Choosing a cast iron bath shape
Shape decides how you lie in the bath and where it sits in the room. A slipper bath such as the Ritz 1700 cast iron slipper bath has one raised end to lean against. Double-ended designs like the Bentley put the waste in the middle so you can lie either way round, while single-ended baths like the Waldorf keep the taps and waste at one end. Several models, including the Ritz, Waldorf, Dovedale and Bentley, come in versions with no tap holes or two.
Painted, polished or metal-clad
The inside of every cast iron bath is enamelled; the outside is where the choice lies. Many are supplied primed, ready to paint in your own colour or through Imperial's RAL painting service. The Dovedale is also offered in polished cast iron, the Bagiloni in a solid copper finish, and the Radison Aluminium wraps a cast iron bath in a polished aluminium skirt.
How heavy is a cast iron bath?
Heavy. As an example, the Imperial Waldorf weighs 132kg empty and holds 225 litres, so the floor should always be checked before you order, especially upstairs. Our guide to cast iron vs acrylic baths explains what a fitter looks for.
Which feet finishes can I choose?
It varies by bath. The Buxton and Rousham, for example, offer chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, brass plated, gold, cast iron and white enamelled feet. Pick the finish that matches your taps and bath waste.
Are small marks in the enamel normal?
Yes. Imperial notes that small ripples, dimples and specks in the enamel are a normal result of hand casting and do not affect how the bath performs.
Is there a cast iron bath for a smaller room?
Yes. The Regent and Carlyon start at 1370mm long, and our small baths page gathers every model available at 1600mm or under. You can compare every material in our full baths collection, or book a free consultation to talk through size, weight and fitting.
