What baths to choose for the bathroom. Which bath is better to choose? Bath - reviews, photos, prices

The bath occupies a special place among the plumbing used by a person, since this design, like the toilet, is used daily. The font has been known to mankind for more than a millennium, and the modern market for plumbing fixtures offers a wide range of such products that differ in shape, color, quality, material, and price. Therefore, many consumers are interested in the question of which bath to choose, what characteristics should a quality product have?

Choosing the right bath is the key to health and comfort for many years. With proper care, even the cheapest bathtub will last at least 15 years, so which bathtub is better to choose should be taken very responsibly. Even if you do not strive to combine all the best qualities in one product, the variety of models made of steel, quaryl, acrylic, cast iron can make your head spin.

However, if you pay secondary attention to color, shape, additional options, then the quality of the bath, its advantages and disadvantages come to the fore. Therefore, before going to a plumbing store, it will be useful to arm yourself with knowledge about the main types of bathtubs, their characteristics, study the reviews of those who have already taken the product you are interested in, and find out the opinion of experts in this field.

It is easy to get confused in the wide variety of modern bathroom sanitary ware products. How to choose a bathroom if they differ not only in price, but also in color, shape, size, material, manufacturers and additional options? We will help you sort out this issue.

Going to the store, be guided by the following criteria and main characteristics:

1. Size: length, width, depth. If the bathroom is small, then the main factor of choice will be the dimensions of the room. If you are not limited by the size of the room, then choose a bath according to your size so that you are comfortable taking water procedures and just lying down, relaxing. The optimal length is so that you can stretch your legs. Optimum width - so that there is a space of 5 cm to the right and left of you. Optimum depth - so that the water in the bowl covers your body.
2. Material. There are several types of baths, depending on the material of manufacture: steel, cast iron, acrylic, marble. We will talk about this point in more detail a little later. Here the choice is limited only by personal preferences and the size of the wallet.
3. Convenience. There are options with such additional options as a comfortable handle and headrest, which increase the comfort of water procedures, but at the same time the cost of the product. These options can be both mortise, which cut into the sides, and overhead, which are attached with suction cups.
4. Beauty is an important criterion, because this item mainly affects the look of the bathroom. Therefore, the appearance, shape and color of the product should please you and look stylish in the overall interior of the room.
5. The presence / absence of hydromassage. Another additional option - hydromassage, allows you to "heal" and is suitable for those who love vigorous water treatments. However, keep in mind that water massage is contraindicated for heart patients and cancer patients.
6. role in the interior. So, the bath can be built-in or freestanding. Standard options, as a rule, are installed in one of the corners of the room and covered with screen doors or special frames with tile lining. Exclusive models, which play an important role in the interior, are located at some distance from walls and corners, installing closer to the middle of the bathroom.

Additional criteria may be the choice of color and shape, which do not affect the main functionality of the product, which bath is better depends only on the personal preferences of the consumer.

What are the baths?

To understand how to choose the right bath, you must first study all the available types of baths. There are various classifications of sanitary products for bathrooms:

By material:

• cast iron;
• steel;
• acrylic;
• ceramic;
• marble.

Cast marble sanitary wares are luxury products. Such bathtubs have less weight and noise level than cast-iron bathtubs, and thermal conductivity and reliability are higher. Marble products have no risk of chipping, even if they are covered with a small layer of enamel.

By form:

• rectangular;
• triangular;
• round;
• square;
• asymmetric.

As already noted, the form does not affect the functionality, quality and reliability of the product at all. Modern technologies make it possible to translate any design ideas into reality.

By installation type:

• embedded;
• separately standing.

There are no functional differences between them either, only the appearance differs.

For additional features:

• hydro, turbo and air massage;
• aroma and chromotherapy;
• with underwater lighting, etc.

Some models are equipped with additional features by default. The varieties of this plumbing are very extensive, therefore, which bath is better to take depends on personal preferences, financial capabilities and the size of the room.

Which bath is best?

The answer to the question of which bath is better - cast iron, acrylic or economical steel, or maybe an exclusive ceramic bath, depends not only on the durability of the product, but also on its hygiene and comfort. Let us dwell in detail on each type of material, analyze their advantages and disadvantages in order to understand which bath to choose.

Cast iron baths have the longest history - they have been successfully used for decades. They are chosen by those who are important parameters such as durability and strength of the product. Before choosing a cast iron bath, you need to study its main advantages and disadvantages.

Their main advantages:

• durability - service life up to 60 years;
• high strength and resistance to corrosion;
• ability long time keep the same water temperature;
• excellent stability at the installation site;
• does not move away from the walls, which allows you to glue the tiles close to the sides;
• differs in the greater brilliance of enamel compared to acrylic;
• with proper care without caustic detergents with abrasive substances, the enamel coating will not turn yellow and will not be rough long years.

It is worth noting the disadvantages:

• heavy weight - about 120 kg, complicates the process of transportation, delivery and installation;
• enamel can crack if a heavy object is dropped on it;
• problematic restoration of the enamel surface;
• Restriction in shape - only rectangular.

According to the reviews, deciding to choose a cast-iron bathtub with a non-standard design and stronger enamel, it is better to opt for imported samples.

Acrylic bathtubs and their counterparts from kvaril bathtubs are gradually replacing cast-iron models. These are the most commonly bought today. They are made from Dutch acrylic, a synthetic polymer that is resistant to light, chemicals and oxygen. Before choosing the right bathtub made of acrylic or quartz, carefully study the advantages and disadvantages of such products.

Advantages of acrylic / quartz products:

• high resistance to various chemical and mechanical influences;
• low weight of the product - an average of about 25 kg, makes it easy to transport, lift to high floors and install;
• ease of restoration after the appearance of chips and cracks due to impact with a metal object;
• has a lower price compared to cast-iron samples;
• high noise and heat insulation;
• safety and ecology: the fungus does not appear and does not multiply;
• a wide variety of shapes and colors;
• heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time;
• can be completed with hydromassage and other additional options.

Cons of acrylic products are also available:

• short service life - about 10 years;
• requires careful attitude and great care;
• the surface is easily damaged and scratched;
• the impossibility of using powder cleaners containing solvents.

The quality, strength and price of an acrylic bath depends on the number of layers of fiberglass reinforcement.

Quarry bathtubs are all the same acrylic products, but with the addition of quartz and other substances that make them more durable and reliable. In addition, for those who do not know which bath is better to choose, it will be interesting that, unlike their counterparts, quartz baths can be frameless, while maintaining the advantage in strength and weight.

In addition, many bathtubs made of kvaril are made without an overflow or even a drain hole. This nuance may affect your decision which bath is better to buy. Manufacturers do not specifically cut out the drain so that the consumer can choose the most convenient way to connect the product to the sewer at the installation site.

Bathtubs steel too should not be discounted. The economical owner takes this particular type of product. The modern sanitary ware market is rich in a range of steel products for the bathroom in standard sizes or unusual dimensions.

We list their main advantages:

• the cheapest option;
• lighter than cast iron, but heavier than acrylic - about 30 kg;
• a wide variety of shapes and designs;
• stronger than acrylic samples;
• with proper care, the enamel coating does not lose its luster for a long time.

However, customer reviews also point to the disadvantages that make some consumers refuse to opt for steel baths:

• steel has a high heat dissipation, so heat is not retained and water cools very quickly;
• low level of sound insulation - even rubber gaskets to absorb sound.

When choosing a steel bath, it is important to consider the wall thickness. Due to too thin steel, the sides will sag under the weight of water and a person, as a result of which the enamel coating will be damaged.

When thinking about which bath to choose, do not forget that there are premium products made from marble, ceramics, stone and even wood.

Before choosing a good bath, you need to take into account all the nuances, because this product is purchased for many years. How comfortable water procedures will be depends on the right decision when buying plumbing. Cast iron models are the standard of strength, steel models are cheap, acrylic models are beauty, stone and ceramic baths- luxury.

What size bowl should I choose?

First of all, the choice of bath sizes is limited by the size of your bathroom. Indeed, in addition to the bath, a washing machine should also fit, and there should be space for passage.

Secondly, you need to choose a bath of such volume that you feel comfortable in it. With the same external dimensions, the baths have different volumes. Therefore, it is better to choose a bath in which you could take a reclining position. And at the same time on outstretched legs, so as not to be irritated by the difference in body temperatures and knees protruding above the water.

In terms of width, it is better to choose a bath in which, with your complexion, up to the sides there will be 5 cm on each side. The normal depth of the bath is 50-60 cm. It is worth choosing a bath of this depth for two reasons: this is enough so that, while in the reclining position of the body, the head is above the water, and it will not be difficult to get out of the bath.

The internal volume of the bath is affected by the angle of the walls, the presence of armrests, various roundings and recesses. If you choose a bath with too much volume, then you will need more time to fill and drain the water.

Today, manufacturers offer both bathtubs of very small sizes and products of increased comfort. So, models that do not need to step over the side are equipped with a high door with a mechanical shutter (accidental opening is excluded).

In general, before you choose a bath, you need to realistically assess your physical size.

Here are some useful tips for choosing bathroom products:

1. The bath should be comfortable in size and shape, durable, resistant to water and mechanical damage and environmentally friendly.
2. Consult with a specialist before installing the bathtub, as the plumbing system must match the installation system of the bathtub.
3. If a drain fitting (siphon) is not included, you need to buy both a bathtub and a siphon at the same time to ensure their compatibility.
4. In the configuration must be a system of overflow and drain. Connection to the sewerage is carried out using flexible plastic hoses.
5. It is better to choose a bathtub with an anti-slip bottom coating.
6. When choosing, carefully inspect the surface of the bath - the enamel should be free of smudges and have a uniform color, the presence of chips and cracks is unacceptable.
7. The bathtub you choose should match the size and style of your bathroom. The faucet is also best bought at the same time as the bathroom.
8. When choosing which hot tub to buy, you need to consider the power of the pump. A 250 liter bath will require a 1 kW pump. If you want to choose a bathtub with additional jets for back massage, then it is desirable that the pump be more powerful. Or it is better to choose a bathtub with a separate pump for the back jets. This option will not only share the load, but will allow you to turn on the spinal nozzles as needed.
9. If you buy an acrylic bath, you should know that a quality product should have an acrylic thickness of 4-5 mm, if you are offered a bath with an acrylic thickness of 6 mm or more, you should know: they want to deceive you - in the end you will get a plastic bath with 1-2 mm acrylic coated.
10. Pay attention to the quality of the reinforcement of the acrylic bath - the thicker it is, the better. When tapping, pay attention to the sound, the more muffled it is, the better the reinforcement. Pay attention to the number of layers of reinforcement (they can be seen along the edge of the side) the more there are, the stronger the bath.
11. When choosing a steel bath, you need to remember that the thickness of the steel must be at least 3.5 mm, but, accordingly, such a bath will cost more.
12. It is better to choose a bath from a well-known company. Because they guarantee the quality of the product.

The width of the bathroom also matters. The ideal length of the bath should be equal to the distance between opposite walls (minus a couple of centimeters) where it will be installed. This is in view of the fact that the area of ​​​​the bathroom is small. This advice does not apply to those who have a large bathroom and allow for the installation of a bath of any size and not necessarily against the wall. In this case, it all depends on your capabilities and desires.

The question of choosing a bath should be approached very responsibly. We will be glad if our article helped you figure out which bathtub you need. No one will pick up a bath for you better than yourself, because only you know in what position you will be most comfortable. When choosing, you need to choose not just a durable bath, but one that will help you truly relax and unwind in the future.

At the end, watch the video, which bath to choose acrylic, steel or cast iron:

Not so long ago, when it was necessary to replace the bathtub, the question most often arose of where to get at least some new one. But nowadays, with a large assortment of these products on sale, buyers usually face a problem - which bath is better to choose.

In showrooms, you can find products made from the most different materials Therefore, it can be difficult to decide which one is more reliable and durable. But you still need to figure it out - no one wants to install a new bathtub every 2-3 years, throwing money away.

You can immediately list all the main types of bathtubs according to the material of their manufacture, since not everyone knows that in addition to the well-known cast iron, steel and acrylic accessories, faience, glass, quartz and even wooden, copper and marble are also produced.

The publication will consider almost all options, however, the most popular are still cast-iron, steel, and more recently, acrylic baths. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to compare their characteristics.

The presented table gives a general comparative information about the main characteristics of bathtubs, which are most often chosen by consumers today:

Estimated parameters	bathtub material
	Cast iron	Steel	Acrylic
Variety of forms	Most often they are produced in the same form in different sizes.	Produced in different shapes and sizes.	A wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Weight	Very heavy, weight reaches 120-130 kg	Light. Depending on the size, weight - 20-40 kg.	Very light. Depending on the shape and size, weight - 15-30 kg.
Quiet when filling	Average noise level.	Very high level noise.	Very low level.
Ability to keep warm	Average heat retention - heat loss is 5˚ per hour.	Low heat retention.	High heat retention.
Possibility of restoration	Complicated restoration process		Restored easily and in different ways.
Price	Medium to high.	Low	From low to high, depends on various factors.

Learn the basic rules and examples successful projects for , from our new article.

Well, now - get acquainted with each of the varieties in more detail.

Cast iron bathtubs

A cast iron bathtub is a time-tested product that has always been famous for its reliability and practicality, compared to other materials. It is much heavier than steel or acrylic, but it has its own advantages.

The advantages of cast iron baths include the following:

• Sufficiently good heat preservation of the water taken into the bath is much higher than that of steel, but, however, lower than that of acrylic.
• The durability of this material allows the use of bathtubs for decades.
• When filling a cast-iron bathtub with water, a small noise level is created.
• Cast iron is resistant to the corrosive effects of water, therefore, even if a small chip is accidentally formed on the enamel surface during transportation or during operation, rust will not occur on it, which means that its spread to the rest of the surface is excluded.
• A cast-iron bath does not have the lowest price, but its simplest option is quite affordable for a family with an average income.

Cast iron bathtubs can be called the best option for those who like to buy practical and durable things.

It is necessary to note the disadvantages of cast iron products:

• The most well-known disadvantage of these bathtubs is their very large weight, which greatly complicates transportation and lifting to high floors. It is impossible to carry out these operations on your own; several assistants are required. In addition, to install such a heavy bathtub, a particularly reliable base and stands are required.
• The internal enamel coating of cast iron bathtubs is not very reliable and can be easily damaged by accidental impacts.
• The shape of the vast majority of cast iron products does not differ in variety. They are usually produced in a fairly limited size range.

Parameters of cast iron bathtubs and additional elements

A cast iron bath usually has a size of 1500x700 or 1700x750 mm. Each model has its own weight - it may vary depending on the manufacturer of the product.

• A bath with a length of 1500 mm is considered, rather, a sitting model, therefore it will not give the opportunity to stretch to its full height - you can only take water procedures in it while sitting.
• A bathtub with a length of 1700 mm is more comfortable, especially for people who are tall. You can lie down in it, stretching your legs, and get full pleasure from water procedures.

You should focus on the mass of the structure. So, the old Soviet sitz baths weighed about 100 kg. Modern technologies have made it possible to reduce it somewhat, and today Russian-made bowls of the same size weigh 87÷90 kg, and foreign - 70÷75 kg.

Full-fledged spacious bathtubs with dimensions of 1700 × 700, 1700 × 750 and 1700 × 800 mm, with a wall thickness of 5 mm, weigh from 120 to 130 kg. Due to the impressive massiveness, a cast-iron bathtub will require reliable, durable legs.

It should be said about the additional elements that modern products have acquired:

• If earlier handles and holders were not provided for in the designs of cast-iron bathtubs, today they are included in the kit of almost all models. This element adds comfort when immersed in water and when lifting out of it. They are especially necessary for the elderly or for those who are overweight.
• Some models of baths, in addition to handles, are equipped with anti-slip coating, headrests and armrests. There are models of cast-iron bathtubs that allow you to equip them with hydromassage functions.

Cast iron bath manufacturers

You can list the most famous foreign manufacturers who present their products at Russian market and enjoy well-deserved popularity:

• "Devon&Devon" (Italy).
• "Porcher and Jacob Delafon" (France).
• "Roca" (Spain).
• "Goldman" (China) - this company represents products that have the most affordable price.

As an example, consider some of the options produced by the above manufacturers.

Bath "Devon&Devon" - "CHERIE Copper Effect"

As a rule, foreign manufacturers produce exclusive bath options, so they have a fairly high price. For example, this model belongs to the "luxury" category and is chosen for a spacious bathroom, as it is not designed for a tight connection to the wall.

The manufacturer produces bathtubs in the form of a font with raised side edges. Basically, they all have an internal white coating, and the external surface is finished in a different color.

More expensive models are also produced, decorated both outside and inside with hand-painted, usually made to order, with a certain plot pattern.

Some models of bathtubs from this manufacturer have metal curly legs made in the form of paws. This element gives the bath a more chic rich look, but such models installed in the bathrooms of standard apartments will look a little ridiculous.

Roca bath - Haiti

This company produces bathtubs of various shapes and sizes - in the form of a font, standard rectangular, concave on one or both sides, and other configurations. The dimensions may differ from the standard ones, for example, the photo shows an option that has dimensions of 1400 × 750 mm. The bottom of some bathtubs is equipped with an anti-slip pattern. Metal handles are installed on all models of this company, and some options have headrests and armrests.

Roca bathtubs are comfortable and reliable in operation. They are manufactured in accordance with modern design trends and using advanced technologies, so the result is high-quality products that are in high demand.

Bathtub by Porcher and Jacob Delafon - CLEO

This French company also produces various models of bathtubs - from exclusive to quite budget options. They can have oval or rectangular shapes and be equipped with an anti-slip coating and metal handles. Curly legs or a metal structure with screens covering it can be provided for installation.

Drawings are applied to exclusive models - in this case, a snow-white bathtub decorated with an orchid flower is shown.

Products are famous high quality, have ergonomic and original shapes designed for both standard apartment spaces and spacious bathrooms in private homes.

Goldman Bath - Glossy

The Chinese company Goldman has been operating on the Russian market for more than eight years, and European consumers use its products even more. long time. Cast iron bathtubs of this manufacturer are distinguished by the fact that they have thinner walls, due to which their weight is reduced. But, despite this, they have good wear resistance and strength.

– various sizes and can have different, both traditional and very original forms. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for its products for a period of 25 years, and at the same time the price for it is significantly lower than that of others. foreign companies. This is exactly the case when the expression "Chinese" does not mean "low quality" at all.

Criteria for choosing a cast iron bath

When choosing a cast iron bath, you need to pay attention to some nuances:

• The first thing to do is run your hand across the bath cover. It should be perfectly smooth, without roughness.
• You should carefully examine the coating visually - it should not even have small cracks and chips. It is recommended to pay special attention to the drain area, since it is the most problematic - it is there that such flaws form in the first place.
• Further, it is recommended to examine the outer side of the walls of the bath - there should also be no pronounced irregularities on it. Its quality speaks of the integrity of the manufacturer and the quality of the products.
• It is very important to check the evenness of the bath shapes - its sides should not have differences that are not provided for by the design, and the corners, if it is a rectangular model, should be exactly straight.
• Then it is necessary to check the complete set of the bath, that is, what elements are provided for it in the kit. You should choose the option equipped with standard legs so that you do not have to buy them separately and select them for a specific model.
• If the bathroom set does not include a frame or legs, but you really liked its shape, then it is better to pick up all the accessories for it right away.

It should be remembered that, alas, not all cast iron bathtubs they are of high quality even with an impeccable appearance. Some unscrupulous manufacturers make the enamel coating of the walls and bottom of the bowl much thinner than stated in the product certificate, which significantly reduces its service life. For example, many Turkish-made bathtubs are scolded for the fact that their coating, which is good in appearance, quickly cracks, and the product itself becomes inoperative.

However, not only the wall thickness is important for the duration of the operation of the bath, the quality of the cast iron itself is also important. It is impossible to check this in the store, so you should still give preference to proven foreign or Russian manufacturers.

Steel baths

Steel bathtubs are the most affordable option, and with careful operation, such a product can last quite a long time.

The most attractive advantage of steel baths is their low cost.

The positive qualities of products made from this material include the following:

• Such baths have a small weight, which, depending on the size and configuration of the model, ranges from 30 to 50 kg.
• Produced steel baths in various forms and sizes. Thanks to a wide range, you can always choose suitable option for a bathroom of a certain layout.
• The enamel coating is applied using high temperatures, so it does not peel off.
• Bathtubs covered with enamel are resistant to alkalis and acids, they will not be harmed by any detergents, except for abrasive ones.
• Experts often advise that when choosing between an acrylic and a steel bath, it is better to stop at the latter. Inexpensive steel product good quality can last for many years, and acrylic, produced by an unknown person, is likely to quickly disappoint.

The disadvantages of steel baths include the following qualities, which often appear during operation:

• High noise level when filling the bowl with water.
• Steel has a high thermal conductivity, so the water in such a bath cools quickly.
• In case of accidental impacts or other mechanical influences, cracks and chips can form on the enamel. And on these chips or with a poor-quality enamel coating, pockets of rust can form.
• Under heavy loads, the walls made of thin steel can be deformed.
• Restoring a steel bowl is quite difficult - this process will cost about the same amount as a new bathtub.

Soundproofing steel bath

There are several ways to solve the problem of the high noise level that is created when water is drawn into a steel bath, which are quite affordable to do at home.

• One option is to purchase ready-made linings that are glued in several places on the outside of the bathtub or only in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe drain, as shown in the illustration below:

• The second option to reduce the noise level is to stick foil-wrapped polyethylene foam with a self-adhesive surface on the outer surface of the bowl. This, by the way, simultaneously increases the thermal insulation of the bath, which will contribute to a longer cooling of the hot water drawn into it.

• Another material that is often used to insulate bathtubs and reduce noise levels is polyurethane foam. It is distributed over the outer surface of the bowl in an even layer. Thanks to excellent adhesion and volumetric expansion, the foam forms an airtight "fur coat" that will keep water hot for a long time and muffle the sound of a jet hitting metal walls.

From the foregoing, it follows that the high noise level of the steel bath can be completely prevented, therefore, such a disadvantage cannot be considered significant.

Steel Bath Manufacturers

When choosing a steel bath, special attention is paid to one of the most important parameters - the thickness of the steel from which it is made. To determine the approximate thickness of the material, you just need to try to move the product. If this was not easy to do, then it means that its walls have the required thickness of 3.5 mm, and its weight is about 50 kg. Well, if with a size of 1700 × 700 mm the weight of the bath is about 20 kg, and it easily moves from its place, then the quality, for sure, leaves much to be desired, and the walls are not thick enough.

Presented for sale wide choose steel baths of various configurations, from standard to corner, covered with white or colored enamel. There are bathtubs made of stainless steel.

A rather rare option - a stainless steel bath

Domestic and foreign manufacturers present their products, so you can always find a suitable option that will satisfy all existing requests. Each of the companies produces bathtubs according to its own technology, so the products have different performance parameters. So, for example, the most popular foreign manufacturers in the domestic market represent bathtubs with different wall thicknesses:

• “Emalia” (Poland) ÷ 1.6 mm.
• “Estap” (Spain) ÷ 2.3 mm.
• “Gala” (Spain) ÷ 2 mm.
• “BLB” (Portugal) ÷ ​​3-3.5 mm.
• "Kaldewei" (Germany) - 2.3 ÷ 3.5 mm.

Enamel coating on these models is no more than 0.6 mm.

In Russia, steel baths are produced by several factories. Thus, the products of the pipe plant in Lipetsk (JSC Santa-Holding) and the Verkh-Isetsky Metallurgical Plant in Yekaterinburg (VIZ) are popular with consumers. The wall thickness of domestic bathtubs is mainly 3.5 mm.

Models of bathtubs of foreign manufacturers

A few words about the models of steel bathtubs that can be found in Russian stores.

• Kaldewei Co.

The German company "Kaldewei" is considered the leader in terms of product quality and breadth of assortment. So, in 2014, the model range of this company consisted of 211 products.

The bathtubs of this company are highly durable and have established themselves as luxury products. The company's specialists have developed their own “recipe” for an enamel coating, which, during high-temperature processing, is combined with a steel sheet into a single whole, which is why it is often called “steel-enamel”. The manufacturer guarantees the durability of the coating, which is resistant to temperature extremes and the use of any household chemicals. The enamel does not turn yellow or stain over time, and the product itself is not subject to deformation. The manufacturer estimated the guaranteed service life of bathtubs at 30 years.

As an example, consider one of the many models of this manufacturer - "Classic Duo Oval 112". It is made in different sizes and can have different depths: 1600×700; 1700×750; 1800×800 mm.

The bathtub is made of 3.5 mm thick steel and is designed to be installed in a podium. The kit does not include legs and drain-overflow elements, so they will need to be purchased separately. The inner surface has an anti-slip and water-dirt-repellent coating.

Perhaps the only drawback of this bath can only be called the fact that the components will have to be purchased independently. However, if you look at this fact from the other side, then the buyer is given the opportunity to choose them according to his taste and reasonable price.

This model cannot be called inexpensive, but the company also produces simple standard-shaped bathtubs that cost a little more than domestic ones with very high quality workmanship.

• BLB company

This Portuguese company manufactures bathtubs with a wall thickness of mainly 3 mm, while luxury products have 3.5 mm. Coating of surfaces with enamel occurs by sintering, so it is resistant to various possible influences, including mechanical ones. The manufacturer determined the service life of his product at 20-25 years. The range of models of bathtubs of this company is diverse - from standard to volumetric bathtubs designed for two.

As an example, consider the Europa MINI seated version of the bathtub, which measures only 1050 x 700 mm. This bathtub is great for small standard bathrooms, when they are intended to be combined with a toilet or simply made more spacious.

This model is well suited if the family has small children, and it will also be convenient for the elderly, as it has a high seat.

• Emalia

The Polish company Emalia has been manufacturing steel bathtubs since 1964. The range does not differ in a special variety of forms. Products have a rectangular shape with a length of 1000 to 1800 mm, a width of 700 to 800 mm, a depth of 360 to 400 mm.

One of the market leaders in sanitary products is the Polish company "Emalia"

Bathtubs are designed for installation on special legs, adjustable in height, so they are easy to mount even on uneven surfaces. flooring. In addition to bathtubs, the manufacturer offers metal and acrylic screens, which must be purchased separately if necessary.

Bathtubs have a sufficiently high reliability, able to withstand heavy loads without damage and deformation. Enamel is applied to the surface by spraying in several layers, and then the product goes through the firing process, which gives strength to the created coating. The weight of such steel bathtubs, depending on the size, varies from 30 to 40 kg.

The price for products of a Polish manufacturer, with excellent quality, is very “democratic”, therefore they are very popular both in their homeland and in the Russian market.

Models of Russian manufacturers

Steel baths produced in Yekaterinburg are distinguished by their high resistance to various influences, mechanical stress and abrasion of the enamel surface. The most popular models of this manufacturer are "Antika" and "Donna Vanna".

These models have standard rectangular shapes, but differ in the color variety of the enamel coating. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for its products for 10 years, and the estimated total service life is estimated at no less than 15 years. An important advantage of domestic products is a more affordable price compared to imported products, with no less high quality and reliability.

Bathtubs produced by OAO "Santa-Holding" in Lipetsk are notable for their reliability and durability, although they are also not famous for their variety of shapes. This plant produces bathtubs of two standard sizes 1500×700 and 1700×750 mm. However, despite the lack of a variety of design solutions, they are popular because they have an affordable price in combination with high quality.

All domestic products are made of steel sheet with a thickness of at least 3-3.5 mm, so the service life of such bathtubs is quite long and significantly exceeds that guaranteed by the manufacturer. In addition, domestic-made bathtubs are ideal for standard sizes of bathrooms in high-rise apartments.

Selection criteria for steel baths

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a steel bath, since it is quite difficult to visually determine its quality, you can rely on some tricks to figure out how reliable the product is.

• The first thing is to determine the approximate weight of the bath (try to move it).
• Next, there is a revision of the enameled coating - it should not have smudges and sagging, as well as such flaws as cracks and chips. The surface of the bath should be smooth, and the enamel should be evenly distributed over the entire area.

Particular attention when choosing - the quality and uniformity of the enamel coating

• Then, you need to immediately find out if they come with a bathroom additional elements: drain-overflow, legs, soundproofing kit, as well as a side screen. All or part of these components may have to be purchased separately, which will entail additional costs that must also be taken into account.

In summing up the results of steel products, we can say that they have the most affordable price, lighter in weight than cast iron baths, and somewhat heavier than acrylic ones. Such baths have a sufficiently high strength and can easily last 20 years or more. The noise and high thermal conductivity of steel baths, which everyone puts among their shortcomings, are quite fixable in ways available to each owner. Therefore, if you want to save money, then a steel bath will be an ideal choice.

Acrylic bathtubs

Acrylic is enough new material, from which they began to produce baths, but such products have already won the recognition of many consumers. A well-made acrylic bathtub with a wall thickness of at least 5 mm and installed in accordance with all the rules should last a long time.

A product made by a conscientious manufacturer in compliance with all technologies has many positive qualities. This may include:

• A variety of models in shapes and colors.
• Equipping the bowl with various additional functions, such as hydromassage, head and armrests and handles. Often, an installation site is provided for the installation of faucets and a shower.
• Long-term preservation of the temperature of hot water.
• Pleasant to the touch surface.
• Impact resistance (within certain limits).
• Ease of work.

There are acrylic bathtubs and their disadvantages:

• Acrylic is easy to scratch with a sharp object with careless handling.
• The material may react with some of the solvents.
• In order to preserve the surface, it is not recommended to soak laundry in an acrylic bath for a long time.
• The bowl of not too high-quality products can be deformed under the influence of high temperatures or an excessively large weight load.

Acrylic bathtubs have their own characteristics

If you decide to choose just such a bath option for installation, then you should get more detailed information about these products. A separate article of our portal is devoted to characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, selection rules.

In addition to the most popular bath materials mentioned above, there are others that are less known, but also worthy of attention. Perhaps someone will want to get such an unusual copy for their new bathroom.

Kvaril baths

Quarry baths are made from two component components - quartz and acrylic, so they do not need additional reinforcement. Such products are slightly heavier than acrylic, however, much lighter than cast iron. The technology for the production of such baths allows them to be given a variety of shapes. They are highly resistant to all kinds of influences theoretically possible in the process of use.

Kvaril bathtubs are very practical, but so far they are expensive

Quarry products are often produced in one piece, that is, they do not even have holes for draining and overflowing. This means that they can be adjusted to any existing plumbing and sewerage layout. Of course, it is better to entrust this operation to the master, who will drill even holes and hermetically install the necessary elements in them.

Kvaril has a low thermal conductivity, so hot water in such a bath will cool down for a long time.

Quaryl, like acrylic, is pleasant to the touch and has a perfectly smooth surface. Bathtubs made of this material can be installed in a frame, like acrylic bowls, but are often mounted without it. Frameless installation has become available due to the fact that kvaril has a higher strength.

Kvaril baths, in fact, are good for everyone, but their rather high cost scares them off.

Glass baths

Glass baths are rarely seen in the interior of standard apartments. If they are purchased, then only for the exclusive rich interiors of the spacious bathrooms of private mansions. Glass products can have different sizes and shapes, they harmoniously fit into any style of decoration due to their transparency.

Such bathtubs are made of thick impact-resistant tempered glass with edges well processed to perfect smoothness.

Despite the apparent fragility, glass bathtubs are very durable structures.

Usually glass ones are chosen for rooms designed in an eco-style, which many people turn to today and decorate their homes completely. natural materials by combining them with each other. However, it should be noted right away that such home decoration requires very impressive costs. For example, the price of the simplest glass bathtubs starts at 100,000 rubles.

Fragile at first glance, the glass bowl has technical specifications, not inferior to models made of more familiar materials:

• The high impact resistance of tempered glass allows products to withstand temperature extremes and mechanical stress.
• The smoothness of the glass surface makes it easy for water to roll off them, so limescale does not form on the walls for a long time. If you follow the rules of proper care for glass walls, they will always look perfect.
• Thick glass has low thermal conductivity, so hot water does not lower the temperature for a long time.
• This material is not afraid of any detergents, acids or any other chemicals.

The glass bathtub has almost no drawbacks, except for the very high price. Such a product will last a very long time without causing any problems to its owner.

faience baths

The first faience bath was made back in the 18th century, but due to its impracticality and fragility of this material, and as cast iron products appeared, this practice was abandoned a century later. But in our time, there is again a demand for such products - modern technologies made it possible to mitigate a number of shortcomings.

Faience baths - a return to old traditions

The fragility that has not been completely “defeated” and the very high price of faience bathtubs are their main drawbacks, but, you see, they are very significant. Otherwise, faience is ideal for making bathtubs:

• The material has low thermal conductivity, so it retains heat for a long time.
• Smooth inner surface pleasant to the touch, thanks to this, it is extremely pleasant to take water procedures in such a bath.
• If you handle this product carefully, do not drop heavy objects into it and do not fill it with too hot water, the bathtub can last for many years.

Faience bathtubs are piece products, they are made to order or in very small batches. Usually their outer surface is painted in different colors. pastel shades, so the product has an aesthetic and respectable appearance.

You can see that it is unlikely that a faience bath will look properly in a small standard high-rise building. Rather, it is intended for a spacious bathroom, in which it will become not only a functional element, but also a decorative decoration.

Find out 4 options, how, from a new article on our portal.

Wooden bathtubs

A wooden bath can be called exotic in modern houses and apartments. Many do not even suspect that such accessories can be made from this natural material.

These bathtubs are made in singular or in extremely limited series, since their manufacture is a very laborious process that requires considerable time and special technological methods for processing wood. In order to make a wooden bath, moisture-resistant species are used, such as larch, teak, mahogany or wenge. Almost all of this wood is used in shipbuilding, and bathtubs are made according to the same principle. Wooden bowls can be made from a single piece of wood or they are assembled and glued from specially prepared parts that are pressed tightly together, and after the glue dries, the surface is carefully polished. Further, the wood is impregnated with various water-repellent and environmentally friendly products - this can be varnish on water based or hot wax, which is well absorbed into the structure of the tree and forms on its surface protective layer. For wood processing, compositions are used that help preserve the textured pattern of the material and its color.

Wooden bathtubs are made in various shapes - they can look like a boat with smooth shapes, be square with right angles, round, or have other interesting configurations. Very often, wooden bathtubs are made individually to order - in this case, the customer himself determines what shape it will have.

Wooden bathtubs have a large number of advantages:

• Water procedures that are taken in wooden baths cause only positive emotions and have a beneficial effect on both the psychological and physical condition of a person. The tree has an amazing property to "share" its strength with a person, giving him a "health impulse".
• Modern wooden baths, if desired, can be equipped with hydromassage, air massage and aromatherapy.
• From a technical point of view, a wooden font is very durable, not afraid of mechanical influences, it will not break if an object is dropped into it, and cracks will not appear on its surface over time.
• If properly processed, the wood will not swell from moisture and will not crack when dried, retaining its original appearance for many years.

However, there are also restrictions on the use of wooden products in order to maintain their long-term preservation:

• It is not recommended to bathe animals in wooden bathtubs.
• When cleaning bathtubs, you must follow the instructions from the manufacturer, treat this process with extreme caution so as not to damage the water-repellent coating. Do not use cleaners containing abrasive ingredients.

marble bath

Such bathtubs are made of natural or artificial marble. Naturally, such products have a very high price, especially those that are machined from a single piece of rock. Artificial marble is made by making a special composition, which includes marble chips, acrylic and special dyes. Thus, a material is created that imitates the pattern of any natural stone, be it marble, onyx, malachite and others.

Marble bath - an attribute of a rich interior decoration

It should be noted that artificial marble products are much stronger than natural ones, since real stone is quite fragile, especially after it is processed to give it a certain shape.

A marble bath can be safely called an excess that wealthy people who have everything necessary for comfortable life, and who lack only this accessory for complete happiness.

This functional element will really look in its place if you make the appropriate design in the room, in which the marble bath will become the center of attraction for the eye.

Copper baths

Copper baths have been made for a long time, but with the advent of new, more affordable and practical materials, they have practically ceased to be used. Today, such products are returning as completely "vintage" elements in the interior, decorated in a certain style. They have a very sophisticated original look, so for them it is necessary to calculate the design of the entire bathroom.

Once upon a time, copper was a common material for plumbing products. Today, a copper bath is a luxury item.

Copper baths are usually given an oval shape, they have a fairly large depth. The material itself has a high heat capacity and retains heat well, so you do not have to constantly add hot water. In addition, copper has pronounced antibacterial qualities that have a beneficial effect on water, and, therefore, on the condition of a person taking water procedures.

Copper baths are durable, as they endure mechanical loads and the influence of external influences. The material is easy to care for using a soft cloth and a detergent that does not contain abrasive components.

So, the modern range of bathtubs is very wide and varied. Any consumer has the opportunity to choose the right option, suitable for him in all respects, both in terms of quality and ease of use, and in terms of affordability.

Find out how on your own from a new article on our portal.

Buying a bath is a serious matter, it must be approached responsibly. And the first thing you need is knowledge on how to choose the right bathtub, what it is made of and which manufacturers should give preference to.

How to choose a bath

A bathtub is not just a large white container used for hygiene purposes. This is expensive plumbing, which must be chosen wisely. To begin with, let's define the parameters and characteristics of the bath, which should be paid attention to when studying models.

All these characteristics are summarized in the list below:

• the material from which the plumbing is made;
• bath shape;
• lenght and width;
• bowl depth;
• bath manufacturer
• the cost of a particular model;
• reviews about this bath;
• completeness - are the legs and fasteners sold together with the bathtub.

Important! Also, it would not be superfluous to pay attention to the presence of additional functions, such as disinfection, chromotherapy, water heating, filling sensor. If a lot of money is allocated for the purchase of plumbing, it is advisable to purchase one of these bathtubs. Otherwise, with a small budget, it is not advisable to overpay for additional functions at the expense of the quality of the material.

Having decided on the list of characteristics of the bath, which should be paid attention to, we will create a plan of action to be taken when choosing plumbing. The most convenient way to present it will be step-by-step instructions.

Step 1. Decide how much money you are willing to spend on buying a bathroom. Write down the lower and upper limits of the cost of a sanitary ware that will be acceptable to you.

Step 2 Take measurements of the area of ​​your bathroom and old plumbing, if it has not been dismantled yet. This action will insure against the purchase of an unnecessarily large product that simply does not fit with you.

Requirements for dimensions and free space in the bathroom and combined bathroom

Step 3 Determine who will use the bathroom, how tall and complex they are. This will directly affect the size of future plumbing.

Step 4 Having compared your desires with the budget, decide what material you will buy a bath from.

Step 5 Based on the data obtained in the second and third stages, select the shape, length, width and depth of the bath. Here it would be advisable to determine not the exact numbers, but the ranges, the upper and lower limits.

Step 6 Find the nearest plumbing stores in your city. Read online reviews and referrals from friends.

Step 7 Explore the assortment offered by these plumbing stores. Choose those bathtub manufacturers that have proven themselves only with better side.

Step 8 Based on the selected material, dimensions, optimal price and manufacturer, select the bathtub model that suits you best.

Important! It is advisable to single out for yourself not one model, but several - if a particular product is not in the store, then you can always purchase another one with similar characteristics.

And now let's move on to a detailed and more thorough study of the parameters that are taken into account when choosing a bathroom.

The choice of material from which the bath is made

And let's start with the material - one of the most important characteristics of such plumbing products. The strength and durability of the product, comfort of use and ease of maintenance depend on it.

Let's present the materials used in the manufacture of bathtubs, in the form of a list:

• cast iron;
• acrylic;
• steel;
• quaryl;
• ceramics and other exotic materials, including wood.

Cast iron bath

The most popular material from which bathtubs are made is cast iron - an alloy of iron with big amount carbon. It is from cast iron that most of the old plumbing is made, which still regularly serves in some houses and apartments. Since cast iron is a relatively brittle alloy, bathtubs made from it are made with very thick walls. Therefore, only a very strong blow (or even several blows) with a heavy sledgehammer can somehow damage such a product.

It should be understood that all the advantages of the acrylic bathtubs mentioned above are valid only for high-quality products created by manufacturers who have proven themselves only from the best side. When buying plumbing of unknown origin, you run the risk of encountering the following problems.

1. Deflection of the walls and bottom of the acrylic bath bowl with high pressure on it.
2. Damage and undesirable changes in the shape of acrylic sanitary ware at high (over +70°C) temperatures.
3. In addition, acrylic baths require a careful and more accurate selection of detergents - not every household chemical is suitable for such products, this is not an “indestructible” cast iron product.

Important! When choosing an acrylic bath, pay attention to the wall thickness - it is desirable that it be more than 3-4 mm. If this condition is met, then the plumbing you purchased will not sag under the weight of a person and the water collected in the font.

Not so long ago, quaryl material was introduced to the plumbing market, which in the future may become a serious competitor for acrylic. Initially, the material was created by Villeroy & Boch AG for the restoration of plastic bathtubs. Quaryl is a composite created from quartz crystals, each of which is covered with an acrylic shell. Bonded together, these particles form a material that looks and feels like PMMA, but is much stronger, more durable, and more resistant to high temperatures.

As a result, bathtubs are obtained from kvaril, which combine the advantages of cast iron and acrylic products, but at the same time without their inherent disadvantages. the only trouble spot sanitary ware from this composite is the cost - bathtubs from kvaril for many will seem unnecessarily expensive.

Baths made of ceramics and other materials

Exotic among sanitary products are bathtubs made of stone and various types of ceramics. Due to the low popularity of such plumbing, if possible, it is made only to order and has a corresponding cost. But for a lot of money, you get an extremely durable product with a perfectly smooth surface in which you can relax for hours. In addition, when purchasing a custom-made ceramic bath, you can independently choose the shape and size of the bowl you need.

Video - How to choose a bath

Choosing a bathtub manufacturer

In addition to the material great importance when choosing a bathtub, the manufacturer has. It is advisable to trust your money only to those companies that have already proven themselves from the best side, who have experience in the manufacture of sanitary ware and entire lines of successfully sold bath models. The following is a list of such firms, their features, advantages and disadvantages.

Roca. A well-deserved leader in the production of bathtubs is this Spanish company, which has been leading its history since the beginning of the last century. During this time, Roca has accumulated vast experience and now many of its factories located around the world (including in Russia, in the Leningrad region) produce hundreds of thousands of plumbing units per year. The main advantage of this company is a huge selection, a wide variety of shapes and sizes of bathtubs. In addition, Roca has a network of hundreds of service and dealer centers, where you will get the opportunity to purchase high-quality sanitary ware with warranty service and without fear of getting a fake.

Next, it is worth highlighting this trademark, under which various plumbing fixtures and accessories for it are manufactured in Poland and Romania. Acrylic bathtubs from Cersanit are strong middlings, with low cost and an acceptable level of quality.

Ravak- The Czech company that produces sanitary ware under this brand is known for its quality, the use of thick acrylic sheets and a wide variety of shapes, sizes and product configurations. In addition, their whirlpool bathtubs are considered the best in the middle price class among all those on the sanitary ware market.

Among other manufacturers of acrylic baths, it is worth noting Triton, BAS, Pool-SPA, Aquanet, Alpen and Riho.

Important! When choosing plumbing for your home, be careful - today there is a risk of acquiring a fake that disguises itself as the products of well-known companies with a good reputation. As a rule, such products cannot boast of quality - they are made from the cheapest materials with violations of technological processes.

It is also worth noting the companies that produce high-quality bathtubs from cast iron and steel - we have summarized these in one list below:

• "Universal";
• "Lipetsk Pipe Plant";
• Bette;
• Jacob Delafon;
• Estap.

Top five baths - rating of models

Now, from individual companies, let's turn our attention to certain models - the table below shows the five most popular baths that deserve a considerable amount positive feedback.

bathtub model	Material	Dimensions, LxWxH, cm	Volume, l	price, rub.
	Cast iron	170x75x42	185	27 000
	Steel	170x70x41	111	15 500
	Cast iron	170x70x40	182	26 500
	Acrylic	150x90x42	200	9 999
	Steel	170x70x40	195	7 800

Please note that all prices listed in the rating are valid at the beginning of 2017, and over time they may change in one direction or another.

Roca Malibu 170×75

Kaldewei Saniform Plus 170×70

Roca Continental 170×70

Cersanit Joanna 150×95

Roca Contesa 170×70

Dimensions and shapes of the bathroom - the nuances of choice

Choose the dimensions of the bathroom, based not only on the size of the bathroom in which it will be located, but also taking into account the build of the people who will use this plumbing. For most, bathtubs 170-180 cm long and 70-80 cm wide will be just right. But if necessary, feel free to make your own adjustments to these numbers.

Interesting! An easy way to determine the correct width of the bowl is to measure the width of your heat and add 10-20 cm to the resulting figure.

Having decided on the length and width, you need to choose the height of the tub that suits you and the depth of the bowl. Yes, don't be surprised, it's a little different options. Height is the distance from the floor to the upper edge of the bathroom sides, on average it is 60-70 cm. The depth of the bowl is the distance from the bottom of the font to the siphon hole for draining. For a person of average build and height, 50-60 cm is enough - the water will cover you up to the very neck. If you have small children in your house and they will also take a bath, then it makes sense to choose plumbing fixtures with a shallower bowl depth - it will be safer.

After choosing the length, width, height and depth of the bowl, pay attention to the shape of the sanitary ware.

In this regard, baths can be of several types.

1. A rectangular wall-mounted bathtub is a classic that fits the standard bathrooms of most apartments in the CIS.
2. A wall-mounted corner bath is a product that, with a relatively small size, provides enough space for a comfortable pastime in the bathroom and washing in it.
3. Wall corner asymmetric bath - a subspecies of the previous form. It is an intermediate option between rectangular and angular.
4. Round and oval bathtubs are in most cases quite large products that are the central element in the room. It, in turn, must have a significant area so that such plumbing can be installed without any problems.

Corner asymmetrical bathtub

Also, when purchasing plumbing, be sure to familiarize yourself with what is included in the kit - you may have to buy some parts separately. It will not be superfluous to study the analogs of the baths you have chosen, but with the presence of various additional functions, such as hydromassage, disinfection and chromotherapy.

Roca Malibu 170×75

Kaldewei Saniform Plus 170×70

Roca Continental 170×70

Cersanit Joanna 150×95

Roca Contesa 170×70

Cast iron bathtub 170×85 Newcast

Such a purchase as a bath requires the most careful approach. This is not an item that can be easily changed if something does not fit. High cost, dimensions, the need for installation work - all this implies an acquisition for many years. To choose the right bath, you need to focus not only on the appearance and dimensions, but also on other characteristics that affect the durability, convenience and practicality of the product.

Modern baths are distinguished by a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials used, and equipment. High demand has encouraged the expansion of the range with more advanced designs that provide maximum bathing comfort. Consider the main criteria that affect the choice of bath.

Dimensions and shapes

For each type of bath there are standard dimensions, but they are not suitable for everyone. Typical dimensions are 80x160 cm with a bowl depth of 50-65 cm, the shape is rectangular. Until now, this design is the most common, although it is gradually giving way to models of other configurations. Plumbing manufacturers produce round bathtubs, oval, hexagonal, angular, differing in depth, capacity and weight. The height of the bowl varies between 40-100 cm, but most often it is 65 cm, according to European standards. The dimensions of the bath are selected depending on the build of the people living in the apartment and the parameters of the bathroom itself.

type of instalation

According to the type of installation, bathtubs are wall-mounted, free-standing and built-in. The first type is considered the most common, and bathtubs adjacent to the wall are usually square and rectangular in shape. Oval and semicircular models are less common. Many designs are installed on legs, and from the outside they are closed with a decorative panel or screen.

The space between the bowl and the screen is convenient to use for storing household chemicals and individual shower accessories.

Using the space under the bathroom to store household chemicals

Wall-mounted structures also include corner structures, which are in demand due to their compact placement. Corner bathtubs are most often triangular, but there are in the form of a rhombus, trapezoid, pentahedron. As a rule, they are installed directly on the floor or a special podium, outer side closed with a screen or lined with ceramics.

Free-standing bathtubs take up a lot of space, and therefore are only suitable for spacious rooms. Models of this type are also quite diverse: oval, rectangular, round, with and without legs, plain and with a pattern. They are considered the most expensive option, as they have a decorative finish on all sides, many designs are complemented by elite fittings, and sewer pipes are connected according to a special project.

Built-in baths are installed in two ways: they are deepened into the floor or mounted on a podium equal in height to the bowl. Design features require certain specifications, that's why this option more suitable for private houses. To install such a model in a city apartment, you must have permission from the relevant services, which is not always possible to obtain. Built-in structures are very easy to use, they look great in the interior of the bathroom due to the external finishing of the sides.

Availability of additional accessories

Plumbing manufacturers pay much attention to consumer comfort, so most bathtubs are equipped with additional accessories. The more expensive the model, the more functional its equipment. The most budgetary include armrests, handles, soft and comfortable headrests. Next comes lighting, water ozonation systems, temperature sensors. The most comfortable are baths with air and hydromassage systems and a control panel for selecting modes.

In addition to the above criteria, the material of manufacture is of great importance. It is on this basis that the main division of baths by type occurs:

• steel;
• cast iron;
• acrylic;
• quarillic;
• faience;
• marble and stone;
• glass;
• wooden;
• copper.

Each material has certain characteristics, has both pluses and minuses. To choose the ideal option for yourself, you need to study and compare the qualities of all the listed types of baths in more detail.

Steel bathtubs

Steel products are in stable demand in the sanitary ware market. This is primarily due to the practicality and availability of the material.

Steel baths - advantages

Advantages:

• bathtubs of any configuration can be poured from steel, which allows manufacturers to constantly expand the range;
• the production of steel products does not require large expenditures, therefore baths made of this material are the most affordable;
• steel has low porosity, and after applying the enamel, the resistance of the material to contamination increases significantly. Dirt practically does not eat into the walls, and the collected plaque is easily removed with cleaning products;
• due to its low weight, the bathtub does not exert excessive load on the floor base and can be installed in any convenient place;
• with careful operation, a metal bath will last for more than a dozen years without losing its visual appeal.

Disadvantages:

• steel has a high thermal conductivity, so the water in the bath cools quickly;
• upon impact, dents appear on the walls, the enamel cracks and crumbles, which leads to rapid wear of the product;
• when filling the bathtub with water, a loud noise occurs due to the low sound insulation of the material.

Installation Features

A steel bathtub with legs is very unstable, and due to its low weight it can easily turn over along with the water and the person in it. To prevent this from happening, such models are installed close to the wall, and the legs are inserted into special fasteners on the floor and bolted tightly. There is another way - to install the bath on bricks, and blow out the gaps between the sides and the wall mounting foam.

The brick support will securely fix the bath, the foam will additionally absorb noise from water jets. Contribute to the reduction of noise and rubber pads, which are recommended to be mounted during installation in the places where the supports fit to the bath bowl. But the most effective way to soundproof is to glue the outside of the bowl with thin sheet rubber or penofol before installing the bath in place. To save time, you can simply cover the entire surface with mounting foam and let it harden well.

Product quality features

So that the purchase does not disappoint, you should know the main signs quality baths. For metal models they are as follows:

• optimal wall thickness 3.5 mm;
• the presence of a sound-absorbing coating with outer side bottom;
• the absence of chips, scratches, microcracks, spots and other defects on the enamel;
• absence of dents, deflections on the walls and sides of the bath.

The popularity of cast iron bathtubs has declined markedly with the advent of acrylic and other new materials. And yet, there is a certain demand for such models, and therefore it is not a problem to buy them. Unlike products of the Soviet period, modern baths made of cast iron have thinner walls and an aesthetic appearance, thanks to which they fit perfectly into any interiors.

Advantages:

• cast iron does not corrode, is not afraid of mechanical stress, and therefore cast iron baths are the most durable of all possible options;
• due to their heavy weight, cast iron bowls are very stable and reliable. Even if you strongly lean on the side of a free-standing bath, it will not turn over;
• cast iron has a high heat capacity, so the hot water in the bath does not cool for a long time;
• the cast-iron surface has the ability to muffle sounds, so that the bath does not rattle under running water.

Disadvantages:

• limited choice of forms. Most cast iron models have a rectangular and oval shape and differ only in the size of the bowl;
• large models due to weight can not always be installed in city apartments;
• the porosity of the material contributes to the accumulation of contaminants and complicates the cleaning of the surface, even despite the enamel coating.

There are no special differences during the installation process, the main thing is to make sure that the floors are strong. When calculating the load, it is necessary to take into account not only the weight of the bath itself, but also the mass of water at maximum filling, as well as the weight of the person taking the bath.

Signs of quality

A high-quality cast iron bath is very heavy, unlike fakes. If you managed to move it without much effort, you should not buy such a product. Be sure to tap the tub with your knuckles in several places. If the sound is the same - the quality is good, if it is different - the composition of the cast iron is heterogeneous, which means that the bath will not last long. The sags and bumps on the enamel layer indicate the low quality of the protective coating, uneven application or violation of technology during processing.

Acrylic bathtubs

Acrylic refers to synthetic polymers, that is, it is a type of plastic. This material has found wide application in the sanitary industry due to the mass of positive properties. Acrylic bathtubs are made by blowing hot mass in special vacuum chambers, after which the products are additionally reinforced with fiberglass or metal mesh. This technology allows you to make bowls of absolutely any shape, so acrylic bathtubs are distinguished by the widest variety of models.

The diameter of round products usually varies between 140-200 cm, but can be increased when made to order. There are models designed for bathing in a sitting position, which, with a large capacity, take up a minimum of space in the room. The dimensions of such baths are from 130x70 cm to 150x110 cm, and the depth of the bowl is 40-80 cm.

Advantages:

• acrylic is several times superior to cast iron in terms of heat capacity. This means that the water in the bath will cool very slowly, no more than 1-2 degrees every half hour;
• relatively low weight allows you to install the bath in any convenient place without calculating the load on the floors. In addition, the delivery of the product to the apartment and its installation will not require much effort;
• it is very easy to care for the acrylic surface - the material is resistant to household detergents, is not affected by fungi;
• the glossy surface does not fade and is not erased during the operation of the bath, it can be easily restored. To eliminate minor scratches, chips and other defects, there are special kits on sale;
• acrylic is safe for human health.

Disadvantages:

• the specifics of production determines the very high cost of acrylic baths compared to cast iron and steel;
• boiling water should not be poured into the bath, since high temperatures cause deformation of the material;
• to clean the surface, do not use compositions with solvents that react with acrylic and corrode it;
• due to the malleability of the material, the walls of the tub are easily scratched. For this reason, you should not use abrasive products for cleaning, and you should also avoid dropping solid objects into the bowl. Pet owners should try to bathe their pets as carefully as possible, because their sharp claws can also damage the surface.

Mounting Features

The features of the installation include the mandatory presence of a metal frame, which is a frame made of steel profile with an anti-corrosion coating. In addition to supports for the bowl in each of the corners, the frame has additional stiffening ribs and is equipped with height-adjustable legs. The functions of the frame are to optimally distribute the load throughout the bowl and prevent deflections. Very often the frame comes with the bathroom, but sometimes you have to buy it separately or do it yourself.

If there is no factory frame, the installation of the bath can be done in two ways - install it on bricks, laying out the walls of the appropriate height, or mount the structure from timber and waterproof plywood. The first method is more laborious and time consuming, the second is much easier.

Image	Step by step description
	Perform measurements of the bowl and the height from the floor to the sides. By these standards, a beam is sawn so that 4 blanks for the frame and 8-10 support posts are obtained. The blanks must be impregnated with a protective compound and dried thoroughly.
	A frame is mounted from the bars, connecting them together with metal corners and self-tapping screws, and fixing them tightly to the floor and wall
	A sheet of waterproof plywood is stuffed over the resulting frame, in which a hole is cut with a jigsaw along the bath bowl. If the bowl is not oval, but rectangular, a solid board is used instead of plywood, which is stuffed around the perimeter of the frame
	Insert the bath and check its horizontal position with a building level. If the sides are on different height, under them on the boards you can fix wooden lining. Next, connect communications
	Outside, the frame is sheathed with any suitable sheet material or covered with a purchased screen that does not need additional finishing.

Signs of quality acrylic models

Acrylic bathtubs are most often counterfeited using ordinary plastic for manufacturing. In addition, many manufacturers do not adhere to established norms and produce acrylic products that do not hold water. The following signs will help determine the quality:

• wall thickness not less than 4 and not more than 5 mm. A thin bowl will sag at the slightest impact, and a product with a wall thickness of 6 mm may turn out to be plastic, covered with a layer of acrylic;
• baths of complex configurations are usually of lesser quality than standard models, which is due to the peculiarities of production;
• stronger and more reliable than a steel-reinforced bath, since fiberglass cannot give such strength;
• when tapped, a high-quality bath will make dull sounds, a fake will make sonorous sounds.

Quaryl bath

In an effort to improve the characteristics of acrylic, experts have created a new material - quartz. This is a combination of quartz sand and acrylic, which has increased strength. Bathtubs and shower trays are mainly made from kvaril, casting them in special forms. Due to the hardness of the material, quaryl bathtubs can be used both with and without a frame, which significantly expands the product range. The main parameters of the baths are the same as those of acrylic baths, only the wall thickness (9-10 mm) and weight (30-40 kg) differ. The lineup very wide, there are products of both streamlined and strict geometric shapes.

Advantages:

• the possibility of bowl deflection is excluded even with an active impact on its walls;
• very aesthetic appearance, which is maintained during the entire period of operation, due to resistance to abrasion and minor damage;
• convenience and ease of installation;
• material hygiene. The surface of the quartz is very smooth and dense, so any dirt can be easily washed off with clean water. If plaque appears on the walls, it is easy to remove it with any detergent;
• the heat capacity of the material is as high as that of acrylic;
• despite the smoothness, the surface of the bowl is absolutely non-slip;
• the material perfectly absorbs sounds, so that the filling of the bath is almost silent.

Disadvantages:

• the prices for such bathtubs are much higher than for acrylic ones, and therefore not everyone can afford it;
• Quarry products are lighter than cast iron, but noticeably heavier than acrylic baths. When buying a model of large dimensions, you need to take into account the condition of the interfloor ceilings;
• Quaryl should not be exposed to high temperatures due to the presence of polymers in the composition. If boiling water is poured into the bath, the bottom and walls may be deformed in places.

Kvaril is a new material, and few can recognize it by external signs. This is used by unscrupulous manufacturers who, under the guise of quartz baths, sell products made from cheap materials with a masking glossy finish. In order not to buy such a product, you should choose a quartz bath only in specialized salons with a proven reputation. Products must be certified, with a quality assurance, foreign production. Domestic brands, unfortunately, have not yet sufficiently mastered this technology.

Rare and exclusive baths

For the manufacture of baths are used not only traditional materials. Fans of exclusive models are offered products made of marble, faience, wood, natural stone, which are distinguished by their original appearance and very high price. Let's consider them in more detail.

wooden models

Wooden baths are not at all like those tubs and fonts that are found in baths. These are exquisite products of the highest quality, superbly crafted and smelling of the forest. Wood is used only the best varieties, resistant to moisture and temperature extremes - oak, teak, larch, cedar, some exotic species. Bathtubs of small sizes are made from a single piece of wood, large capacious bowls are assembled from separate fragments that fit as tightly as possible. All elements must be impregnated with special compounds that protect against moisture and fungi and are safe for humans. The finished bowl is carefully polished and then coated with a varnish that does not contain toxic substances.

The shape of wooden bathtubs is diverse, as are the colors, many models are complemented by glass, acrylic and metal elements. They fit perfectly into interiors with wood trim the same color, such a bathroom looks incredibly luxurious. Care for a wooden bathroom should be special. The surface must not be cleaned with abrasive and caustic compounds, and it is also undesirable to leave the bowl filled for too long. It is also not recommended to bathe animals in it, so that sharp claws do not scratch the walls. Subject to these rules, the bath will serve for a very long time without losing its aesthetic appearance.

Faience bathtubs

Faience is traditionally used for small plumbing products, due to the high fragility of the material. The larger the area, the higher the likelihood of accidental damage, and faience items are very expensive. And yet, for connoisseurs of everything extraordinary, bathtubs are produced from this material, as a rule - on order. They are valued for their aesthetic appearance, resistance to abrasion, scratches, aggressive cleaning agents. Earthenware models can have not only different shapes, but also differ in color: in addition to snow-white, manufacturers offer earthenware in blue, beige, and turquoise.

There are many disadvantages of such products:

• very heavy weight;
• fragility;
• complexity of transportation and installation;
• very slippery surface;
• prolonged heating of the bowl;
• high price.

The operation of a faience bath requires great care. A faucet accidentally dropped from its holder can seriously damage it, and repairing cracks in a bowl is not at all as easy as in a conventional sink. In general, these baths are not the most suitable option for daily use, especially if the family is large and there are children. Rather, they serve as an interior decoration, and for their intended purpose can be used from time to time, to relax the body.

glass models

impact resistant strained glass has been present in bathroom interiors for a long time, mostly as accessories and elements of shower cabins. But glass bathtubs can be seen not so often, because it is difficult to attribute them to traditional plumbing. They look unusually impressive, especially when installed in the center of the room. Due to the transparency of the material, even large glass structures look light and elegant.

Models consisting solely of glass itself are rarely made; most bathtubs have a chrome-plated metal frame or acrylic base. For the convenience of bathers, there is a special anatomically shaped insert with a headrest inside the bowl. Glass can be absolutely transparent, colored, frosted, printed. The shape is most often rectangular, oval and semicircular, other configurations are much less common.

The special technology of glass tempering and wall thickness eliminate the risk of breaking the bowl during the adoption of water procedures. Of course, sharp blows with heavy objects should be avoided, it is undesirable to fall into the faucet bath or any accessories made of ceramics and metal. But this applies to almost all types of baths, not just glass ones.

For those who want to have a glass bathtub, but are afraid that it will break, there is a great alternative - acrylic models with glass inserts. Inserts are located on the sides of the structure (for free-standing bathtubs) or only on the front side (for corner models), have different heights and shapes. They also look very impressive, easily fit into any interiors.

The advantages of these baths are obvious:

• the surface is easily cleaned of any contaminants, is not exposed to fungi;
• glass is not afraid of alkalis and acids;
• environmentally friendly;
• with proper operation, the service life is calculated in decades without loss of aesthetic appeal;
• a glass bath holds heat well and does not make noise under jets of water.

Combined bath - glass and acrylic

• glass models have a high price, so not everyone can buy them;
• transportation and installation of such a design requires great care, and it is better to hire professionals for this, and not do it yourself;
• over time, the surface may lose transparency and original luster. As a rule, the reason for this is improper care of the bathroom, the use of abrasive substances for cleaning.

Stone baths

The most luxurious and unusual are bathtubs made of natural stone. Each of them is unique because it is carved from a single piece of marble, granite, onyx or other material. The exterior finish of the bowls is different: some models are polished to impeccable smoothness, while others leave a natural texture with protrusions and roughness. The shape of the bowl is made round, rectangular, oval, hexagonal, some have an asymmetric configuration.

For the production of stone baths, the following materials are used:

• natural marble of different colors;
• black, gray and green granite;
• sandstone;
• travertine;
• onyx;
• limestone.

Each stone has its own shade and pattern that never repeats. These baths are considered the most durable and strong, as well as environmentally friendly. To stone bowl harmoniously looked in the interior of the bathroom, wall and floor decoration should also be made of stone or its imitation. Moreover, the cladding material must exactly match the bath material in terms of shade and texture.

To reduce the cost of the process, many manufacturers use artificial stone, which is superior to natural stone in many of its properties. Baths are made from it by casting, adding marble, granite, malachite chips to acrylic. As a result, products acquire increased strength, resistance to various types of external influences, durability and a stylish, spectacular look.

Advantages of stone baths:

• long service life;
• environmental friendliness;
• low thermal conductivity;
• no noise when filling with water.

• bathtubs are heavy, so an accurate calculation of the load on the floor during installation is necessary;
• the surface of the stone has pores into which dirt accumulates. Because of this, you need to wash the bowl regularly and thoroughly, using household detergents;
• the cost of stone baths is much higher than the rest.

Copper bathtubs

Another elite type of baths are copper. In the century before last, they were used everywhere, but then they were replaced by steel and cast iron. Nowadays, copper bathtubs have become refined luxury items that require an appropriate interior. Most often they are installed in the center of the bathroom and have an oval shape. Most models have a semi-gloss nickel finish on the inside.

Advantages:

• antibacterial properties;
• resistance to mechanical and chemical stress;
• long service life;
• luxurious look;
• light weight;
• ease of care.

The disadvantages include only the cost of the bath, which significantly exceeds the price of products made from traditional materials.

Having decided on the choice of bath material, you should choose the right shape and dimensions to ensure maximum comfort for everyone who lives in the apartment. First of all, the length of the bowl should correspond to the height of the tallest member of the family. For determining optimum width bowls, 10-12 cm should be added to the width of the shoulders. That is, when a person lies in the bath, there should be at least 5 cm of free space between the body and the walls. Of course, the size of the one with the largest build, and not height, is taken into account.

The most convenient height of the bath from the floor to the sides is 60-70 cm. If there are children in the family, choose the minimum height, otherwise it will be difficult for the child to climb into the bath. In the absence of models of the required height, especially for children, it will be possible to install steps or mount a podium. The second option will cost more, but it is more convenient to use the bathroom.

One of critical factors when choosing a bath is a characteristic of the room. The dimensions of the room, the reliability of floor coverings, the location of sewer pipes and plumbing fixtures - all this must be taken into account before the purchase, and not after it. It is best to make a schematic sketch on paper, indicating the location of plumbing and furnishings. This will help to model the most convenient option and simplify the choice. Be sure to measure the width and length of the bathroom, the width of the doorway, indicate on the diagram the intended passage between the bathroom and the wall. Not everyone can assess the condition of the floors in the apartment on their own, therefore, if the choice fell on heavy models, you need to invite a specialist. This is especially true for those who live in old high-rise buildings.

When you have decided on the size and installation method, the most pleasant thing remains - to choose a model according to its appearance and equipment. Here, the style of the bathroom and your personal ideas about comfort play a role.

Video - Choosing a bath

Video - Selecting and installing a steel bath

Video - What are wooden bathtubs

In the 20th century, baths, basins, troughs and natural reservoirs were replaced by showers and baths. And their functions are not limited to hygiene. A long hot bath with scented soap is the most affordable and popular way to relieve fatigue after a long day.

Since, depending on living conditions it can be used for bathing pets, and for soaking textiles in bleach, and for scalding mushrooms before pickling, and even for an impromptu date, choosing a bath is not the easiest thing.

To understand which bath is better to choose, you should answer three questions: how it will be used, how much space you can allocate for it and what budget you need to meet. The answers will allow you to choose two or three options. The key parameter in which they differ is their material, so it is about the materials that you should learn more.

Choosing a cast iron bath

For many decades, cast iron was the only material from which home baths were made (except, of course, pre-revolutionary wooden and copper portable "bathing troughs").

Although this metal cannot be called economical and convenient in terms of construction, they are still very popular.

They are characterized by strength and durability, as well as the pleasant property of slowly cooling down - in such a bath, the water remains hot for a couple of hours. True, in the modern metropolis this dignity has lost its former meaning - adding hot water to an apartment with a central water supply is not a problem.

Their disadvantages include their large weight. First, it is difficult to bring and mount. Secondly, it is difficult to deliver from abroad, and domestic manufacturers offer only a standard "rectangular" shape and strictly defined sizes. Thirdly, for you need to carefully align the fasteners.

cast iron bath how to choose

If this is not done - or if the bulkheads of the house are too thin and the floor can sag under a lot of weight - the bathtub may "twist" slightly over time.

In this case, the edge will move away from the tile, or vice versa, “crash” into it.

Accordingly, either water will flow along the wall under the bath, which, most likely, will lead to the appearance of mold in hard to reach place, or the tile will begin to crack - and it will be very difficult to replace it.

Also special attention requires enamel cast iron bathtubs. It cannot be cleaned with caustic abrasives - because of this, the lower, reddish-gray layer of the coating is exposed. When a heavy object falls, chips can form on the enamel, which are almost impossible to restore. .

Steel bathtubs how to choose?

Another metal that is used in the manufacture of bathtubs is steel.

It is much lighter and more ductile than cast iron, so steel tubs come in all shapes and sizes.

Given their strength, low cost and the ability to choose any color of enamel, they are well suited for the budget implementation of an original design project.

However, there are a number of serious shortcomings. First, the water cools quickly. In the presence of a central water supply, this problem is not particularly significant, it is much worse that when water is drawn in, the steel one “rings” quite loudly. If the walls are not thick enough, it can gradually begin to deform under the weight of water.

However, the problems are fairly easy to fix. It is only necessary to provide for its installation "in a monolith" - a supporting and heat-insulating podium. These podiums are made of foamed plastic with noise-dampening rubber pads and a rigid frame, and provide a long and reliable service for a steel bath.

Video - which bathroom to choose (it’s better to watch it so that you don’t make a mistake later and choose the desired look and shape):

Acrylic - how to choose?

Acrylic is a polymer that allows the formation of any shapes, sizes and colors. Staining occurs when it melts, that is, acrylic baths do not have a coating that could wear off.

Any scratches and stains (which appear quite often) are easily removed, you just need to paint over them with special paint and “polish” with fine sandpaper.

It is not afraid of caustic abrasives and is easy to clean, durable, weighs little and keeps heat for a long time. Due to these advantages, they are gaining more and more popularity.

However, acrylic itself is a plastic that melts and deforms at high temperatures. To avoid deformations, they are reinforced, ideally with a metal mesh, in cheaper options, with several layers of fiberglass.

How to choose an acrylic bathroom that will not “spread” after a couple of years? Firstly, if it is strong, it should “sound” dull and soft when tapped. Secondly, when reinforced with fiberglass, layers are visible on the edge of the side - the more of them, the better.

It costs more than cast iron and steel, so you should be suspicious of an inexpensive acrylic bath that caught your eye in a hardware supermarket. Most likely, this is a fake made of plastic with an acrylic coating. Such types do not differ in high quality either in terms of thermal insulation or strength characteristics.

Video lesson - what you need to know when buying an acrylic bath:

Quarry

Although acrylic can be formed into any shape of bathtub, the thicker the original sheet of acrylic, the less plasticity it will have.

Therefore, baths of complex shape have thin walls. Meanwhile, it is the wall thickness that determines its reliability and durability.

If you need a complex shape, but you don’t want to risk quality, you should pay attention to kvaril. This is the same acrylic, only mixed with quartz chips.

In fact, quartz replaces reinforcement, and very successfully. Kvaril bathtubs are diverse, durable and not afraid of scratches; their thermal insulation is no worse than that of acrylic, and they are only slightly heavier. The only disadvantage of kvaril is the high price.

Other materials

When designing and budgeting, three other bath materials come into play - stone, glass and copper. All of them are rarely used because of their high cost and whimsicality.

Stone and glass bathtubs, despite the special treatment, due to which there is almost no risk of cracking, are afraid of impacts and easily get chipped.

Copper is a ductile material that is easily deformed by hot water and weight. human body. In general, stone ones are more often used as built-in ones, usually mounted on the floor, while glass and copper ones are installed on frames that also perform artistic functions.

Hydromassage

A bath with a hydromassage system is the choice of those who are often stressed, sit in an uncomfortable chair for a long time and suffer from muscle pain, as well as those who simply love real comfort.

Hydromassage ones include a small compressor, a motor and a system of tubes ending in nozzles mounted in the walls. When turned on, compressed air or water is ejected from the nozzles under pressure, and 10-20 minutes of such a massage is enough for complete relaxation.

Whirlpools are most often made of acrylic; foreign manufacturers also offer them from steel and cast iron. The simplest have a pneumatic control system - the mode of operation and the intensity of the jets are set using mechanical levers. With electronic control, they also allow you to adjust the level and temperature of the water, set massage programs, combine hydro and air massage.

The number and location of nozzles may vary. A number of manufacturers hot tubs They offer models with a medically justified location of nozzles - opposite the neck, lower back and legs of a lying person.

Most often, the direction of the jets can change during the massage - this is provided for by models with rotating nozzles.

They consume little energy and do not require special care– it is enough to pour a special disinfectant liquid into the tubes of the system once a month to avoid problems with sediments and microorganisms. Some have a drying system to prevent mold, which is useful if you plan not to use it, for example, during a vacation trip.

Bath dimensions - better to know in person

It is purchased mainly so that you can lie down in it, relaxing.

Therefore, the ideal size is determined empirically. In addition, of course, it is worth considering in which room it is planned to install the purchase.

Standard bathtubs are 150-180 cm long, 70-85 cm wide and 50-65 cm deep. Under these parameters, most of the bathrooms in houses built in Soviet time, so you can almost always install.

If you need to save on space, for example, when you plan to install also washing machine, a laundry basket and a towel cabinet, what size bath is better to choose - one of the most difficult questions. In this case, you should pay attention to the corner structures. They fit well into a small-sized room, and often turn out to be more convenient than a short rectangular shape.

However, when choosing between rectangular acrylic and rectangular cast iron, you need to pay attention to the fact that with the same external dimensions, they most often have a different volume.

This is due to the fact that acrylics are usually equipped with internal armrests and a headrest. What is needed - these additions or an extra few liters of volume - a matter of taste.

Today's plumbing market offers many non-standard, but useful and relevant options. In addition to plumbing fixtures of unusual shapes, there are rectangular ones that differ from the usual ones only in doubled width and two headrests - based on two people. Hydromassage systems are sometimes accompanied by water lighting, with which evening rest relaxes even better. Models with anti-slip coating and handles are useful for repairs in the apartment of the elderly.

Which bath is better to choose is up to the owners to decide together with the builders. Regardless of the budget and conditions, the disadvantages of any material and dimensions can be turned into advantages - it is better to take care of this in advance.