Which bath to choose?
So, you are moving, have started a major renovation, or simply decided to change an old bathtub. How not to make a mistake when buying and choose the one that will serve you as long as possible?
In fact, you can talk about baths for a very long time. They differ in shape, design, size and, of course, the material from which they are made. We propose to take the last criterion as a basis. So what does the modern market offer us?
Modern bathtubs are made from different materials, but the most popular were and still are cast iron, acrylic and steel. Moreover, each material has its own unique properties.
Cast iron baths
Bathtubs made of this material are reliable and durable. They are stable and “keep” heat very well, so if you like to soak in warm water for an hour or two, a cast-iron bath is for you!
Advantages:
have low thermal conductivity, due to which warm water cools slowly;
easy care. Dirt does not accumulate on the surface of a cast-iron bath with glossy enamel, and it can be cleaned with almost any chemical means, with the exception of acid;
such baths do not resonate upon impact and are not subject to vibration;
resistant to corrosion;
have a long service life, especially if you handle the enamel with care.
As for the disadvantages of cast iron, the biggest one is the risk of damage to the enamel. If you drop something heavy on the surface, it will chip. In turn, independent restoration of enamel is a troublesome business.
By itself, cast iron is a heavy, massive material. This also leaves its mark: a cast iron bath is difficult to transport and install.
And finally, the form. Cast iron products do not differ in variety. Interesting models can be found only from foreign manufacturers, but this is a rarity.
Steel baths
Steel is a lightweight and durable material. Not as durable as cast iron, but cheaper.
The main advantages of steel baths:
low cost;
durability;
light weight, which greatly facilitates transportation and installation;
high-quality enamel coating does not flake off and does not lose its whiteness over the years;
a large selection of shapes and sizes.
Disadvantages of steel baths:
steel bathtubs are very “noisy” - they literally “hum” when they are filled with water, which can create some discomfort;
steel does not retain heat well, and the water in such a bath cools very quickly;
Inexpensive steel products have thin walls that can deform under load, which can lead to chips and cracks.
A tip for those looking to choose a good steel bathtub: try lifting the model you like. If it turns out to be too light, then it is thin-walled and may deform. The robust steel bathtub weighs from 30 kg. And yet, a little advice to close the ugly protruding pipes in the bathroom , you can use the roller shutters in the bathroom . Firstly, such a design looks beautiful, and secondly, there will always be convenient access to the pipes, especially if there are water meters on them.
Acrylic bathtubs
Acrylic is one of the most reliable and durable materials. Acrylic bathtubs are not only in good demand, but also very popular.
The main advantages of acrylic baths over steel and cast iron:
good thermal insulation: the water in the acrylic bath cools slowly, and you can afford to soak in the warm water longer;
light weight;
over the years, the surface of the bath does not lose its shine and color;
ease of maintenance: it is easy to wash an acrylic bathtub - you can clean it from dirt with just one warm water;
acrylic is not afraid of any scratches or chips, it is also much easier to restore.
As you can see, acrylic bathtubs have many advantages. But there were some drawbacks here. Firstly, if you pour water into a bathtub made of acrylic after washing colored laundry, it can stain, and forever. Secondly, although acrylic is resistant to mechanical damage, scratches can still form on its surface. Moreover, this happens more often than damage occurs on a cast iron or steel surface. Thirdly, a high-quality acrylic bathtub will cost you more than a similar cast iron or steel bathtub.
As you can see, each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. This is why the choice requires a careful and balanced approach. Have you already chosen which bath to buy?