chrisntine
New Member
First, thanks for such a helpful forum. I'm avidly researching for our bathroom updates and have already selected a Toto Soirée thanks in large part to these Terry Love sites.
Now I need help with the tub for an upstairs alcove tub/shower combo. I understand cast iron is the gold standard and folks have ranked everything else behind it in various orders. I would love to get cast iron except we have very narrow stairs, a tiny bathroom, and I don't know if the floors can hold the load.
If we can do the cast iron, are all cast iron tubs equal? I've been looking at Kohler, but only 2 models fit our small space (60"x30"). I'd like to look at other brands but don't know where to start. We don't want super high end (this is the kids' bath), but are willing to pay for better quality. Any brands to try (or steer clear of)?
If we can't do cast iron, I've read that the "better" acrylic tub finishes hold up well to scratches etc. But I've never seen a list of those "better" tubs. So far I've seen John Whipple recommend the Acri-Tec, but I don't know if that's available in the U.S. Are there other acrylic tubs that have stood the test of time? Is Kohler acrylic and/or Exocrylic good enough?
(I'd prefer to not try the Americast and Vikrell tubs. I think Terry Love and others have given some positive feedback, but there are so many bad reviews I'd prefer to avoid them if possible. Hoping to find brands/materials that get consistently good marks, like the Totos ).
Thank you so much for your advice,
christine
Now I need help with the tub for an upstairs alcove tub/shower combo. I understand cast iron is the gold standard and folks have ranked everything else behind it in various orders. I would love to get cast iron except we have very narrow stairs, a tiny bathroom, and I don't know if the floors can hold the load.
If we can do the cast iron, are all cast iron tubs equal? I've been looking at Kohler, but only 2 models fit our small space (60"x30"). I'd like to look at other brands but don't know where to start. We don't want super high end (this is the kids' bath), but are willing to pay for better quality. Any brands to try (or steer clear of)?
If we can't do cast iron, I've read that the "better" acrylic tub finishes hold up well to scratches etc. But I've never seen a list of those "better" tubs. So far I've seen John Whipple recommend the Acri-Tec, but I don't know if that's available in the U.S. Are there other acrylic tubs that have stood the test of time? Is Kohler acrylic and/or Exocrylic good enough?
(I'd prefer to not try the Americast and Vikrell tubs. I think Terry Love and others have given some positive feedback, but there are so many bad reviews I'd prefer to avoid them if possible. Hoping to find brands/materials that get consistently good marks, like the Totos ).
Thank you so much for your advice,
christine
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