Shower pans are something we commonly overlook, but they need to be taken into consideration. There is no doubt that a cast iron shower pan would look lovely in your bathroom, but it also has certain disadvantages.
While a cast iron shower pan is elegant, strong, long-lasting, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean, it also has some drawbacks. It is the highest-priced shower pan material available. It also comes in a restricted range of colors, can be slippery when wet, weighs a lot, and is prone to rust.
Let me go through its pros and cons in greater detail and cover anything else you might be interested in knowing about it.
What Is a Cast Iron Shower Pan?
A cast iron shower pan serves as the foundation for your shower. It has a cast iron structure and is covered in layers of enamel. Since it is two to three inches taller than the surface, it shields the water within so that it doesn’t spill out onto the floor and instead flows straight into the drain.
A cast iron shower pan’s enamel coating gives the floor a shiny, smoother appearance. In addition to being a very strong foundation, it serves as a waterproof barrier.
Why Do You Need a Cast Iron Shower Pan?
A cast iron shower pan is needed to avoid mishaps. The cast iron shower pan will prevent the shower from leaking and mold growth. Additionally, it will waterproof your shower area, protecting you from the possibility of water damage.
Pros of Cast Iron Shower Pan
#1 Elegance
The cast iron shower pan will give your shower area a one-of-a-kind and exquisite style that can astound anyone.
#2 Easy to Clean
The nicest thing about it is that cleaning and upkeep don’t take much work. You may easily clean it with any cleaning chemical without worrying.
#3 Unaffected by Harsh Products
Being unsure about which cleaning product to use and which not to use is the concern that individuals have the most. You won’t need to worry about that if you own a cast iron shower pan. It is resistant to most harsh products and will not be harmed.
#4 Strong Structure
The fact that the structure is made of cast iron ensures that it is sturdy. The shower pan’s sturdy structure prevents it from being readily damaged.
#5 Unaffected by Scratches
The shower pan’s enamel coating guards it against scratches, which is a big plus.
#6 Durable
Lastly, it is durable and long-lasting, and it does not break easily.
Cons of Cast Iron Shower Pan
#1 Expensive
As outlined, a cast iron shower pan has numerous advantages, which means you must pay for it. Cast iron is one of the most expensive shower pan materials on the market.
#2 Fewer Colors
Because there are only a few colors available for the iron cast shower pans, it could be challenging for you to choose the ideal shade for your bathroom if you’re designing one with a particular theme.
#3 Unstable When Wet
The enamel coating undoubtedly provides the surface with a beautiful sheen, but it also makes the floor slippery when wet, and if you’re not careful, you could hurt yourself.
#4 Heavy Weight
The flooring is heavy because it is made of cast iron, which is heavy. This means that the base must be very robust and durable in order to support the floor.
#5 Costs of Installation
Because the material is heavy, installing the shower pan requires a significant amount of time and work, raising the installation expenses.
#6 Exposure to Rust
Rust is more likely to form in areas of the shower pan where the enamel coating has been eroded.
Is Purchasing a Cast Iron Shower Pan Worthwhile?
Even though it is incredibly expensive, you will still get what you paid for. The cast iron shower pan looks quite stunning, is super easy to clean, and is extremely sturdy, making it a long-term investment. In my opinion, you should absolutely go ahead and buy it.
Designers also usually recommend cast iron shower pans. They are, in fact, more durable than tile or acrylic.
The fact that a cast iron shower pan will last forever means you won’t even need to worry about cleaning them much or having them replaced from time to time, which is quite great.
Conclusion
Your bathroom would benefit greatly from having a cast iron shower pan installed. Making a decision will be a breeze now that you have all of the pros and cons in front of you.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.