Which bath to choose acrylic or steel. Parameters of cast iron bathtubs and additional elements

After the renovation in the bathroom, the question arises - for installation. There are many offers on the market, but the favorites are still steel and acrylic. People always argue about which is better - acrylic or steel, but they never come to a unanimous opinion. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it can be very difficult to choose. What kind of bath better fit For you?

The main pros and cons of acrylic

Acrylic bathtub is made from a polymer substance. For strength, it is coated with resins and put on a metal frame. You can choose an angular one, with unusual inserts or with special recesses for a comfortable body position. Whatever model you choose, it will look elegant and rich.

The positive aspects of acrylic products:

• enamel damage appearance is preserved;
• acrylic is very well washed, you can not even use detergents;
• due to the elasticity of the material there is big choice forms and design;
• acrylic retains heat much longer than cast iron.

The disadvantages of this material are as follows:

• using household chemicals not designed for acrylic, be prepared for scratches or discoloration;
• such structures are very fragile, if a heavy object falls into it, a crack may occur;
• low temperature resistance is also a minus, with strong heat can be deformed;
• the surface may bend slightly under your weight, which causes some discomfort;
• there is a lot of low-quality acrylic on the market, and it is almost impossible to distinguish it;
• the cost of acrylic baths does not justify itself with an average service life of 15 years.

Pros and cons of steel products

Thanks to strong materials and customer demand, metal bath technology is gaining momentum. Whatever form you choose, it can most likely be performed in this version. Highly a good option in terms of price-quality ratio. The main advantages of steel bathtubs:

• the strength of such bathtubs can be envied - the enamel coating in such bathtubs lasts much longer than that of competitors;
• low cost compared to other types is a significant plus;
• metal baths are not afraid of sudden changes in temperature, such as acrylic;
• choosing which chemistry is suitable for cleaning steel is not difficult, unlike whimsical acrylic;
• large assortment, even for demanding customers.

With such clear benefits Still, you should not turn a blind eye to the shortcomings:

• a significant minus of these household items is sound insulation (a jet of water hitting steel will be heard in the next room);
• heat from such a bath leaves much faster than acrylic.

How to install an acrylic bath

There are several installation methods:

• installation on legs or frame;
• installation on a frame made of bricks;
• combined method installation.

The combined method is considered the most reliable. The brick frame method is quite complicated, because a certain type of laying is required. Also have to decorative panels so that the bricks are not visible.

Legs or a frame is the most affordable and easiest way to install, but not the most reliable. You can choose any type of installation, but you should know that the work must be done with high quality.

Installation on legs

To install we need:

• actually, the legs;
• drill;
• drill;
• level;
• siphon;
• mounting hooks;
• marker or pencil;
• silicone.

Installation is carried out in five stages:

1. We make markings for the legs and drill a hole for the fasteners.
2. We fasten the guides of the frame, then the legs.
3. We install a siphon.
4. We install the bath, and then we take the level and align it, making marks on the walls.
5. We remove the bathtub, install mounting hooks according to the markup, while retreating to the width of the bathtub sides.
6. We put the bath and coat the gaps between the walls (tiles) and the side of the bath itself with silicone.

Installation on a brick frame

We will need:

• bricks;
• cement mixture;
• mounting hooks;
• siphon;
• level;
• marker or pencil;
• roulette;
• silicone.

Installing a bath on bricks is more difficult than on legs. It is also better to use hooks for more stability.

1. We measure the desired height of the structure for bricks.
2. We make a frame of bricks under the bottom of the bath. To do this, we lay the bricks so that they do not interfere with our installation of the siphon.
3. We install a siphon.
4. We fasten the bricks together cement mixture for a stronger connection.
5. After our design has dried, we put the bathtub, using the level, we determine the place for the hooks.
6. We remove the bath, put mounting hooks, also retreating to the width of the sides.
7. In conclusion, we install the product on the structure and hide the cracks near the walls with silicone

When installing combined type, no matter what the bath is, it is first installed on the legs, and then the brickwork is made.

The subtleties of mounting a steel bath

The installation differs from acrylic in that it is placed before laying tiles on the walls. Here the installation methods are the same as for acrylic, but with slight differences.

Installing the bathtub on supports

We will need:

• degreaser;
• a hammer;
• threaded studs for adjustment;
• nuts;
• keys set;
• level;
• 4 wooden wedges;
• mounting foam;
• paper tape.

The sequence of actions when installing a metal bath is as follows:

1. We fix the supports. You need to choose the location of the supports - the first is attached as close as possible to the drain, and the second - as close as possible to the opposite side.
2. Degrease the mounting surface of the supports.
3. We heat up the overlay with a construction or household hair dryer.
4. We remove the special film from the linings, then set the stops with the necessary pressure.
5. Trying not to damage the thread, we firmly drive the threaded studs for adjustment into the corresponding plastic tips until they stop.
6. We fix the structure with nuts on the tips and screw the studs.
7. We install a siphon.
8. We put the bath in place and level it using a level.
9. We drive wedges between the walls and the bathroom, leveling it.
10. Using masking tape, glue the edges of the bathtub.
11. We place the mounting foam in the openings between the walls of the bathtub and the wall. It is better to use a narrow nozzle.
12. After the foam has hardened, we take out the wedges, remove the excess foam and the glued adhesive tape.

For a more stable position, you can make brickwork under the rim on the outside of the bath. The bathtub is the most durable element of the bathroom, regardless of its choice. And in order for it to serve you for a long time, you should responsibly approach its choice.

Video instruction

Despite the growing popularity of shower cabins, traditional bathtubs do not give up their positions. After all, they are created for complete relaxation and restorative sessions using essential oils, sea ​​salt or fragrant foam. In terms of comfort, the latest generation models are in no way inferior to hydroboxes. But it's important to know which bath is better in order not to make a mistake with the choice and enjoy water procedures for a long time.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the material and manufacturing technology. These parameters affect not only performance characteristics bowl, but also its appearance, as well as options for transportation and installation.

Today baths are made from:

• cast iron
• become
• acrylic
• kvarila
• tempered glass
• stone - natural or artificial
• tree

Steel, cast iron and acrylic are the most widely used - they are used both in mass production, and for the production of elite products. The rest of the materials are intended to create designer models, mostly in the singular.

Features of cast iron baths

They have Long story. Having appeared in our everyday life in the 17th century, cast iron bathtubs are still leaders in the sanitary ware market, despite growing competition and the emergence of new materials. Is this not evidence of their undeniable advantage over steel and acrylic counterparts?

Advantages of cast iron bathtubs

• Low thermal conductivity. The water in such a bowl does not cool down for a long time, allowing us to bask in special comfort. However, it cannot be said that cast iron holds the lead in terms of heat capacity; with the advent of acrylic, it had to “make room”. It turned out that the polymer font keeps the water hot 2 times longer.

Of course, a lot depends on the wall thickness. specific model, ventilation in the bathroom and other conditions. Therefore, it is clear to say which bath is better – acrylic or cast iron when it comes to heat capacity, it is difficult.

• Durability. At this point cast iron bath still out of competition. The minimum service life is 50 years, but this is far from the limit. With care, cleaning with soft detergents without abrasive particles and caustic acids, the bowl will retain the enamel coating, which means it can serve more than one generation of the family.

Advice : When bathing pets, it is better to put a rubber mat in the bath so as not to scratch its surface. For the same reason, it is undesirable to put metal buckets and other containers in the font that can damage the enamel.

1. Sustainability . One more undeniable advantage cast iron plumbing. Due to its massiveness, the font will not turn over, even if a person with a large weight sits on its edge.
2. enamel strength. The coating does not fade over time, does not become thinner, causes pleasant tactile sensations. The outside of the bowl is often stained with bright colours, which allows you to diversify the design of products. But enamel is required special care, otherwise it will turn yellow, covered with microcracks and begin to collapse.
3. Low noise level. Bath is typed almost inaudibly. This is the advantage of a cast-iron bowl over a steel one.
4. Ease of maintenance. Unlike, for example, acrylic models, cast iron bathtubs are not capricious and do not require special cleaning products. On the contrary, they are recommended a simple soap solution with the addition of vinegar, washing powder, bleach or soda.

But you need to wash the bath regularly, after each use. If there is no serious contamination, it will be enough warm water, and in the presence of stains, rusty streaks or plaque, you can take any alkaline product.

Important: after washing, the bowl should be dried. Then they won't show up lime deposits and rust in places where enamel is chipped or near drains. With low humidity in the bathroom, you can simply open the door and wait until the bathtub surface dries. If this is not enough, wipe the bowl with a paper towel.

Disadvantages of cast iron bathtubs

• The large weight of a cast-iron bath easily turns from a virtue into a disadvantage when it comes to the delivery and installation of the product.

The wall thickness of a quality bowl should be at least 5 mm, it is not surprising that its weight ranges from 90 to 120 kg. Raise such a plumbing fixture to high floor it is impossible to do it alone - 3-4 people will be required. A bulky full-sized bathtub does not fit in a passenger elevator, therefore, in the absence of a freight one, it is carried up the stairs, where there is an additional problem of turning around on the platforms between flights.

At least two people are also involved in the installation of the font. All this creates difficulties and makes one doubt the expediency of buying a cast iron model.

Attention: baths from foreign manufacturers have smaller thickness walls and much lighter, while not losing quality at all. Particularly famous are the products of the Catalan brand Roca, which in 1925 was the first to start serial production. cast iron bathtubs.

• The complexity of the restoration. If chips or cracking of the enamel appear, you will have to use the services of specialists, since it is problematic to restore the coating at home.

• Monotony. Cast iron has little flexibility during processing, so products made from it have simple form, close to the classical one: oval, rectangular or triangular (for corner models). For those who love extraordinary modern design such restrictions are unlikely to please.

When to choose a cast iron bath

Hot tub made of cast iron on curved carved legs in the form of lion paws, perfect for the bathroom Empire style, Provence, retro or shabby chic. elegant bath can be freely installed in the center of the room, "collecting" the rest of the composition around it.

A stable bowl will not require additional support, as is usually the case with steel or acrylic models. There will also be no need to build a podium to hide an unsightly auxiliary structure.

Cast iron bathtub classic style looks strict and elegant. Especially if the outer coating is painted in pastel shades or covered with hand-painted.

Families with small children, elderly or overweight people should also pay attention to cast iron models. Moreover, today manufacturers equip fonts with special internal handles, anti-slip coating and a comfortable seat for those who do not want to be completely submerged in water.

And for lovers of home spa treatments, cast-iron bathtubs with hydromassage nozzles began to be produced. True, such devices are considered elite and cost accordingly.

Steel baths. Advantages and disadvantages

Plumbing made of steel belongs to the category of budget. But a quality product can last up to 30 years without requiring replacement or large-scale restoration.

When compared, which bath is better – cast iron or steel, you can find arguments for and against each variety.

Advantages of steel models

1. Let's start with design. Since steel bathtubs are made not by casting, but by stamping, and the material itself is much more ductile than cast iron, there are no strict restrictions on the shape and size of the bowl. As a result, the lineup has a wide variety, allowing you to choose suitable option for both modern and classic interiors.
2. The price of steel plumbing, as mentioned above, is very democratic, due to the full automation of production.
3. Steel tubs are at least twice as light as cast iron tubs. Their weight, depending on the size, ranges from 15 to 50 kg. The bowl can be carried and installed alone, which is very convenient.
4. A steel bathtub is much easier to maintain and more hygienic. Enamel baked at high temperatures, does not form microcracks, from which it is difficult to remove limescale and dirt.
5. Modern models have hydromassage functions, are equipped with handles and soft headrests, do not slip, ensuring complete safety. In terms of comfort, they are superior to cast-iron counterparts and are not inferior to acrylic ones.

Negative sides of steel baths

The disadvantages of steel baths are no less than the advantages, but most of them can be eliminated on their own, with improvised means:

1. Rapid cooling of water. Steel bowls do not hold heat well - this is one of the main drawbacks. But they heat up quickly, so to take a shower we do not have to put our feet on a cold surface.
2. Threat of tipping over. Having unsuccessfully placed in the bathroom and violating its stability, we risk falling with it.
3. gravity deformation. Under a massive person or object, the bath sags, which leads to cracking of the enamel.
4. Low sound absorption. The thin walls of the bathtub ring under the stream of water, so it will not work quietly to dial it.
5. Rust on chips. Cast iron oxidizes much less than steel. Therefore, bowls made of this metal in places where the enamel has broken off almost do not rust. Steel containers do not have such a dignity, which is why they become unusable much faster.

Fortunately, improving the performance of a bathtub is not difficult.

The first thing to do when installing the bowl is to take care of its secure fixation. The standard "legs" that come with the kit are usually not enough. You can build wide supports of red brick (silicate does not tolerate moisture well) - this is the most good decision. In order not to damage the appearance of plumbing, all auxiliary structures and pipes are covered with a decorative screen.

Drawing on reverse side bowls polyurethane foam solves two problems at once: additional sound and heat insulation appears. As a result, the water does not hit the walls so loudly and keeps the temperature longer. Instead of foam, you can use a technical cork or vibroisol - a bitumen-based material designed to protect cars from noise.

How to check the quality of a steel bath

If the question is which bath is better , preference was given to a bowl made of steel, it is very important not to make a mistake with the choice when buying. Then such plumbing will last a long time, making water procedures truly comfortable. At the same time, the cost of the product will be much lower than that of the same acrylic, which does not always have an adequate price-quality ratio.

What to look for:

• The wall thickness of the steel bath should be 2.5 - 3 mm. In the store, we will not determine this indicator by eye, but we can move the container to feel its weight. If the bath easily succumbed under our pressure, the manufacturer clearly saved on material by making the walls thinner than required by the standard.

• Defects enamel coating- another sign of low-quality plumbing. Sagging or an excessively thin layer through which the base shines through, roughness, foreign inclusions and other flaws of this kind are unacceptable. If the enamel is not laid evenly, over time it will crack from uneven loading, making the bath unusable. The "correct" coating is smooth and pleasant to the touch, has a uniform color.

• It is better to purchase plumbing from leading manufacturers - this is the most reliable guarantee. The German firms Kaldewei and Bette have proven themselves well, the same Roca and BLB from Portugal. Among domestic companies, the products of the Verkh-Isetsky Metallurgical Plant, which meet modern standards and are cheaper than foreign analogues, are trustworthy.

Stainless steel bathtubs

We are accustomed to enameled metal fonts, but there are, although less often, models made of of stainless steel. So which bath is better?

Stainless steel bowls are superior to enamel bowls in all respects except ... price. Such bathtubs cannot be called budgetary in any way - they will cost much more than plumbing fixtures made of cast iron or acrylic.

But we get a highly environmentally friendly, durable and resistant to damage of any kind product with an original, unique design.

Advice: to get rid of traces of water, which are very noticeable on polished shiny metal, every time after bathing the bowl must be wiped with a piece of dry natural cloth.

Stainless steel plumbing – perfect choice for a bathroom in the style of minimalism, hi-tech or.

Acrylic bathtubs: new technologies against long-standing traditions

Bowls made of synthetic material - polymethyl methacrylate (colloquially plexiglass) are increasingly crowding plumbing fixtures from metal. The manufacturing technology of acrylic bathtubs is constantly being improved, so the growing interest in them is fully justified.

The price and quality of polymer fonts depends on the manufacturing method. There are two of them:

• casting with subsequent reinforcement
• use of sandwich construction

1. Products made of cast acrylic (PMMA) are obtained by pressing at high temperatures. To increase strength, bathtubs are reinforced with fiberglass or polyurethane, and then polished.

Cast acrylic has a smooth surface without micropores, where pathogenic flora or dirt particles could accumulate. It is easy to clean, does not crack, withstands heavy loads. In case of minor damage, the surface of the bathtub can be restored independently by simple grinding or by treating it with special pastes.

Molded acrylic fonts are different high price, but their service life is at least 15 years.

1. There is also an economy option - the so-called "sandwich". Cheap ABC plastic is taken as a basis and covered thin layer acrylic.

Asking which bath is better in this case does not make sense. Any damage acrylic coating in a "sandwich" bowl leads to direct contact of water with plastic, which is not moisture resistant. As a result, the bath is destroyed and it has to be replaced with a new one. In addition, flimsy plumbing can crack from impact or point loading and sag during bathing.

No wonder that budget options acrylic fonts are designed for 3-4 years of service. It is worth buying them only in one case: if you want to regularly update the design of plumbing, keeping up with fashion and without compromising your wallet.

Benefits of acrylic bathtubs

• The ability to keep warm for a long time, pleasant for the body, not a cooling surface.
• No noise when filling water.
• The coating does not lose color and does not darken.
• Absence of toxic components (only in high-quality products).
• Light weight - no more than 30 kg.

Important : a too light bowl when buying should be alarming. It is either thin-walled or made of plastic "disguised" as acrylic. Optimal Thickness the walls of the PMMA bath should be 5 - 6 mm.

• Creative design, the ability to create plastic products of complex shape. The bowls are intended mainly for the bathroom modern style. Although you can pick up the classic model.

Comparing different types bathtubs, buyers often hesitate: which is better - acrylic or steel. Both weigh a little, especially when compared to cast iron bowls, have a stylish, modern look and are equipped with all the necessary safety equipment.

True, the cost of high-quality acrylic fonts is an order of magnitude higher. But they do not rust, do not need an enamel coating that cracks over time and have antibacterial properties.

Disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs

• An acrylic bathroom needs a support frame to help distribute the load and keep its shape. It is advisable to purchase it not separately, but together with a bowl, choosing manufacturers offering both positions.

• Special care products will be required, since acrylic is easy to scratch with ordinary powder or an overly hard brush. Due to the instability to mechanical impact, it is not recommended to bathe pets in acrylic bathtubs, which can leave claw marks.

• Danger of deformation from hot water.

Choosing an Acrylic Bathtub What to look out for

PMMA bowls are not cheap, so it is important to buy really quality option justifies the investment in it. What to look for when buying?

1. An unpleasant "chemical" smell should not come from the font. If it is, we have either a plastic analogue or a low-quality product.
2. Sufficient layer of reinforcement. Check for presence of fiberglass treated epoxy resin You can by examining the side of the bath.
3. If you point a flashlight at the bowl, the light should not be visible through the thickness of the walls.
4. An important signal is that the shape of the bowl is too complicated. Durable, injection-molded plastic does not need fancy curves, which most likely serve as additional stiffening ribs for a thin-walled and fragile model.

Attention: the price of an acrylic bath cannot be the only guarantee of good performance. Sometimes we have to pay extra for a brand or original shape plumbing, but at the same time it does not have sufficient strength to last a long time. Only cast acrylic is really reliable, at least 6 mm thick, with the right reinforcement.

To summarize, which bath is still better?

What kind of bath we would not choose, the main thing is that it be made of quality material, in compliance with the production technology. Then any model: cast iron, steel or acrylic will last a long time without requiring special attention.

Which is better is a matter of personal preference. We need reliability and simplicity, we choose cast-iron bowls, we want something original and impressive, we will focus on acrylic, and if we need to save money, on steel fonts.

A huge variety of sanitary ware in retail chains allows anyone to choose a bath according to their preferences and the requirements of the interior of the room.

But that doesn't mean the choice will be easy. In addition to size, shape and color, it is important to take into account the material of manufacture of the product. Each of them has its own advantages.

To do right choice, you need to understand each option in detail.

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs

One of strengths acrylic bathtubs is its relatively low weight, which makes installation easy, and does not burden the floor of the house.

Products look very modern in their variety of sizes, shapes and colors. The range starts from simple options and ends complex systems with hydromassage.

The surface is very pleasant for the body, as it holds the temperature well and is warm to the touch. Within half an hour, the water cools down by only a degree.

Damage and scratches are easily repaired on your own. Proper care will allow the bath to last more than 15 years, retaining all the physical qualities and color.

Main advantages the following:

• Variety of forms;
• Ease of installation;
• Hygiene and ease of care;
• Easy removal of scratches and defects.

The weak side of acrylic is the material itself, which is thin and light. Measures to enhance the strength of the structure, which are used in the manufacture, do not exclude cases of deformation.

But a well-made copy will always return the form to its original position. When dropped, heavy objects will leave chips and scratches, and in some cases serious damage.

Disadvantages:

• Relatively low body strength;
• Weak resistance to damage;
• It should be reliable frame for installation;
• The material is not always environmentally friendly.

Pros and cons of cast iron bathtubs

Cast iron for the manufacture of bathtubs has been used for a very long time, and today the position of this material is very strong. It gives the product a lot of weight (more than 100 kg) and good stability, thanks to which the bath fits perfectly into place without moving.

In it, the water remains hot for a long time, since the cast iron, having absorbed heat, gives it back. The decrease in temperature in ten minutes is only one degree.

The enamel on such a product has a pleasant shine and has perfect smoothness and strength, moreover, it can withstand the impact of sharp materials and heavy loads. Simply put, the bathtub is practically not damaged or broken.

She accentuates classic interior, reinforcing the feeling of reliability, and will be the choice of people who appreciate the classics and prefer not to chase fashion.

The advantages of cast iron baths are:

• No effect of deformation on the hull;
• Excellent sound-absorbing properties;
• Resistance of the coating to abrasion and the action of aggressive chemicals;
• sustainability;
• Service life over 25 years;
• They can be equipped with headboards, handles, devices for hydromassage.

Along with the advantages, bathtubs also have disadvantages. Cast iron is very hard to make. complex shapes, therefore, products can only be seen with the usual classic design.

Over time, the enamel begins to acquire a porous structure, which causes yellow tint, limescale, and the accumulation of bacteria in the pores.

In case of accidental damage to the surface in the form of a chip or scratch, you will need professional help. A large weight, providing stability, also exerts a considerable load on the floors, in addition, it is quite difficult to install the product.

Main disadvantages:

• Impressive weight;
• Complex restoration of damaged coating;
• Small assortment, including only classic models;

How to make a choice?

When choosing between two types of bathtubs, you need to compare their main properties even before visiting the store.

• Appearance. Enamel cast iron baths are characterized by uniformity of color and good gloss. Acrylic is distinguished by a variety of colors, the properties of which are not lost over time.
• Strength and durability. Cast iron is much more durable. When buying acrylic, it is better to choose options with a reinforced body.
• Ease of movement and installation. Acrylic is out of competition here.
• Price. The cost of products is approximately equal, but if the acrylic version has complex structure or support, it will cost more.
• Thermal stability. Acrylic retains water temperature three times longer, the material feels warm to the touch. Cast iron has a large heat capacity, it needs to be heated for a long time, and the water will cool faster.
• The practicality of surface care. Both materials can be damaged, although this will be more difficult with cast iron. But with the restoration of his enamel can be difficult. Acrylic is less whimsical and easier to restore, but does not tolerate contact with detergents.

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic and steel bathtubs. better to choose?

Read about the features and selection criteria.

How to choose and connect sewer pump for the sink? Find out by following the link.

Choosing the Acrylic Option, and before dwelling on a particular product, you need to know that:

• The strength of the hull depends on the wall thickness, the normal value of which is at least 5 mm;
• The number of layers of reinforcement can be viewed at the end, the more there are, the stronger the bath;
• Purchase simple plastic bath coated with acrylic is undesirable due to its extremely low physical characteristics.

Having opted for a cast-iron bath, you need to take into account that:

As can be seen from the comparison, both models have an approximately equal number of disadvantages and strengths. The choice is entirely down to personal preference.

If the taste of the buyer is more inclined to classic styles, it is better to focus on cast iron options.

If the interior is modern design decision, which contains comfort and relaxation, you can look at acrylic.

Among the options there will be any price categories, but the bath is not bought for one year, which means you should not save on it, and when choosing, listen to the advice of trusted sellers.

Every house or apartment has a bathroom, which everyone visits in the morning and in the evening. In the morning, taking a shower invigorates and sets you up for work, and in the evening, taking a bath relaxes after a hard day's work.

Convenience and comfort during morning and evening toilets depend on the choice of bath.

To date, there are a huge number of bathtubs that are made of various materials and presented in various forms. So which bath to choose: steel, acrylic or cast iron? Let's figure it out.

These bathtubs have earned their popularity for a very long time, and today they are also used in everyday life. The advantages of cast iron baths include their high strength and long term services. Such baths are not subject to vibrations, so the sound of water that flows from the tap does not sound so loud.

However, well-resistant cast-iron bathtubs have quite a lot of weight, which cannot be attributed to positive aspects. Cast iron bathtubs also have a very fragile coating - enamel. It is subjected to destruction under mechanical stress, so it needs careful operation. Another disadvantage is the monotony of bath shapes, since cast iron casting is a very complex and time-consuming process.

Acrylic bathtubs. Advantages and disadvantages.

Acrylic bathtubs appeared in sanitary ware manufacturers about 30 years ago and already occupy their own niche. Acrylic bathtubs come in many shapes and sizes. Water is drawn into the bath as silently as in a cast-iron one, and it also stays warm longer.

However, acrylic is very vulnerable to aggressive cleaning products and, if you choose such a bath, then such products should be discarded. But a lot of small scratches are easily removed by grinding, which acrylic lends itself to easily. From poor quality water from a tap or hot water, after washing colored items, the acrylic bath may be stained.

The cost of acrylic bathtubs varies depending on the manufacturer and production technology, but in general they are affordable. price category. You can verify this by visiting the store. SanTechShara by clicking on the link.

Steel baths. Advantages and disadvantages.

Bathtubs made of steel are the cheapest of all on the market. They weigh less than cast iron bathtubs and boast a variety of shapes. Also, steel bathtubs have high strength when compared with acrylic ones.

The disadvantages of steel baths include high heat transfer, so the water in such a bath will not remain warm for long. Also, such bathtubs are the noisiest when collecting water in them, so it is worth using rubber gaskets in them.

Marble baths. Advantages and disadvantages.

Bathtubs made from this material are luxury and cost a lot of money.

These bathtubs can be presented in different color scheme and various form. Bathtubs retain heat well and the water stays hot long time. They have the property of absorbing noise and vibration. Perfectly imitate a stone of any breed.

The downside, apart from high cost, bathtubs made of marble is their heavy weight, which complicates the installation process. During the operation of such a bath, chips may appear.

Which of the proposed options for baths to choose anyway everyone decides on their own. However, before buying, you should once again weigh all the pros and cons, because a bath is not a thing that can be easily replaced.

Which bath to choose? Cast iron, acrylic or steel? Composite bathtubs. Video review and test.

When a bath loses its aesthetic appearance, they either try to restore it or buy a new one. Modern market offers many options for different price, form and other criteria. Which bath - acrylic, steel or cast iron - has a large number benefits?

Such a product modern technologies, as an acrylic bathtub, has long had many admirers. In comparison with the same cast-iron bathtub, the acrylic one has many advantages:

• High strength and reliability, despite the visual fragility.
• Ease - the bath is much lighter than cast iron, and any owner can move it without the help of a specialist.
• The presence of a metal frame for stability and binding legs.
• Glossy , non-slippery surface, pleasant to the touch.
• Fairly long color retention (+ lack of yellowness over time) and ample opportunities in its choice.
• Antiseptic properties (for selected models).
• Slow water cooling , rapid heating of the bath, high level heat capacity.
• Sound absorption. There is no noise when filling the bath.
• For such a bathroom more than just care – A light wipe with a sponge and soap after use is enough.

Disadvantages of an acrylic bath:

• Do not use strong chemicals or abrasives for cleaning.
• On acrylic, with illiterate application, may leave scratches . They are removed with polish, and deep chips - by pouring liquid acrylic.
• If you drop a heavy thing into the bath, acrylic can crack . True, this bath and repair will be easy.
• Bathing your four-legged friends in such a bath is also not recommended.

Price acrylic bath — from 9 to 25 thousand, and higher.

Disadvantages and advantages of a cast-iron bath - why is a cast-iron bath better than steel baths?

Both here and abroad, cast-iron bathtubs are the most common. Truth, foreign baths have some differences. For example, adjustable legs, smaller thickness, different composition of enamel, handles and anti-slip layer. But our modern cast-iron baths can also boast a number of advantages:

• The main advantage of a cast-iron bath, especially in comparison with a steel one, is high strength . Cast iron is a unique material of its kind, known to ancient metallurgists. In Russia, such baths first appeared under Peter the 1st, and since those days their popularity has not fallen.
• Caring for a cast-iron bathtub does not cause any particular difficulties. . There are no pores on the enameled surface, so timely rinsing the bathroom with the same sponge will ensure its constant cleanliness.
• One of the most significant benefits is ability to retain heat . A cast iron bath cools down longer than all its competitors.
• Cast iron bath cannot be broken, bent (like steel) or damage like acrylic. It will stand for decades until it comes to your mind to update it or replace it with another one, because it is “tired”.
• In this bath, you can safely bathe children with a bag of heavy toys and wash your favorite pets.

Of the disadvantages of a cast-iron bath, one can note:

• Impressive weight (about 120 kg). Taking a bath, of course, you don’t think about it, but there are a lot of problems with its transportation and rearrangement.
• Enamel over time wears out .
• Cast iron bath takes longer to heat up steel or acrylic.
• The shapes of the cast-iron bath are not particularly original. - as it is true, they all look alike.

Of course, imported cast iron is more perfect. Because the value of this bath is not only in the material, but also in the enamel, which differs more high quality from foreign manufacturers. Yes, and the weight of the imported bath will be less. cast iron bath price from 8 to 20 thousand, and higher.

Steel baths - all the pros and cons; How are steel bathtubs different from cast iron and acrylic bathtubs?

Having asked the seller in the store about the pros / cons of a steel bath, you, of course, will never hear anything bad. As a result, you may have the opinion that it simply does not have flaws. Although they are:

• Bath, the walls of which do not have sufficient thickness, after some time deformed . As a result - the appearance of cracks and chips on the enamel. By the way, the cost of a bath with thicker walls will be higher than usual. Strength indicator - wall thickness from 3 mm.
• High thermal conductivity . That is, the bath heats up quickly, but the water also cools down quickly, in comparison with the two previous options.
• Loud noise when filling the bath (as opposed to acrylic). This problem can be partially solved with soundproof gaskets.
• Categorically the use of abrasives is prohibited for cleaning - otherwise the enamel will quickly become unusable.
• Grounding the steel bath is a must.
• Instability.

Benefits of a steel bath:

• Low cost - the biggest plus.
• The weight - four times less than that of a cast-iron bath.
• Enamel hygiene (lack of pores that promote the development of bacteria).
• Wide selection of shapes and sizes.

The price of a steel bath - from 4 to 15 thousand rubles.