Americast Vs. Vikrell Bathtubs: Which One Is Better?
You may be remodeling an existing bathroom in your home or prepping a bathroom for an investment house. In either case, when it comes to deciding on a bathtub, there are several choices. Often the choice boils down to bathtubs made of Vikrell or an Americast bathtub.
Americast bathtubs are products of the American Standard company and feature a steel core over which American Standard adds a porcelain finish. A proprietary poly composite material under the bottom of the steel completes the sandwich construction. Vikrell is a poly-composite material that is mostly fiberglass, polyresin, and other material for strength. The result is a lightweight but strong material.
Americast and Vikrell represent two different approaches to bathtub design and engineering. Both are excellent products with both pros and cons that deserve consideration before any installation. Educating yourself about these pros and cons is essential to making the best decision possible when doing a bathroom remodel.
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Americast
Americast is a proprietary method of construction bathtubs and other bathroom fixtures owned by the American Standard Company. American Standard is one of the largest and most well-known designers and manufacturers of residential and commercial plumbing fixtures globally. The Americast line of fixtures is well established and well respected throughout the industry.
Americast bathtubs are durable and affordable alternatives to traditional cast iron bathtubs. The Americast design utilizes an enamel surface coating over a steel core. A thick layer of fiber-reinforced polyresin material on the underside of the steel acts as an insulator.
The Benefits of Americast
There are certain benefits to installing an Americast bathtub during a bathroom remodel. These benefits may make a difference in your decision about which bathtub is the better fit for your needs and expectations.
Strength and Flexibility
The steel core at the heart of every Americast bathroom fixture provides a level of strength that acrylic or fiberglass bathtubs can’t achieve. Steel tends to have less flex than a pure acrylic or poly bathtub as well. This higher coefficient of strength and flexibility can make Americast bathtubs easier to install.
Durability
The porcelain enamel finish on the Americast bathroom fixtures creates a durable finish that resists cracking and chipping. Porcelain enamel is also resistant to most home cleaning agents and will hold its color for many years without fading or yellowing. When properly installed and maintained, the Americast porcelain enamel finishes will give decades of service with few problems.
Cost
Americast products are certainly not the cheapest bathroom fixtures on the market. They are also not the most expensive. Americast products typically fall into the middle of the cost range for bathroom fixtures. Factoring durability and service life into the equation makes Americast products some of the most cost-efficient options in the plumbing fixture market.
Installation Considerations
Installation of Americast bathtubs is not, under most circumstances, a difficult operation. Americast doesn’t necessarily require a mortar bed for a secure installation. In some cases, setting an Americast bathtub on a mortar bed may create a more secure installation. Americast sells a full line of accessories such as bathtub surrounds to make a complete installation fast and economical.
The Downsides of Americast
Americast is not without its downsides. While this construction method produces a rigid and durable bathroom fixture, some issues can make Americast unsuitable for some installations.
Design Considerations
The enamel coating on the surface of Americast bathtubs is available in a limited range of colors. Fewer color choices can limit your bathroom design options which may be a problem in some instances. If a large color pallet is important, Americast products may not be a good solution for your remodel plans.
Weight
The steel core of the Americast bathtubs does add extra weight. Americast steel-core bathtubs are lighter than cast iron tubs but also heavier than acrylic or fiberglass bathtubs. The additional weight usually is not enough to require additional framing or support but can make installation a bigger challenge.
Installation Challenges
Americast bathtubs are subject to cracking caused by flexing if the bathtub installation is faulty. Following the instructions provided by American Standard will forestall most of these problems. Bedding the bathtub in a mortar bed almost always prevents flexing.
Our Thoughts
Overall, we have had good luck with American Standard Americast bathtubs and fixtures. The production quality is high, and these products give long service when maintained properly. These certainly aren’t cast iron bathtubs. On the other hand, they aren’t as heavy or as expensive as cast iron bathtubs. We think that Americast bathtubs are a good investment and option for most residential applications.
Vikrell
Vikrell is a proprietary blend of fiberglass and polyresin materials to produce bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures. Sterling Plumbing fixtures owns the Vikrell brand name and the proprietary blend of fiberglass, acrylic, and polyresin to manufacture these bathtubs and other fixtures. Sterling Plumbing is a subsidiary of Kohler, one of the most well-known names in bathroom fixtures and accessories.
Vikrell is a non-porous material that is perfect for bathroom fixtures. The surfaces of these fixtures are durable and resist chipping and cracking. The lightweight of these fixtures makes installation quick and easy. The cost of Vikrell plumbing fixtures is typically on the lower end of the scale than other bathtub materials.
Vikrell Benefits
Vikrell offers contractors and homeowner do-it-yourselfers several advantages over other bathtub materials. These differences may influence your decision on which style and type of bathtub you choose to install in your bathroom.
Durability
The composite blend of fiberglass, acrylic, and polyresin creates a durable finished product. The surfaces of Vikrell are reasonably hard and resist cracking and chipping. The surfaces tend to be glossy and impervious to water and most household cleaners.
Weight
Vikrell is, by and large, one of the lightest materials used in bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures. Lighter weight means fewer installation problems and lower installation costs. There are no special structural modifications to support Vikrell bathtubs, unlike some cast iron bathtubs.
Warranty
Vikrell plumbing fixtures typically include a ten-year warranty for residential use and a three-year warranty for commercial installations. The ten-year warranty is one of the longest and most comprehensive warranties available on plumbing fixtures.
Accessories and Add-ons
To complement your Vikrell bathtub, Sterling produces a wide range of accessories such as tub surrounds and other products that match perfectly. These additional products are made of the same high-quality Vikrell material and fit together precisely to give you a watertight and almost seamless installation.
Stain Resistance
Vikrell surfaces highly stain resistant. The tightly closed-cell structure of the Vikrell material resists the intrusion of surface materials that can stain other bathtub surfaces. The acrylic fillers and glass fibers also resist many caustic household cleaners often used in the bathtub.
Downsides to Using Vikrell Fixtures
Vikrell products do have some issues that may affect your decisions. It would be best to consider the following known downsides to using Vikrell products in some bathroom installations.
Proper Installation
Vikrell bathtubs demand that the installation follow the manufacturer’s directions closely. Vikrell is a fiberglass and polyresin product and is, by nature, very flexible. Flexing can lead to surface crazing and cracking. In most cases, a Vikrell bathtub must sit in a properly prepared mortar bed to keep this flexing to a minimum.
Water Tightness
Despite the manufacturer’s claims, many installers, and users of Vikrell bathtub and surround kits have found that some joints need caulking. This need for caulking may be due to improper installation that allows the joints to flex. Whatever the cause, this involves additional maintenance to keep the bathtub and surround performing properly.
Cracks and Chips
Over time Vikrell may develop hairline cracks at the corners of the bathtub or surround shelves. These hairline cracks do not represent a leak problem in most cases but can allow mold to get a foothold.
Vikrell is a plastic material that can suffer damage by dropped objects. This type of damage can range from small dings on the surface to cracks that penetrate through the bathtub material. On the upside, some of these chips and dings are repairable.
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Our Thoughts
Overall, Vikrell is a great material for bathtubs and other fixtures. The lightweight makes installations easy in most cases. Budget-minded individuals will appreciate the low cost of Vikrell products compared to Americast or cast iron. If the Vikrell bathtub installation includes a good mortar base, a Vikrell bathtub should give many years of satisfactory service.
So, Which is the Better Choice?
Considering all the factors, we believe that Americast is a better choice for most residential bathtub installations. The sandwich design using a steel core creates a more stable and rigid product that withstands flexing and torque during use. Americast is heavier and does cost more than most Vikrell products, but the feel and durability of the Americast design are superior, in our opinion.
Whichever option you choose for your bathtub installation, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and directions to perform the installation. Following the installation recommendations ensures that any warranty remains in effect and will give you the best results. Good luck with your remodel project.
Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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