A purchase like a bath requires the most careful approach. This is not an item that can be easily changed if something doesn’t fit. High cost, size, necessity installation work- all this implies a purchase for many years. To choose the right bath, you need to focus not only on appearance and dimensions, but also other characteristics that affect the durability, convenience and practicality of the product.
Modern bathtubs are distinguished by a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials used, and equipment. High demand contributed to the expansion of the range with more advanced designs that provide maximum comfort when bathing. Let's look at the main criteria that influence the choice of bathtub.
There are standard dimensions for each type of bathtub, but they are not suitable for everyone. Typical sizes are 80x160 cm with a bowl depth of 50-65 cm, rectangular in shape. Until now, this design is the most common, although it is gradually giving way to models of other configurations. Plumbing manufacturers produce round, oval, hexagonal, corner bathtubs, 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 size of the bathtub is selected depending on the size of the people living in the apartment and the parameters of the bathroom itself.
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 closed from the outside decorative panel or screen.
The space between the bowl and the screen is convenient to use for storing household chemicals and separate 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 they are also available in the form of a rhombus, trapezoid, and pentagon. As a rule, they are installed directly on the floor or a special podium, outer side covered with a screen or lined with ceramics.
Freestanding bathtubs take up a lot of space and are therefore only suitable for spacious rooms. Models of this type are also quite varied: oval, rectangular, round, with or without legs, plain and with a pattern. They are considered the most expensive option as they have decorative finishing on all sides, many designs are complemented with elite fittings, and the eyeliner sewer pipes carried out according to a special project.
Built-in bathtubs are installed in two ways: they are recessed into the floor or mounted on a podium equal in height to the bowl. Design features require certain technical specifications, so this option is more suitable for private homes. 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 and look great in the bathroom interior due to exterior finishing sides.
Plumbing manufacturers pay a lot of attention to consumer comfort, so most bathtubs are equipped with additional accessories. The more expensive the model, the more functional its equipment. The most budget-friendly ones include armrests, handles, soft and comfortable headrests. Next comes lighting, water ozonation systems, and 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, great importance has the material of manufacture. It is on this basis that the main division of baths by type occurs:
Each material has certain characteristics and has both pros and cons. To choose the ideal option for yourself, you need to study and compare the qualities of all the listed types of bathtubs in more detail.
Steel products are in stable demand in the plumbing market. This is due, first of all, to the practicality and availability of the material.
Steel baths - advantages
Advantages:
Flaws:
A steel bathtub with legs is very unstable and, due to its low weight, can easily tip over along with the water and the person in it. To prevent this from happening, such models are installed flush against the wall, and the legs are inserted into special fasteners on the floor and screwed tightly. There is another way - install the bathtub on bricks, and fill the gaps between the sides and the wall with foam.
The brick support will securely fix the bathtub, and the foam will additionally absorb noise from water jets. Rubber pads also help reduce noise, which are recommended to be attached during installation in the places where the supports adjoin the bathtub bowl. But the most effective way of soundproofing is to cover the outside of the bowl with thin sheet rubber or penofol before installing the bathtub in place. To save time, you can simply cover the entire surface with polyurethane foam and let it harden well.
To ensure that your purchase does not disappoint, you should know the main features of quality bathtubs. For metal models they are as follows:
The popularity of cast iron bathtubs has decreased markedly with the advent of acrylic and other new materials. And yet, there is a certain demand for such models, and therefore buying them is not a problem. Unlike products of the Soviet period, modern baths made of cast iron have thinner walls and aesthetic appearance, thanks to which they fit perfectly into any interior.
Advantages:
Flaws:
There are no particular differences in the installation process, the main thing is to make sure the strength of the floors. When calculating the load, you should 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.
A high-quality cast iron bathtub is very heavy, unlike fakes. If you succeeded without special effort move it from its place, it is not worth buying such a product. Be sure to tap your knuckles on the bathtub in several places. If the sound is the same, the quality is good; if it differs, the composition of the cast iron is not uniform, which means the bathtub will not last long. Sagging and bumps on the enamel layer indicate poor quality protective coating, uneven application or violation of technology during processing.
Acrylic is a synthetic polymer, that is, it is a type of plastic. Found this material wide application in plumbing production due to mass positive properties. Acrylic baths are made by blowing a 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 have 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 minimal space in the room. The dimensions of such bathtubs range from 130x70 cm to 150x110 cm, and the depth of the bowl is 40-80 cm.
Advantages:
Flaws:
Features of the installation include the mandatory presence of a metal frame, which is a frame made of a steel profile with an anti-corrosion coating. In addition to bowl supports in each corner, 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 complete with the bathtub, but sometimes you have to buy it separately or make it yourself.
If there is no factory frame, the installation of the bathtub can be done in two ways - install it on bricks, laying out the walls of the appropriate height, or mount a structure made of timber and waterproof plywood. The first method is more labor-intensive and takes more time, the second is much simpler.
| Image | Step by step description |
|---|---|
| Take measurements of the bowl and the height from the floor to the sides. Using these measurements, the timber is cut so that 4 blanks for the frame and 8-10 support posts are obtained. The workpieces must be impregnated protective composition and dry thoroughly |
| A frame is assembled from the beams, connecting them together metal corners and self-tapping screws, and tightly fixing to the floor and wall |
| A sheet of waterproof plywood is stuffed on top of the resulting frame, in which a hole is cut into the bathtub bowl using a jigsaw. If the bowl is not oval, but rectangular shape, instead of plywood, a strong board is used, which is packed around the perimeter of the frame |
| Insert the bathtub and check its horizontal position building level. If the sides are on different heights, wooden pads can be attached to the boards underneath them. Next we connect communications |
| The outside of the frame is sheathed with any suitable sheet material or covered with a purchased screen that does not require additional finishing |
Acrylic bathtubs are most often counterfeited using ordinary plastic. In addition, many manufacturers do not adhere to established standards and produce acrylic products that do not stand up to criticism. The following signs will help determine quality:
In an effort to improve the characteristics of acrylic, experts created new material- quarried. This is a combination of quartz sand and acrylic, which has increased strength. Bathtubs and shower trays are mainly made from quaril, casting them in special molds. Due to the hardness of the material, quaril baths can be used both with and without a frame, which significantly expands the product range. The main parameters of bathtubs are the same as those of acrylic ones, only the wall thickness (9-10 mm) and weight (30-40 kg) differ. The range of models is very wide, there are products with both streamlined and strict geometric shapes.
Advantages:
Flaws:
Kvaril is a new material, and you can recognize it by external signs Few can. This is taken advantage of by unscrupulous manufacturers who, under the guise of quaril baths, sell products made from cheap materials with a masking glossy coating. In order not to buy such a product, you should choose a quaril bath exclusively in specialized salons with a proven reputation. Products must be certified, with a guarantee of quality, of foreign production. Domestic brands, unfortunately, have not yet sufficiently mastered this technology.
For the manufacture of bathtubs they use not only traditional materials. Fans of exclusive models are offered products made of marble, earthenware, wood, and natural stone, which are distinguished by their original appearance and a very high price. Let's take a closer look at them.
Bathtubs made of wood are not at all similar to those tubs and fonts that are found in baths. These are exquisite products of the highest quality, beautifully crafted and smelling of the forest. Wood is used only the best varieties, resistant to moisture and temperature changes - oak, teak, larch, cedar, some exotic species. Small bathtubs are made from whole piece wood, large capacious bowls are assembled from individual fragments, which are fitted as tightly as possible. All elements are necessarily 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 varnish that does not contain toxic substances.
The shape of wooden bathtubs is varied, as are the colors; many models are complemented by elements made of glass, acrylic and metal. They fit perfectly into interiors with wood trim the same color, such a bathroom looks incredibly luxurious. Caring for a wooden bathtub must be special. The surface should not be cleaned with abrasive or 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. If these rules are followed, the bathtub will serve for a very long time without losing its aesthetic appearance.
Earthenware 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, but earthenware items are very expensive. And yet, for connoisseurs of everything extraordinary, bathtubs are made from this material, usually to order. They are valued for their aesthetic appearance, resistance to abrasion, scratches, and aggressive cleaning agents. Models made of faience can not only have different shapes, but also differ in color: in addition to snow-white, manufacturers offer faience in blue, beige, and turquoise shades.
Cons similar products a lot of:
Operating a faience bathtub requires great care. A faucet accidentally falling from its holder can seriously damage it, and repairing cracks in a bowl is not at all as easy as in a regular sink. In general, these bathtubs are not the best for daily use. suitable option, especially if the family is large and there are children. They rather serve as interior decoration, and for their intended purpose can be used from time to time to relax the body.
Impact-resistant tempered glass has been present in bathroom interiors for a long time, mostly as accessories and elements of shower cabins. But you don’t see glass bathtubs so often, because it’s difficult to classify them as traditional plumbing fixtures. They look unusually impressive, especially when installed in the center of the room. Due to the transparency of the material, glass structures even large sizes look light and graceful.
Models consisting solely of glass itself are rarely made; most bathtubs have a chrome-plated metal frame or an acrylic base. For the convenience of swimmers, inside the bowl there is a special anatomically shaped liner with a headrest. Glass can be completely transparent, colored, matte, or with a pattern. The shape is most often rectangular, oval and semicircular, other configurations are much less common.
The special glass tempering technology and wall thickness eliminate the risk of breaking the bowl during water procedures. Of course, sharp impacts with heavy objects should be avoided; it is undesirable to drop a faucet or any accessories made of ceramics or metal into the bathtub. But this applies to almost all types of bathtubs, not just glass ones.
For those who want to have a glass bathtub, but are afraid that it will break, there is great alternative – acrylic models with glass inserts. The inserts are located on the sides of the structure (for separate standing bathtubs) or only with front side(For corner models), have different heights and shapes. They also look very impressive and fit easily into any interior.
The advantages of these baths are obvious:
Combined bathtub - glass and acrylic
The most luxurious and unusual are bathtubs made from natural stone. Each of them is unique because it is cut from a single piece of marble, granite, onyx or other material. The outer finish of the bowls varies: some models are polished to perfect smoothness, while others are left with a natural texture with protrusions and roughness. The shape of the bowl is made round, rectangular, oval, hexagonal, some have an asymmetrical configuration.
The following materials are used for the production of stone baths:
Each stone has its own shade and pattern that is never repeated. These baths are considered the most durable and durable, as well as environmentally friendly. In order for the stone bowl to look harmonious in the interior of the bathroom, the decoration of the walls and floor should also be made of stone or its imitation. Moreover, the lining material must exactly match the material of the bathtub in shade and texture.
To reduce the cost of the process, many manufacturers use fake diamond, which is superior to natural in many of its properties. Bathtubs are made from it by casting, adding marble, granite, and malachite chips to acrylic. As a result, the products acquire increased strength and resistance to various types of external influences, durability and a stylish, impressive look.
Advantages of stone baths:
Another elite type of bathtub is copper. In the century before last they were used everywhere, but then were replaced by steel and cast iron. Nowadays, copper baths have become exquisite elements of luxury, which 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-matte nickel finish on the inside.
Advantages:
The only disadvantage is the cost of the bath, which significantly exceeds the prices of products made from traditional materials.
Having decided on the choice of bathtub material, you should choose the right shape and dimensions to ensure maximum comfort for everyone living 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 optimal width bowls, you need to add 10-12 cm to the shoulder width. 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 person with the largest build is taken into account, not height.
The most convenient height of the bathtub from the floor to the sides is 60-70 cm. If there are children in the family, choose minimum height, otherwise it will be difficult for the child to get into the bath. In the absence of models of the required height, it will be possible to install steps or mount a podium especially for children. The second option will cost more, but it will be more convenient to use the bathroom.
One of the most important factors When choosing a bath, the characteristics of the room are important. The dimensions of the room, the reliability of the 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 fixtures and furnishings. This will help model the most convenient option and will simplify the choice. Be sure to measure the width and length of the bathroom, the width of the doorway, and indicate on the diagram the expected passage between the bathroom and the wall. Not everyone can independently assess the condition of the ceilings in an apartment, so 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 dimensions and installation method, the best part is to choose a model based on its appearance and equipment. The style of your bathroom and your personal ideas about comfort play a role here.
Choosing a bathtub is a key factor in the design of your bathroom, so we highly recommend that you approach this issue responsibly, taking your time. After all, there is a countless variety of baths, for almost every taste and budget.
Our day begins and ends in the bathroom.
The right bath that best suits your style and needs can make the difference between a good day and a great one!
In the old days, a bath was considered a luxury item, which of course cannot be said about our time. The vast majority of our contemporaries prefer to install bathtubs in their apartments.
If you are planning to purchase a new bathtub, there are several factors you need to consider:
Bathtubs are made from various materials such as copper, steel, iron,
stone and many others. The cost of a bathtub greatly depends on the material from which it is made. Therefore, you need to have a clear idea of what type of bathtub you need.
The material will determine not only the cost, but also the weight of the bathroom, as well as how quickly it will be delivered to you. Lightweight bathtubs are made of acrylic and fiberglass. They are inexpensive, but not very durable either. To avoid damage and fading, care for such bathtubs should be carried out with mild, non-abrasive detergents.
Cast iron bath very durable, but expensive and heavy. It is resistant to corrosion and maintains water temperature well. Marble and wood require extra care due to cracks and scratches, but they look very unusual and elegant. Enameled steel is an affordable and durable material. However, the water in it cools faster than in cast iron baths. Copper bathtubs are an elegant solution, but their metallic sheen can darken over time. To prevent this from happening, use special detergents.
Acrylic bath. Acrylic is very durable and practical material. Holds heat well and is chemical resistant. Until recently, acrylic bathtubs were considered elite sanitary ware, but due to high competition among suppliers, Lately the cost of such baths has dropped significantly.
Think about your style. Do you want a bath in old style or modern, like a jacuzzi?
Claw foot baths. Claw foot baths - traditional version, popular since the 1800s. As a rule, they are made of cast iron.
Retro style bath boat-shaped with single shower head
Hydromassage Baths. A very popular type of bathtub today. There is a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors on the market, including models that fit into
standard 5 - 6 meter bathroom. Hydromassage bath- This regular bath, in the walls and bottom of which nozzles are mounted.
Hot tubs use a pump to recirculate the water, which is forced out as jets through these jets under pressure. The nozzles are positioned in such a way as to provide massage to those areas of the body that need it most: lumbar region, pelvic area, neck, feet
Obviously, your budget will be another factor that will determine which bathtub you choose. Don't be afraid to spend a little more for quality bath. After all, you are purchasing it for a long time, and you will use it regularly. So it's worth paying a little more for comfortable and attractive bath. Remember that in addition to the cost of the bath, you must also take into account the cost of plumbing and installation work. If your budget is small, then you can choose inexpensive acrylic or fiberglass bathtubs. The most expensive are bathtubs made of copper.
When choosing a bathtub, you need to consider the space of the bathroom. The bath should not be too big or too small in comparison with the room itself. Installed bath should not cause interference in the use of the bathroom. You can consider the proposals offered by designers. Professionals can help you choose a bath without any “surprises.”
When choosing a bathtub, make sure the width, length and depth are suitable for your family members. It is useful to know that in a bathtub deeper than 70 cm it is not very convenient to keep your head at water level.
Structurally, the bathtub is most often a metal (cast iron or steel) enameled container with a volume of approximately 250-300 liters. Baths can be seated or lying down - respectively, for washing while sitting or lying down. The latter previously differed in length - 1500 and 1700 mm, which was associated with their installation in standard apartments. Nowadays the requirements for the size of bathtubs are not so strict, and besides, the bathtub can be made to order.
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Buying a bath is a serious matter and must be approached responsibly. And the first thing you will need is knowledge about how to choose the right bathtub, what it is made of and which manufacturers you should give your preference to.
A bathtub is not just a large white container used for hygiene purposes. This is expensive plumbing equipment, which must be chosen wisely. First, let's define the parameters and characteristics of the bathtub that you should pay attention to when studying models.
All these characteristics are summarized in the list below:
Important! It would also be a good idea to pay attention to the presence of additional functions, such as disinfection, chromotherapy, water heating, and a filling sensor. If you have a lot of money set aside for the purchase of plumbing fixtures, it is advisable to purchase one of these bathtubs. Otherwise - with a small budget - overpay for additional functions to the detriment of the quality of the material is impractical.
Having decided on the list of bathtub characteristics that you should pay attention to, we will create a plan of action to be taken when choosing plumbing fixtures. The most convenient way to present it would be step-by-step instruction.
Step 1. Determine how much money you are willing to spend on buying a bathroom. Write down the lower and upper limits of the cost of a plumbing product that will be acceptable to you.
Step 2. Take measurements of the area of your bathroom and old plumbing, if it has not yet been dismantled. This action will protect you from purchasing an overly large product that simply won’t fit in your space.
Requirements for the size and free space in the bathroom and combined bathroom
Step 3. Determine who will use the bathroom and what height and build they are. This will directly affect the size of future plumbing.
Step 4. After comparing your desires with your budget, decide what material you will buy a bathtub from.
Step 5. Based on the data obtained in the second and third stages, select the shape, length, width and depth of the bathtub. Here it would be advisable to determine not exact numbers, but ranges, upper and lower limits.
Step 6. Find the nearest plumbing stores in your city. Study reviews on the Internet and recommendations from friends.
Step 7 Explore the range offered by these plumbing stores. Choose those bathtub manufacturing companies that have proven themselves only from the best side.
Step 8 Based on the selected material, size, optimal price and manufacturer, select the bathtub model that suits you best.
Important! It is advisable to select for yourself not just one model, but several - if a particular product is not available in the store, you can always purchase another one with similar characteristics.
Now let's move on to a detailed and more thorough study of the parameters that are taken into account when choosing a bathroom.
And let's start with the material - one of the most important characteristics similar 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:
The most popular material from which bathtubs are made is cast iron - an alloy of iron with a large amount of carbon. It is from cast iron that most of the old plumbing fixtures are made, which still serve regularly 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 damage such a product in any way.
It should be understood that all the advantages of acrylic bathtubs indicated above are valid only for high-quality products created by manufacturers who have proven themselves only from the best side. When buying plumbing fixtures of unknown origin, you risk encountering the following problems.
Important! When choosing an acrylic bathtub, pay attention to the thickness of the walls - it is advisable that it be more than 3-4 mm. If this condition is met, then the plumbing fixtures you purchased will not bend under the weight of a person and the water collected in the font.
Not long ago, the material quaril was introduced to the plumbing market, which in the future may become a serious competitor to acrylic. The material was originally created by Villeroy&Boch AG for restoration plastic baths. Quaril is a composite created on the basis of quartz crystals, each of which is covered with an acrylic shell. Bonded together, these particles form a material that has the look and feel of PMMA, but is much stronger, more durable, and more resistant to impact. high temperatures.
As a result, bathtubs are obtained from quaril, which combine the advantages of cast iron and acrylic products, but without their inherent disadvantages. The only problem with plumbing fixtures made from this composite is the cost - bathtubs made from quaril will seem unnecessarily expensive for many.
Exotic among sanitary products are bathtubs made of stone and various types ceramics. Due to its low popularity, such plumbing fixtures are, whenever possible, made only to order and have an appropriate 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, by purchasing a custom-made ceramic bathtub, you can independently choose the shape and size of the bowl you need.
In addition to the material, the manufacturer is of great importance when choosing a bathtub. It is advisable to trust your money only to those companies that have already proven themselves to be the best, that have experience in the manufacture of sanitary ware and entire lines of successfully selling bathtub models. The following is a list of such companies, their features, advantages and disadvantages.
Roca. This Spanish company is a well-deserved leader in the production of bathtubs, dating back to the beginning of the last century. During this time, Roca has accumulated enormous experience and now many of its factories located around the world (including in Russia, in the Leningrad region) produce hundreds of thousands of sanitary ware 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 have the opportunity to purchase high-quality plumbing fixtures with warranty service and without fear of receiving a fake.
Next, it is worth highlighting this brand, under which various plumbing fixtures and accessories are manufactured in Poland and Romania. Acrylic bathtubs from Cersanit are strong, average, with low cost and an acceptable level of quality.
Ravak- a Czech company that produces plumbing fixtures 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 plumbing market.
Among other manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs it is worth noting Triton, BAS, Pool-SPA, Aquanet, Alpen and Riho.
Important! When choosing plumbing fixtures for your home, be careful - today there is a risk of purchasing a counterfeit that masquerades as products from well-known companies with a good reputation. As a rule, such products cannot boast of quality - they are produced from the cheapest materials with violations of technological processes.
It is also worth noting companies that produce high-quality bathtubs made of cast iron and steel - we have combined them into one list presented below:
Now, from individual companies, let's turn our attention to certain models - the table below shows the five most popular bathtubs, which have earned a considerable amount positive feedback.
| Bath 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 indicated in the rating are current 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
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 size of the people who will use this plumbing. For most people, 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 figures.
Interesting! In a simple way To determine the desired 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 bath height and bowl depth that suits you. Yes, don’t be surprised, these are slightly different parameters. Height is the distance from the floor to the top edge of the sides of the bathtub, 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 your neck. If you have small children in the 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 plumbing.
In this regard, baths can be of several types.
Corner asymmetrical bathtub
Also, when purchasing plumbing fixtures, be sure to familiarize yourself with what is included in the kit - you may have to purchase some parts separately. It would also be a good idea to study analogues of the bathtubs you have chosen, but with 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
The modern plumbing market offers three main types of bathtubs: acrylic, cast iron and steel. In between classic cast iron products and bold design solutions acrylic plumbing fixtures occupy steel baths.
We’ll look at how to choose a steel bathtub and which manufacturers’ products you should trust in this article.
High-quality steel bathtubs are in great demand. They are chosen by those who do not want to install heavy cast-iron plumbing fixtures at home, but at the same time have a mistrust of the now popular acrylic.
When making bathtubs, manufacturers use two types of steel:
Bowls made of stainless steel can lose their presentable appearance over time. To prevent dried drops and stains from being visible on the metal surface, after each washing of the bowl they must be rubbed until shiny.
Steel bathtubs can be safely installed in homes old building, where floor loads are often limited
Models coated with enamel are not affected by this. But they are vulnerable to corrosion.
The quality of products depends on the thickness of the steel sheet used for their production. Thanks to the use of modern technology based on the stamping method using special forms, the thickness of the sheet does not change due to the presence of bends.
The enamel covering a steel bowl can become thinner over time and become covered with a scattering of tiny cracks, which leads to rust.
The secret of the popularity of steel plumbing lies in a number of undeniable advantages which she has:
Steel baths are not afraid of high temperatures, as well as temperature changes. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal, the bowl heats up quickly and cools down just as quickly. So soak in the bath filled warm water, but not for long. Water in steel baths Ah cools down much faster than in cast iron and especially acrylic ones.
Due to the low porosity of steel, the enamel coating of bowls is less durable than that applied to a cast iron container, which is recognized as a significant disadvantage of steel plumbing
Important point: one of mandatory conditions installation of a Jacuzzi with a steel bowl - the presence of grounding.
Steel baths are not without their drawbacks. Bowls with thin walls can become deformed over time under water pressure and the weight of the person in them. As a result, cracks and chips form on the enamel. They require restoration or replacement of the product completely.
The enamel of the bowls, made of steel, has a smooth surface. It is very vulnerable to abrasive detergents and aggressive compounds.
When caring for such a coating, you should avoid using products based on alcohol, formaldehyde and acids, including citric, sulfamic and formic
Some users who have already installed steel bathtubs note that the bowls make too much noise as they fill with water. This is due to the fact that a metal surface, when hit by a directed water jet, acts as an excellent resonator.
But this defect can be easily eliminated by applying rubber gaskets. Successfully helps solve the problem and apply a layer polyurethane foam on the walls of the bowl body and covering the structure with a decorative panel.
The ductile properties of steel allow manufacturers to create bathtubs in a wide variety of shapes.
Image gallery
Thanks to wide variety forms of steel plumbing, you can always choose a compromise option that will fit perfectly into the conditions limited space. The shape of the bathtub body can be any.
In addition to rectangular bathtubs standard sizes the so-called ones with dimensions from 120/75/80 cm are presented on the market.
By purchasing steel plumbing fixtures, you get strength comparable to cast iron products, and modern design inherent in acrylic bathtubs
For more demanding consumers, manufacturers produce:
When choosing the shape of the body, you should focus on the style of the bathroom interior. A bathtub with a rectangular body with rounded ribs is chosen for small bathrooms. They fit perfectly into an interior decorated in a minimalist style.
Baths with exclusive round shape bowls are chosen for arranging rooms with sufficient area. They are often equipped with hydromassage nozzles. Therefore, they are perceived more as an element of luxury rather than a plumbing accessory. Depending on the size of the bowl, they can be one-, two-, or even multi-seat.
In the presence of arched openings, domed or spherical elements and the interior, you can safely choose a bathtub with a round bowl
Bowls with an oval shape fit well into classic style, which is characterized by laconic design, soft forms and absence of corners. For spacious bathrooms, large models that can accommodate two people at once are often chosen. Read more about how to choose a bath for two.
Corner models are a win-win option for small bathrooms. When buying corner models, it is worth considering that they come in: left and right, symmetrical and asymmetrical.
They are presented on the market as corner bathtubs of smooth classical forms, and asymmetrical models that stand out for their uniqueness
When choosing such models, it should be taken into account that the lag in step is about 200 mm. So, in a bowl 1.7 meters long, the length of the lying space leaves only 1.5 meters.
A well-chosen bowl shape in combination with the enamel color dictates general style bathroom.
Any shade can be used to cover steel bathtubs. To obtain the desired shades, manufacturers add dyes to the enamel that do not fade. sun rays and do not lose color saturation when exposed to temperature.
The main advantage of colored plumbing is its non-standard nature.
If we consider the psychological side of the issue, then the water element, which predominates in the bathroom, has an invigorating effect on a person, feeding him with the energy so necessary for a full life.
When water comes into contact with color palette, then this has a beneficial effect on a person’s psycho-emotional state on a subconscious level
Each color has a different effect:
A bright bathtub can compensate for the lack of expressive shades in a familiar interior, giving it some zest.
Baths Pink colour choose active people who are not afraid of dramatic changes; the color itself gives strength and self-confidence
If you have any doubts about choosing a color, stick to the classic white option. White sanitary ware is universal. It can harmoniously fit into any interior. And it doesn’t matter what style the bathroom is equipped in or what color is chosen as the background.
Since it is impossible to determine the suitability of steel plumbing at one glance, when choosing a bathtub, we recommend focusing on the criteria below.
Before choosing a steel bathtub, you should decide on the dimensions of the structure so that it fits freely into the bathroom space. If we talk about the standard series of rectangular bowls, the width of the products is traditionally 700 mm, and the length varies between 1.4-2 meters in increments of 0.1 meter.
Standard rules for choosing plumbing fixtures suggest that the bathtub body should occupy no more than 30% of the total space of the bathroom.
For bathrooms with an area of 4-5 square meters, bowls with a rectangular body are most often chosen. If the bathroom space is limited, they opt for the option of installing corner models or.
On sale you can find models with a bowl length of two meters. But for people of average build, using such baths is not entirely convenient. Many people note that they experience discomfort when they are in a filled bowl if they do not feel its “shores.”
The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing is the wall thickness of steel plumbing fixtures. High-quality products are produced with wall thicknesses ranging from 2.5-4 mm. For people with average weight, a bowl with a wall thickness of 2.5-3 mm is suitable, but if the weight is above average, bathtubs with a thickness of 3.5 mm and higher are suitable.
Choose products whose wall thickness is at least 3.5 millimeters - this is an indicator of the strength of the structure and its ability to retain heat
It is hardly possible to measure the thickness of metal using a caliper inside the walls of a store. In this situation, you can do this. Since steel is almost four times lighter than cast iron, its approximate weight can be determined.
To do this, try lifting the model with one hand and slightly moving it from its place. If it took a minimum of effort to complete a task, this is a reason to think about it. After all, a full-size bowl can weigh 20-25 kg only if an unscrupulous manufacturer has skimped on the thickness of the metal.
If the wall thickness is less than 1.5 mm, and the enamel layer does not exceed 0.6 mm, there is a high probability that during operation, under the weight of a person, the structure will simply deform
The “sound” test will help determine the thickness of the walls and the integrity of the structure. When lightly tapped on the body, the metal surface should produce a uniform, rattling-free sound.
Keep in mind that the thickness of the walls determines the ability of the metal to retain heat. The difference in the thickness of the metal used to make the bowl, within one and a half centimeters, reduces the water temperature during one hour of swimming by 3-5 °C.
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One of the key parameters of steel plumbing is the quality of the working coating.
When inspecting the enameled surface of a product, pay attention to two parameters:
The bowl should have smooth curves, free from any irregularities. The presence of sagging and drips, cracks and chips indicates a violation of the product’s manufacturing technology, which can negatively affect its service life.
The enamel coating can be of any color; the main thing is that the paint is evenly applied and has a glossy smooth surface
On the shelves you can often find models with a self-cleaning function. When choosing such products, the quality of the enamel should be given Special attention. After all, even a small coating defect can reduce the self-cleaning properties to “zero”.
When visually inspecting the product, also pay attention to the geometry of the structure. She must be perfect. Application modern technologies allows you to achieve this without problems.
Modern bathtubs often have built-in underwater massage systems.
Depending on the type of impact, they are of three types:
The compressor power and the number of nozzles depend on the bowl size.
The nozzles are mainly placed along the walls and bottom so as to affect the back, legs and buttocks; if you want more, choose a model with an increased number of nozzles
Radio, ionization, water heating, and backlight can be offered as additional functions.
The bath package may also include:
Bath rails are made of metal or polyurethane. They can be done different colors: white, blue, gold, chrome.
Handrails made of polished stainless steel will not lose their presentability after ten years of service in humid environments.
Adjustable legs of the structure are often equipped with rubber gaskets, which, absorbing noise and splashes of water, act as an anti-resonator.
The main suppliers of steel bathtubs on the global plumbing market are European manufacturers. The cost of their products depends on the thickness of the stamping sheet, the complexity of the shape and design.
The company produces plumbing fixtures in accordance with the latest innovative methods. Distinctive feature The products of this manufacturer are a combination of steel with an enamel lining, which, during the firing process in furnaces, acquires a strong chemical bond.
The impeccable quality of the brand is confirmed by the thirty-year guarantee that the manufacturer provides to customers for the entire line of products.
German bathtubs are almost impossible to scratch. They do not lose their brightness when exposed to the sun, and do not deteriorate when accidentally exposed to the ember of a cigarette or burned by a candle flame.
Most Kaldewei models have an anti-dirt coating "Perl-Effect", thanks to which moisture itself rolls off the enamel, taking with it limescale and mud accumulations. For safe use of plumbing fixtures, anti-slip enamel lining is provided "Antislip".
The company, founded about half a century ago, today produces a huge amount of ergonomic and functional plumbing fixtures.
The manufacturer's range includes Standard products and comfort class models, thanks to which you can get maximum relaxation while enjoying the water element
Safety, comfort and beauty are the main characteristics of the Italian brand’s products.
During its activity, the company never ceases to improve technology in order to introduce innovations into mass production. The special pride of its developers is the creation of systems "Hydrosilence" And "Hydrosonic", as well as hydromassage nozzles "Hydroline", which after installation do not protrude above the surface of the bowl.
Even the most simple models This manufacturer has more than thirty color options.
The company, founded in 1917 by the Roca brothers, has expanded so much in a hundred years that today it has representative offices in 135 countries.
The range of steel bathtubs presented to her on the market is quite wide: starting from "Contesa", having the usual standard dimensions, and ending with “Princess”, equipped with wavy protrusions on the bottom and having a concave shape of the walls. The most popular models are "Akira", "Haiti", "Malibu", "Continental".
The manufacturer produces each model in several sizes, so you can comfortably splash around in a filled container.
In the process of manufacturing our products for coating external and internal surfaces The plumbing manufacturer uses pigmented enamel. The durable coating is highly resistant to impact and corrosion.
If we consider lesser-known brands, then the following have also proven themselves well in the plumbing market: Slovak company "Estap", producing up to 80 models of steel bathtubs, a Portuguese company "BLB", French manufacturer "Jacob Delafon".
Among domestic producers The following brands have proven themselves well:
The products of these factories can compete with the product line from leading European manufacturers in terms of the durability of the products and the diversity of the range of sanitary ware.
Thick walls, durable top coating, increased mounting area for legs - all this makes domestic plumbing fixtures as convenient and reliable to use as possible.
Thanks to affordable pricing policy domestic companies even the most luxury bath will not be ruinous for the buyer’s wallet. Steel bathtubs with full equipment from these manufacturers cost between 4-15 thousand rubles.
The choice of model depends on your preferences, the main thing is to trust only large and well-known manufacturers. Leading companies value their reputation, and therefore the risk of purchasing a low-quality or defective product is minimal.
Tips for choosing a steel bathing bowl model:
Video selection of steel bathtubs in the interior of bathrooms:
A simple way to soundproof steel plumbing:
In general, steel bathtubs are no worse than their analogues and are quite capable of competing with models. By adhering to the recommendations given, you can easily choose plumbing fixtures that will serve you well for decades.
If you have questions while reading the information or you can give valuable advice To our readers on choosing steel bathtubs, please leave your comments in the block below.
A modern bathroom is not only a place of cleanliness, but also a place of concentration of comfort and family warmth. We greet our morning in the bathroom, taking a shower and washing our face, getting ready for the work day. We also spend the evening there, basking in the fragrant foam and dreaming about everything in the world.
A bathtub is not purchased for a year or two; its service life is at least fifteen years. That is why before purchasing you need to carefully study the question of how to choose the right bathtub. Plumbing stores offer such a wide range of bathroom products that it is unlikely that you will be able to choose a specific model the first time. Various sizes, shapes, colors, materials, additional functions - all this can confuse even the most experienced buyer. In order to know, you need to understand its main characteristics.
Size and shape
They have a rectangular shape and a length of 150 or 170 centimeters. However, if the space allows, you can install a two-meter product. Recently, they have become very popular because they save space and look cozy and neat. Lovers of everything unusual can also find bathtubs of more non-standard shapes.
Material of manufacture
Before choosing a bathtub, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each type of material:
Additional functions
A large number of baths are equipped with hydromassage, as well as aromatherapy functions. Of course, all this increases the cost of the product, but it also makes bathing more comfortable and relaxing. Whether improved models are needed is, of course, up to you to decide. The same goes for which brand of bathtub to choose.
