Choosing a bathtub for a bathroom is the most important task when arranging a plumbing unit. Many factors need to be taken into account: ergonomics, durability, care features. Based only comparative analysis these and some other parameters, you can determine which bath is better: cast iron, acrylic or steel.
The most durable material presented in the review is cast iron. This is a metal that is characterized by high resistance to long-term exposure aggressive environment. At the same time, it is susceptible to destruction under shock loads. A well-enameled cast iron bathtub will last long years with careful use, but one blow will be enough for a crack to appear in the bottom.
Steel is more flexible than cast iron, but at the same time it is susceptible to corrosion. Considering that enamel tends to wear thin over time, a steel bathtub may begin to rust after only 7 years of use. Of course, at first this does not cause any inconvenience, except for aesthetic ones. But in the future, the bottom may become leaky and the bath will begin to leak.
Acrylic is a plastic that is processed under the influence of temperature (up to 1250 degrees Celsius). There are two types of acrylic used to make bathtubs:
- Combined. Certain synthetic components are added to this plastic. This approach can significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing baths, but affects their strength;
- Pure cast acrylic. If you take an acrylic bathtub, do it only from pure acrylic. It does not rust, withstands temperature changes well and is known for its lightness. But even this does not save the plastic from wear and tear. Average term The service life of such a bath varies from 5 to 10 years (for example, HusKarl, Triton or Aquanet Libra). Afterwards you will need to change upper layer enamel or apply an acrylic liner.
Bathtub coating
This point directly affects the previous one. Depending on the coating of the bathtub, its service life may vary. Steel and cast iron are coated with enamel. This is a liquid mass consisting of glass, dyes and synthetic additives. It has a characteristic glossy sheen and has the ability to glaze the surfaces of metal products.
Advantages of enameled bathtubs:
Bathtubs made of plastic are covered with acrylic. Liquid acrylic is a highly viscous material based on plastic. It liquefies under the influence high temperatures and is applied to the bath by rubbing or spraying.
Previously, craftsmen actively used the technique of spraying acrylic onto enamel (when restoring metal bathtubs) or a plastic liner. This is an affordable and simple application method that can be easily implemented at home. But it has its drawbacks - the spraying technology does not allow the introduction of plastic into the deep layers, as a result of which diffusion is incomplete. Over time, such acrylic peels off and crumbles, causing unsightly “cobwebs” to form on the walls.
Rubbing is a more practical, although expensive, measure. During this application of acrylic, specialists achieve a protective layer thickness of 1 to 2 mm. Three such layers are quite enough to long-term protect the bathtub from rust and cracks.
Advantages of acrylic bathtub coating:
- Caring for acrylic is easier than caring for enamel. Most modern cleaning products are designed specifically for cleaning plastic. For example, formic acid, used in the vast majority of bath cleaners, is harmful to enamel. Not to mention alkalis;
- Almost any cracks in acrylic can be cleaned with your own hands. You won’t be able to deal with enamel on your own;
- The plastic coating also shines and shines. In addition, these bathtubs look richer in appearance than cast iron ones.
Thermal conductivity
Another important indicator when choosing the material from which the bath will be made is its thermal conductivity.
Thermal conductivity is the ability to transfer heat. There are no competitors in this parameter for cast iron bathtubs. Thick metal holds temperature well, but precisely because of this, it takes a long time to heat up. This parameter does not change even if they are placed in a cold room (without heated towel rails and radiators).
Steel baths heat up a little faster than cast iron ones, but they also transfer heat much better. To increase their thermal conductivity, experts recommend additionally insulating them using casings or boxes. Nowadays, the method of protecting walls using insulating foam is also actively practiced.
Acrylic bathtubs are insulated directly in production. The plastic liner is formed, cooled and removed from the mold (template). After on it inner side a thick layer of heat-insulating foam is applied, similar to assembly foam, but lighter and more resistant to moisture. So that this layer does not confuse future owners, it is covered with a second liner.
Features of care
The most important parameter on which the durability of the bath depends is proper care. This includes not only cleaning, but also periodic inspection and repair (sanding of cracks, restoration).
Let's look at the features of cleaning cast iron, steel and acrylic bathtubs.
To choose the right cleaning product, you need to carefully study its composition. If the composition contains chlorine or any acids, it cannot be used to clean cast iron enameled bathtubs. Such products contribute to the thinning of the enamel. As a result, it loses its shine and becomes fragile. Likewise with alkaline compounds and acrylic.
Expert advice on how to properly care for cast iron and steel bathtubs:
- The formation of microcracks and chips should not be allowed. This is especially true for Soviet baths. In the USSR, it was customary to combine enamel with zirconium salts. This made it possible to apply the coating faster, but reduced the corrosion resistance of the glassy coating. Therefore, it is not recommended to use hard brushes or abrasive products when cleaning cast iron;
- The best option for cleaning a cast iron enameled bathtub is dust or laundry soap. It will help eliminate grayness and traces of rust on the coating and give it shine.
With bathtubs covered with acrylic, things are little better. Firstly, they can be cleaned with acidic agents. Plastic is not afraid of formic, low sulfur and other “soft” acids. But at the same time, you need to avoid alkalis and salts.
- Ideal for cleaning lemon acid. It can quickly and without harming the plastic remove limescale.
- It is advisable to use either natural brushes or medium-hard sponges. Naturally, you need to avoid metal brushes and other sharp cleaning devices that can damage the protective layer;
- This is the only type of coating that can be cleaned with abrasives. These can be specialized pastes or powders.
Video: Which bathtubs are better: cast iron, steel or acrylic
Comparative analysis
Expert advice – which bathtub is better: cast iron, acrylic or steel – cannot be decisive without analysis. Therefore, we have collected the main parameters in one table and visually compared them.
The morning of every modern person begins with the bathroom. Our mood for the whole day largely depends on how we spend it. This means that comfort and a pleasant atmosphere at the beginning of the day are very important for any of us. How to create such conditions in the bathroom? Of course, with the help of room design, tastefully selected furniture, as well as beautiful and high-quality plumbing fixtures.
The bathtub is rightly called the “heart” of the bathroom. This is an important attribute of any home and the very first thing that catches our eye when we enter the bathroom. During repairs, it is very important to choose high quality product, matching the tastes and interests of your family. Before choosing, you need to weigh the pros and cons, since changing something in the bathroom interior will be an extremely time-consuming and expensive task.
Today, bathtubs made of cast iron and acrylic occupy leading positions in sales. Both options are different quality and convenience however, there are differences between them. Getting to know the advantages and disadvantages of each product, as well as comparing their main characteristics, will help you understand what is right for you.
Pros and cons of cast iron baths
It’s probably not worth explaining for a long time to our compatriots what cast iron bath. Everyone who lived in apartment building V Soviet times. The heavy, firmly installed product was located in every apartment and served its purpose for decades. Available for sale today quite a few light, compact baths various shapes from other materials. Why are modern buyers still inclined to choose cast iron? The answer to this question is very simple: for most people, the main adviser in choosing is their own experience.
- Despite some shortcomings, cast iron baths faithfully served every city family over two or even three generations. Thus, the main advantage of cast iron bathtubs, known to everyone, is their durability.
- The following is very important advantage - strength. Over the years of operation, the bathtub is repeatedly subjected to impacts and falls of various objects, however, this does not affect its appearance and coating integrity. The only thing that can damage the enamel by cracking it is a heavy blow metal object. The top layer of old, used for a long time products, sometimes covered cracks, But modern technologies allow you to quickly get rid of them. Therefore, many owners today simply restore an old cast-iron bathtub and use it for many more years.
- Cast iron, as a material, has low thermal conductivity, which makes a bathtub made from it capable of retaining the heat of water for a long time. This allows you to save hot water and comfortably carry out all necessary procedures.
- Cast iron bathtubs have good sound absorption. If, for example, water is drawn into a echoing steel bathtub, it will be heard in every room. Cast iron perfectly absorbs all sounds and splashes.
- Cast iron bath easy to keep clean. It is not subject to the abrasive effects of cleaning agents and does not suffer from temperature changes. Too hot water will not harm it, and the shine of the coating will not fade.
The main disadvantage of cast iron baths is their weight. On average it is 120 kg. This creates difficulties during transportation and installation, but is considered positive quality during operation. Heavy weight makes a bath more sustainable, it will not wobble, which will allow you to lay the tile close to the product.
Another disadvantage of such baths is slippery surface. For safe bathing procedures, the use of a special rubber mat is required.
Most often you can find rectangular bathtubs, which differ mainly in their size. Sometimes the buyer prefers to purchase corner cast iron bathtubs. It is difficult to give a cast iron product elegant shapes, so the variety is not so great.
Advantages and disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs
Acrylic bathtubs appeared on sale not so long ago, but have already gained great popularity. Acrylic is a type of plastic. The material is very flexible, so when making a bath it is reinforced (strengthened). The extent to which the bathtub is strengthened will determine its quality and price. Like any product, an acrylic bathtub has its advantages and disadvantages.
Among the main advantages acrylic bathtubs can be distinguished:
- Light weight which on average reaches 30 kg. This makes it easier to deliver the product and lift it to the floor. One person can easily do the job.
- Variety of shapes. Acrylic is a very flexible material. To make a bath, it is heated and the product is blown out using a vacuum. This is a great advantage for those who love individuality in the interior. Depending on the characteristics of the bathroom and your taste, you can order a product of the required shape, height and width.
- Caring for an acrylic bathtub is easy. The contaminated surface is wiped with a sponge moistened with dishwashing detergent or liquid soap. If a scratch appears on the bathtub, it can be removed using sandpaper. Read more - how to wash an acrylic bathtub.
- The bath is easy to install. This process is similar to installing other types of bathtubs, but instead of traditional steel legs, the product is placed on an adjustable frame.
- Acrylic retains heat remarkably well, which is appreciated by lovers of bath procedures.
- Non-slip bath surface will not allow you to fall even without the use of special mats.
Disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs
- The main disadvantage of an acrylic bathtub is the possibility of ruining the appearance of the product sharp metal object. A fallen, unextinguished cigarette will easily melt its surface, and the animal will easily scratch the top layer with its claws. If you need to wash your pet, you must use a rubber mat.
- Over time the bath deformed, and its edges may shift. This will require additional repairs in a few years.
Many people think that an acrylic bathtub is very “flimsy”. She bends, creating a feeling of uncertainty. But, over time, they get used to it and stop noticing. Indeed, in fact, such a product can withstand up to 600 kg.
Comparison of main characteristics
More specifically, the difference between the two bath options is presented in the following table:
| Acrylic bathtub | ||
| Average weight | 120 kg | 30 kg |
| Strength | Very high | Depends on the degree of reinforcement. The most durable ones are based on a metal mesh and can withstand impacts greater than a cast iron bathtub. |
| Appearance | Shiny and even finish. Does not paint over when exposed to dyes. If the coating is deformed, restoration is possible. | It is distinguished by the variety of colors that are laid during manufacturing. Upon contact with the dye, it may permanently acquire an undesirable shade. |
| Price | Price for classic version a rectangular bathtub 150x70 cm is 7-9 t.r. | About 8−10 t.r. a rectangular bathtub 150x70 cm costs. A product with additional reinforcement is more expensive. Also, the price may vary depending on the design. |
| Heat resistance | The water cools by an average of one degree in 8-10 minutes. | The water cools by one degree in 25-30 minutes. |
| Care | Does not like the use of caustic detergents. They can cause dulling and yellowing of the finish. | Does not tolerate cleaning with solvent-containing products. It is better to use liquid detergents. |
| Bath shape | It is difficult to cast products of bizarre shapes from cast iron, so you won’t find much variety when choosing. Mostly bathtubs are rectangular in shape. | The properties of the material allow you to create baths of all shapes and sizes. Moreover, some companies offer to refill the bath if for some reason the chosen option is not suitable. |
| Durability | At proper care both options will last a long time. |
And yet, cast iron or acrylic?
It is believed that a cast iron bathtub is best option for home, cottage or cottage. It does not need to be raised to a floor, and the area of a private house usually allows for the installation of large-sized products.
An acrylic bathtub is perfect for small apartment. Getting up to the floor will not cause any difficulties even in the absence of an elevator, and the shape and size can be adjusted to the area and features of the bathroom.
Thus, both cast iron and acrylic bathtubs have a number of advantages and disadvantages. The practicality of a cast iron bathtub or the elegance of an acrylic one - choice of every buyer. The main thing is that the “heart” of your bathroom lasts for many years and pleases everyone with its beauty, elegance and high quality.
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.
The fairly high price of an 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 tubes Over time, water supply pipes tend to become clogged, 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, a smooth surface without any defects, and should not emit a strong chemical odor.
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 a safe, environmentally friendly material that is 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, and also 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, those who like to spend a long time in a hot bath should choose an acrylic one. Similar advice for those who prefer to choose a bath with various 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 are of high quality acrylic bathtubs always cost more 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 quality bath made of steel 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.
There are some things to consider for durable installation 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 modern market, 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 in rectangular or oval shapes.
- restoration of enamel in case of chips or cracks
- With time enamel coating may wear out. 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 be an 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 offers many possibilities for integration additional fittings, jets for hydromassage, which is impossible in a standard cast-iron bathtub. However, this will require additional investment funds and services.
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 service life - up to 50 years, reliability and stability, no surface deformation, not subject to sagging 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 bathtubs are an economical option, cast iron bathtubs are reliable and traditional, and acrylic bathtubs are distinguished by a variety of shapes, modern design, and the possibility of easy restoration.
Despite the variety of models and from which they are made modern baths, you need 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:
Which bathtub is better, acrylic or cast iron? Both plumbing products are distinguished by their quality and ease of use, but there are significant differences between them. A review of the advantages and possible disadvantages of both options will help you decide on the final choice.
When replacing old bath For a new one, it is important to choose the highest quality sanitary ware that will fit perfectly into the interior and meet all the owners’ requirements. The most popular are bathtubs made of cast iron and acrylic, which differ from each other not only in the material of manufacture, but also in service life, care rules, etc.
Reliable and durable cast iron
Cast iron bathtubs are chosen primarily by connoisseurs of high-quality plumbing fixtures that will last for decades. The material takes a relatively long time to warm up, but the water temperature does not decrease for a long time - it remains warm from 1.5 to 2 hours. During the manufacturing process, the top of the cast iron product is covered with a layer of enamel, which cannot be cleaned with abrasive substances.
Cast iron bathtubs are a classic. They are strong and durable
It is also highly undesirable to drop heavy objects into it so that the enamel does not chip. Before purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the coating of the bathtub - the enamel layer should be smooth, uniform in color, without the slightest roughness or smudges. Only in this case will the product be of high quality, which means it will be able to retain its shine and its original appearance for more than 50 years with proper care.
Cast iron bath - advantages
Cast iron has a number of advantages:
- service life of 50 years or more;
- high safety margin;
- sustainability;
- low thermal conductivity;
- good noise absorption;
- ease of care.
A cast iron bathtub retains the heat of the water poured into it for a long time, which makes it possible to significantly save on heating and maximum comfort take a long time water treatments. In addition, a durable cast iron bathtub is difficult to break even with a heavy hammer; it is very heavy and stands firmly in place.
Among modern cast iron bathtubs, it’s easy to choose a product to suit your bathroom interior
The surface can only be damaged by a very strong impact or by dropping a heavy object on it, and chipped or cracked enamel over time can be restored and the product can be used for many years. A bathtub made of cast iron perfectly absorbs sounds and splashes, and it is also easy to maintain. pure form. Over time, the coating will not fade even when exposed to high temperatures, and the color and shine of the enamel is preserved.
Cast iron bath - disadvantages
Disadvantages include:
- heavy weight;
- limited choice of form;
- slippery surface.
The average weight of standard cast iron bathtubs reaches 120 kg, which creates particular difficulties both during transportation and during dismantling and installation. All products of this type are mainly large, have a rectangular or triangular shape, which is not always suitable for small bathrooms and may not fit into the overall design idea.
Cast iron bathtubs are quite massive. This complicates their delivery and installation
The disadvantages also include slippery inner covering- for safe water procedures, it is recommended to lay a special anti-slip rubber mat on the bottom of the bath.
Lightweight newfangled acrylic
In fact, acrylic is a type of plastic - a material that easily takes the desired shape, is reinforced and can be painted in any color. One of the most significant advantages of bathtubs made from acrylic is that they are available in various sizes, colors and shapes.
Acrylic bathtubs are big choice not only shapes, but also colors
Thus, it becomes possible to install them even in any bathrooms, including small area. By installing plumbing fixtures, for example, in a corner, you can thus free up enough space for washing machine or under furniture. Since the material is quite flexible in nature, it must be reinforced with fiberglass or metal mesh at the manufacturing stage to give the required strength. At the same time, naturally, the better the bathtub is strengthened, the more expensive it will cost.
Advice. When purchasing an acrylic bathtub, it is better to give preference to a model reinforced with metal mesh.
Bathtubs made of acrylic can be not only standard white, but also painted in any shade of the rainbow - the color is added by adding dye to the material at the manufacturing stage, due to which the paint does not wash out and does not lose its color over time.
Corner acrylic bathtub
Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the uniformity of color and thickness of the acrylic sheet; in particular, products with a wall thickness of 5 mm or more are considered the strongest. Also, you should not buy plumbing fixtures with dents or a rough surface, which directly indicates its low quality.
Acrylic bathtub - pros
Modern bathtubs made of acrylic have the following advantages:
- light weight;
- variety of forms;
- non-slip surface;
- ease of care;
- low thermal conductivity.
The weight of bathtubs made from acrylic varies on average within 30 kg, which greatly facilitates delivery (especially to the upper floors). In addition, the installation process itself is simplified in many ways, which can be easily handled by one specialist. The bath itself retains heat well, and its surface heats up quite quickly, unlike cast iron.
Acrylic bathtubs do not slip and are therefore safe
Manufacturing technology allows you to blow acrylic into any shape of the desired width and height - you can even order a custom model that will fit perfectly into the interior. Some models are equipped with hydromassage and other functions for the most pleasant water treatment.
The inner surface of the products is non-slip, which will allow you to take water procedures without anti-slip mats. At the same time, bathtub care is as simple as possible and boils down to wiping the dirty surface with a gel-based cleaner.
Acrylic bathtub - cons
Acrylic bathtubs are not without some disadvantages:
- service life from 10 to 15 years;
- relatively low strength;
- possibility of damage to the surface by sharp objects.
The surface of an acrylic bathtub is more fragile than the enamel of a cast iron bathtub
On average, a bathtub made of acrylic lasts 2-3 times less than a cast iron one. Moreover, the service life and strength directly depend on the quality of the product and the degree of its reinforcement. If you buy a fake or with weak reinforcement, deformation may occur, and if the plumbing fixtures are made of very thin acrylic, then it may spring underfoot. On the contrary, high-strength products reinforced with metal mesh can easily withstand even a greater impact than a cast-iron bathtub.
Attention! When purchasing non-standard plumbing fixtures, experts recommend purchasing bathtubs of the simplest possible shape, since manufacturers often use thin sheets of acrylic to make complex and elaborate products.
It is also important to know that acrylic is afraid of direct impact from sharp metal products, it can melt from an unextinguished cigarette, or be scratched from the claws of a pet.
Which bathtub is better to buy?
When choosing which bathtub is better, acrylic or cast iron, you need to focus primarily on what size and shape the plumbing is needed. If the area of the room allows, you can install a large cast-iron bathtub; if the size of the room is limited or the design idea requires it, it is better to choose acrylic product desired shape and color.
You need to choose a bath that will be easier for you to care for.
As for the parameters of thermal stability, in cast iron the water temperature decreases by 1 degree every 10 minutes, in acrylic - only after 1 hour. Therefore, those who like to bask in hot water for as long as possible should still turn their attention to acrylic products. Moreover, modern manufacturing companies offer models equipped with lighting, hydromassage and a number of other useful functions.
Cost also plays an important role when choosing plumbing fixtures. When compared, the prices are approximately the same, with the exception of acrylic bathtubs of complex configuration with additional reinforcement, which will cost much more.
Care and restoration
In principle, both products will last quite a long time, the main thing is to properly care for them. The surface of cast iron is porous, as a result it absorbs rust and dirt and requires frequent cleaning. If a cast iron bathtub is damaged, it will have to be restored, and this process quite labor-intensive and dusty. In some cases, restoration using glass acrylic (liquid acrylic) may be required, when the enamel is renewed by filling cracks and voids, completely leveling the surface.
The surface of an acrylic bathtub can be easily restored with liquid acrylic
An acrylic bathtub is more hygienic; to remove dirt, it is enough to rinse its surface with a sponge soaked in water or a special detergent. In general, caring for acrylic is simpler; the only important requirement is the use of products containing abrasives and aggressive solvents to remove contaminants.
In case of serious damage, the product can also be restored using liquid acrylic, and removing scratches is much easier than in the case of cast iron.
Conclusion
Both cast iron and acrylic can be considered one of the most the best materials for making bathtubs. Each of the materials has its pros and cons. In terms of strength and reliability, cast iron models win, but in terms of hygiene, weight, choice of shape and color, acrylic ones come first. In addition, transportation and installation of the latter is much easier.
You need to select suitable plumbing fixtures first of all, based on the size of the bathroom and the overall interior design. Before purchasing, you should make sure that the bathtub will fit through the doorway, has no defects and is not a fake.
The inner surface of a cast iron bathtub can be restored with special enamel
When purchasing an acrylic product, it is better to give preference to models with thick walls, not very complex shape, with reinforcement with a metal mesh, which will have good stability. A cast iron bathtub must have an evenly applied enamel, without streaks or roughness - in this case, if the operating rules are followed, it will last at least 50 years.
Care comes down to using specially designed products for each type of product; it is highly undesirable to drop heavy objects to avoid serious damage to the surface.
Which bath to choose: video
Cast iron and acrylic bathtubs: photos
Sometimes visitors to our store share their thoughts about the advantages or disadvantages of products, and in particular, cast iron and steel bathtubs, which they “read about on the Internet.” Since the San Premium store has both types of bathtubs in its assortment, our experts decided to express their opinion on this topic. Confusion about where buyers' strange thoughts come from can melt away in a matter of minutes if you Google, for example, the phrase "cast iron bathtubs." On the very first page of search results you can get a link to one of the websites of bathtub sellers with the subtitle “Main advantages of enameled cast iron bathtubs.”
"High level of strength and resistance to various deformations. The highest quality cast iron and modern enamel coating are used in production."
Cast iron is a rather brittle material, and it is inappropriate to call it “resistant to deformation”. Some of the cast iron produced from iron ore cannot even be cut, because it crumbles so much. It is usually used as a raw material for steel smelting. Conventionally, we can say that cast iron is one of the stages of producing steel from iron ore. Unless, of course, steel is the goal. But in many cases cast iron is quite suitable for direct use.
The phrase “cast iron of the highest quality” begs the question - what quality? Strength, ductility, carbon content? After all, if you measure the quality of cast iron as the percentage of carbon content, then “highest quality” cast iron with a minimum percentage will approach the composition of steel. With the same success, the relative purity of unfiltered water can be considered its advantage, although filtered water will be even purer.
"High noise insulation and excellent heat capacity."
The fact that the structure of cast iron contains more carbon than steel is manifested in practice by the fact that a vessel made of more brittle cast iron should have thicker walls than its steel counterpart. Thicker cast iron walls with a higher carbon content in the structure are, figuratively speaking, much more “porous” than thin steel ones. Carbon dispersed in the metal layer creates a certain structure with frequent changes in heat capacity at the micro level, allowing heat to linger longer and sound to dissipate more strongly. Therefore, we essentially agree with this advantage, if we consider the situation that the steel bathtubs are not supplied with soundproofing elements, and these vessels will be used in an unheated room during the cold season. But even in this case, the question arises: what about the heat that escapes through the surface of the water, bypassing the walls of the bathroom? After all, more warm air will carry upward the heat of the water poured into the bath, no matter what it is made of.
And this heat outflow can be much more significant than the difference between the heat capacity of the walls of a cast iron or steel bath.
By the way, some types of soundproofing sheets suitable for fastening to steel bathtubs can also serve as thermal insulation.
"Saturation and depth of color. Cast iron bathtubs do not fade at all, maintaining their original color and shine. No other enamel bathtubs look so impressive."
This is a very strange statement, considering that we are talking about enamel bathtubs. For example, the quality and technology of applying enamel to steel bathtubs allows the company’s management to confidently declare a 30-year guarantee for their products.
The managers of the German company (Bette) are no less confident in the quality of their technologies for coating steel with enamels, guaranteeing three decades of impeccable service for steel bathtubs of this brand.
A 25-year warranty for cast-iron bathtubs ("Jacob Delafon") is also an excellent indicator of quality, but the authors of statements about the superiority of cast-iron bathtubs apparently do not correlate their words with these facts.
There is a possibility that they are comparing cast iron bathtubs with some kind of bathtub-like objects created from too thin steel with unsuitable enamel coating technology. And if for some reason such a bathtub is deformed, then the enamel coating may lose its integrity. But in this case, the authors could also consider the option of a thin-walled cast iron bathtub, which can be broken along with low-quality enamel.
This is another reason why, when choosing a bathtub, you need to be more attentive to the qualities directly related to the functions of the product. For example, to the thickness of the walls of the bathtub (which can be judged by relative weight). A simple “formula” - find out the name of the material, and rely on a preconceived opinion - at the current level of technology development, is unlikely to be more reliable than tossing a coin or telling fortunes on coffee grounds.
“Cast iron is resistant to scratches and damage from aggressive agents.”
There are grades of steel with similar and even greater degrees of resistance, but it is not clear who is interested in this “advantage” in a situation where the metal from which the bathtub is made must be hidden under the enamel.
"Thanks to the perfect combination of enamel and cast iron, modern bathtubs have a smooth surface."
The word "cast iron" can be replaced by the word "steel", and the indicated advantage will disappear, as if it were simply far-fetched.
“Enameled cast iron bathtubs are easy to clean because there are no pores on their surface, preventing the accumulation of dirt.”
Again we are talking about the quality of the enamel, which even among steel bathtub manufacturers can be impeccable.
"They have a long service life - more than 20 years."
We have already given an example with warranty periods. It only remains to add that our specialists principledly and carefully select for the assortment of the San-Premium store only those products whose reliability is beyond doubt. Accordingly, various kinds of disputes “which product is better” with this approach lose practical meaning, since if a bathtub is not the best among other bathtubs with similar parameters, then it simply does not fall into the list of products in our store.
And in conclusion of this analytical work on one of the sources that can be used by overly gullible visitors, we provide a commentary on general description cast iron found on the same site:
“Cast iron is an alloy of iron and carbon and is quite heavy. Although cast iron bathtubs are made thin, the weight of the average product exceeds 100 kg. At the same time, the large weight ensures the stability of the bathtub during operation.”
Steel also consists of iron and carbon, but it contains less carbon. But it is less fragile, and therefore its walls are made even thinner than cast iron. But still, a cubic meter of steel weighs approximately 7800 kg, and a cubic meter of cast iron weighs from 6800 to 7300 kg, so it is absurd to call cast iron “heavy” in relation to steel. The fact that steel baths are lighter is due to a significantly smaller volume of material than in the case of cast iron. Well, for stability during operation modern manufacturers The set of steel bathtubs includes comfortable, reliable and easily height-adjustable legs.
Conclusion: steel and cast iron bathtubs are all iron
Comparing with steel, regardless of the conditions and purposes of use, is approximately the same “useful” activity as comparing diesel fuel with gasoline, without taking into account: who will use them, for what, and how. Therefore, if you need to choose the most the best bath, and there are no measurable parameters by which one can understand that one bath is “better” than another, then there is no point in even starting a search. It is enough to buy the first one you come across.
Whether it is a high-tech bathtub with a built-in music center and hydromassage or a simple but high-quality enamel container, in any case, one of them will be “better” than the other in some way. Some people care most about the price, while others trademark. This is not difficult to understand, as is the fact that sellers of bathtubs cannot know more about them than their manufacturers, and experienced buyers of different products can sometimes know more than sellers of one. But both of them can learn and share knowledge with other people, creating new opportunities and embodying new ideas for a better future.
We wish you success in purchasing a high-quality bathroom, chosen on the basis of acquired knowledge.
P.S. If it seemed to someone that the purpose of this article was propaganda, then it really “seemed”, since the trade in both types of bathtubs makes no sense in unnecessarily protruding good properties some alone.