Americast or cast iron tub?

[sparks98]

I'm going to be installing tile around and above the new tub, so I don't want to have to rip it all out because the tub cracked or chipped too much. Is Americast equally as good as a cast iron tub? Does the Americast need a mortar bed under the bottom?

[LazyPup]

I personlly have had a very limited experience with Americast tubs, but even with that, i was not favorably impressed.

I checked a couple websites and found that many people have shared my experience that Americast tubs will chip. In fact, many of the plumbers that responded said they refused to install them. I personally dont refuse, but i sure shy away when i can.

By contrast, while they are considerably more expensive, and can be a real bugger to handle during installation, short of hitting them with a sledge hammer, the likelyhood of a real cast iron tub chipping in a lifetime is slim to none.