Artificial stone baths: technical characteristics and features of choice

Despite the popularity and diversity of shower cubicles, many families are not ready to give up using the bathroom. The fact is that the bath for our compatriots is not just a sanitary device to maintain hygiene, but also a place of relaxation, spiritual and physical relaxation, renewal.

The modern market of products pleases with a variety of models. One of the unusual novelties was a stone bath, characterized by durability, durability, authenticity. Undoubtedly, the cost of aggregates from natural material is high, however, the use of artificial stone allows you to get such a device at an affordable price.

The bathtub from an artificial stone is visually indistinguishable from analog from a natural stone.Thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to reproduce the texture and color of the material as accurately as possible. At the same time the bath has less weight and cost.

The manufacture of such models is carried out using granite, marble, malachite or quartz chips, with the addition of special plasticizers and catalysts, as well as polyester resins.

For the manufacture of such structures used molding method. The resulting base has a liquid consistency, which is given the necessary shape by pouring into the prepared formwork. After a time (about a day) the bath of liquid stone freezes due to the presence of catalysts in the composition. After this, the construction is removed from the formwork. Then it is dried in a special oven, gaining strength, and settled. Then the product is polished, polished, covered with protective compounds.

Stone bath made of artificial materials has several advantages.

• Increased strength. The device can withstand increased loads and mechanical stress, does not deteriorate during use.
• Long service life. Such baths are considered eternal.The service life, depending on the manufacturer, is 70-120 years.
• Low thermal conductivity. This allows you to keep the water temperature for a long time, that is, the water in the bathroom does not cool down.
• Hygiene. Smooth surface does not absorb pollution. Judging by the reviews of customers, it does not form mold and fungal microflora.
• Unique appearance. The benefits of a stone bath are not limited to technical specifications. It makes the room elegant, becomes the exclusive "chip" of the interior.
• Repairable. Unlike baths from a natural stone, artificial analogs are subject to repair. When cracks and chips appear, it is recommended to immediately eliminate them using special formulations.

• Security. Artificial stone does not have a radiation background, which is not natural.
• Ease of use. Despite the fact that artificial baths, like natural ones, are afraid of cleaning products with abrasive components, their care is quite simple. Such designs do not require special protection.
• Lack of abrasion. This indicator is negligible, due to the strength of the polymer-mineral structure of the product.
• High sound insulation properties. Due to this, the sound of flowing water is muffled, the bath is dialed almost silently.
• Easy installation. If during installation it is necessary to increase the diameter of the drain or to equip the structure with an additional overflow, this can be easily done with a drill, then cleaning the edges. On the surface will not appear chips or cracks.

Often there is a high price of an aggregate of cast stone, but it is worth noting that it is significantly lower than the cost of an analog made of natural stone, but it is not inferior to it in its operational properties. In addition, such a bath in the presence of additional equipment may have a hydromassage function. Due to its strength, it is not afraid of vibrations, strong pressure and abrupt change in water temperature.

Pros and cons of the material due to the peculiarities of its production. In any case, the stone bath has a fairly large weight, and it looks very overall, so it fits well only in spacious rooms.

This bath requires periodic restoration of the protective layer., which protects the structure of the material from the effects of detergents and other household goods.If this layer is abraded, unpleasant smudges and stains may appear on the surface of the device.

Acquired snow-white stone bath may eventually become yellowish or gray. Models of acrylic in this regard are more durable. Prolonged stagnation of water can cause rust stains.

Varieties of artificial stone baths differ in the type of crumb used in the composition.

There are two variants of the composition.

• Marble chips or other natural stone chips, as well as resins, pigments and catalysts.
• Quartz sand, which is considered the most affordable option for artificial stone. Devices made of river quartz sand are called acrylic stone baths. These baths weigh less, have less cost, but their strength indicators are not as high as in the previous version.

Depending on the type of crumb used, the finished structure can imitate different materials.

• Marble is considered a classic. Such baths look luxurious and presentable.
• Granite - in no way inferior to marble material, appropriate looking in any interior.
• Onyx is an original material, the peculiarity of which is the variety of modulations in the light, like the construction with Swarovski stones. In addition, compared with other materials, it has the richest color palette.
• Malachite is a material with authenticity, unique mysteriousness.
• Stone veneer is an incredible imitation of stone, the texture of which resembles soft wood.
• Sandstone is an incredibly beautiful material, from the natural counterpart of which the famous pyramids were built.

Depending on the type of treatment of the external surface of the bath, it may have a different texture:

• crushed (in this case, the walls have asymmetrical chips);
• ground (the surface is smoother, but the texture roughness is still present);
• glossy (smooth matte surface with a slight gloss or subtle pattern);
• mirror (glossy surface with a distinct stone color).

Baths can also vary in shape. They are symmetrical and asymmetrical. Often products are made to order.Among the most popular forms there are several options.

For safety, the corners of this design are rounded. The length of the product can reach 1.8 m, width - 65 cm. Thanks to the simple and concise form of the product, you can focus on the texture and depth of the color palette of the stone. This design can be placed in a small, even standard apartment.

This more refined, respectable shape of the bath has dimensions similar to those of a rectangular model. It is recommended to place the oval bath in the center of the room, so it requires a lot of space.

The angle design is more ergonomic and can have a diverse design: be symmetrical or have an asymmetrical shape, one or 2 bowls, special projections and storage spaces. The angular model is usually heavier than the structures discussed above, and is of greater value.

The shape of the bath dictates how it is installed.

There are two options.

• Wall.
• Standing separately. This model is installed remotely from the walls, usually in the center of the room. As a rule, these are round or oval products, as well as custom-made structures.

Brand brands are considered to be the epitome of high quality and flawless aesthetics. Jacob Delafon. This, as well as the need to import products from France due to their high cost. In the collection of the brand one can find both compact enough (120 cm long) and large constructions, the maximum length of which is 200 cm. By the way, the idea of ​​a stone shower belongs to this brand. The design is a shower cabin of the combined type, the bath of which is made of cast marble.

More affordable is domestic products. Astra-Form. The cost reduction is due to the use of silica sand, which affects the durability of the material. In general, the company is pleased with good-quality products, a variety of model range and color solutions.

If you are looking for a cheaper construction compared to the European counterparts (25% cheaper) with natural crumb in the composition, pay attention to the products of the Kostroma company "Esthete". High quality, ease of care - the undoubted advantages of the company's products. The only drawback is a small variety of collections.However, they include all the current shapes and shades of bowls.

The most popular models are considered "Estet Alpha" and "Grace", equipped with armrests, the possibility of installing aero massage and hydromassage, decorative screen. Attention deserves the free-standing bath model "Marseilles" 170x80. Its size is slightly smaller than the dimensions of the model. "Grace"for the rest, she is almost indistinguishable from her.

Another example of high-quality cast marble baths is brand products. Aquastone. Products meet European quality and safety requirements, are characterized by a 45-year service life and the presence of a 5-year warranty period. Diverse collections include a range of devices in retro style, in modern design, as well as models equipped with legs or a pedestal.

If you are in search of an interestingly shaped wall bath made of artificial marble, pay attention to the model. "Renata" from Russian manufacturer "Phema Style". It has a length and width of just over one and a half meters (154 cm) and is also angular, which allows it to fit even into a small room.By the way, the same brand releases popular series "Bomond and Francesca". They have a rectangular shape and more compact dimensions.

When planning to buy a bath made of artificial stone, you should be prepared for the fact that it cannot be cheap. Too low price often indicates poor quality. It is better to purchase products of famous brands.

When buying a bath on its surface, you can see the smallest pores in small quantities. However, if their number is considerable, and the pores themselves are deep enough - the product is of poor quality, it is better to abandon the purchase.

Experts recommend to pay attention to the composition of the product. It should be 80% stone crumb and 20% resin. A slight (up to 2-3%) deviation from the specified ratio is allowed. A smaller amount of marble or other chips can result in a decrease in product performance.

High-quality color baths have the appropriate shade, even at the cut of the drain hole. This indicates that the pigment is added directly to the raw material when it is mixed. Thanks to this technology, the finished product has a smooth shade without streaks, which persists throughout the entire period of operation.

By the way, colored baths are usually chosen according to the color of the interior of the room or, on the contrary, become the highlight of the room, having a different color from its palette. Universal are gray, milk, coffee models.

As for the dimensions of the structure, a rectangular bath with dimensions of 170x70 is considered standard. However, if the dimensions of the room allow, it is better to choose a slightly wider bowl - 170x75.

For a spacious room, you can choose a free-standing construction of an unusual shape. or a large rectangular bath (190x90 cm) with armrests. Such models look quite massive and luxurious. It is desirable that the bath had decorative side screens, also made of stone mass. Models from the Estet Delta brand 180x80 and 160x70 can be considered a worthy example. The indicated dimensions are standard and designed for a typical bathroom or a slightly larger area.

If you are thinking about what height the bath should have, then the standard height is 460 mm (depth 450 mm). If the product is equipped with a hydromassage, an increase in depth of 15-20 cm is acceptable.

The absence of pores (or their minimum number) in the surface of the bath of artificial stone provides ease of care. On such a surface does not accumulate pollution, it has the ability to self-cleaning. You can use any cleaning products designed for plumbing, with the exception of products with abrasive components. We'll have to forget about the hard sponges and brushes. It is enough to clean the bath 2-3 times a week.

It is possible to avoid possible staining of the surface of the material, as well as the formation of stains, by thoroughly rinsing the bath after each use and wiping it dry.

It is important to avoid leakage of plumbing, as well as accumulation of even a small amount of fluid in the bath, as this can cause rust stains. You can get rid of them by wiping the surface with a rag moistened with hydrogen peroxide.

Small chips and scratches can be eliminated with your own hands by purchasing a special repair kit. It is important to note that for a color bath you need a repair kit of the same color as the color of the product.

The technical characteristics and features of choosing a bath made of artificial stone, see the following video.