones:

• bathroom area;
• growth of owners;
• family composition (are there children or elderly people)

Let's take a closer look at each of the three factors.

Plumbing unit parameters

It is logical to assume that if the bathroom area is small, a font measuring 180x70 will not fit there.
Therefore, when choosing a bath, the first thing you need to do is measure the dimensions of the bathroom. node. It is most convenient to install a cast iron font against the wall. This will save space and avoid the need to build a separate frame - additional supports can be attached to the walls.

If you plan to install a bathtub after tiling, do not forget to take into account that
the distance between the walls will decrease by the thickness of the layer of glue and tiles . As a rule, this is 3-4 cm, if you take both walls.

Owner growth

Everything is simple here too. A basketball player over 2 m tall will be able to use a cast iron bowl measuring 120x70 only as a shower tray.

It is impossible to sit comfortably in such a font. However, if everyone in your family is short, there is no point in buying a bathtub 180x75 cm and overpaying for a larger size.

A very important parameter of a cast iron hot tub is its weight.
We recommend reading our article: How much does a cast iron bathtub weigh?
Therefore, you need to select a bowl strictly according to your height. The picture shows the position of a person of average height in bathtubs of different standard sizes.

Family composition

If you plan that the bathroom will be used by older people, you should not buy deep 150x70 models. Pensioners will not be able to take water procedures in such bowls on their own due to the fact that it will be difficult for them to step over the high side.

The optimal models for older people would be low bowls with a depth of 40 cm.

For their convenience, manufacturers have come up with special sitz baths with a door. It is needed so that a person can get into the font without climbing over the side.

Features of a cast iron bath

Overall dimensions of cast iron models are limited due to the properties of the material

Not so long ago, this type of plumbing enjoyed tremendous success among consumers, but even today large cast-iron bathtubs can be found in private homes. They have one very important feature - mechanical strength, which ensures a long service life of the devices. If you properly care for the product, it will last at least 30.

But before you tell us what sizes of cast iron bathtubs are, you should consider some features of the material itself. Cast iron cannot be called ductile, so manufacturers do not pamper consumers with a special variety of shapes and sizes of products.

The overall dimensions of cast iron models are very limited, this is influenced by the characteristics of cast iron. As a rule, fonts have a standard rectangular shape, while the dimensional grid of such devices is several times smaller compared to models made of polymer materials (acrylic, quarry).

However, modern manufacturers are able to offer potential buyers a sufficient selection of models, the parameters of which can satisfy the needs of almost any consumer.

Model categories:

• small fonts;
• Standard products;
• large fonts;
• large-sized structures.

Now it’s worth analyzing in more detail the dimensions of a cast iron bathtub from the categories listed above.

Compact hot tubs

An example of a compact cast iron bathtub model

A short cast iron bathtub is often installed indoors along the shortest wall. This type of placement of plumbing fixtures allows for more efficient use of space in the room, which makes even a small bathroom more spacious.

Corner bathroom design. Review of corner solutions and recommendations for choosing a bathtub

Small cast iron bathtubs have the following parameters (in cm):

• 120×70;
• 130×70.

A mini bathtub is quite rare, but if you intend to free up space in the room, you won’t find a better option. Of course, the compact size of the font will not allow a person to perform water procedures in a horizontal position, so you will have to wash while sitting. The product weighs no more than 100 kg.

Small cast iron bathtubs may appeal to people with a small build. If you want to take baths with greater comfort, consider standard sizes of cast iron bathtubs.

Standard size models

Standard dimensions of a cast iron hot tub

Fonts with traditional parameters are the most common in the segment of cast iron devices. The length of the cast iron bathtub allows you to install the font near one of the longest walls in the bathroom. Often there are models with a wide bottom, which allow a person to sit in the font with greater comfort. The width of the cast iron bathtub is 70 cm, while the length can be 140 or 150 cm.

Please note: The standard height of a cast iron bathtub from the floor is 0.56 m. As a rule, this type of equipment is not equipped with adjustable legs, since the plumbing fixtures are very heavy. Therefore, it is worth considering this parameter when choosing a suitable model.

In a font measuring 150x70, a person can sit reclining; for most consumers, this level of comfort is quite acceptable. In addition, the small capacity tank allows you to take a bath quite often, because it does not consume too much water.

Large size bathtubs

Large sizes of cast iron models

Large cast iron bathtubs are considered such if their dimensions are significantly larger than standard ones. Of course, you can sit in such a font in great comfort, but it also takes up a lot of space. Wide bathtubs allow you to install hydromassage systems in them, but if you are the owner of a very modest apartment, installing large plumbing fixtures will not be the best option for you.

Common sizes:

• 170×70;
• 180×80;
• 185×85.

Important! The latest model can only be installed in rooms with a non-standard layout, as well as in private houses. The weight of the equipment is too large, so it is unsafe to install it in apartments. The ceiling simply may not withstand such a serious load.

Of course, the larger the font, the more comfortable it is, but at the same time, the greater thickness of the cast-iron bathtub and its linear dimensions affect the weight of the structure. The weight of the equipment can reach 130 kg, without water.

Combined shower with bathtub. Types and subtleties of choice

Large structures

Example of a built-in large model

The largest font can only be installed in a private house. To accommodate such plumbing, the bathroom must first of all be spacious. The height of the bathtub in this case can reach 640 cm, and the linear dimensions can be 200 × 85 cm.

Unfortunately, large-sized structures can rarely be found on sale, because they are not particularly popular with consumers. Firstly, the product costs a lot, and secondly, it is quite difficult to install the equipment due to its enormous weight, and not every room can accommodate such a bulky font.

Other parameters of hot tubs

Non-standard models of cast iron products

The depth of a cast iron bathtub is traditionally 0.4-0.6 m, but recessed cast iron bathtubs can have a tank height of 0.7 m. However, this depth is not the most comfortable for a person, because in a horizontal position the head is under water, and not over her.

It should be noted that the above parameters are the most common, but not the only ones. Modern manufacturers can offer narrow and low cast iron bathtubs, but they are products of non-standard dimensions. In such models, the height of the bowl sometimes does not exceed 37 cm.

The width and length of devices are usually measured by the external outline, you need to pay attention to this. If you are 170 cm tall and want to purchase a model in which you can take a horizontal position, a 170 x 70 cm hot tub may not be suitable for you. The length of the tank itself will be approximately 10-12 cm less than the linear parameters of the equipment.

The deepest font has a bowl of 0.8 m. But such models are made exclusively to order, so they are not produced en masse. In addition, very deep cast iron bathtubs cannot be called practical. It is desirable that the depth of the tank does not exceed 0.6 m. Then a person will be able to completely immerse himself in the water, but at the same time his head will remain above the surface of the water.

What are the dimensions of standard hot tubs?

Manufacturers of cast iron bathtubs offer a range of sizes, as they say “for all occasions”. The table below shows the dimensions of modern cast iron hot tubs.

As you can see, the width of standard models is 70 cm - narrow bathtubs are not produced. The largest dimensions are 190x80 cm.

It is important to understand that the table shows reference dimensions and they may differ from the parameters of specific models. Therefore, you need to ask the seller for a passport, which will present all the characteristics of the product.

Old cast iron bathtubs from Soviet times could boast a smaller assortment. There were only 3 standard sizes: 150x70, 170x75, 180x75 cm .

How to choose the size of the bath?

When deciding what size of plumbing fixtures is best to order, the client takes into account a number of points: ease of use, size of the bathroom. Depending on the available space, clients order models with lengths from 120 cm to 180 cm. In small bowls, water treatments are taken while sitting, but in a 180 cm product you can steam while lying down.

The width of the bowl is usually selected depending on the dimensions. You need to pay attention to the width of a person's shoulders. There should be free space on the sides of the shoulders (at least 2 cm).

The depth of the bath depends on the above parameters (length, width). Long bowls are usually shallower.

Height with legs from floor

Another important parameter is the installation height of the bowl.

Many users ask the question: what is the optimal installation height for a cast-iron bathtub with legs from the floor?

As a standard, cast iron bathtubs are placed at a height of 60 cm . But this is not a strict parameter.

If you have elderly people in your family, and it is difficult for them to climb into the bathtub, you can install the font at a height of 50-55 cm at the edge of the side.

No. 3. Which bathtub is better: cast iron, acrylic or steel?

Choosing a bathtub is, first of all, a choice of material, because it is this that determines the set of operational characteristics. If you do not take into account the newfangled options, then the choice comes down to three samples: cast iron, steel and acrylic bathtub. We will not dwell in detail on the advantages and disadvantages of each option, but we will make a small indicative comparison.

So, cast iron or acrylic bathtub ? The cast iron sample wins in terms of strength, ease of maintenance, and durability, but is inferior in terms of price, range, ease of transportation and installation. In terms of thermal conductivity, the materials are almost equal, but acrylic is still a little “warmer”. If the cost of the product, its design and weight come first for you, then the choice comes down to an acrylic bathtub, which is the market leader today. If you prefer durability and strength, and are willing to go to the expense and complexity of installation, then it is better to take a cast iron bathtub.

If you don’t know which bathtub is better to choose, cast iron or steel , then keep in mind that the steel option will cost less, will be easier to install, and in this case there will be a greater variety of shapes. In terms of ease of maintenance, service life and weight, steel bathtubs occupy an intermediate position between acrylic and cast iron, but they are the least expensive. Under the weight of a heavy person, a steel bowl may bend slightly, and falling water will generate loud, ringing sounds. In terms of thermal insulation, steel is significantly inferior to cast iron and acrylic.

Steel baths

Instances made of stainless and black steel have several advantages over their analogues. They are inexpensive and lighter. Steel products have low heat capacity, so they heat up quickly when filled with hot water and cool quickly. The model range is represented by a large number of standard forms. The dimensions of the fonts can be of two types: large and medium. The first ones fit into the standard, their length is 150-180 cm. The second ones are slightly shorter - 130-140 cm.

With all the advantages, steel options have a number of significant disadvantages. Firstly, if the enamel coating is damaged, the metal begins to quickly deteriorate. Therefore, such products require careful care and timely restoration. Secondly, thin walls, which are only 3 mm thick, can deform under load. Thirdly, steel is “noisy”: the sound of falling liquid can be heard in the bathroom and outside in the apartment.

Good to know: How to soundproof a bathtub

To prevent mechanical defects and increase stability, the sides of the steel container should be secured with a supporting device.

Standard bath volume

The volume of a standard bathtub refers to containers of conventional rectangular models. Knowing their length and width, you can determine the filling capacity. If information from the manufacturer is not provided, you can use approximate data. A 150 cm bathtub is usually 75 cm wide and has a capacity of 160 l. If its length is 170 cm, width 75 cm, then the volume is 250 liters.

Non-standard bathtubs include sit-down, corner models of symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes. It is impossible to judge their capacity only by length and width parameters. You can't do without height data.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers indicate them. Usually it is 50–60 cm. It must be measured without taking into account the legs and bottom width.

Buy a steel or cast iron bathtub in the online store

Placing an order is not difficult. It is enough to call the phone number indicated on the official website, or make a purchase online. Our manager will contact you shortly and discuss the size and quality characteristics of the proposed purchase. At the customer's request, store consultants are ready to provide free information on issues of interest to you. Payment for goods is carried out in cash and by bank transfer. Delivery of purchased goods is organized in a way convenient for consumers in the shortest possible time.

Acrylic hot tubs

A polymeric inert material known as acrylic is widely used to produce expensive options. The ability to fill different shapes allows you to get original and ordinary baths. Their geometry can be anything: from standard straight to unusual in the shape of a bean with curved walls, recesses, and armrests.

Other advantages include rapid heating of the walls due to low heat capacity, low weight and variability in bath sizes. If you want to purchase acrylic plumbing fixtures, you should remember about its thin, sagging walls. This forces the sides and bottom of the bath to be installed on a special frame, which is covered with a screen for the sake of aesthetics. In addition, over time, due to constant mechanical stress, the plastic surface of the bottom becomes rough and loses its gloss.

The standard size of a rectangular bathtub is 140-185×75-90×40-65 cm. Round ones can have a diameter from 140 to 200 cm or even more. The width of corner Jacuzzis with a height of 45-60 cm is 140-180 cm. The dimensions of the bowl of an unusual configuration, which is made to order, depend on the size of the bathroom and personal preferences.

No. 5. Wall-mounted or freestanding bathtub?

When going to the store to buy a cast iron bathtub, it is important to decide where exactly it will be placed. Not only the parameters of the product, but also its type depend on this.

Cast iron baths can be:

• wall-mounted. They are mounted near the wall, then covered with a screen or covered with a certain pattern. This is the most familiar and simpler installation method, which, in conditions of lack of space, remains the only possible option;

• freestanding. Often such bathtubs are equipped with beautiful legs. The products can be installed anywhere in the bathroom. A freestanding bathtub can be a wonderful decoration for a spacious bathroom, but in this case you will have to think more carefully about the nuances of connecting water and sewer pipes.

No. 7. What else should you look for when buying a cast iron bathtub?

When you have decided on the size, shape, color and other parameters, the most important stage begins - assessing the quality of the product, because the durability of the bathtub is at stake. During an external inspection, pay attention to the following parameters:

• quality of enamel workmanship . Ideally, it should be applied evenly and have a smooth surface without cracks, chips, smudges or areas painted in other colors. The thickness of the enamel layer should be 1-1.2 mm, barely noticeable waviness of the coating is allowed. If the enamel is applied with high quality, then the bathtub will be durable and easy to clean, and you will not soon start thinking about restoration. Even a small crack and almost imperceptible chip under constant exposure to water can turn into an unaesthetic dark spot;
• quality of cast iron . Ideally, the thickness of the walls of a cast iron bath should be 6-8 mm, at least not less than 5 mm. The outer surface of the bath should not have any roughness, chips or other defects. The ideal coating for it is powder painting, which perfectly protects the surface of the bathtub and gives it an aesthetic appearance;
• the supporting elements must be very strong, because they have to withstand the weight of the bath, water and the bathing person;
• Many manufacturers apply a special anti-slip coating . This will be an additional advantage, as will the antibacterial coating;
• if the bathroom has headrests, handles, hydromassage jets and other additional elements, then be sure to study the quality of these elements;
• evaluate the location of the drain and overflow holes and correlate them with the location of communications in your bathroom. You may want the drain to be centered in the bowl. Such models are also produced.

Even if this is obvious, we emphasize once again that it is very important to know exactly what size bathtub will fit in the apartment, especially when it comes to a heavy cast-iron product that still needs to be able to be lifted to the required floor. So, we arm ourselves with a tape measure, measure the free space, take the tape measure to the store and check each product being considered for purchase.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before purchasing a product, you should weigh the pros and cons, which will allow you to quickly make a choice. A cast iron bathtub is no exception; despite the obvious advantages, each user may encounter characteristics that become a disadvantage. For example, the dimensions of a cast iron bathtub are quite impressive. Even the smallest model can be unwieldy.

Main characteristics

• Strength and resistance to mechanical damage. Even well-made alternatives cannot compare with cast iron in these parameters.
• It maintains the water temperature for a long time, which allows you to “soak up” in a hot bath.
• It does not deform during use and retains its original shape.
• Prostate care is explained by its structure; dirt does not penetrate into the pores, so it can be easily cleaned with any available means - sponge and powder.
• Good water noise insulation.
• Attractive appearance that can be maintained throughout the entire period of operation.

How much does a standard cast iron bath weigh?

The main disadvantage of a cast iron bathtub is its bulkiness and heavy weight. On the one hand, such a model will fit tightly to the wall and will not move away from it, on the other hand, the heavy weight causes inconvenience during transportation and installation of the product. Using modern technologies, manufacturers have managed to create models with thin sides, but the weight of the bath is still large and amounts to 100-130 kilograms. The disadvantages include the meager selection of forms for such products. As a rule, rectangular models are found.

Sizes and shapes

As already mentioned, cast iron products do not have a wide variety of designs . Their shapes and sizes are close to the standard.

The length of the bathtub can be 120 cm, 150 cm or 170 cm. The above Spanish manufacturer expanded the boundaries of length standards and introduced the following dimensions: 80 cm, 100 cm, 140 cm, 160 cm, 180 cm. The width of the product is most often 70 cm or 75 cm, but there are samples with a width of 60 cm and 80 cm.

The depth of the bowl is about 40-50 cm , but you can also find deeper products - up to 60 cm. The dimensions of the models also affect other characteristics: weight, wall thickness, etc. For example, the bathtub in Novokuznetsk measures 170 by 75 cm and weighs 114 kg; “Laguna-Lux”, whose dimensions are 150 by 70 cm, weighs 104 kg (Kirov); cast iron sample Roca Continental, measuring 150 by 70 cm, weighs 73 kg; Jacob Delafon 170 by 70 cm - 121 kg.

Bath in the interior

If the dimensions of a bowl suitable for all family members are determined, you need to solve the problem of placing the product in a specific interior. In this case, you need to operate with the external dimensions of the plumbing product. They start by drawing up a plan for the bathroom or toilet, if we are talking about a combined room.

Happy owners of spacious bathrooms will not have any big problems in this matter. It is enough for them to determine the location of plumbing fixtures, stationary furniture, household appliances and other objects in such a way that it looks beautiful and is convenient during use.

If the dimensions of the bathtub are chosen correctly, even in a small room you can place all the necessary plumbing fixtures. A bathtub of a non-standard configuration or a symmetrical corner model may be suitable

It is also worth considering such an important point as cleaning the bathroom. If there is a narrow space between the bathtub and the wall or other objects, this will not interfere with water procedures, but it can significantly complicate cleaning. Very often the bathtub is placed on a frame, which is hidden behind a decorative screen.

In this case, a special hatch should be provided to provide access to the plumbing connections to the water supply and sewer system of the house. If this moment is missed, carrying out minor repairs, for example due to a leak, can be a very troublesome task.

Connection points should also be taken care of in advance. The mixer can be placed on the side of the bath, on the wall, and even on a separate console. The placement location can also be different: in the head, at the feet of the bath, on the corner, in the middle of the long side, etc. Some models already have pre-fabricated holes for the faucet. You should make sure that their placement corresponds to the plan, and the size allows you to install the selected faucet.

The hardest part is for owners of small bathrooms. They will have to literally take into account every square centimeter of their space.

In addition to the bathtub, in a limited space you may need to place a washbasin, shelves or cabinets for bathing accessories, a mirror, lighting fixtures, and in the case of a combined bathroom, also a toilet. If space allows or such a need arises, an automatic washing machine, dryer, etc. are installed here.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing the size of the bathtub, you need to draw up a detailed plan, indicating on it the location of all objects, as well as their sizes. The operating features of each piece of plumbing should be taken into account. For example, there should be no problems getting into the bathtub, leaving it after bathing, standing upright in it to take a shower, etc.

If there are other plumbing fixtures near the bathroom, such as a washbasin, you need to think about the order in which these objects will be used.

Features of operation

The operation of a cast iron bathtub may exceed the period specified in the warranty documents. However, you must follow the rules of care:

1. Do not overload the bathroom, take into account the recommendations of the instructions, which indicate the load - the weight of a person + the weight of water. Regular overload can cause the legs or fasteners to break.
2. Detergents must be free of acids, chlorine, and abrasive particles. It is recommended to opt for liquid products. If there is an anti-slip coating on the bottom, it should be cleaned after each use. If you don't take care of it, dirt particles will accumulate on the surface.
3. If the faucet is leaking, then the constant flow of water creates an indelible yellow coating, so it is worth fixing the problem immediately.
4. Try not to drop heavy objects into the bathtub, which could damage the enamel. But even in this case, work can be done to restore it. The simplest restoration method is to install an acrylic liner. Applying liquid acrylic is a labor-intensive method that requires certain skills.

There are many factors in favor of a cast iron bathtub; the only thing that can stop you from purchasing such a reliable product is its cost and heavy weight, which makes transportation difficult. Otherwise, it is important to trust personal preferences - the choice of shape, size, bottom depth, the presence of additional elements, for example, a headrest. There is a wide selection of design solutions and colors on the market, so everyone can choose one to suit their interior.