How to choose a bath for an apartment and house: types and materials

Many small apartment owners equip their bathrooms with compact showers. But at a certain moment there comes the realization that a very valuable element is lost, in which you can relax and rest. It is easy to remodel a room, but another problem arises - how to choose a bath so that it fits in size and fits into the interior of the room. There are many types of this subject. To understand, you should familiarize yourself with the features and characteristics of each.

Material production - the advantages, disadvantages and features of the installation

In a standard apartment it is difficult to place a bath of the desired shape and size, only the usual type of object will do. The situation changes in a private house, during the construction of which it is possible to build any size of shower in the project. Material manufacturing, dimensions, shape of convenience can be any. The choice depends only on personal preferences and financial opportunities.

Steel tubs

Such baths are made of metal blanks with a thickness of at least 2 mm. Sheets are placed under a press and extrude products of any shape, covered with enamel. Special programs on automatic punching lines fully control the process, determine the thickness of the bottom and walls. Thanks to this accuracy, quality products with a minimum reject rate are obtained.

Light steel products can be mounted even in dilapidated buildings, without fear of collapse. They instantly warm up. To make the bottom warm, you just need to rinse it with hot water. The model range is diverse. You can pick up a product of any shape, with a headrest, stand for shower accessories. The kit may include adjustable legs, special noise absorbing stand. These are necessary additions for comfortable use as steel makes a loud sound under pressure of a stream of water. The minimum lifetime of the product is 15 years.

The main advantage of the steel bath is the low price. This option is not in great demand because it has a lot of flaws. The water cools very quickly. After bathing, the walls and bottom should be wiped dry, so that the remaining water does not drain and does not leave noticeable leaks. Bath can not be cleaned with hard brushes and abrasives. In places of cracking of the enameled surface, corrosion immediately appears.

Set the subject for swimming in two ways. On the special legs that come in the kit, or on a brick pillow. In any case, for reliability, it must be additionally fixed, fastened to the wall.

Cast Iron Baths

The production of cast-iron mini-pools for swimming was mastered in the 19th century. A modern cast iron bath is a reliable, durable product with a long service life (from 25 years). Because of the large weight, it will never move away from the wall, will not stagger with any volume of water. Most often, the form of products remains traditional, since the material is poorly amenable to processing and modeling.

The special manufacturing process significantly improves the characteristics of the product, the main of which is unconditional strength, resistance to mechanical damage. The material does not react to temperature fluctuations, retains heat for a long time. To care for the surface, you can use any tool. Enamel long retains a glossy shine, the appearance of cracks is excluded. Cast iron has excellent sound insulation. You can install additional handles, headrest. In terms of aging, no material can match it.

In addition to the obvious advantages, the cast-iron version has some drawbacks. Apartments in the houses of old construction are equipped with just such models that firmly settled in their places. A heavy element is easier to repair than to be dumped. The average weight of the product is 150 kg. The disadvantages of using a cast-iron bath include the following factors:

Massiveness, bulkiness, big weight;
High price;
Limiting the diversity of models;
The complexity of the installation of hydromassage, aero massage.

Installation of a bath of cast iron is best done before the tiled masonry. This will help achieve a minimum gap between the side wall and the wall. Font turn over, fasten special high-strength legs. Iron plates are placed on the floor to level the surface, the legs of the product are placed on them.

Acrylic baths

Make of special polymeric substances. Depending on the production technology, the font is divided into cast and extruded. The special characteristics of acrylic can make baths of various shapes and sizes. The outer side of the sides is coated with epoxy resins. The kit also includes a special metal frame. The material is often used for the manufacture of designer models.

The advantages of acrylic products for bathrooms include a huge range of similar plumbing. The small weight of the object allows for transportation, installation by hand. Initially, warm acrylic contributes to the slow cooling of water. Hide unsightly lower part of the bath by using a special screen that comes with the product.

The disadvantages of acrylic fonts are associated with the characteristics of the material itself. It can not be durable. Under the weight of a person or from hot water can easily be deformed. The integrity of the product can also be affected by a strong blow, when a heavy object is dropped. During operation, the acrylic product quickly loses its original appearance, scuffs and scratches are formed.

Acrylic bath is the easiest to install on special legs. But this solution is only suitable for traditional models. Thin side walls also need support. To maintain them use a metal frame, a brick pillow.

To ensure the uniformity of the bottom of the acrylic bath, you must carefully examine it, illuminate with a flashlight.

Wooden models

In addition to the functional value, play the role of an independent subject of decor. Mass production of wooden baths is not observed. Such items are more often made to order by hand. Natural wood in the interior of any room always looks beautiful.

The advantages of wooden bathing tanks include a high level of environmental friendliness. It is pleasant to be in such a bath, when heated, it exudes an amazing aroma. Long service life of a product is provided with correct, systematic leaving.

The reason for the rejection of the tree in a damp room can be a number of shortcomings, the main of which is the high price. The disadvantages of wooden products include the complexity of care. Wood reacts poorly to sudden changes in temperature and moisture performance. Natural material instantly absorbs dirt, soapy remains, various fats left on the bottom after bathing. Such a capacity will not have an attractive appearance for long.

It is impossible to install a bath made of wood close to the wall. It should be evenly ventilated from all sides. Depending on the shape of the object, it is placed on a special tray made from the same tree or on the legs.

Baths from faience

Production stages are identical to faience sinks and toilet bowls. Such a bathing container serves more as a room decor than a functional item. The material requires careful handling, can go cracks from the simple pressure of the water. Only true connoisseurs of luxury, who don’t feel like spending money on expensive jewelry, acquire such containers.

The faience baths are made by casting a mixture of quartz and clay into special forms. After drying, enamel is applied. Its color can be very diverse. Despite the difficult production, the passage of several firing procedures, the product is not very durable. The disadvantages of the faience bath also include a lot of weight.

Mount the faience font only on a flat surface. Most bowls put right on the floor on the bottom, but it is possible to install on the legs or a special stand. Because of the large weight of the capacity of work is best done with a partner.

Glass models

A bath made of glass will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated lover of the exotic. Not every person will decide to install such a model at home. An absolutely transparent font is made of high-strength double-layer glass, which is almost impossible to break.

Glass bath has many advantages. All models are visually perceived as light and miniature. Stunning properties and original design allows the subject to fit into any interior. It is easy to care for glass with a soft sponge and liquid cleaners.

The main disadvantage of a glass bath is the high price. The condition of the material must be constantly monitored, carefully rubbed, leaving no stains. Due to the installation features, most models can be mounted only in the center of the room, at some distance from the wall. This option can only afford the owners of spacious rooms.

If during operation the glass bath is deformed, fails, it is already impossible to repair it.

Stone baths

Stone baths are becoming increasingly popular. Despite the high price, the original models are installed even in small rooms. Natural material is rarely used because of the complexity of manufacturing sanitary containers. More often you can find artificial products from a mixture of granite, marble, quartz sand. In the production process, at the time of adding resin, other components, a diverse texture and color of the surface is created.

Models of stone for wet rooms have a perfectly flat and smooth surface. The top layer of environmentally friendly material is not a favorable breeding ground for microbes. In addition to the beautiful appearance and antiseptic surface, baths made of stone have the following advantages:

Resistance to damage;
Low thermal conductivity;
Good noise insulation;
Durability;
Resistance to vibration;
Resistance to temperature changes;
The variety of shapes and colors;
Lack of radiation background;
Ease of installation work;
The possibility of repair.

Of the minuses can be noted the predisposition of the surface to staining. It is not recommended to wash colored clothes, pour out the coloring compositions into such a container. The bottom and sides can be easily scratched if improperly cleaned using hard fixtures.

Installation methods are no different from other options. Most models have a holistic design and a rectangular shape, so they are put in a corner and mounted directly into the floor.

Copper baths

Such a font will make you feel like an heir to a noble family. Copper baths often have a traditional look, are installed as a design novelty. The main advantage of the pompous product is natural antisepticity. No bacteria survive on the surface. In addition to the main positive aspects, the copper object is characterized by durability, durability, reliability.

Copper baths weigh 50 kg on average. This allows them to move freely around the room when they are rearranged or during repairs. Given the high labor intensity, considerable material costs, such an element of plumbing will be very expensive. Make it by casting. Then coated with wax for copper or leave the surface matte.

Quarry baths

The main material of manufacture is a mixture of acrylic with quartz sand. Quartile tanks are plastic, durable, look very aesthetically pleasing. With the help of additional mixtures and pigments the necessary color and texture is adjusted. Type of manufacture - outflow in special forms. Then the surfaces are varnished, making them smooth and non-slip.

Due to reinforcing additives, the product becomes heavier, the average wall thickness is 10 cm. Quartile sanitary engineering has the following advantages:

Impact resistance. An accidentally dropped object cannot damage the surface;
Stiffness design. For installation, you do not need to make an additional frame;
Good sound absorption. Acrylic softens the sound of flowing water;
Long service life. The special composition makes the walls of the tank high strength;
Attractive appearance. A uniform, smooth surface has a characteristic luster.

Bathroom dimensions and shape

Habitual rectangular products have standard sizes. If no type of parameters meets the needs of the consumer, the bath can be made to order from virtually any material. To determine the right size, you must consider the following conditions:

Convenience and safety. New bath should suit all households. When buying it is necessary to take into account the age, height, complete set of family members.
The area of the room. The product must not interfere with the free movement. In apartment buildings, shower rooms are equipped with standard models. In private housing it is possible to install absolutely any option. The main thing that the subject was in the doorway.
The volume of sanitary products. The possibility of saving water depends on the internal dimensions of the container. But you can swim with comfort only lying in a spacious bowl.
Availability of additional accessories. Significantly increase the size of the bathroom accessories. This may be a sink above the tank, shelves, niches, armrests, a large angle of inclination of the sides.

In mass production, each type of font has certain forms and parameters corresponding to GOST. The most popular models are rectangular horizontal ones. The compact sit-down product will perfectly fit into the small room. For oval and round need a large bathroom. Corner is used to save space when combining two rooms. Non-standard options and special-purpose models are set based on the needs of households.

type of instalation

The option of mounting the bathroom is chosen based on the ability to move, lay new communications. Before starting work, it is imperative to adjust the sewer and water supply. The easiest installation option is when a new plumbing product is put in place of the old one. With a global transposition, it is necessary to think through all the stages of work to the smallest detail. According to the type of installation, all models can be divided into three groups:

Stand alone. Neither side of the bath abuts tightly against the wall. Such installation can be implemented both in spacious rooms and in rooms with a modest area.
Embedded. Convenient, but costly solution. Only suitable for private homes. You can mount the bath in the floor, in a niche. More often it is placed on a special podium made of moisture-resistant drywall. The whole structure is sheathed with tiles or wood.
The walls. The most popular option. Differs in simplicity of installation, compact arrangement. The product is pushed to the wall with a straight side and mounted on a frame or metal legs.

Availability of additional functions and accessories

Properly selected additional accessories will create a whole space, allow the design to have a finished look. All elements must comply with the general style of the room. Additional structural equipment can be installed on the product of any kind, but is more common in acrylic and quarian models. Embed the following systems:

Auto disinfection. After bathing, automatic cleaning of the tank by sanitary means takes place;
Chromotherapy. Special purple glow kills germs, has a beneficial effect on the work of blood vessels;
Hydromassage. Continuous circulation of water well relaxes, removes muscle tone;
Liquid level sensor. Capacity filling with water is determined automatically;
Aero massage. The font is served many air bubbles, which creates a bubbling effect.

Optional accessories can be made from any material. It is only necessary that they are in harmony with the bathroom itself. In each shower there must be towel holders, shelves. The design itself is supplemented with armrests, air bags under the head. At the bottom of the stack anti-slip coating.

Color and style

In order for the bathroom after the renovation to look beautiful and stylish, you need to find a good combination of colors and materials. Modern production technologies allow to install in any standard room any model of the font. Cast-iron bowls often covered with light enamel (white, cream, blue). Copper, steel remain at the color of metal. The tree is also not treated with pigment solutions. Any texture and the most unimaginable color may have acrylic, quartz products.

When choosing a style for bathing guided personal preferences. The options are many and varied, suitable for rooms with any area. According to the style, choose the color, shape of the font:

Hi-tech, modern. The bathtub from steel, the snow-white acrylic equipped with the most modern accessories will perfectly fit;
Moroccan, Oriental, Turkish. Suitable copper bowl in natural color, bright stone, earthenware;
Country, eco-style. Only natural shades are acceptable. In such rooms models are made of wood, stone, glass;
Provence. Bathing should look compact and gentle. Подойдут купели, встраиваемые в нишу, пол, отдельно стоящие фаянсовые.

Как определиться с производителем ванны

When choosing a bathing container, first of all, it is determined with the type of model, the material of manufacture. By narrowing the circle to a dozen options, you can fully appreciate the characteristics of each in the price-quality range.

An important point - the country and the manufacturer. You can buy a bath only made by a certified company. It is better to give preference to popular brands that have proven themselves to be on the market for more than a decade. The highest quality plumbing is made in the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands. Products from a more accessible category are made in Poland.

How to choose bathroom faucets

When buying a mixer, its operational characteristics should be taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to its design - the simpler it is, the better. A simple device will last much longer, and in case of a breakdown, its repair is easier. For example, sensory, thermostatic devices are very convenient in operation, but they often break. Sensor electronics does not tolerate a wet environment, and the solenoid valve has a limited service life.

By the method of installation, all products can be divided into three main groups: wall-mounted, typesetting, floor-standing. The first option is the most popular. The device mounted on the wall can be easily repaired, replaced if necessary. The second is more suitable for freestanding baths. When installing the built-in mixer, flexible wiring is used, which must be periodically changed. An item mounted on the floor has a number of significant drawbacks; when installing it, it will be necessary to raise the floor level, it is easy to tear it out or damage it.

We should also pay attention to the material from which the device is made. There are brass, steel, bronze, ceramic, and also models from silumin. Brass products are distinguished by low cost and long service life. Screw, ceramic cranes, cartridges are used as shut-off and control valves. Ceramics can be called the most reliable, it is devoid of many of the disadvantages inherent in the rest of the varieties.

By the form of switches emit push-button, lever, ball models. The last of the most reliable. The gander plays an important role. There are monolithic and mobile options. The second type is universal, it serves a bath and a wash basin. Shower hose can be plastic or rubber, covered with stainless braid. Watering is better to choose with a switch that allows you to change the jet head, the amount of water supplied.

How to choose a bath - expert advice

Manufacturers offer a large range of baths made from different materials. Each species has its advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the most suitable model, it is necessary to take into account a number of points:

Visual inspection. Choosing a product, it is recommended to pay attention to its quality. You should carefully examine the inner surface of the bowl. It should be smooth, smooth, have the same color. Any, even a minor defect in the form of tubercle, hollows, scratches indicate that the product is of poor quality.
Equipment. There are two options for configuration. The base consists of the device itself and instructions for use. Additional may have a decorative panel, mounting kits for mounting, draining, other elements.
Wall thickness. This indicator affects the strength and durability of the product. If the walls are too thin, then during operation cracks, chips, dents, and other defects may appear.
Dimensions. The object must be proportionate to the area of the room in which it will be installed.
Lifetime. The most durable - copper models. However, they are very expensive. An alternative may be a cast-iron bath, which has a low cost, will serve its owner for more than 20 years.

Conclusion

The choice of the bath will be greatly simplified if you know the detailed characteristics of the materials available for the manufacture. As a cheap option you can use steel. If you need a reliable and durable font, then preference should be given to cast iron. Modern acrylic, quartz can be equipped with additional relaxing features.