Which bathtub is better - acrylic or steel?
Until recently, people were deprived of the opportunity to choose the material from which the bathtub was made. When carrying out repairs, it was possible to replace the old cast iron plumbing product with a new one made of the same material.
Now the situation has changed, and many buyers are faced with a problem: which bathtub is better to choose - acrylic or steel? After all, a plumbing product is purchased for a long time, so it must meet all the stated requirements.
The content of the article
What should a bath be like?
Each person, imagining an ideal bathtub, endows it with certain characteristics:
- Heat capacity. The product must maintain the water temperature well.
- Surface of the bowl. The coating should not be slippery. In this case, it will be safe to take a bath.
- Coating stability. The surface of the tank must be resistant to mechanical damage. In this case, caring for the bowl will not require the purchase of special cleaning products.
- Wall thickness. Choose a bathtub with thick walls. They give the product additional strength.
- Tank weight. Too much weight of the product will become a problem when installing the bathtub.
- Design. Modern bowls can be of any shape and color.
Acrylic bathtubs
Acrylic is a modern material for making bowls.Despite his “youth,” he managed to gain popularity among a large number of people.
Peculiarities
Acrylate is used to make bathtubs - it is a synthetic material. Acrylate is ideal for sanitary ware. But this is a very plastic material, so it requires a frame.
The frame is made of metal. It gives the bath the necessary rigidity and helps to properly distribute the load. The structure is assembled from a metal profile coated with anti-corrosion paint. It includes:
- stiffening rib;
- legs that can be adjusted in height;
- tank supports.
Important! The more support points the frame has, the lower the strength of the sanitary ware.
There are two types of frame: solid and welded. The first option is more durable. Therefore, when choosing a bathtub, pay attention to products with such a frame - they will serve you for many years.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of acrylic bathtubs include:
- High heat capacity. The bowl keeps water warm for a long time.
- Additional options. Such products have a number of additional functions, for example, hydromassage.
- Weight. Acrylic is a lightweight material, so the tank is lightweight.
Flaws:
- Due to the fact that acrylic is soft, it is quite difficult to care for. To do this, you will need to purchase special detergents.
- They do not tolerate temperature changes well.
Design
The properties of the material and the use of modern technologies make it possible to produce acrylic bathtubs of a wide variety of shapes: round, oval and others. And the ability to add coloring pigments to the coating allows you to get a product of any color.
Life time
The service life of the tank depends on the quality of the materials used in its manufacture. Bathtubs made of cast acrylic will last especially long. And with careful care, the service life increases significantly.
The secret of choice
When choosing a bathtub, give preference only to trusted manufacturers, ask the seller to provide a quality certificate. Carefully inspect the bottom of the tank - there should be no signs of mechanical damage. Check the number of layers of acrylic - a quality product should have at least four.
Steel baths
Like acrylic products, a steel bathtub has its own advantages, disadvantages and individual characteristics.
Peculiarities
Any bathtub made of steel is prone to slight deformation. Therefore, manufacturers equip it with a reinforcing frame. It is a structure consisting of several supports. The bowl is mounted on this frame.
Advantages and disadvantages
Steel bathtubs have a number of undeniable advantages:
- Easy installation. The bowls are fairly easy to install.
- Easy care. The reservoir is covered with enamel, which does not require special care. The main thing is not to use cleaning products containing abrasive particles. They may scratch the enamel.
- Weight does not exceed 30 kg.
- Price. This is the most inexpensive type of bath.
There were some downsides:
- Steel bowls do not hold water temperature well.
- If installed incorrectly, there is a possibility of the product toppling over.
- The weight of the bowl may cause the bottom to become deformed.
- Has poor noise reduction. Due to the fact that the walls of the product are thin, the stream of water “rings” when it comes into contact with the bowl.
- Prone to rust. If used carelessly, the enamel may chip.Later, rust will appear in this place.
Design
Steel is a fairly flexible material, which allows it to be manufactured in a wide variety of designs.
Life time
If used correctly, such a product can last more than 25 years. And stainless steel products will last even longer.
The secret of choice
When choosing a suitable model, pay attention to the walls of the bowl. Their thickness should be at least 3 mm. Since this is quite difficult to do by eye, lift the tank. You should refrain from buying a product that is too light.
Carefully inspect the enamel coating. It should not have chips, drips or other defects.
What's better?
It is impossible to say which product is better. The main thing is that the bathtub must meet all the requirements and be manufactured in compliance with the technology.
When choosing between two types of bowls, you need to compare their main characteristics and assess your financial capabilities. A high-quality bath does not always mean a high price. With careful use, any version of the product will serve you for many years.
