For a new bathtub, American Standard or Kohler?

Have been shopping at Home Depot and Lowes for a new standard white alcove bathtub. Lowes sells American Standard americast porcelain tub. Home Depot seems to have more Kohler, which are either acrylic or cast iron. I wonder if the cast iron is very heavy and if it is harder to install. Anyone know anything about bathtubs??|||They are practically equal. I install both frequently and they are the choice of custom home builders/owners. Neither scratches easily and both will last for many years. I have never seen any case of a porcelain tub warping or cracking tile.





If I had to choose, I would go with the Kohler. I've installed more of them and never heard any complaints. (Never heard anything bad about the American Standard tho either.)





A standard size Kohler cast iron tub weighs 330 lbs. w/crate. We carried one up 2 flights of stairs last week. The porcelain is heavier.|||As you have narrowed your selection down to two of the best manufacturers, I believe you can let desired features make the choice. If they both provide the features you desire, let price make the decision for you.|||There are not many practical reasons for installing cast iron tubs anymore, the new materials are very durable, however, I can't attest to the Americasts quality, and the Kohler has always been overpriced. For someone who has never installed a cast iron tub, it could be a nightmare. I would look for another alternative.|||Cast iron is heavy but there are good things that come with that. They keep the water warmer longer and do not flex like acrylic tubs do. If you do go acrylic, make sure you use a mortarbed under it. The acrylic flexs and this tears the caulking from the wall. It also can cause cracking. I like American Standard products but have heard a lot of bad things about the Americast tubs. One of the main concerns is the finish going bad in less time than it should. Ask if it is "actually" cast iron as I have heard it isn't. Good luck.|||Kohler has a good track record regarding the environment.





We've been looking to install a new tub or spa, and I found the information listed below:





"Drop-in tubs are made of lightweight acrylic or fiberglass-reinforced plastic--these are susceptible to scratching and dulling--or of enameled cast iron, which may require structural reinforcement."





Good luck.|||I either go with a one piece fiberglas unit that includes the walls or a cast iron tub. Forget that Americast crap. That's a steel tub with plastic baffling.