Which modern bathtub is better: cast iron or acrylic? Which bathroom is better? Which bath to choose.

Which bathtub is better: acrylic, steel or cast iron?

Purchasing plumbing equipment is a responsible undertaking, because... All family members will use it for a long time. The service life depends on the material, quality of workmanship, as well as the care taken to care for the product. Comparing their characteristics will help you decide which bath to choose: cast iron, steel or acrylic.

Cast iron bath: an all-time classic

The usual attribute of Soviet apartments is still popular today, despite the fact that modern market acrylic and steel bathtubs are actively crowding out cast iron products - due to their low weight and variety of shapes.

pros

Strength.
The walls of the bathtub have a thickness of 6-8 mm, due to this the body does not suffer from accidental impacts or falling heavy objects. With proper care of the enamel coating, a cast iron hot tub will last 50 years or longer.
High heat capacity.
The material takes a long time to heat up and retains heat well, so when taking a bath, you do not need to constantly add hot water. The water temperature of +38 °C drops to room temperature usually within two hours.
Silence.
Cast iron does not make sharp sounds when filling the bath, like steel structures, and does not ring. Household members can calmly go about their business without being distracted by noise from the bathroom.
Sustainability.
If you use during installation quality foundation, then due to its large mass, a cast iron bathtub will not require additional supports, unlike lighter ones steel products. This point must be taken into account when deciding which bathroom is better. Manufacturers equip models with height-adjustable cast iron legs, which improve resistance to shear under load.

Minuses

Heavy weight.
The significant mass of the bathtub (from 100 kg) complicates the delivery and installation of the bathtub. You will need the help of movers and a plumber.
Small assortment of shapes.
Cast iron - the material is refractory, so the main design of the produced models is rectangular bathtubs. The uniformity of shape is compensated by convenience: some bathtubs are equipped with side handles made of chrome-plated brass, comfortable headrests, and the inner surface of the bowl is made with elegant curves.
Careful care of enamel.
The waterproof enamel covering cast iron is easily damaged by careless cleaning (abrasive agents, hard sponge) and use. It also does not have increased resistance to mechanical stress: it breaks off, especially if you drop a heavy one. metal object. You can return to its former beauty with complex restoration or with the help of an acrylic liner.

Leading manufacturers and manufacturing features

Casting cast iron bathtubs is complex and labor-intensive process, the following enterprises have their own workshops:

Artex, Aqualux, Goldman (manufactured in Hong Kong using Italian technology),
Roca, EuroStandart (Spain)
Jacob Delafon, Herbeau (France)
Serena (Germany)
Timo (Finland)
Odoksan (Türkiye)
Castalia (Italy)
Kirov plant (Russia)
TELIEM (Russia, Teplogorsk Foundry and Mechanical Plant)
Station wagon (Russia, Novokuznetsk)

Knowing the principles of product manufacturing will help you decide which bathtub is better: acrylic, steel or cast iron. Cast iron is melted in blast furnaces heated to +1200 °C. The molten mass is poured into a mold and allowed to crystallize. Then the workpiece is leveled, polished, an enamel layer is applied to a perfectly smooth base, and then processed again at high temperature.

Enamel on cast iron bathtubs

The service life of the bath and its appearance depend on the characteristics of the enamel and application technology. Homogeneous glossy or matte enamel with a thickness of 0.8 mm (white) and 1.2 mm (colored) is considered high-quality. At the factories of the French company Jacob Delafon, the enamel is applied manually in several layers, the top of which is powder. This method ensures excellent material density.

European manufacturers add titanium salts to the enamel coating, which enhance its wear resistance and make the surface smoother. And the inclusion of silver ions with disinfectant and antibactericidal properties in the enamel allows you to purify water.

How to choose the right cast iron bathtub?

There are several features to consider when purchasing.

Quality of the enamel layer.

It is necessary to carefully examine the inner surface of the bathtub for the presence of chips, cracks, smudges and peelings, visible unevenness in the thickness and color of the enamel. Due to the labor-intensive processing of cast iron, it is allowed if the coating is slightly wavy. Standard colors: white and beige shades, very light blue tone.

Cast iron quality.

The walls of the bath should be no thinner than 5 mm, the outer surface should be free of bumps and strong roughness. Ideally, the bathtub body is powder coated, which protects the material and makes maintenance easier.

Depth of the font.

To understand which bathtub to choose, you need to decide on comfortable sizes. Depth is the distance from the bottom to the overflow hole; according to the standard, it is 32 cm. Cast iron bathtubs with a depth of 40-46 cm are considered deep; the body in them is completely immersed in water.

Safety.

Anti-slip coating will prevent injuries.

Stylistics.

In a bathroom decorated in classic or retro style, a clawfoot bathtub will fit perfectly.

Prices for cast iron baths

We have prepared a short overview of the cost based on data from the Yandex.Market service for the city of Moscow (September 2016).

Cheap models mean bathtubs with the smallest dimensions from the manufacturer’s line (for example, sitting bathtubs 1200 mm long), standard models are traditional bathtubs 1700 mm long, the most expensive ones are equipped with additional equipment, non-standard in size. When choosing which bathroom is better, you should also consider your family budget.

Manufacturer	The cheapest models	Standard models	The most expensive models
Goldman (Italy - Hong Kong)	from 8,000 rub.	from 14,470 rub.	from 100,708 rub.
Artex (Italy - Hong Kong)	from 8,960 rub.	from 14,100 rub.	from 42,962 rub.
Timo (Finland)	from 27,000 rub.	from 33,940 rub.	from RUB 54,599
Jacob Delafon (France)	from 23,500 rub.	from 26,500 rub.	from 606,636 rub.
Roca (Spain)	from 19,390 rub.	from 22,000 rub.	from 105,850 rub.
Station wagon (Russia)	from 8,400 rub.	from 9,800 rub.	from 15,000 rub.
Kirov plant (Russia)	from 8,800 rub.	from 10,895 rub.	from 12,985 rub.

Steel bath: budget option

Bathtubs made of steel are generally cheaper than models made of cast iron and acrylic, and lighter in weight. In terms of variety of shapes they are inferior to acrylic ones, but superior to cast iron ones due to the plastic properties of the material.

Manufacturing of steel baths

At the beginning of the 20th century, in the production of plumbing fixtures, steel sheets were welded together in the shape of a more or less oval body. In the middle of the century, the German company Kaldewei proposed its own development - the first seamless model, which was stamped from a single sheet 3.5 mm thick.

The enamel is applied in a special oven at a temperature of 850 °C. Under such conditions, the coating is literally baked into the steel base and does not peel off over time and does not lose its whiteness during use. Manufacturers provide a 10-year guarantee for products with a thickness of 2.3 mm, and 30 years for products with a thickness of 3.5 mm.

In a debate about which bathtub is better: acrylic, steel or cast iron, great importance has the reliability of the manufacturer. Models of leading enterprises are presented on the modern market:

Elite ones include plumbing products from the German company Kaldewei and the Spanish company Roca;
European brands BLB (Portugal), Emalia (Poland), Estap (Slovakia) are more accessible;
In Russia, steel bathtubs are produced by the Verkh-Isetsky Metallurgical Plant (VIZ, Yekaterinburg).

Advantages

Weight.
The steel font is quite light, with an average weight of 30 kg. So transportation and installation will not cause any particular difficulties.
Strength.
The steel bath is quite rigid and correct installation- stable, difficult to damage during use. It courageously withstands temperature changes and cleaning with various detergents. In favorable operating conditions it will last up to 15 years, German manufacturer Kaldewei provides a 30-year warranty on its models.
Choice.
Steel allows you to stamp bathtubs of both the usual rectangular shape and non-standard, angular, oval models (there are many of these in the Kaldewei line).
Price.
In the low and medium price range, steel bathtubs are half the price of cast iron ones. This should be taken into account when asking which bathtub to choose - cast iron, acrylic or steel.

Flaws

Risk of deformation. The walls of a good bath are made of steel no thinner than 3 mm. If this figure is less (1.5 - 2.3 mm), the case may very soon change shape, and the enamel coating may crack. Dents and chips appear on the surface.
High heat dissipation. The water in a steel bath heats up quickly and cools down just as quickly. You won't be able to relax and lie down here after a stressful day. working day, except by constantly adding hotter water.
Poor sound insulation. This is the main disadvantage that consumers complain about. When filling with water, the bathtub rings loudly, the same effect occurs if you accidentally touch and hit the body with something. Some manufacturers sell special noise-absorbing pads: they are attached from the outside along the entire body of the product, and so that the appearance does not suffer, the bath is covered with a protective screen.
Instability. Due to its light weight, a steel bathtub requires reliable fixation. It is better to abandon the installation legs and place the bath on a base made of bricks.

Analyzing the cons steel structures, in the question: which bathroom is better, you need to remember folk remedy combat noise and heat loss. Owners of such baths apply outside The font has a thick layer of polyurethane foam; it should provide additional thermal insulation and muffle the sounds of pouring water. The result will not look very attractive, so you will need to install a decorative screen.

Two types of steel baths

In the production of plumbing fixtures, two types of steel are used: structural or stainless steel.

Enameled models familiar to everyone are made from structural steel.
Stainless steel bathtubs are more expensive and will last longer if cleaned regularly. Steel does not corrode.

How to choose a steel bathtub?

You need to check the wall thickness using a simple test: try to move the sample right in the store. If the bathtub is of high quality with a steel thickness of 3.5 mm, its weight will be 30-50 kg, and it will not be possible to move it or will be very difficult. And when the model standard sizes 1700 x 700 mm weighs about 20 kg, which means that there is not much steel here.
If you tap the bathtub in different places, the response sound should be smooth, without rattling, clanging, or extraneous vibrations. This technique is very useful when you need to choose which bathtub is better: acrylic, steel or cast iron.
High-quality internal surface - completely smooth, without depressions or bulges, enamel coating - without chips, smudges or other defects.

Review of prices for steel bathtubs

From a small comparison it can be seen that bathtubs of small and standard sizes from manufacturers cost almost the same. And Slovak, Polish and Russian products in the product line from cheap to expensive models are kept in the same price range. Their size range is limited, as a rule, to small and standard dimensions.

The products of the Ekaterinburg enterprise "VIZ" under the separate brand Donna Vanna are distinguished by a variety of colors: pink coral, blue lagoon, mint green, Caribbean pearls, sea wave, etc. (the manufacturer claims a steel thickness of up to 2 mm).

Acrylic bathtub: new possibilities

Acrylic bathtubs today actively compete with plumbing fixtures made of cast iron and steel. They weigh less, are easy to care for, retain heat and are silent. But they also have disadvantages, which are important to know about before deciding which bath to choose for yourself.

Production of acrylic bathtubs

As a material, acrylic is a polymer, essentially a plastic. To make a bathtub, an acrylic sheet is placed in vacuum chamber, where the body is blown out of it. To give the plastic workpiece strength, it is reinforced: by hand or on a machine, the surface is covered with several layers of a special mixture (polyester or epoxy resin plus cut fiberglass). The purpose of the resin is to maintain the shape of the bowl. The more such layers, the better the quality of the bath.

Acrylic plates can have different thicknesses, the minimum for producing a reliable product is 5 mm. A thick panel bends less easily, so a durable acrylic bathtub will not have an intricate design. The product will last 15-20 years.

Pros of acrylic bathtubs

Light weight. A standard acrylic bowl weighs around 30 kg.
Low heat dissipation. The bath retains heat well: in 30 minutes, poured hot water will cool down by only one degree.
Soundproofing. When filling the bathtub, it does not ring like a thin steel one, it is almost silent.
Hygiene. Thanks to its properties, the material inhibits the spread of bacteria, which feel very at ease in a damp room. This argument can help in the debate about which bath is better.
Varied design. Plastic acrylic allows you to make corner, oval, round bathtubs, as well as non-standard shapes. The color range is also not limited to white.
Additional functions. Models are equipped with hydro and aeromassage and lighting.
Simple restoration. Scratches that appear during use can be repaired yourself with polish or liquid acrylic, for this purpose special kits are sold in stores.

Cons of acrylic

Fragility. A bowl made of cheap acrylic, and if installed incorrectly, easily bends under heavy weight, becomes deformed and bounces on the floor, and can easily crack.
Scratches. In budget products, it is easy to damage the surface, so bathing a dog or cat in such a bath is not recommended.
Effect of high temperatures. The material begins to melt at a temperature of 160 °C. Of course, no one in their right mind would pour so much hot liquid into a bathtub, but in the case of models made of cheap acrylic with thin walls, even hot water can cause the body to deform.
Care. Acrylic needs careful cleaning: the surface reacts sensitively to aggressive household chemicals, abrasives and hard sponges, so they cannot be used. Otherwise, scratches and dark spots will appear. Clean only with products designed for acrylic plumbing fixtures.
Installation. To prevent the bathtub from bending under the weight of the human body and from swaying as if it were about to somersault, a special support frame. Only professional installers assemble it correctly.

How to choose an acrylic bathtub

If you look closely at the end of the side, you can discern a layer of acrylic and reinforcing composition. Required thickness acrylic - no less than 5 mm. The thicker the reinforcing layer, the more reliable the bathtub. When tapping on the walls, the sound should be dull, without vibration - this is also an indicator of strength.
Real acrylic has a glossy shine and a smooth surface. If scratches, yellowish spots, or roughness are noticeable, this is a product made of low-grade plastic with acrylic coating. Such a coating quickly turns yellow, loses its shine, wears out, and the bath itself will not last long.
It is worth buying a model that is simple in shape, without complex terrain and small segments, because... The less the acrylic sheet was bent during production, the stronger the body.
To find out which acrylic bathtub is better, you will need a regular flashlight. You need to turn it on and illuminate the wall from the inside. If the light spot is visible from the outside, it is a thin bathtub.
It's worth smelling the product. Low grade material will give off an unpleasant chemical odor, which will only intensify under the influence of hot water.
A model with an extended configuration is preferable, which includes a drain-overflow system, an installation frame and a decorative screen.
A high-quality acrylic bathtub cannot be cheap. The downside of low cost is most often the fragility and increased fragility of the product.

Manufacturers and prices for acrylic bathtubs

On Russian market Companies represented:

Ravak (Czech Republic)
Riho (Holland)
Cersanit (Poland)
Appollo (Italy - China)
Hoesch (Germany)
Triton (Russia)
BAS (Russia)
Radomir (Russia)
1Marka (Tatarstan)

The sample shows prices for rectangular models in online stores. Oval, quarter circle, non-standard configurations are more expensive.

Which bath to choose: cast iron, acrylic or steel?

The answer depends on individual preferences and family budget.

If you don’t have a lot of money, you should buy a steel bathtub, but be mentally prepared for the noise of the water being drawn and the rapid cooling. Special pads or a thick layer of polyurethane foam should save the situation.
Cast iron bathtubs cost twice as much as steel ones, due to their impressive weight they are problematic in transportation and installation, and are difficult to restore enamel. But they keep warm better than analogues made of steel and acrylic.
High-quality acrylic bathtubs are the most expensive. The advantages include good sound insulation, low heat transfer, maintainability. A special support structure is required for installation.

Video - cast iron, acrylic and steel bathtubs in the interior

When a bathtub loses its aesthetic appearance, they either try to restore it or buy a new one. The modern market offers many options for different price, form and other criteria. Which bathtub - acrylic, steel or cast iron - has more advantages?

Such a product modern technologies, like the acrylic bathtub, has long had many admirers. In comparison with the same cast-iron bathtub, an acrylic one has many advantages:

High strength and reliability, despite visual fragility.
Ease – a bathtub is much lighter than a cast iron one, and any owner can move it without the help of a specialist.
Availability of metal frame for stability and connecting legs.
Glossy , non-slip surface, pleasant to the touch.
Long enough color retention (+ lack of yellowness over time) and wide possibilities in its choice.
Antiseptic properties (for some models).
Slow cooling of water , rapid heating of the bath, high level heat capacity.
Sound absorption. There is no noise when filling the bath.
For such a bathroom more than just take care – a light wipe with a sponge and soap after use is enough.

Disadvantages of an acrylic bath:

The use of strong chemicals and abrasives is prohibited for cleaning.
On acrylic, if not used correctly, may leave scratches . They are removed with polish, and deep chips are removed by pouring liquid acrylic.
If you drop a heavy object into the bathtub, acrylic may crack . True, this bath will be easy to repair.
It is also not recommended to bathe your four-legged friends in such a bath.

Price acrylic bathtub — from 9 to 25 thousand, and higher.

Disadvantages and advantages of a cast iron bathtub - why is a cast iron bathtub better than steel bathtubs?

Both here and abroad, cast iron bathtubs are the most common. True, foreign baths have some differences. For example, adjustable legs, smaller thickness, different enamel composition, handles and an anti-slip layer. But our modern cast-iron bathtubs can also boast a number of advantages:

The main advantage of a cast iron bathtub, especially in comparison with a steel one, is high strength . Cast iron is a unique material of its kind, known to ancient metallurgists. In Russia, such baths first appeared under Peter the Great, and since those very days their popularity has not waned.
Caring for a cast iron bathtub is not particularly difficult. . There are no pores on the enamel surface, so timely rinsing of the bathtub with the same sponge will ensure its constant cleanliness.
One of the most significant advantages is ability to retain heat . A cast iron bathtub takes longer to cool than any of its competitors.
A cast iron bathtub cannot be broken or bent (like steel) or damage like acrylic. It will stand for decades until it occurs to you to update it or replace it with another one because you are “tired of it.”
In this bath you can safely bathe children with a bag of heavy toys and wash your favorite pets.

The disadvantages of a cast iron bath include:

Impressive weight (about 120 kg). When taking a bath, of course, you don’t think about this, but there are a lot of problems with its transportation and rearrangement.
Enamel coating over time wears out .
Cast iron bath takes longer to heat up steel or acrylic.
The shapes of the cast iron bathtub are not particularly original – that’s right, they are all similar to each other.

Of course, imported cast iron is more advanced. Because the value of this bathtub is not only in the material, but also in the enamel, which is of higher quality from foreign manufacturers. And the weight of an imported bathtub will be less. The price of a cast iron bathtub is from 8 to 20 thousand, and higher.

Steel bathtubs - all the pros and cons; How do steel bathtubs differ from cast iron and acrylic bathtubs?

If you ask a salesperson in a store about the pros/cons of a steel bathtub, you will naturally never hear anything bad. As a result, you may get the impression that she simply has no shortcomings. Although they are:

A bathtub whose walls are not thick enough, after some time deformed . As a result, cracks and chips appear in the enamel. By the way, the cost of a bathtub with thicker walls will be higher than usual. Strength indicator – wall thickness from 3 mm.
High thermal conductivity . That is, the bath heats up quickly, but the water also cools down quickly, compared to the two previous options.
Loud noise when filling a bathtub (as opposed to an acrylic one). This problem can be partially solved with soundproofing pads.
Categorically the use of abrasives is prohibited for cleaning - otherwise the enamel will quickly become unusable.
Grounding a steel bath is a must.
Instability.

Advantages of a steel bath:

Low cost – the biggest plus.
Weight - four times less than a cast iron bath.
Hygienic enamel coating (lack of pores conducive to the development of bacteria).
Wide selection of shapes and sizes.

Steel bath price – from 4 to 15 thousand rubles.

A comfortable bath that satisfies all the requirements and desires of the owner - important element modern life. It must be durable, have an aesthetic appearance and a significant service life. Choosing a bath is not an easy decision; it must be made carefully, taking into account all the nuances. First of all, you should think about the material from which this product is made.

The period of unopposed rule of cast-iron bathtubs in our homes is over. Plumbing manufacturers offer the most different variants from popular models made of acrylic, steel and cast iron to unusual solutions made of wood, glass, marble, copper and brass.

Nevertheless, the lion's share of buyers' interest comes down to the question of what is preferable - an acrylic or steel bathtub.

Let's compare the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of both options to understand the essence of this issue.

All about acrylic bathtubs

The raw material for the production of these products is synthetic polymer plastic - acrylic. It was first produced back in the 30s of the 20th century and was initially used for the needs of the rapidly developing aircraft industry in those years. The totality of its physical and chemical characteristics made acrylic very suitable material and for plumbing industries.

Acrylic for making bathtubs is obtained using two methods:

Extrusion.
Casting.

Extruded acrylic is a cheaper option, a kind of compressed plastic “sandwich”, with a valuable layer thickness of only 0.1–0.2 cm. This material has less impact resistance, chemical resistance compared to the cast variety. In simple consumer language, this means that it is easier to negative impacts and quickly loses what is attractive appearance and beneficial properties.

Cast acrylic is monolithic, it is made without impurities. It is considered a completely safe environmentally friendly material. Its price is significantly higher than that of extruded acrylic.

In practice, both methods are widely used. The technology in both cases is the same - finished products are obtained by heating acrylate sheets and further pressing in various forms.

The plasticity of the material makes it possible to implement any design ideas. This is one of the main advantages of acrylic as a raw material for the production of bathtubs.

After cooling, finished products are treated with several layers of epoxy resins for greater strength. The quality of the product directly depends on their total number.

It is necessary to understand that externally bathtubs made of cast acrylic are no different from their extrusion “brothers”. This is one of the main questions that definitely needs to be clarified when purchasing. It will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the certificates for the goods.

Features of fastening the structure

Due to the high plasticity of acrylic sanitary equipment, its domestic use without an installation frame is unrealistic.

This fastening system is needed to “blur” the total load across the entire bathtub bowl. As a rule, each model has its own unique frame. When purchasing an acrylic bathtub, you should pay attention to this subtlety.

The frame is most often made of steel tubes with anti-corrosion treatment. It consists of corner supports, intermediate stiffening ribs and height-adjustable legs.

The buyer should also pay attention to the number of support points on the frame. The more there are, the lower the strength of the product.

If the frame included in the general kit is not prefabricated, but tightly welded, this is not an indicator High Quality the bath itself.

Design Features

The variety is amazing. The most daring options are possible: round, oval, rectangular, corner. In fact, only the reliability of the reinforcing frame can somehow limit the configuration of the bathtub.

Adding dyes to the raw material before obtaining acrylic makes it possible to paint it in absolutely any color.

Lifetime

Bathtubs made from acrylic are designed to last a long time. Proper care and use only enhance it. Large manufacturers plumbers provide warranty periods for bathtubs made of cast acrylic up to 20 years.

Minor repair of existing chips or cracks is possible using special kits for restoration. They usually include containers with liquid acrylic, polishing pastes and sandpaper for grinding.

Pros and cons of an acrylic bathtub

In order to understand which bathtubs are better, acrylic or steel, and make a good choice, it is worth clearly understanding all the benefits and benefits of one or another option. And then compare them with your capabilities, first of all, of course, financial.

The main advantages of acrylic bathtubs:

Ease. Its low weight, on average from 15 to 30 kg, allows one person to independently transport and install such a bowl.
Low thermal conductivity. Acrylic is a “warm” material that retains temperature relatively well. The temperature of the hot water poured into the bath will drop by about a degree in 30 minutes.
Good sound insulation.
Hygiene. Environmental friendliness. The presence of an antibacterial coating prevents the appearance and proliferation of harmful microorganisms.
Appearance and variety of designs. Due to the high plasticity of acrylic, bathtub models are made in a wide range of shapes. This is the favorite material of designers, allowing them to implement the most daring projects.
Easy care and operation. Such baths are not subject to corrosion. In case of damage, the product can be restored. For cleaning, a light wipe with a sponge and a special detergent is sufficient.

Main disadvantages:

Sensitivity to the use of aggressive cleaning agents and abrasives. Possible scratches and discoloration.
Mechanical fragility. Acrylic bowls can sag under significant weight. Falling heavy objects will cause cracks or even holes.
Instability to too high temperatures, fire, and other aggressive environments. Adhesives, varnishes and solvents, open flames, too heat water (150-160 degrees) are unacceptable.
Incompatible with pets. It is not recommended to bathe four-legged pets in such baths to avoid mechanical damage.

Steel bath

These baths are made of steel sheet with a thickness of 1.5 to 3.5 mm. A hot press is used to form the finished product. The extruded workpiece is trimmed of excess material and further processed and lined. Most often, special polymers or enamels are used for this. Baths from of stainless steel no further processing.

The main parameter influencing strength, quality, and therefore price similar product- thickness of the metal sheet. Obviously, steel that is too thin will not be able to withstand the serious combined weight of the water and the wearer. The required metal thickness is 3 mm and above.

The enamel coating of such bathtubs is thin, which makes it very different from cast iron bowls, which are treated with several layers at once. Pores do not form on such a lining. They are easier to clean. The likelihood of chips and cracks is less.

The enameled steel bathtub can be painted in a variety of colors, so it easily fits into different furnishings.

Fastening of the reinforcing structure

In order to avoid deformations and deflections in bathtubs with a small thickness of steel, it is customary to strengthen the metal bowl with the help of some kind of supports. There are many types of similar designs. Typically, brick or foam concrete blocks are used for this.

The following technique is also common - a bathtub filled with water, installed on brick supports. Next, the entire space between the supports and under the bowl is filled with foam. Water is drawn in so that the bath does not rise. By the way, this method helps to enhance sound insulation and increase thermal insulation.

Variety of designs

The plasticity of the steel sheet allows us to produce bathtubs of various shapes. In specialized stores you can find many sophisticated designs, in addition to standard rectangular or corner ones.

The design of such models often includes headrests, handles and handrails. Options are also made for two or more people, so not every bathroom, especially of standard sizes, can accommodate such samples.

Pros and cons of a steel bathtub

A steel bathtub is, first of all, beneficial for the budget. Their cost is significantly lower than cast iron and acrylic samples. Of course, steel baths have other advantages, but there are also disadvantages. It is extremely rare to hear about them from the mouths of sales consultants in specialized stores.

The main advantages of steel baths:

Light weight. Easy to move and install.
Minimum time for surface heating. To do this, rinsing the bath with a shower is enough.
Hygienic enamel coating. A minimum of pores does not allow dirt to linger. Easy to clean and wash. Applicable to almost any detergents, except acids and abrasive options.
Significant service life. High-quality samples are designed for a period of up to 20 years.
A good choice. Variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Relatively low cost.

Main disadvantages:

High thermal conductivity. The steel bath cools down no less quickly than it heats up. This factor significantly reduces the time you spend comfortably in it. Constantly adding hot water leads to low efficiency and increased costs for housing and communal services.
Poor sound insulation. Metal products are known for their low sound absorption. This minus does not suit many people. Manufacturing companies neutralize the loud sound when filling the bathtub with special plates installed on the bottom of the bowl. Home “craftsmen” use polyurethane foam, polyethylene or inexpensive cork for these purposes.
Deformation under the weight of water and people. When purchasing, it is better to focus on models with a steel thickness of more than 3 mm.
Sensitivity to abrasive cleaning products. They are not suitable for enamel baths.

Conclusions. Which option should I choose?

Which bathtub is better, acrylic or steel? It is clear that there cannot be a single correct answer to this question. Both materials have both advantages and disadvantages.

If we compare acrylic and steel bathtubs in terms of strength, the former look much more solid in this component. By quality facing covering and the possibility of its repair is also more advantageous than a product made of polymer plastic.

Steel bathtubs are characterized by a high noise level, despite all the tricks of the manufacturers. Acrylic is silent.

Metal models have high heat transfer. They heat up faster, but also cool down quickly. In an acrylic bowl, the water temperature decreases with a slight gradient of one degree in the first half hour.

Perhaps, only in the variety of shapes and designs can steel bathtubs compete with their competitors. As in simple installation, which can be done with your own hands.

Where steel models really benefit is in more simple care. Metal coating much more resistant to chemical cleaning agents. An acrylic bathtub requires much more careful care and is intolerant of abrasives and hard sponges.

Price steel baths also a little lower. All of the above is 100 percent applicable only to high quality products.

The price factor is of considerable importance. When choosing between two competing conclusions, it is worth realistically assessing financial possibilities. It will be much more effective to choose the best offer in a less expensive segment than to bet on the bottom position in a more expensive line.

It is also worth paying attention to the cost of care and restoration products.

When choosing a bathtub in a store, you shouldn’t give up the opportunity to evaluate its dimensions “for yourself.” If this can be done, it is quite possible to get into the presented samples and evaluate them in practice. Will it be convenient and comfortable in the future?

Acrylic bathtubs are made of durable polymer reinforced in several layers. At the low tide stage, color is added to it, giving color to the bath.

The thicker the walls of an acrylic bathtub, the stronger it is; The recommended thickness is at least 5-6 mm.

Advantages of an acrylic bathtub:

Variety of shapes and sizes. An acrylic bathtub can be selected to suit any size of room and to suit your taste. When installing it in a corner, you can further save space.
Surface resistance to mechanical stress.
Color stability to any changes. The shade of acrylic can be chosen to suit your taste and in accordance with the interior design of the bathroom.
A light weight
Good, allowing you to maintain the temperature of the water in the bath for a long time.
Easy to clean - to clean the surface, simply wipe with a sponge and soapy water.
You can restore an acrylic bathtub yourself. Irregularities can be sanded, and chips can be filled with acrylic mass and cleaned.
Environmental friendliness and safety of the material. The surface of the bathtub resists the growth of bacteria and fungi.
The sound of water filling the bathtub cannot be heard.

Disadvantages of an acrylic bath:

An acrylic bathtub is not mounted into the wall during installation, i.e., only an attached method is possible, in which water may leak onto the floor due to insufficiently good sealing of the joints between the bathtub and the wall.
Over time, the white may turn yellow from exposure to tap water.
A high-quality acrylic bathtub is quite expensive, and cheaper analogues are susceptible to scratches, cracks and other defects on the surface. In addition, pets can also damage inexpensive acrylic plumbing fixtures.
When washing or soaking colored fadeable fabrics in hot water, the surface of the bathtub may become stained.
Do not use abrasive or strong chemicals for cleaning.
For non-professionals, making an acrylic bathtub is a rather complicated process, so you need to entrust it to a specialist.

Enough high price acrylic bathtub justifies its advantages - durability, strength, ease of maintenance and environmental safety of the material.

When choosing an acrylic bathtub, it is necessary to take into account that the higher the quality and the more reliable the manufacturer, the higher its cost will be.

At the same time, there is a guarantee that such a bathtub will last a long time, will not change its color, and cracks and chips will not form on its surface over time.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the availability of the complete set necessary, and also to ensure that the edges of the bathtub are level, otherwise differences in the height of its walls will be noticeable against the background of the tiles.

If an acrylic bathtub has wide and straight sides without slopes, at an angle of 90 degrees, water will run along them by inertia not into the bathtub, but onto the floor.

When choosing an acrylic bathtub with many different fittings and technological holes in models with hydromassage, you should remember that a large number of Flexible water supply pipes tend to become clogged over time, becoming clogged with dirt and mucus.

Cleaning them must be regular and takes a lot of time. In addition, when installing such models, easy access to the water drain and the bottom of the bathtub from any side should be provided for possible repairs.

You should purchase a bathtub with a base made of metal mesh or fiberglass, with a wall thickness of more than five millimeters. It is better if it is made of cast acrylic rather than extruded - you can find out about this from the seller.

It would be a mistake to buy such plumbing fixtures from a manufacturer without a warranty and at a low price.

It is preferable to choose a bathtub with the simplest geometry, because thin acrylic is often used to make complex shapes. When choosing acrylic, you should pay attention to the fact that the fittings are metal and not plastic, this will increase its service life.

Acrylic bath good quality has a uniform shade, the same wall thickness, smooth surface without any defects, it should not emit a strong chemical smell.

Comparison of acrylic and steel bathtub

Steel bathtubs are a good alternative for those who, for some reason, are distrustful of modern acrylic and traditional bathtubs. They are made from ordinary steel coated with enamel or stainless steel.

Enameled steel is much cheaper than stainless steel, so the second option is not in high demand, although it is safe and environmentally friendly pure material resistant to corrosion.

When comparing which bathtub is better - acrylic or steel, consumer reviews vary. First you need to highlight the disadvantages and advantages of a bathtub made of this material.

Advantages metal bath:

Low cost
and durability, which lasts up to 15 years.
High resistance to temperature changes and aggressive chemical cleaning agents.
Variety of forms
A light weight
The smooth surface of the enamel does not allow bacteria to multiply.

Disadvantages of a steel bath:

Small metal thickness. Under heavy loads, the walls of the iron bath may become deformed, and cracks and chips may appear on the enamel surface.
Poor thermal insulation, leading to the fact that the hot water in such a bath quickly cools down.
Noisy when drawing water
Due to their light weight, steel bathtubs are less stable.
The smooth surface of the bathtub is slippery
The steel bath must be grounded
Possibility of plaque

A reliable steel bathtub weighs from 30 to 50 kg, bathtubs weigh less than 30 kg. and with low cost, as well as less than 3 mm. represent a low-quality product.

Comparison with acrylic bathtub

If we compare which bathtub is better - steel or acrylic, then the clear advantage of the steel one will be low price and the resistance of its surface to scratches.

However, a metal bathtub can become deformed if its walls are too thin.

Thus, judging by the cost, a steel bathtub is better, but in terms of the ability to easily restore the surface independently, it is superior to an acrylic one.

An acrylic bathtub retains heat inside for a long time, which is not typical for a steel bathtub.

Therefore, for lovers for a long time carry out in hot bath you should choose acrylic. Similar advice for those who prefer to choose a bath with different additional functions, for example, with hydromassage.

In addition, a steel bathtub cannot compete with an acrylic bathtub in terms of its noise level when drawing water, but if desired, if you make some efforts to soundproof the bathtub from the outside, this drawback can be partially eliminated.

For those who love comfort, a bathtub made of acrylic is more suitable - its surface is warm, pleasant to the touch, smooth, but not slippery.

In terms of durability of the coating, a steel bathtub outperforms an acrylic one, since the latter has a soft top layer that is not resistant to scratches and, even more so, to the impact of heavy objects. The enamel covering the metal bath is reliably “baked” into the top layer, which prevents the formation of various defects.

But all the listed disadvantages of both options apply only to low-quality and low-cost ones.

When choosing expensive models, both versions of plumbing fixtures - steel and acrylic - have equal strength and reliability indicators, but high-quality acrylic bathtubs are always more expensive than metal ones with the same functionality.

The thicker the walls of a steel bath, the more resistant it is to deformation and heavy loads, so you should choose it from metal with a thickness of at least 4 mm. and enamel at least 1.5 mm. At the same time, the weight of a high-quality steel bath should not be less than 30 kg.

The walls of the bathtub must be perfectly smooth, with uniformly painted enamel, without chips, cracks, or sagging.

Some features should be taken into account for the durable installation of a steel bath due to its instability and lightness. For this, specialists are usually invited.

In general, you should be guided by personal preferences, particularly the size and shape of the metal bathtub, and its combination with the rest of the bathroom.

Cast iron or acrylic?

Despite the variety of plumbing products offered on the market today, cast iron bathtubs remain the most popular among the average consumer.

Maybe this is a force of habit, since acrylic bathtubs are relatively new on the Russian market, or maybe it’s experience developed over the years.

Be that as it may, cast iron bathtubs can compete with acrylic and steel ones.

Iron casting is a complex process, but it is still not slowing down in the production of plumbing fixtures.

In order to compare which bathtub is better - acrylic or cast iron, you need to consider in detail the advantages and disadvantages of a cast iron bathtub.

Advantages of a cast iron bath:

The high strength of cast iron allows you to achieve a service life of up to 50 years without being subject to deformation.
Large heat capacity, which allows you to maintain water temperature for a long time.
Possessing low vibration, cast iron has high noise insulation, which allows you to muffle the sound of pouring water.
Corrosion resistance
A cast iron bathtub can be mounted into a wall, not in an attached way, to create one with the tiles on the wall without visible joints.
Bathroom maintenance can include abrasive and harsh chemical cleaners without the risk of damaging the surface.
Affordable price
The wall thickness of modern cast iron bathtubs is smaller than before, which has made it possible to reduce their weight and increase the useful volume while maintaining quality characteristics. In addition, they are often equipped with comfortable handles and screw feet that allow you to adjust the height of the bath.

Flaws:

Heavy weight, which creates difficulties when moving and installing.
Uniformity of forms. Cast iron bathtubs are mostly made rectangular or oval shape.
restoration of enamel in case of chips or cracks
Over time, the enamel coating may wear away. The porous surface easily becomes dirty, turns yellow, and over time, stains that are difficult to remove can form.
A cast iron bath takes a long time to heat up.

The cast iron bathtub is a durable plumbing fixture with affordable price, but rather monotonous models and heavy weight.

Comparison with acrylic bathtub

The cast iron bathtub will become the best option for those who prefer a traditional bathtub with a regular shape, since all models are the same. In contrast, an acrylic bathtub will ideal option for lovers of unusual plumbing fixtures with different shades.

The affordable price of a cast iron bathtub makes it attractive to the average person, while high-quality acrylic sanitary ware is quite expensive.

A cast iron bathtub, unlike an acrylic one, is easy to install - it can be adjusted to fit the walls, mounted in the tiles, and to accommodate uneven floors using screw feet.

In an acrylic bathtub, the water remains warm longer than in a cast iron bathtub, and the sound of water filling is quieter. If you hit the surface of the bathtub, acrylic can be easily restored, but difficulties may arise with cast iron.

But if you choose ease of care for your plumbing fixtures, you should go with the first option, since the porous surface of cast iron requires some effort in cleaning.

An acrylic bathtub is superior in surface hygiene, but cast iron is superior in durability.

The advantage of acrylic sanitary ware is its weight, which gives a lot of advantages when loading a bathtub into an apartment and when it is necessary to move it, unlike cast iron.

The functionality of an acrylic bathtub provides a lot of possibilities for integrating additional fittings, hydromassage nozzles, which is not possible in a standard cast iron bath. However, this will require additional investment and maintenance.

Unlike acrylic, a cast iron bathtub can be installed on our own without involving the help of specialists.

Despite the strength of a material such as cast iron, it is necessary to take into account that when exposed to a pinpoint impact from a heavy object, cracking will occur along the entire length with the impossibility of restoration, unlike acrylic.

Summarizing all of the above, the following can be said in favor of an acrylic bathtub versus a cast iron one: easy local restoration, flexibility of shapes, sizes, shades, variety of functionality and light weight.

In turn, cast iron has the following advantages: long term service life - up to 50 years, reliability and stability, no surface deformation, not subject to deflection under heavy weight.

How to choose a cast iron bath

Before purchasing a cast-iron bathtub, you must make sure that its parameters correspond to the dimensions of the bathroom, including the doorway, otherwise dismantling it cannot be avoided.

The enamel must be smooth and shiny, without chips, scratches and sagging, otherwise further growth of chips and yellowing of irregularities cannot be avoided. Its thickness must be at least 1.2 mm.

It is necessary to ensure that the sides of the bath are symmetrical and level.

Thus, steel baths are economical option, cast iron is reliable and traditional, and acrylic is distinguished by a variety of shapes, modern design, and the possibility of easy restoration.

Despite the variety of models and materials from which modern bathtubs are made, it is necessary to pay attention to their quality and manufacturer, based on personal preferences and financial capabilities.

The opinion of experts can be found in the video:

It is a place in the house where you can relax after a busy day, getting some time of long-awaited rest. Here you can not only take a shower or bath, but also renew your strength through aromatherapy and relaxation. Half is occupied by the bath itself, which should not only be beautiful, functional and comfortable, but also durable. In some cases, about 30% of the funds allocated for equipping the entire bathroom are spent on it. And then it becomes interesting which bathtub is better: acrylic or steel.

At the moment, the production of this bathroom attribute is carried out from inexpensive steel, classic cast iron, as well as original acrylic. And what should you choose? This is where it is important to determine which bathtub is better, acrylic or steel? To do this, you can draw a comparative parallel.

They are distinguished by their low cost, which is usually considered their main advantage. Such products can have not only a classic shape, but also any other. They are quite light compared to classic cast iron ones. And this positive quality associated with an unpleasant moment - they are very noisy. Professional installers skillfully get rid of this deficiency, using noise-reducing materials on the surface intended for installing the bathroom. Another disadvantage is considered to be rapid heat loss: steel is always cold, so it’s difficult to soak in the bathroom if you don’t constantly add hot water.

Speaking about which bathtub is better: acrylic or steel, it is worth noting that, despite many disadvantages, the second option is in considerable demand. This forces manufacturers to produce increasingly better products, improving coverage and improving design. The thickness usually used is steel 2.5-4 mm. Shapes and sizes are also very diverse. Some manufacturers make such high-quality enamel that sometimes even an experienced eye cannot distinguish such a bathtub from a cast-iron one. In steel products, the enamel is usually brittle.

If you are thinking about which bathtub is better: acrylic or steel, you should consider the first option. This product is rightfully considered the queen of design. Acrylic plumbing fixtures are so attractive that they have long begun to replace cast iron and steel solutions in citizens’ bathrooms. Such a variety of shapes and models is not found in any other option. That is why, if you decide which bathtub, acrylic or steel, is better, many, without hesitation, will answer that the first. You can design a bath of any size and shape, which will allow it to fit into any room intended for it. Despite the fact that acrylic looks quite fragile, it is a very durable and elastic material. The thickness of this material is on average 5 mm, the bottom is usually thicker, because it bears the main load. If you decide between an acrylic or a steel bathtub (reviews of both options can be easily found from the lucky owners), it is worth noting that bacteria do not multiply on the first one, and it is much easier to clean.

As you can see, the advantages of acrylic are obvious. In addition, it retains heat for a very long time compared to steel.