Which bathroom to choose acrylic or steel. Enamel Innovation

In today's article, I would like to find the answer to the question: "Which bath is better to choose?" The bathtub is one of the most important plumbing fixtures in the bathroom. And choosing a bathroom is not an easy task.

Today, the construction market has a large assortment baths for every taste. Therefore, when choosing bathtubs, it is imperative to determine which bathtub is best suited for your apartment.

The very first bathrooms began to appear several millennia ago. And soon baths began to be made of cast iron. But plumbing manufacturers did not stop at just such material, and over time, new ones appeared, such as steel, acrylic and much more. Bathrooms can differ in price, shape, size, quality, color, manufacturers, as well as in the material from which they are made.

Bathrooms are available in round, square, oval or triangular shapes. Also, bathtubs may differ in their design. There are bathrooms for two, bathtubs with handles, with ladders. You can choose a bathroom of any color, or paint it to order. Bathtubs are white as standard..

When buying a bathroom, first of all, you need to pay attention to its dimensions, because it should fit well into the room.

Best when buying plumbing choose a bath, toilet and sink from the same manufacturer, then they will look very harmonious and will not differ in color. If the fittings for draining are not included in the kit, then you need to immediately buy a bathtub and a siphon at the same time, so that in the future there would be no problems with the installation.

Before buying a bathtub with an enameled surface, you need to very well examine the evenness and integrity of the coating. In no case should the enamel be wavy, rough, especially since there should not be any cracks on it. The color of the enamel should be brilliant. Flaws in the enamel are very visible on white sanitary ware.

Before installing a bathroom, you need to carefully plan the space. There are generally accepted rules that must be followed. There should be approximately 90 cm of free space in front of the bathtub. After the room is planned, you can decide on the type and model of the bathroom. In any case, for any room you can choose your own bath, no matter what size it is. Now let's look at what baths are on the market and which bath is better to choose.

Bathtubs usually come in 3 types:

• cast iron;
• acrylic;
• steel.

Hot tubs

AT recent times are becoming increasingly popular hot tubs , they are sometimes called jacuzzi, although the jacuzzi is only one of the manufacturing companies.

Whirlpool bath is a wonderful invention in which form, modes and functions merge into a single whole.

Such a bath provides a special therapeutic effect, improves blood circulation, activates the work of the heart, increases the tone of the body and feels a sense of comfort, and all this can be obtained at home, after a hard day's work.

Hydromassage- this is an indispensable remedy for relieving fatigue, pain in the muscles and spine, in addition, such baths will help get rid of excess weight. At home, with the help of such a bath, you can prevent colds and increase immunity.

Air massage function with the help of thousands bubbling in the water air bubbles makes a light body massage, charging it with strength. Hydromassage improves the functions of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland and gonads. It is better to limit such a procedure to 20 minutes, while the water temperature should not exceed 38 degrees.

The newest whirlpool baths are brought in at a high technical level. To make the whirlpool bath more durable, it has a hidden metal frame. It is also impossible not to note the unusual, convenient and stylish design such baths.

Cast iron bathtubs

Many of us, to this day, prefer cast iron bathrooms to everyone else. Since bathrooms made of this material are very durable, reliable and solid. In the Soviet Union, bathrooms were made only from such material, since there was enough of it, and there was no alternative to it.

Cast iron is not subject to corrosion at all and is quite heavy. It was because of their heavy weight that cast-iron bathrooms were always fixed only near the walls. Despite the routine, simplicity and monotony of their appearance, bathrooms from similar material excellent heat retention. And today bathrooms are made of cast iron.

Imported European products are made of thinner cast iron, and they look more beautiful than Russian bathrooms.

In addition, foreign bathrooms have more high level comfort, many models have internal handles, recesses on the sides for bath accessories. Imported bathrooms weigh much less, up to about 120 kg and are mounted on locking screw legs, which can even be adjusted in height.

Steel baths

The modern replacement for cast iron was steel. Steel models of the same size as cast iron weigh many times less and are about 45% cheaper.

It is not scary to install such bathrooms in old houses, where it is impossible to produce large loads on floors. Steel products are quite convenient and simple, their average weight is about 30 kg.

And the service life of a steel bath is quite long, about 15 years. Compared to cast iron tubs, steel tubs heat up faster. The cost of a steel bath depends on the thickness of the sheet from which it was made.

But such bathrooms have their own drawback, this is a high noise level, when filled with water, they rattle very loudly, like a bucket or a basin. To reduce this trouble, these bathrooms are supplied with legs and rubber gaskets. The quality and value of a steel bath depends on its working surface, that is, on the enamel coating.

Acrylic bathrooms

In addition to this, there are acrylic bathrooms. But this name is not entirely accurate. Saying "acrylic bathtubs", we mean products made not from acrylic, but with the addition of polymethyl methacrylate resin - a synthetic polymer, which is usually classified as a thermoplastic.

When heated, this material softens and acquires the necessary shape, and then retains it after cooling. Its other name is sanitary acrylic.

Bathrooms made of acrylic are currently leading the European market thanks to a large number its benefits.

The acrylic surface is less porous and retains its original appearance for a long time. And most importantly, acrylic is more hygienic, because bacteria do not linger on the gloss at all and are washed off with water.

If you accidentally spill iodine or brilliant green on acrylic and immediately remove it, then there will be no traces left. Many love the acrylic surface for warmth. Of course, the acrylic surface of the bathroom is not so difficult to scratch, but it is enough just to wipe the scratch with liquid acrylic and sand it down and it will be like new.

Now a bath that has served faithfully is really easy to change to a new one, because the assortment range presented in stores allows you to choose not only the necessary design, but also a set of functions, color. But on the other hand, such a variety does not allow you to quickly make a choice. The bathtub can be chosen really any color. If you need a particular or rare color, then you can order it without any problems. It should only be taken into account that all plumbing in the room should look harmonious, that is, have the same color.

In addition, you can choose any shape of the product: oval, round, rectangular, triangular, which one you decide. Sometimes you can see the most unusual instances:

• for two,
• with many handles
• ladder,
• with armrests, which are designed to give additional comfort.

Interesting to know! You can choose a bathtub that will have a non-slip bottom coating. In addition, the size of the product also plays an important role, so that it fits perfectly into the room itself.

The materials of manufacture are also excellent, bathtubs can be made of: copper, steel, iron, cast iron, acrylic and others. And it is impossible to say which one will be better, cast iron or acrylic to choose for yourself, especially if you do not have special knowledge about them.

Before you make a purchase of a product that should serve for more than one year, you need to study a lot of information about bathtubs and the materials for their manufacture.

How best to choose an acrylic bath

Before deciding on the answer to the question: which bath is better to choose, acrylic or cast iron, consider both types. Bathtubs made from materials such as acrylic have recently begun to replace their cast iron and steel counterparts. But before you make a purchase, you need to arm yourself with knowledge about acrylic itself in order to make conscious choice bathtubs from this material.

To answer the question of which bath is better to buy, acrylic or cast iron, it makes sense to read detailed customer reviews on the Internet.

If you are guided by simple language, then we can say that acrylic is somewhat similar to plastic. The acrylic sheet is subjected to heat treatment and it acquires plasticity, at this moment they begin to “blow out” the bath from it. After cooling, the product must be reinforced.

If you find it difficult to make a choice between an acrylic and cast iron (as well as steel, iron) bathtub, then you should pay attention to such points when examining acrylic products:

• the thickness of the bath itself plays a role: the thicker it is, the stronger it is, the thickest options are 5-6mm;
• the number of reinforcement layers also plays a role, the more there are, the stronger the product, the more easy it is to see them if you look at the side of the bathroom, they are somewhat similar to rings on a cut of wood;
• the cost of the product - if the price is underestimated, then this may indicate the manufacture of ordinary ABS plastic, which is only covered with a thin layer of acrylic 1-2 mm;
• there should be a glossy sheen, since that's what it looks like;
• the flexibility of the bath when pressed indicates the manufacture of ordinary plastic, which is unacceptable;
• the transparency of the product should not take place, acrylic is an opaque material, therefore, when looking at the light, the side should not shine through.
• the simpler the shape of the bathroom, the better it is, because a custom product design is much easier to make from a thin sheet of acrylic;
• the surface of the bathroom should be smooth, and all the roughness and dents indicate the inadequate quality of the product;
• the color of the product must be uniform, since acrylic is one of the varieties of plastic and stains on it indicate a low quality of the material.

Modern technology has allowed acrylic bathtubs to have simply remarkable qualities, for example, simply unique resistance to abrasion. It can be argued that an acrylic bathtub will serve you long years, and the wonderful possibilities of restoring products at home only give additional advantages of its use.

Please note! If you need to purchase a really high-quality product, then you do not need to try to save money, because its price depends on the strength of the product.

You should decide what is more important to you: low cost or quality, since with low quality it may not be able to cope with the pressure of water or high temperature and will burst. In addition, you can choose from a variety of materials, acrylic is not the only one, for example, steel is also successfully used for manufacturing. In order to make a choice between a steel and an acrylic bath, you need to have information about steel products.

How to choose the right steel bath

If we talk about the cost, then, as many buyers say in their reviews, it is the most acceptable, which gives rise to such a high demand. But do not think that this indicates its inferiority in relation to other products - it has its own advantages.

Steel is a non-porous lightweight material. These properties help to reduce the cost of applying enamel. When drying with high temperature, the enamel can penetrate into the micropores of the product by 1/3, which allows us to talk about the resistance of the bathroom to different kind acids and other abrasive substances. In addition, such products have wear resistance and impact resistance at a high level.

If we compare an acrylic and a steel bath to make a choice, then for a steel product you need to pay attention to such points:

• the average wall thickness of the product must be at least 3-4 mm, otherwise there is a risk of its deformation even under the weight of a person;
• the weight of the product itself reaches 30-40 kilograms, if it is lighter, it will not be able to withstand the weight of a person, and the enamel will crack due to deformation;
• the coating must be of high quality;
• the bath should have a guarantee of about 10 years;
• the normal depth of the bath should be 50-60 cm, it should be low enough so that you can wash yourself in a semi-sitting state;
• the optimal length of the bath is 160-170 cm, but a lot depends on the height of the person.

A steel bath is no less attractive than an acrylic one, as it is covered with enamel, and outwardly it can be somewhat similar to cast iron, it can really be difficult to distinguish them. But the comparison should be carried out only after familiarization with the features of cast iron products.

How to choose a cast iron bath

The average consumer still prefers cast iron when choosing a bathroom, especially if it must have a standard shape. The popularity of this type is indicated by many reviews and surveys of various sociological and marketing services.

The choice between an acrylic, cast iron, steel or iron bath largely depends not only on the price, but also on the desired consumer and external characteristics. the simplest bath you need to pay attention to all the little things:

1. before making a purchase, it is necessary to clearly measure the dimensions of the room and the dimensions of the product itself, because they must exactly match each other;
2. the width of the bathroom must pass freely into the existing doorway, otherwise you will have to partially dismantle the door;
3. pay attention to the depth of the product, the parameter is especially important for old-style apartments with small dimensions;
4. the enameled coating should be shiny and not scratched, otherwise in the future protective layer may be deformed;
5. if you choose a bath and a disabled person will bathe in it, then it is better to immediately pick up a product with a variety of various handles and handrails, as well as an anti-slip coating;
6. if the floor in the bathroom is not even, then you can pick up a product with adjustable legs;
7. you need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the product, it should prove itself well.

Interesting information! Good enamel provides an attractive look. In addition, such a bath is almost impossible to scratch, and absolutely any detergent for care is suitable for it.

The execution is made by casting, this gives the weight of the product, but also strength, which can guarantee endurance to high loads without changing the shape. Such a product has a high resistance to corrosion, which provides 50 years of service or more.

If the question arises as to which bathroom is better made of steel or cast iron, then we can say that the steel product has less weight, but the cast iron will retain the heat of the water longer. But when choosing cast iron or acrylic, it is worth noting that acrylic is more durable, since it has elasticity, but cast iron can be damaged upon impact.

To make an informed choice, let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of different bath options.

First about the benefits:

• acrylic bathtub: the material is plastic, which allows you to give the product almost any shape, in addition, the bathtub is lightweight, it will keep heat well and all scratches on them can be easily eliminated;
• cast iron bath: often has screw legs, and its height is easily adjustable, it keeps heat remarkably;
• steel tub: lightweight and not as expensive.

If you look at the advantages, the conclusion itself suggests itself that it is better to choose between cast iron and acrylic, since cast iron has a high resistance to high temperatures.

And now a little tar:

• acrylic product: if thin acrylic was used in the manufacture, then it will begin to spring underfoot, in addition, abrasive products are not suitable for cleaning it, only cleaning liquids and soft sponges;
• cast iron product: it weighs a lot, modern products are made from thin material, there are many pores on the surface, which provides excellent penetration of dirt and rust, all chips are difficult to remove;
• steel products: they do not keep the temperature so well, they are not stable, noise is heard when water is collected.

Speaking of disadvantages various materials, then we can say that the acrylic bathtub will be much more hygienic, but cast iron still wins in terms of strength. But when choosing between acrylic and steel, the cost of a steel bath is less, but it is easier to eliminate scratches on an acrylic product.

Each type of product has its drawbacks, and some are easily eliminated. To improve the insulation of a steel bath from noise when collecting water, as well as to reduce its cooling time, you can resort to the following tricks:

1. There is a polymer coating special purpose, which can reduce the noise level of water that hits the product, but such a coating had high cost, and this dramatically translated this class of baths from economical to expensive.
2. Some sellers tell the buyer to place the bathtub in a container of sand during installation, about 1/3 of the height.
3. You can install additional supports under the bottom of the bathroom, for example, bricks, but completely fill the free space between them with mounting foam. Just keep in mind that this may require about 4 packs of foam, and after that you will have to come up with decorations for your bricks and foam, for example using plastic panel or ceramic tiles.
4. European steel tubs have special rubber pads on the bottom.

Comparison of acrylic and cast iron bath - which is better?

So let's sum up all of the above. For clarity, we present the main characteristics of the samples under consideration in the form of a table.

In the end, I would like to note that after all, the choice is always purely individual. Each individual has their own preferences and needs. For example, some people prefer the classics that have been proven over the years and, accordingly, opt for a cast iron bath. She is an example of reliability and durability, the "soul" of the bathroom, which will live almost forever. Acrylic bathtub is an example of modern lightness combined with design, aesthetics and beauty. In addition, it will perfectly fit into the bathroom of any size and with any interior.

Thus, both acrylic and cast iron baths have both their advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the beauty and sophistication of an acrylic bathtub, on the other hand, the durability and reliability of a cast-iron bathtub, is the personal choice of each customer. The most important thing is that your bath please everyone with its beauty, reliability and durability.

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 with the use of 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 of a particular 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, the cast-iron bath is still out of competition. The minimum service life is 50 years, but this is far from the limit. With care, cleaning with mild 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 outer side of the bowl is often painted in bright colors, 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 lime deposits and rust will not appear in places where the 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 a smaller wall thickness and are 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 mass production of 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 a simple shape close to the classical one: oval, rectangular or triangular (for corner models). Those who love extraordinary modern design are unlikely to like such restrictions.

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. An 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 colors, 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 lime scale 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.

Applying mounting foam to the back of the bowl 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.

• Enamel defects are 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 sanitary ware is the perfect choice for a minimalist, high-tech or modern bathroom.

Acrylic bathtubs: new technologies against long-standing traditions

Bowls made of synthetic material - polymethyl methacrylate (colloquially plexiglass) are increasingly crowding plumbing fixtures made of 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 ABS plastic is taken as the basis and covered with a thin layer of acrylic.

Asking which bath is better in this case does not make sense. Any damage to the acrylic coating in the "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.

It is not surprising that the budget options for 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 compared to cast iron bowls, they attract with a stylish, modern appearance and equipped with all 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.

• Risk 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 too complex shape bowls. 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 form 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 high-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.

Gone are the days when cast-iron tubs dominated bathrooms. In fact, there was no alternative to this product, and a person who was thinking about repairing his bathroom could only change “cast iron for cast iron”. Today it's not like that at all. You can choose from glass, wood, stone and many other options.

However, as practice shows, most buyers are interested in what is better than an acrylic or steel bath. Because these products are becoming more and more popular. Let's try to answer this question.

Acrylic bathtubs are sanitary ware made of polymethyl methacrylate or sanitary acrylic. The material has characteristics that are almost ideal for the manufacture of sanitary ware.

A modern bathtub does not have to be made of cast iron. Steel and acrylic bowls are no less popular today.

However, products made from it do not always retain these properties. It is connected with different ways the production of material used for the manufacture of bathtubs.

Sanitary acrylic is of two types:

• extrusion. It is a puff "pie" made of plastic, upper layer which is a thin acrylate plate. Produced by pressing. The thickness of acrylic in such a combined material is only 0.1-0.2 cm, and the molecular bonds in it are weakened. Therefore, extruded acrylate is subject to any adverse effects and quickly loses its original view and properties. In addition, it is banned in European countries because it is considered hazardous to health. The main advantage is low cost.
• cast. Such a material is made by pouring molten acrylate into a prepared sheet mold. Since there are no impurities, and molecular bonds are strong, cast or cast acrylic completely retains all its properties, and in all directions. The material is absolutely safe for humans, recommended for use in the manufacture of plumbing fixtures. Its cost is quite high.

Any of the materials described above can be used in the manufacture of the bath. The technological process of production in both cases will be the same. The acrylate sheet is heated and placed under the mold, from where the finished bath comes out.

After cooling, the bowl can be reinforced with fiberglass and polyester resins which gives it extra strength. During the reinforcement process, additional embedded layers of chipboard can be used.

Externally, it is impossible to distinguish a bath made of extruded acrylic from a bowl made of cast acrylate. Therefore, when buying, you should definitely find out this question from the seller and make sure the accuracy of his words by demanding certificates for the equipment. In addition, it is best to choose products from well-established manufacturing companies that are unlikely to risk their reputation by releasing frankly low-quality goods.

Acrylic equipment has several features that distinguish it from analogues from other materials. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Metal carcass

Products made of acrylate are highly ductile and can bend from the forces applied to them even at room temperature. Thus, their operation without a special reinforcing frame is simply impossible.

The design is designed to optimally distribute the load throughout the bowl and prevent the occurrence of deflections and kinks. Conscientious manufacturers develop a special frame for each of their models.

There can be no universal systems here, therefore, a frame must also be included with an acrylic bathtub.

Most often, such a frame is a structure made of a steel square profiled pipe, which is coated with anti-corrosion powder paint. The frame itself includes corner supports for the bowl, height-adjustable legs and intermediate stiffening ribs. Experts pay attention to the fact that the more support points the frame has, the less strength will have a bath.

Ideal option - supports only in the corners. The frame can be prefabricated and all-welded. By the way, the last option is a signal to the buyer about the low strength of the bowl. If desired, the frame can be made independently.

Frame - required attribute for an acrylic bath, otherwise the equipment will not last long. If desired, you can make it yourself, but it is better to use the one that the manufacturer offers.

Unusual design

The manufacturing technology of acrylic bathtubs opens up wide possibilities for designers. The configuration of such a bowl can be very different. Some limitations may appear only because of the need to develop an effective frame design, which should reinforce the product.

All bowls are conditionally divided into oval, rectangular, angular and asymmetric. In addition, in the process of preparing the material for casting, dyes can be added to it, which makes it possible to obtain acrylic bathtubs of various colors.

Acrylic bathtubs come in a variety of designs. It is better to buy bowls of complex configurations complete with a decorative screen that will cover an unsightly frame. It is almost impossible to buy such a screen separately.

Long service life

The durability of the product, of course, depends on its quality. Only bathtubs made of cast acrylic will last a long time, about 20 years. And with good care and correct operation this period is significantly increased.

A special set for the restoration of the surface of an acrylic bath will help you easily deal with ugly scratches and cracks

In addition, high-quality acrylic bowls made of cast material are maintainable.

This means that if chips or cracks appear, they can be easily removed using a special restoration kit. The defect is removed using liquid acrylate and subsequent grinding of the repaired surface.

Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic

When choosing between a steel and acrylic bathtub, it is important to be clear about the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Consider an acrylate bowl, its advantages can be considered:

• Light weight. The average weight of an acrylic bathtub ranges from 15 to 45 kg, depending on the model and dimensions of the product. This weight greatly facilitates the transportation and installation of the bowl.
• High level of thermal insulation. Acrylic is one of the "warm" materials, it is very pleasant to the touch and retains temperature well. The heat loss of a filled bath is about one degree per half hour, which can be considered a very good indicator.
• Antibacterial properties of the material. Acrylic prevents the reproduction of microorganisms, therefore, even in a favorable environment for them humid environment bathroom bacteria and germs on the bowl do not settle.
• Good sound absorption. Acrylic bathtub fills completely silently.
• Security. The acrylic surface looks completely smooth, while it has an anti-slip effect. It is very difficult to fall and get injured in such a bath.

Let's analyze the shortcomings of the acrylic bowl. These include:

• The sensitivity of the material to the effects of aggressive compounds and high temperatures. All kinds of adhesives, solvents and varnishes, including hairspray, can ruin acrylic coating. Direct exposure to fire or hot objects is also unacceptable.
• The need to select cleaners that are safe for acrylic. Abrasives in any form should be avoided as they scratch the surface of the bowl. High-quality acrylic is hygienic and does not absorb dirt. A mild detergent will suffice to clean it. In this case, it is better to choose specialized formulations.
• Possibility of destruction of the coating as a result hard hit. Despite the strength of the material, mechanical damage can be dangerous for it. Drops of heavy objects into the bowl are especially contraindicated for acrylic. They almost always lead to chips and cracks. However, most they can be easily removed using a restoration kit.

By the way, what else distinguishes an acrylic bathtub is the possibility of mounting all kinds of additional devices for water procedures. These can be the nozzles of the most different modifications which will make water procedures even more comfortable and enjoyable.

Steel bath overview

The basis of such a bath becomes a steel sheet. It is placed under a hot press certain form, which extrudes ready product and cut off excess material. The resulting blank is sent for additional processing, where a layer is applied to it. facing coating. It can be a special polymer or enamel. Bowls made of stainless steel do not need additional processing.

Metal thickness - key characteristic providing direct influence on the quality of the steel bath. It can vary from 1.5 to 3.5 mm. Thin metal usually cannot withstand the weight of a person and the water filling the bowl, it begins to bend and deform. If the bath is thin metal covered with a layer of enamel, it can crack and break off over time. Thus, the best way- a bowl made of metal with a thickness of more than 3 mm. Unfortunately, when buying, it is impossible to determine “by eye” the quality of the metal.

You need to focus on the weight of plumbing equipment, it cannot be too small, and carefully study technical documentation from the manufacturer.

The finish of steel tubs may vary. Enamel is applied to them or left uncoated. In the latter case, the bowls are stamped from stainless steel.

Those who choose an enameled steel bathtub should be aware that the cladding layer is very thin and differs from that of cast iron bowls. In the production of cast iron products, an average of five layers of enamel are applied, which affects its properties. The coating turns out to be porous, absorbs dirt and easily breaks off, while the thin lining of steel baths does not have pores.

It is easy to clean and less prone to cracking and chipping. Modern technologies allow you to paint enamel in different colors, which makes it possible to choose a product that perfectly matches any interior.

Bathtubs from steel differ in some features. Let's take a look at them in more detail.

Heat and sound insulation

Metal products absorb sound very poorly, so filling the bath turns into a real test for the ears of its owner. Many people don't like it very much. In addition, the heat transfer of steel is great, the metal warms up very quickly and also cools down quickly, which seriously limits the time for lovers to soak up in warm water. Manufacturers are aware of these shortcomings of their products and are trying to level them.

Almost all well-known companies complete their products with plates of insulating material that are installed on the bottom of the bowl. If they are not available, you can get by with improvised means. Home craftsmen offer many options: polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, technical cork.

They are used in the same way. The insulator is applied to the back of the bath and securely fixed there. After that, the bowl is installed in place, and the unsightly body covered with insulating material is closed with a decorative screen.

If the manufacturer did not complete the steel bath with special insulating pads, home craftsmen recommend using mounting foam to equip heat and sound insulation

reinforcing frame

Steel bathtubs, especially those made of thin metal, tend to bend and deform. To prevent this trouble, it is recommended to install a metal bowl on special supports that look like a frame. This is especially true for baths. large sizes. There are many mounting options for this design. Most often it is made of brick or foam concrete.

This option is also popular: the bath supports are made of brick, and the entire space under the bowl is filled with mounting foam. A small nuance: before blowing the foam, the bath must be filled with water, otherwise the composition will expand and raise the bowl up. The latter option solves not only the problem of stability, but also noise and heat insulation.

Variety of forms

The steel sheet is quite plastic and pliable, so it is possible to form products of very different configurations from it. In addition to traditional corner and rectangular models, steel bathtubs can be found on the market. various forms.

Exclusive models can be equipped with soft and hard headrests, have special handrails and other unusual elements. They produce steel baths of various shapes, designed not only for one bathing person, but also for two.

Steel is a plastic material from which bathtubs of various configurations are made.

Advantages and disadvantages of the steel version

Steel sanitary ware have a number of significant benefits, which include:

• Relatively light weight. It depends on the size of the bowl and the thickness of the metal from which the product is made. You need to understand that the weight of a high-quality steel bath is comparable to the mass of acrylic, however, it will be more than that of plastic. Due to their low weight, steel products can be installed in rooms with thin ceilings.
• Low cost. average cost steel bowls are lower than cast iron or quality acrylic.
• Rapid heating of the surface. Steel heats up very quickly. Before taking a bath, just rinse the bowl hot water from the shower head and it will heat up. True, the metal also cools quickly.
• Product hygiene. A thin enamel layer is characterized by the presence of a minimum number of pores, so it practically does not retain pollution. In addition, it is very easy to wash and clean. For these purposes, any tool is suitable, however, it is better not to use acids and abrasives.
• Long service life, which is about 15-20 years.

All the disadvantages of steel baths have already been listed above, however, it is worth recalling them. This is poor sound insulation, fast heat transfer and deformation under the influence of the weight of a person and water. However, if desired, all these shortcomings are quite easily leveled.

What is better to choose? findings

The debate about which bath would be better steel or acrylic, practically does not subside. It is impossible to answer this question precisely, because these products are fundamentally different, each of them has its own distinctive features.

At the same time, you need to understand that all the advantages of a particular type of sanitary equipment, which are usually tempted by sales assistants in salons, will be fully manifested only in products made of quality materials. Otherwise, a few more minuses will be added to the list of disadvantages.

When choosing between an acrylic and a steel bath, it is important to correctly evaluate all the features of the bathroom and your financial capabilities. Based on this, you should choose plumbing equipment. It is better to choose a high-quality copy of an inexpensive segment than to chase fashion and purchase a cheap model of a more expensive type, which will certainly disappoint with its quality and short service life.

The main advantage of cast iron is its durability. In the production of a bath, it is enameled and gives it an aesthetic appearance. Enamel is applied directly to the surface of the finished bath or immediately to the product heated after the tide. This achieves a degree of additional strength of the coating and its resistance to corrosion. High-quality cast-iron bathtubs have a guarantee for twenty years.

Most often, cast iron baths are produced in the classical form, since this material does not lend itself well to complex molding.

Modern cast iron bathtubs are sold with built-in handles for ease of use, and also have much less weight compared to Soviet baths. However, when casting a product, even with thin walls, its weight will still remain quite impressive - at least 90-100 kilograms. Cast iron bathtubs are easy to maintain and do not require special detergents. When washing such baths, it is advisable to avoid washcloths or brushes with an abrasive surface that can scratch the enamel, which is still the weakest link in cast iron products.

Acrylic bathtubs are considered the queens of design today, gradually replacing steel and cast iron products from popular demand. The range of acrylic bathtubs includes a huge number of various models of all sizes and shapes. With the help of compact acrylic baths, a bathroom can be designed in any design, which is very important for apartments with small living space.

Acrylic baths in their characteristics are in no way inferior to steel and cast iron, and in some respects even surpass them.

Despite the deceptively fragile appearance of acrylic, this material is very durable and even elastic. Its thickness ranges from 4-6 millimeters, however, the bottom of acrylic bathtubs is made thicker, since it bears the main load. The guarantee for such products is about ten years, they are easy to maintain and quite durable. Acrylic does not breed harmful bacteria, moreover, it is resistant to various household chemicals.

Acrylic bathtubs are available in rectangular, asymmetric and oval versions, in addition, they are often understaffed with hydromassage systems and lighting. Given the possibility of easy reconstruction of acrylic baths, they can be safely recommended as the best product for the bathroom.

The bathtub competes very successfully with an economical shower and a luxurious jacuzzi. Some try to replace old cast-iron models with new acrylic models, sometimes without thinking about the equivalence of such an exchange.

Bath selection in given time limited only by your own imagination and financial capabilities. This type of plumbing surprises with colors, shapes, materials. In addition to the usual cast iron bathtubs, acrylic bathtubs have gained popularity. They have many advantages over steel or copper models. However, there are points on which such modern innovations lose out.

Competition: cast iron vs acrylic

State of the art materials modern technologies, occupy an increasing place in Everyday life. Fake diamond or plastic, reminiscent of natural glass, have become familiar materials. Acrylic bathtub made from composite material represents the latest fashion trends.

Acrylic, when heated, exhibits the best plastic properties. It is in this heated state that a product is produced from it by hot stamping, which in the future will decorate the bathroom. After this operation, the bath is reinforced. Acrylic product has the following advantages:
- ease;
- perfectly keeps heat;
- perfectly smooth surface;
- the possibility of rapid restoration.

However, you need to remember that acrylic baths have and significant shortcomings. These include:

Intolerance to chemical cleaners;
- brittleness of the material. Any heavy object can permanently destroy the bath;
- the subtlety of the design. When filling it with water, the product may be slightly deformed;
- the inability to determine the quality of the bath by eye.

Despite the shortcomings, acrylics come in a variety of shapes, colors and configurations.

Favorite and reliable cast iron

Although cast iron bathtubs cannot compete with acrylic bathtubs in a variety of shapes and colors, they are an alternative for bathrooms. small size. They have a number of advantages due to which they are still in demand:

They are impact resistant;
- have excellent thermal conductivity;
- bathtubs from cast iron are durable;
- not afraid of temperature changes and exposure to chemicals.

A special anti-corrosion coating is applied to cast iron bathtubs, which protects it from rust. At the same time, the product acquires a noble color and allows you to clean the surface with any chemical means. The disadvantages of cast iron baths include their significant weight, a small selection of shapes.

Acrylic cast iron bath - ? The answer to this question depends on the personal preferences of its future owner.

Recently, the popularity of acrylic bathtubs has been growing. These bathtubs are practical and not only replace steel and cast iron ones, but also surpass them in many respects.

Instruction

Acrylic is a polymer in the form of a powder or powder, which can be mixed with a special liquid to obtain a thick, quickly solidifying mass. Such a composition is called sanitary acrylic, it is durable and retains its shape for many years, and is also not very susceptible to corrosion and chemical attack.

Acrylic bath is a body, which consists of layers: acrylic, reinforced material and a layer designed to strengthen the body of the bath. The thickness of the bath reaches 7-9 mm.

One advantage is also important - the plasticity of the material. Thanks to this property, bathtubs of various shapes are made: oval, rectangular, triangular, in the shape of a heart. If none of the proposed baths suits the customer, then for a fee they will produce according to a special project. Moreover, the customer is free to choose and color palette, the bath bowl can be perfect in any tone.