Partial renos definitely have that risk—mixing old and new can make things look a bit off, especially if the styles or finishes don’t quite match. I’ve run into this a few times. One trick I use is to tie things together with hardware or fixtures (like matching faucet and tub spout finishes), but sometimes there’s just no hiding the age difference. Still, keeping a cast iron tub is usually worth it for the durability alone. It’s a trade-off: save money and hassle, but maybe live with a little mismatch. Personally, I’d rather deal with that than tear out something solid just for aesthetics... unless it’s really clashing.
Yeah, I hear you on the cast iron tub—those things are tanks. I did a partial reno last year and tried to keep the old tub, but update everything else. Ended up spending around $6k total, mostly because I splurged on tile and fixtures to try and blend the old with the new. Still, you can kinda tell what’s original and what’s not if you look close, but honestly, I don’t mind. The durability is worth a little mismatch in my book.
Those old cast iron tubs really are beasts—I've seen folks try to demo them and it's like wrestling a rhino. Honestly, I think you made the right call keeping it. There's something about that weight and feel you just don't get with the new acrylic stuff.
Mixing old and new can actually look pretty cool, even if it's not a perfect match. Sometimes that contrast gives a space more character than if everything was brand new. I’ve worked on a few bathrooms where we kept the original tub or sink, and yeah, you can spot the differences if you’re looking for them, but most people just see a unique space with some history.
$6k sounds about right for a partial reno, especially if you went for nicer tile and fixtures. Tile prices can get wild fast—I've seen folks drop half their budget just on that. At the end of the day, durability wins out for me too... I'd rather have something solid that lasts than a perfectly matched but flimsy setup.
I feel you on the tile prices—when I did mine, I thought I was being smart picking “midrange” tile and still ended up with sticker shock. Keeping the old tub was a win, though. Those things are basically indestructible, even if they weigh as much as a small car. Mixing old and new actually worked out better than I expected… gives the bathroom some personality, you know?
Those things are basically indestructible, even if they weigh as much as a small car. Mixing old and new actually worked out better than I expected… gives the bathroom some personality, you know?
Mixing old and new is underrated, honestly. I’ve done a few flips where we kept the original cast iron tub—like you said, those things are tanks. Sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle (or cost) to haul ‘em out. Did you end up reglazing yours, or just a deep clean? I’ve found a good reglaze can make even a 50-year-old tub look brand new, and it’s way cheaper than replacing. Tile prices though... yeah, they sneak up on you fast. Even “budget” options add up once you factor in labor and extras like edging.
