Marble baths - production technology, advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of bathtubs and sinks made of cast marble include a whole list of characteristics. How much does a bathtub made of artificial stone weigh?

Compare marble, steel, acrylic and cast iron bathtubs

Starting the repair of the bathroom, it is necessary to determine the location of the bath, its shape, dimensions and method of installation. But before choosing from a variety of models, it is worth deciding what material the bath will be made of - cast iron, steel, acrylic or cast (cast) marble.

Cast iron bathtubs are familiar to everyone, as are the black chips on their surfaces. This is due to the fact that the enamel is already applied to the finished cast-iron mold. Some manufacturers still practice manual coating with an enamel thickness of 0.8 to 1.2 millimeters, which wears out over time. And this devalues ​​all the advantages of cast iron itself - stability, low thermal conductivity, lack of resonance with pouring water. Of the minuses of cast-iron bathtubs, one can note the limited form, significant weight, and difficulties in installing a hydromassage.

Steel bathtubs are slightly more expensive, five times lighter than cast iron, but at the same time thinner-walled. Enameling of a steel mold is carried out at high temperatures, so the enamel is literally baked on the metal. But when thin walls are deformed, it cracks and crumbles. Low sound absorption forces the owners of these baths to build entire podiums, tiling them. But there are many more models on the market.

Acrylic tubs and liners spawned a refurbishment boom a few years ago, with happy owners shelling out huge sums for this quiet, non-slip, and versatile material. Only over time, exclusively white bathtubs turned yellow, absorbed dyes, and also lost the smoothness of the surfaces due to the formation of chips and roughness. Of the benefits - such baths are light, ergonomic and easily equipped with a hydromassage function. Here are just the most sophisticated devices cannot work in such a bath with full dedication just because of its lightness.

Now in the production of high quality bathtubs, artificial stone is used, which surpasses natural stone in its properties. This is a composite composition, in which 80% is a specially prepared marble chips, and 20% are pigments and binders. The material was called "cast marble" and is four times stronger than natural. A bathtub made of cast marble consists entirely of a composite - which means that the surface layer will not rub off over time and will not change its color. When cast marble is exposed to dyes (hair dyes, fabrics with an unstable color), spots are formed that can be removed with an acidic environment - for example, rubbed with a slice of lemon. Abrasives should not be used - artificial stone, like any natural stone, is additionally polished to achieve a smooth surface. The higher the polish, the more respectable the bath looks, but the easier it is to scratch it.

The advantages of bathtubs and sinks made of cast marble include a whole list of characteristics:

• stability (for the installation of some models it is necessary to use the supports provided by the designers);


• variety of styles and forms (from classic to ultra-modern);


• the ability to choose juicy monochrome shades or stylize the textures of natural stones;


• lack of vibration, as a result - a high level of noise absorption and optimal operation of hydromassage devices;


• maintainability (restoration of damaged surfaces is theoretically carried out by specialists, but in practice the need for such a service is close to zero);


• increased resistance to liquid aggressive environments when using a gelcoat for finishing the bath;


• low thermal conductivity (baths made of cast marble retain a comfortable water temperature for a long time).

Unlike cold natural stones, cast marble is very comfortable to the touch. But the most pleasant bonus is that with the help of a bathtub made of such material it is easy to compensate for the flaws of the project and construction work (within reasonable limits) - if the bathtub has sides that do not fit into the allotted space, then they can be cut using special tools right at the installation site. Naturally, we are talking about those ends that should adjoin the walls of the room.

The only conditional drawback of such baths can be considered that they are not budgetary. But the list of benefits is clearly worth it.

Acrylic or cast iron, quartz or cast marble - what is the best material? When buying a bath, all buyers have the same question - and today I propose to consider in detail the properties of each material, compare the pros and cons in order to make the right choice.

First hand information: this article presents conclusions based on many years of personal experience - and not copying disparate information scattered in the vastness of the network.

Expert staff when creating the material, they are represented by the company's specialists HydroMAS who know firsthand what each bathtub looks like and what it consists of from the inside – over many years of work, we have drilled and installed thousands of bathtubs.

Your new bath: what's inside?

It is no secret that modern technologies and industrial design possibilities allow you to create a bathtub from almost any material. From steel, whose only advantage, as you all know, is low cost, to exotic ones such as glass, stone, and even wood. In most cases, the choice is presented from acrylic bathtubs, classic cast iron, cast marble and a relatively new material - quartz. We will consider them in the article.

Acrylic: versatile and popular

So let's start with some of the most popular - acrylic bathtubs . When choosing, pay attention to two key characteristics: the type of acrylic sheet and its thickness.

Of course, you already know about the variety of shapes and sizes that acrylic allows you to create, but I would like to highlight a lesser known fact. So, did you know that the acrylic sheet from which the bathtub is made can be of 3 types: cast, extruded, and combined. Depending on which acrylic is used in production, the final cost of the bath is added up.

cast acrylic - the most durable, reliable, but at the same time the most expensive material. Its feature is in a specific manufacturing technology by casting. Due to this, cast acrylic has a longer molecular chain, which means that your bath becomes much stronger and more reliable.

Extruded Acrylic Sheet manufactured by rolling molten acrylic granules between rollers. The molecular chain in such a material is shorter and directed towards rolling - accordingly, it is less durable than cast acrylic, but still reliable enough for use in standard conditions. There is also a definite plus - the price of a bathtub made of extruded acrylic will be less due to the low cost of production of the material itself.

Combined sheet consists of two layers glued together - ABS plastic at the bottom and acrylic extruded sheet at the top. The percentage of layers can be different, depending on this, the price also changes - as you might guess, the thinner the layer of acrylic, the cheaper. Such material is quite reliable, affordable and very popular among manufacturers of economy segment baths.

Acrylic: what you need to know about the thickness of your bathtub?

Speaking of thickness, it is necessary to divide into two concepts: the thickness of the bathtub wall and the thickness of the acrylic sheet. By itself, acrylic is a very plastic material, which in its pure form will not withstand even the weight of a person, not to mention the weight of water in the bathroom. For strength, acrylic is reinforced (reinforced) with a layer of fiberglass with epoxy resin and embedded elements (usually plywood inserts) are installed in the bottom and upper sides of the bath.

When we talk about the thickness of the bathtub wall, we mean the total thickness of the acrylic sheet and the reinforcing layer. The thicker the reinforcing layer, the stronger, and the thicker the acrylic sheet, the longer the bath will serve you. The normal thickness of an acrylic sheet is 4 - 5 mm, but it is worth remembering that this is the thickness of the initial material and during the molding process the sheet is stretched and in some places it can be 2 times thinner, which is absolutely normal.

It is interesting: the thickness and number of layers can be clearly seen on the cut of the tub or on the overflow hole.

Acrylic bathtubs: a few more nuances

What else can affect the longevity of your acrylic bathtub? I also recommend paying attention choice of frame (frame). It must be strong and must have support posts that rest against the upper sides of the bath and prevent them from bending. It is better if the frame is solid (welded), and not twisted from longitudinal and transverse parts with bolts. The monolithic structure is more stable and will not loosen over time.

Another tip for those who buy bathtub with hydromassage . Acrylic would be a good choice for bowl material as it is the easiest material to use and does not require expensive tools to install. It is worth knowing that 95% of these baths are equipped with hydromassage systems already in Russia, even if the bath itself is made in Europe. This is due to the fact that a hot tub brought (already assembled) from another country costs several times more than a bathtub assembled from us - while the same European components are used in the assembly.

Cast iron bathtubs - an ageless classic of the genre

Cast iron- the next most popular material after acrylic. The reliability and harmlessness of this material is known, probably, to everyone. Indeed, from a professional point of view, cast iron is the safest material, it does not emit any toxins, and all possible bacteria were killed when enamel was applied at 900 degrees Celsius. In turn, the large weight of the material makes the bathtub resistant to tipping over.

At the same time, weight may seem like a certain disadvantage - the buyer is often afraid of the difficulties in delivery and installation. In our opinion, this minus is very conditional, since you encounter delivery once in 20 years, and even today all stores have a delivery service that will take care of all the worries.

Also, the limitations of the design can be attributed to the disadvantages. - if you choose an angular or asymmetric shape, then you can not look for cast-iron bathtubs, they do not exist. But the hydromassage is installed on cast iron without any problems - you can easily buy it in our salon.

Categories of cast iron bathtubs: what determines the cost?

• Category 1 - "Euro" - European standard "CE"
• Category 2 - "Standard" - first grade
• Category 3 - "Commercial" - second grade

Depending on what grade the bath belongs to, its quality and cost depend. The difficulty is that when buying it can be difficult to find out the category of a cast-iron bath - you have to determine this yourself.

How to determine the category and quality of a cast-iron bath? Here are some professional tips:

On my own behalf, I can advise manufacturers for whom I will not be ashamed:

• cast iron baths (Spain)
• cast iron bathtubs (France)
• cast-iron bathtubs Recor (Germany)

The quality of bathtubs of these brands has been pleasing our customers for many years and does not make sellers blush.

Cast marble bathtubs

Such baths as soon as they are not called. On the Internet and in the markets they can be found under the names: marble, stone, artificial stone, stone mass. But their production process is the same.

Making bathtubs from artificial stone can be compared to building a foundation for a building, only instead of crushed stone and sand, the composition includes ground natural marble or quartz sand, and polyester resin instead of cement. The surface of the bath is covered with a layer of gelcoat, which, like armor, protects the bath from various kinds of damage. To understand the strength, I can say that yachts and boats, as well as billiard balls, are covered with a layer of gelcoat, and they usually get great.

What are the main advantages of an artificial stone bath?

High coating strength - about which I spoke above.

• Great stability to tipping - on average, the wall thickness in a marble bath is 2 - 3 cm, while the weight is not much inferior to a cast-iron bath.
• Long-term preservation of water temperature.
• Simple and inexpensive restoration. Even if you dropped a hammer into the bathtub and a chip formed, this trouble can be easily fixed at home using a repair kit for 100 rubles.
• Design variety. Marble bathtubs can be absolutely any color - from classic white to imitating the structure of any natural stone.

Note: the cost is usually indicated for a bathtub in white, and for the color version, manufacturers ask to pay about 25% of the price. Colored bathtubs are made exclusively for the customer's order, and this may increase the delivery time.

And of course, as a specialist in hydromassage systems, I cannot but add: they are suitable for hydromassage equipment. This is made to order, the installation period for the hydromassage system is 5 working days.

Kvaril bathtubs - a new word in the world of plumbing

Kvaril- This is a relatively new material in the production of bathtubs. The process of its manufacture is quite interesting: particles of quartz sand are enclosed in an acrylic granule, due to which the latter becomes much stronger.

Then these granules
heated to a certain temperature and pour the resulting mass into special forms. This method allows you to make bathtubs of any shape and any size.

In my opinion, this is exactly what the main nuances that you need to consider when choosing a bath material look like. If you still have questions - feel free to write in the comments or through the form on this site, I will try to answer in detail.

Novikov Alexander Evgenievich, a specialist in the installation of hydromassage systems.

Work experience - 9 years.

The bathroom is a special place in the apartment. Taking a bath, a person pursues not only the goals of personal hygiene. A full bath for most people is a symbol of comfort, relaxation and coziness. That is why the repair in the bathroom and directly choosing a bathtub is given maximum time. It is very important that the bath is comfortable, functional and, of course, beautiful aesthetically. A bath made of artificial stone, being a more affordable analogue of natural stone baths, is gaining popularity among buyers. What are the advantages of such a choice, we will understand in this article.

Types of artificial stone baths

Despite the high cost, an artificial stone bathtub is now in high demand in the sanitary ware market. Artificial stone is an alloy of stone chips and polymers, a hardener and, in some cases, a dye.

Marble, granite and quartz sand are used as stone chips, giving the product not only a different appearance, but also changing performance. The classification of artificial stone baths is made according to the shape of the product.Repair and Construction Acrylic bath liner: pros, varieties, installation

There are three main types of artificial stone baths, although in reality there are many more, including non-standard varieties.

• Rectangular bathtub with rounded edges. Traditional bathtub shape made of artificial stone. The length of the bath does not exceed 1.8 m, more often about 1.6 m, thanks to which the product fits easily even in a small bathroom.

• Oval bath. Comfortable and concise, supporting the idea of ​​​​comfort and coziness in the room, the oval artificial stone bath becomes the central pearl of the bathroom. However, the peculiarity of this form of bath is that it looks more harmonious not close to the wall, and only the owners of a spacious bathroom can afford such an arrangement.
• corner bath. Despite the large area of ​​the bath, it is the corner bath that is considered the most compact for placement in a small bathroom. The secret is in the rational use of space. The advantage of a corner stone bath is the ability to equip the product with lighting, hydromassage and convenient storage shelves, but due to the large volume, the bath is heavier and more expensive than traditional counterparts.

Advantages of an artificial stone bath

So why are stone baths preferred, despite the higher price compared to traditional stone baths? To answer this question, pay attention to the advantages of artificial stone bathtubs:

• Unlike bathtubs made of other materials, stone bathtubs are highly durable, they are not afraid of mechanical damage and heaviness.
• Long service life, such a bathtub will be inherited by the next generations, while maintaining its original appearance.
• Hygiene and safety for family health. The coating of artificial stone with a special composition makes the surface non-porous, resistant to dirt. Dangerous bacteria do not spread on the surface of artificial stone, and pathogenic flora does not accumulate.

• Due to the low thermal conductivity of the stone, the water in the bath cools down slowly, maintaining a comfortable temperature longer, in comparison even with a cast-iron bath.
• The stone has increased sound insulation, the flow of water from the tap flows almost silently. The product is resistant to vibrations, which allows the use of hydromassage nozzles without causing damage to the coating.
• Ease of care of a bathroom from an artificial stone. In addition to self-cleaning, which I wrote about above, it is allowed to clean the bath with aggressive chemicals, including avoiding abrasive particles in the composition.
• A decorative choice, in addition to a huge variety of shapes and colors, it is possible to create a bathtub according to an individual project.

Cons of an artificial stone bath

Before such an expensive purchase, it is necessary to study the disadvantages of artificial stone bathtubs.

• If a small crack appears on the coating, take care of the restoration without delay. In the event that the crack grows, the repair of an artificial stone bath will result in large financial losses.
• Bath made of artificial stone must not be rubbed with a hard metal brush and cleaned with abrasive cleaners. Remove dirt in a timely manner with a soft cloth and a solid-free product.
• Artificial stone is easy to stain, so paint or colored liquids should not be poured into the bath. If this happens, rinse the tub thoroughly with a cleaning agent immediately.

The high cost of an artificial stone bath makes the product unaffordable for most buyers. But meanwhile, buying a stone bath is an almost lifelong decision, which undoubtedly makes the investment reasonable and long-term.

The production of sanitary ware from natural and artificial marble began not so long ago, but the popularity of such products is already incredibly high.

Along with reliability and durability, marble bathtubs have a stunning decorative effect, which for many is a decisive factor when choosing. They give the interior a touch of refined luxury, light aristocracy, emphasize the delicate taste of homeowners.

Natural stone bathtubs

For the manufacture of natural marble baths, a large solid block of this stone is used. Despite the fact that marble lends itself well to processing, this process is rather laborious, and therefore the cost of the finished product is very high. The bowl is cut out not by hand, but with the help of special equipment, which allows you to give the product any shape. But the most important advantage of such baths is the unique pattern on the surface, which never repeats. Multi-colored stains and inclusions in natural marble create an original pattern that gives the font a very decorative look.

Depending on the type and amount of impurities in the composition, marble is white, green, black, gray, pink, silver-blue and other colors and shades. The rarer the color, the higher the value of the stone. The rarest is blue marble, which is dominated by blue diopside. The material acquires the greatest decorative effect after grinding and polishing. The treated surface does not absorb water, it is well cleaned of dirt, it becomes very pleasant to the touch. Most marble bathtubs additionally have a protective coating that improves the performance of the product.

Cast marble bathtubs

The use of new technologies made it possible to reduce the cost of production without losing the decorative qualities of the material, reduce the weight of products and improve their individual properties. Artificial marble is made in several ways, the most popular of which is casting. To do this, marble chips are mixed in certain proportions with acrylic or polyester resin, additional pigments are added for coloring and poured into special molds. To give the material a pattern of natural marble, the pigments are added in strict order and mixed in a special way, as a result of which separate inclusions and stains of different shades remain. And to protect the surface and make it more decorative, gelcoat is used - a gel-like mass of pigmented resin.

In general, the process of making a bath looks like this:

• the inner surface of the matrix forms is polished and covered with a thin uniform layer of gelcoat;
• mix marble chips with resin, pigments and hardener;
• as soon as the gelcoat has hardened, the prepared mixture is poured into the mold and the vibropress is connected. After a certain time, finished bowls are removed from the molds.

Vibration allows you to remove excess air, increases the density of the material, makes the product more durable. As a rule, additional processing is not required for such baths, their surface is perfectly smooth and shiny.

The casting method makes it possible to produce bowls of various shapes and sizes, so cast marble bathtubs have a large assortment. There are corner models, free-standing, wall-mounted, round and rectangular, asymmetrical, with a pronounced pattern and absolutely white. Many of them are equipped with hydromassage jets, comfortable headrests, orthopedic devices for the legs and back.

Pros and cons of marble bathtubs

natural marble

Like any other material, marble has its advantages and disadvantages. The positive qualities, in addition to the already mentioned decorativeness, include the following characteristics:

• marble is resistant to temperature changes. In such a bath, you can safely pour both boiling water and ice water, there will be no consequences from this;
• the material has a high heat capacity, and although it heats up rather slowly, it is then able to hold the temperature of the water for a long time;
• due to their large weight, marble bathtubs are very stable and do not need support frames;
• natural stone perfectly absorbs sounds, which means that the bowl is filled with water absolutely silently;
• with careful operation, marble lasts for decades, and minor defects formed during the use of the bath can be eliminated on their own at no special cost.

Disadvantages:

• solid marble bowls are too heavy, so it is more difficult to install them yourself than acrylic, steel, and even cast iron tubs. In addition, if the floors are not strong enough, you can not put a marble bath;
• chips and microcracks are easily formed on the surface, which not only worsens the appearance, but also makes it difficult to clean the bowl. White marble acquires a yellow tint over time, becomes covered with unaesthetic spots;
• due to the high cost, only very wealthy people can afford a bath made of natural marble.

artificial marble

Thanks to special technologies, cast marble not only retains all the positive qualities of natural stone, but also surpasses it in many ways.

1. The surface of cast tubs is highly resistant to abrasion. Even after long-term use, the walls and bottom remain smooth and shiny, and the bowl itself easily withstands large continuous loads.
2. Cast marble heats up faster than natural marble and retains heat longer, even though the walls of the cast bath are noticeably thinner than those of a stone bowl.
3. Artificial marble is easier to drill for technological holes, so these bathtubs are often equipped with hydromassage equipment. At the same time, they perfectly dampen vibration, which increases the comfort of taking water procedures.
4. The structure of artificial materials is very dense, and does not allow dirt to eat into the walls of the bath. And plaque from the surface is easily removed with a rag and soapy water. Also, cast marble is not subject to the action of fungi, does not rust, does not rot.

Such baths fit perfectly into interiors with stone or ceramic finishes, are easy to restore if necessary, and do not require special care conditions. And most importantly, they are completely safe for health, since cast marble does not emit harmful substances, does not react with soap solutions and cosmetics.

Disadvantages:

• bathtubs made of cast marble are heavier than acrylic and steel models, so installation on your own requires a lot of physical effort;
• under the influence of dyes, the material may become covered with colored spots, which are quite difficult to eliminate;
• when cleaning the surface, it is not recommended to use abrasive substances;
• artificial marble is an expensive material, and therefore products from it are not cheap.

How to choose a marble bath

Dimensions and installation type

Bath dimensions are the most important selection criterion. Here it is necessary to take into account the build and height of all family members in order to choose the most convenient dimensions. The length of the bowl is usually determined by the height of the tallest of the family: a person should easily fit into the bath in a reclining position with straightened legs, comfortably resting his head on the side. The depth of the bowl is usually 50-60 cm, deeper baths will be uncomfortable for children, and shallower ones for adults. At the same time, if there are elderly or disabled people in the house, it is better to choose a bowl up to 50 cm deep.

The choice strongly depends on the area of ​​​​the room. If there is not enough space, straight wide models will take up all the space, and it will be inconvenient to use the bathroom. The best solution in this case would be a corner or sitting bath. At the same time, products made of cast marble will become more suitable, since their walls are thinner and the range of shapes is much wider. But natural stone bathtubs look better in spacious rooms, especially round and oval models. Most marble bathtubs are freestanding, so they take up a lot of space.

Signs of quality

Baths made of natural stone are visually different from the rest, so it is almost impossible to confuse or buy a fake. First of all, they have very thick walls (from 80 to 200 mm), weight from 500 kg, and a characteristic texture. In addition, most often they are made to order, and manufacturers value their reputation. And yet, sometimes a low-quality natural stone is used, which, during operation, will become covered with cracks or begin to delaminate. You should not choose a bath if you notice flaws on its surface in the form of chips, delaminations, and the porous structure also indicates poor quality. The bowl should be carefully polished inside, pleasant to the touch, without a sharp edge around the edge. Be sure to run your hand along the wall of the bath: if there are traces of stone on your palm, the material is not suitable for use.

With cast bathtubs, things are a little more complicated. Often, under the guise of artificial marble, they sell products with a different composition that will not last even a year. As a rule, unscrupulous manufacturers use quartz sand instead of marble chips, which reduces the cost of production, but significantly worsens the strength of the material. It becomes more porous, cracks and chips are easily formed on it, especially when drilling technological holes.

There are those who save on coloring pigments. Instead of adding pigment to the mass prior to casting, they simply apply paint to the finished product. As a result, at the slightest damage, a white base will shine through the scratch, and it is much more difficult to eliminate such a defect. But if the walls of the bowl are painted over to the full depth, it will not be difficult to restore the surface, you just need to apply a layer of gelcoat.

Another reason for poor quality is a banal violation of casting technology. First of all, this is a non-compliance with the proportions of the components, as well as a decrease in the thickness of the fill layer. Visually, such bathtubs are no different, except for a little less weight, but they do not last long. To avoid mistakes when buying, you should choose a product according to the following criteria:

• a high-quality cast marble bowl has a wall thickness of 12-20 mm, and a protective layer thickness of at least 1 mm;
• the entire surface is absolutely smooth, without chips and roughness, warm to the touch, shiny;
• for color models, the bowls are painted evenly, the base base does not shine through;
• complete absence of seams along the lines of the pattern;
• when tapping with the knuckles on the walls, the sound should be deaf and the same in any part of the product.

The bath must be accompanied by an instruction indicating the technical characteristics and a list of additional accessories. In addition, the manufacturer is obliged to give a guarantee for their products (for sanitary ware made of cast marble, the warranty period is at least 2 years, for well-known foreign brands it is 5-10 years).

Marble Bath Manufacturers

Both domestic and foreign manufacturers are represented on the Russian plumbing market. Of the domestic brands, the following brands enjoy the greatest consumer confidence:

• OOO "Astra-Form". This company is considered the leading manufacturer of luxury sanitary ware in the domestic market. The factory has been operating for about 20 years, its products are well known in Russia and abroad. Astra-Form bathtubs are characterized by high functionality and an incredibly wide range;

  Astra-Form, LLC

• ESSE Ltd. The company was created quite recently, but has already managed to prove itself as a worthy competitor to well-known domestic brands. Unique French technologies are involved in the production, allowing you to create products of the highest quality with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. The company specializes in the production of exclusive models, most of which are made according to individual design;

  MALTA - red model made of cast marble

• LLC "Estet". Another manufacturer of luxury sanitary ware, known since 2012. All products of the company fully meet European quality standards. Baths made of cast marble are very diverse: here you can choose from classic models, and the most non-standard, equipped according to the latest fashion trends in the world of sanitary ware.

Foreign companies:

• Vispool (Latvia). A very popular brand with a long history. The manufacturer uses a special technology that maximizes the density of the material and the uniformity of its layers. Such baths in everyday life are completely unpretentious, withstand heavy loads, and are easily cleaned of dirt. The service life of these products is at least 50 years, while without loss of aesthetic appearance. The company produces bathtubs for every taste - from classic straight models to the most exclusive ones;

  Marble bath Vispool Gemma plus

• Marmite (Sweden-Poland). The products of this brand meet all European standards and have long been very popular with the Russian consumer. The company produces products of different price categories, while even the most budget models have an impeccable appearance: the complete absence of seams, deep staining, perfect surface gloss. The range includes more than 2 thousand models of various shapes, colors and sizes;
• Riho (Czech Republic). The bathtubs produced by this company have a very modern design, so they are great for non-standard interior solutions. The variety of models is huge, a wide range of colors, the quality meets European standards;

  Marble bathtubs RIHO. White model in the interior of a private house

• Marmorin (Poland). The main difference between this manufacturer and others is the innovative style and complex shapes of the models. Each bath is as practical and convenient to use as possible, has high performance characteristics. In the manufacture of products, silver ions are introduced into the marble mass, thereby increasing the antimicrobial properties of the surface.

All these companies have a well-deserved reputation, so it is almost impossible to purchase low-quality goods from them. Products are subject to mandatory testing, each model is given a manufacturer's warranty. Of course, you should buy such baths only in specialized salons, otherwise there is a risk of buying a fake.

Comparative characteristics of popular models of cast marble baths

Do-it-yourself marble bath installation

There are no fundamental differences in the installation of bathtubs, no matter what material they are made of. However, some nuances are still worth knowing if you are going to do the installation yourself. The main difficulty in installing a marble bath is its weight. If the bowl is made of natural marble, a professional team should be invited for installation, so you are guaranteed to avoid problems with moving and connecting a heavy structure. If the bathtub is made of cast marble, which is much lighter, installation can be done by two people with an assistant.

First you need to determine the location of the bath and carefully prepare the place. If the flooring leaves much to be desired, it is worth dismantling it and making a new level screed.

The walls to which the sides of the bath will adjoin also need to be carefully checked for defects - cracks, recesses, fungus infection. The exfoliated coating is removed, the irregularities are eliminated with a cement mortar, the areas blackened from mold are cleaned and treated with an antiseptic. If this is not done before installing the bath, then it will be difficult to get there, and you are unlikely to get rid of the fungus.

The next step is waterproofing. In the bathroom, it is most practical to use coating waterproofing based on bitumen or acrylic. It is easy to apply, forms a very strong elastic film that does not allow water and steam to pass through. Apply it with a roller or brush in two or three layers to achieve maximum coverage.

After that, the floor is faced with tiles or other material.

If both the floor and the walls are in good condition and do not require replacement of the cladding, it is enough to clean the surface of dust and dirt. Now you can start installing the bath.

Important! It is recommended to buy a siphon at the same time as a bathtub, so that you can immediately check the compliance of the fasteners with the thickness of the bowl and the distance between the overflow and the drain. As a rule, universal models are suitable for bathtubs of different thicknesses, but there should be no more than 57 cm between the drain and overflow hole.

Step 1. They bring in the bath, turn it around so that the drain hole is as close as possible to the sewer pipe, lay the bath on its side. Remove protective packaging.

Step 2 If the kit includes legs, fix them first. The legs are inserted into the mounting holes on the bowl body and fixed with bolts and special metal wedges. It is not necessary to twist strongly yet, it may still be necessary to adjust the height.

Step 3 From the outside of the bath, the lower part of the siphon socket with a rubber gasket laid in it is applied to the drain hole in the bottom. From the inside of the bowl, the upper part is applied and both elements are tightly fixed with a screw. Don't over-tighten as it will crack the plastic.

Scheme - an example of installing drain fittings for a bathtub made of cast marble

Step 4 Next, install the outlet pipe into the overflow hole located in the upper part of the bathroom rim. From the outside, a flexible hose is connected to the branch pipe, the end of which will be connected to the siphon. At the joints, rubber gaskets must be inserted, for reliability, lubricating them on both sides with silicone sealant.

Step 5 A coupling is inserted into the hole in the sewer pipe, and then a plastic siphon adapter with connecting nuts is inserted into it.

Important! It is necessary to use corrugated pipes when connecting to the sewer only as a last resort, when access to the drain hole is very difficult. The corrugation clogs faster, and it is more difficult to clean it than a hard pipe.

Video - Assembling a bath siphon

Step 6 Now you need to very carefully put the bath on its legs and move it to the prepared place. Check the distance from the outlet of the siphon to the top point of the drain - it should be at least 10 cm. If necessary, adjust the height of the bath legs. Be sure to check its horizontal location: a building level is laid across the bowl on the sides. When making a bathtub, a slope for water flow is taken into account, so there is no need to make an additional slope for the bowl itself. To connect the siphon, you need to put the gasket on the socket, insert it into the neck of the adapter and fix it with a plastic nut.

Installing a siphon on a bath - diagram

Step 7 After the siphon is connected to the drain pipe, a flexible overflow hose is connected to it, the joints are sealed with silicone. Next, shut off the water supply with a stopcock, connect the bath to the pipeline, install the mixer.

To check the tightness of all connections, the bath must be filled with water by about a third and wait a few minutes. After that, the joints of the pipes are carefully examined, especially under the bottom, they are carried through the pipes by hand. If there are leaks, drain the water, unscrew the connecting nuts, wipe everything dry and re-tighten using sealant. In the absence of leaks, it remains only to seal the joint between the bowl rim and the wall.

If the bathtub is free-standing and without legs, the water supply pipes and the sewer outlet must be laid in the thickness of the floor. To do this, first, markings are made on the floor, according to which strobes are made in a concrete screed. When calculating the depth and width of the strobe, not only the diameter of the pipes is taken into account, but also the thickness of the insulating layer, as well as the angle of inclination towards the drain (at least 20 mm per meter). The water supply pipes are connected to the stand of the floor-type faucet installed next to the bath bowl.

To connect the siphon to the drain pipe, the bathtub is placed on stands made of timber, otherwise it will not work to approach the bottom of the bowl. The siphon pipe with a bath drain and a sewer pipe is connected using adapter fittings. After connecting the drain system, the stands are removed. This method of installation is quite complicated, requires a lot of time and effort, and it is most advisable to use it when overhauling the bathroom.

An alternative solution is to build a podium for a bathtub made of bricks or foam blocks. In this case, the sewer wiring is mounted inside the podium, which greatly facilitates the work. But there is one important nuance here: the load on the floors may be too large. In a country house, this problem is not difficult to solve, but for a city apartment, this option is hardly suitable.

Caring for marble baths

As you know, marble is a malleable material, and therefore it must be protected from scratches, bumps and exposure to aggressive substances. If possible, place all accessories so that they cannot fall into the bath, be sure to check the quality of the fastening of the shelves and the faucet. It is undesirable to bathe animals in such a bath, because their sharp claws will certainly leave marks on the walls of the bowl. After each use, rinse the surface with clean water and wipe with a foam sponge or soft cloth. And once a week, it is recommended to wash the bath with soapy water, but in no case use abrasive powders.

Cast marble bathtubs are looked after in the same way. This material is more difficult to damage in everyday life, but still, scratches and chips sometimes appear on it. Abrasives and acid-containing compounds easily destroy a thin protective layer, due to which the surface fades, becomes stained, and loses all its attractiveness. There are special liquids for cleaning marble products. They are suitable for both cast and natural marble, and although they cost more than conventional detergents, the effectiveness of the application fully justifies all the costs.

If any defects nevertheless appear on the bathroom, they must be eliminated correctly by choosing the appropriate method:

• stains from cosmetics or hair dye are removed with 20% hydrogen peroxide or a few drops of ammonia. Take a piece of cotton wool, dip it in the solution and press it against the stain for 1-2 minutes. You can’t keep it for a long time, otherwise a white mark will appear instead of a dirty spot;
• stains from fatty cosmetics, massage oils must first be sprinkled with any absorbent powder (starch, chalk) and left to soak. When contaminated, the powder is replaced with a new one. A day later, everything is washed off with hot water with a detergent diluted in it, rinsed, wiped dry;
• rusty streaks from low-quality faucets, metal soap dishes and other fixtures are more difficult to remove, especially if the stains are very ingrained. Here it is recommended to use a special paste, which can be purchased at any household chemicals store. The paste is applied to the stain, left for a few minutes (the time is indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions), then washed off with clean water and wiped the surface. In the absence of a paste, a solvent, such as acetone, can be used, but it should be used carefully.

To eliminate small chips, scratches, cracks, there are special kits on sale. They include epoxy resin, varnish and marble chips. The proportions for mixing are indicated on the package, and the exact instructions for the restoration of the marble surface are also given there.

Video - Installing a cast marble bath

Video - Connecting the bath to the sewer

Today's cast marble is a type of artificial stone. Variants of this material have been known since ancient times. In the manufacture of any artificial stone, production waste is used. In our case - marble chips, ground to a fine state.

The composition of the initial mass for casting contains up to 95% of ground marble chips. It is mixed with polyester resins, i.e. with synthetic binders. Pigments and hardeners are added. The resulting creamy mass is applied to specially made molds for casting. After drying and grinding, the last technological operation takes place - gelcoat treatment, which is sometimes called liquid glass. This is a protective coating that protects the surface from the action of aggressive environments and gives the product a shine of natural stone.

Cast marble bathtub painting process

Injection molding allows the creation of products of arbitrary shapes, sizes, colors and textures.

A warning:

Some manufacturers reduce the cost and use quartz sand instead of ground stone chips. Outwardly, these bathtubs are no different. But quartz sand grains are heterogeneous and contain internal cavities. Porosity reduces the strength and durability of the bath, leads to difficulties in installing fittings in the bath bowl.

If the dye is added to the molding mass before mixing the components, the product is stained evenly to the full depth. When scratches appear on the bath bowl, they are not visible. If an unpainted mass is used during the molding of the product, and then only the surface layer of the product is stained, then scratches appear in this case.

Therefore, when choosing a bathtub made by injection molding, ask the seller who and how the bathtub was made.

Comparison of the characteristics of natural and cast marble

Natural marble is composed of the minerals dolomite and calcite with a crystal structure in which individual crystal grains adhere. Such a stone has a high density and at the same time porosity.

Cast marble is created on the basis of natural stone. From a comparison of their characteristics, the advantages of cast marble are visible. Due to the compacted microcrystalline structure and the presence of polymer resins, it has a lower density and no porosity. This leads to an increase in the strength of products cast from artificial marble.

Characteristics of natural and cast marble:

From a comparison of the above characteristics, it becomes clear that modern man-made stone is a reliable material for creating bathtubs. It is easily processed, and if damaged, it is easy to restore.

Pros and cons: advantages of cast marble bathtubs

Bathtubs made of cast marble have significant advantages compared to products made from other materials:

1. Injection molding technology imitates the texture of natural stone without limiting colors and shades.
2. The bath is molded with the desired spatial shape and withstands increased loads: the strength of cast marble is comparable to the strength of natural granite.
3. These are heavy and therefore stable bathtubs. Optionally, they are installed without fasteners and legs.
4. Due to the low coefficient of thermal conductivity (as a result of the use of polyester resins and gelcoat), the surface of the product is warm to the touch. The bath retains heat and the water stays hot for a long time.
5. Polyester resins dampen the vibration that occurs when using hydromassage; thanks to the increased sound absorption coefficient, cast marble bathtubs reduce the level of water noise.
6. Cast marble is resistant to chemical compounds.
7. There are no micropores in cast marble. This provides antibacterial properties: microbes have nowhere to accumulate.
8. Cast marble bathtubs require the most minimal maintenance. Professionals estimate the service life of such a product at 45 years.

Pros and cons: product surface stability

Surface stability is another advantage of injection molding. If the technological process was observed when creating such a bath, then the surface of the product is not damaged by chemicals.

A fact is known: once, to check the quality of the surface of cast marble, staining and aggressive substances were applied to the bath, which were removed after 10 hours by wiping the surface.

There are no traces of caustic and coloring substances left on the surface: vinegar and ketchup, tea and milk, beet juice and lipstick, ink, oil and dye powders. To a small extent, traces of lemon juice, acetone and liquid deodorant remained in the form of a faint spot or a whitish circle.

Disadvantages of using cast marble

There are also negative aspects associated with the operation of cast marble baths:

1. Stone baths are more expensive than baths made from other materials.
2. These bathtubs are 95% natural stone and weigh a lot. This complicates transportation and installation.
3. Sometimes during operation, chips and scratches appear on the surface of the bowl due to increased impact loads or the use of aggressive chemicals and cleaners, including abrasives.
4. Rinsing of the bathtub surface is required after each wash or wash.

Methods for the restoration of stone bathtubs made by injection molding

With careful handling of such a bath, only a soap solution and a soft sponge are required to maintain cleanliness. No other funds are needed. But even with careful handling over time, traces of operation appear on the surface of cast marble: scratches, chips or individual spots.

If the bathtub is painted over to the full depth, then small scratches on the bowl can be easily removed by grinding.

Possible chips are repaired using a three-component repair kit consisting of gelcoat, hardener and accelerator. First, the cleavage site is degreased with acetone, then, according to the instructions, the putty mass is prepared and applied to the cleavage site. After 2 hours, the putty dries. The putty is cleaned with a waterproof sandpaper and sanded using a grinder.

Separate stains are eliminated by combining both methods.

If, as a result of improper installation of a stone bath, deformations of the bath bowl have occurred, do not try to fix the defect yourself. In this case, it is better to contact a professional.