So my 1963 bathtub is needing replacement. What do I need to know about what to replace it with? Cast Iron is still the best or a synthetic tub?



I would be down to doing the work myself. However I have a sick wife and between working and taking care of her and the house I'm not able to spend the time so the weight of cast iron will be on someone else.

House is a single story raised foundation with a 1 1/2"  tongue and groove floor.

I replaced a 1 piece shower/tub last year with a poly tub and shower walls from HD.  If you go with poly or fiberglass, set the tub in a wide bed of mortar.   Even though it has a base on the tub, it is not sturdy enough. When we were putting it in, I  got in it and moved around some, and it creaked and popped quite a bit.  So we pulled it and put down mortar. Solid as a rock across the entire bottom.

I am still a fan of cast iron, heavy as hell, but they last a long time.

I put them in without help most times, pain it the butt, but doable.

Fiberglass isn't bad, but given equal treatment/care, cast iron will outlast by far

We just did a new tub and went freestanding insulated acrylic... hopefully we won’t regret it.  Shrug

The acrylic is very soft.

Almost any scrubbing action during cleaning will produce scratches in the surface
Stick with chemical for cleaning, and nothing abrasive.

Not even a kitchen scrub pad with a sponge on the other side.

More expensive 'name brand' spray cleaners would be worth the price.
Spray it on, let it sit, wipe with a cloth.

If it needs more cleaning, repeat.
DO NOT SCRUB back and forth on a spot.

Even baking soda will scratch acrylic.