Features of cast marble baths: how to choose?

Plumbing made of stone appeared on the market relatively recently, but already enjoys consumer demand. This is due not only to the luxurious exquisite type of products, but also to their enhanced strength, durability, and excellent performance characteristics.

However, artificial analogues are not inferior to natural ones. Modern designs of cast marble as close as possible (textured and color) to natural stone, and even surpass it in some technical characteristics. It is important that bowls from an artificial stone are cheaper, it is simpler to mount and operate them.

The basis of the product is marble chips, resulting from the grinding of marble slabs. As a rule, plates with defects or residues from the manufacture of other products are used for this. The resulting baby, rather, is a flour.

Resins, plasticizers and, if necessary, pigments are used to bind the composition to the desired shade. The resulting composition has a liquid consistency, its solidification is made in special forms. The result is a material similar in appearance to natural stone. At the same time, the strength of artificial stone is 2 times higher than the same indicator of natural marble.

To ensure the smoothness of the surface is used a special composition, it turns out a kind of "lining" bath. A protective composition is applied to the walls of the mold for the bowl itself, which ensures reliable coating.

Instead of marble chips, quartz sand can be used. It is cheaper, and therefore the cost of the product is lower than the price of a bath of molded marble. However, in their strength properties and durability products made of quartz sand are much inferior to marble.

The natural shades of cast products from marble chips are gray, black, greenish, beige. However, by adding color components to the mixture, you can give the cup any shade.

Production of baths from artificial stone is carried out in several stages:

• Form preparation (formwork). From its quality depends on the accuracy of dimensions, perfect shape and uniform thickness of the walls of the finished product. The manufacture or purchase of high-quality formwork is quite an expense, which is one of the reasons for the high cost of cast-marble baths. Bath forms can be standard or custom made. At the preparation stage, the polymer mixture is applied to the wall of the gelcoat. It is designed to protect the surface of the bath, make it smooth and shiny.

• Preparation of casting mixture of marble (or other) chips and special resins. If necessary, give the bath a certain shade of pigment interfere with the mixture. It is important that the coloring components are added during the mixing step.Then the shade of the finished product will be uniform, without streaks, and will stain the entire thickness of the bath. Even if a crack appears on the finished product, the defect will not differ in color from the basic shade. Trying to save money, some manufacturers paint the finished product, which causes uneven coloring, fragility of color. When chips appear, they will stand out strongly against the background of color coating.

• Marble mix is ​​poured into the prepared formwork. This is done at certain indicators of humidity and temperature of 18-23 ° C. If this requirement is not observed, the risk of deformation of the form is high. The formwork is installed on special vibration tables. The specified range of vibrations contributes to a better shrinkage of the bulk material, freezing it without the formation of air bubbles and voids.
• The next stage can be called the stage of crystallization or solidification of the material. It also requires the maintenance of certain climatic parameters and a slight vibration.
• When the product hardens, the formwork is removed from it, then polished and polished. Ready bath should stand for some time to acquire the necessary indicators of strength.

Before buying it is important to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the product, to get acquainted with customer reviews.

Bath of cast marble has many undeniable advantages:

• High strength. At observance of the production technology the stone bathtub differs in the increased durability and resistance to mechanical damages.
• Excellent indicators of friability due to the mineral-polymer base of the product.
• Long service life (up to 45-50 years).

• The ability to damp vibrations, which makes the stone bath ideal for installing hydromassage equipment in it. Unlike acrylic baths, whose walls vibrate from the effects of hydromassage, stone analogues remain motionless, which allows you to get maximum pleasure from the procedure.
• Good sound insulation performance. Unlike the same acrylic baths, stone drown out the sound of flowing water, including falling from a great height. This allows you to get maximum comfort from using a tropical shower system, for example.
• High thermal insulation properties.

• The low level of thermal conductivity, thanks to which the bath surface is warm, pleasant to the touch.
• Antibacterial properties. Due to the absence of pores, the surface of the bath does not absorb pollution, it does not form mold, fungus and other pathogenic bacteria. At the same time, the bath itself is not slippery at all; it is notable for its safe operation.
• Variety of shapes and sizes. This can be either a small compact bathtub or a spacious bowl, for example, for two. In addition to standard rectangular and square tanks, oval, round-shaped bowls are available, as well as asymmetric models. Finally, there is the possibility of manufacturing products to order.

• Radiation safety. Unlike a bath made of natural stone with a radiation background, the artificial analog is completely safe.
• Large color palette, including the most incredible colors.
• Exquisite appearance. Such a bath even in the simplest room will bring an atmosphere of luxury and refinement.It looks respectable, emphasizing the status and good taste of its owner.

• Maintainability. When small chips appear, they can be eliminated with your own hands, using a special repair kit. For more severe deformities, specialist assistance will be required. In any case, the repair is made without dismantling the structure.
• Easy installation. Installation of such a bath is not much different from the installation of similar equipment. If necessary, for example, to increase the diameter of the drain hole, it can be easily done using a drill. You can not be afraid that the surface will crack or become covered with a network of cracks.
• Ease of care. The material does not require special maintenance. It is only important to wash the bath after each use and not to use cleaners with abrasive components.

Cons of the material - it is a lot of weight and high price. However, if we compare products made of natural stone, then they are much heavier and 3-4 times more expensive than analogs of cast marble. At the same time, the latter are indistinguishable from natural stone baths, they imitate the color and texture of the natural mineral as accurately as possible.

Among the shortcomings of the products is the possibility of their coloring when the dyes hit the surface. That is why it is so important to rinse the bath after each use and it is advisable to wipe it dry. In addition, with prolonged stagnation of water in the bowl, the formation of rust stains is possible.

The shape of the product may depend on the method of installation of the bath.

In this regard, bowls can be:

• wall (more ergonomic option);
• detached.

Freestanding bathtubs become the main focus of the interior. As a rule, they are installed in the center of the room, and therefore the latter should have a large area. As a rule, the product has legs or is installed on a special pedestal, which makes the interior even more luxurious. Installation of such a device is associated with the need for difficult installation of communications and drainage systems, which should go unnoticed. In addition, this bath requires more care for its internal and external walls.

Depending on the shape of the bowl are straight (square, rectangular), and also have rounded corners (oval, square).For small spaces, corner models are usually chosen, which can be in the form of a quarter circle.

We should also highlight the asymmetric models, which are most often made to order. Undoubtedly, this product looks stylish and original, allows for installation, taking into account the characteristics of the room layout.

In addition to marble chips, other stone particles can be added to the casting composition, which ensures the uniqueness of the product design. The most popular are bowls, which include semiprecious stones - malachite, jasper.

The brand from Latvia can boast of high quality products and the use of exclusively marble chips. SPN. In addition, the production of a large number of color models, products under natural stone. The disadvantage is the use of plastic in the manufacture of end and side panels.

Russian companies are not inferior to Latvian and even European colleagues in quality of their products, but their products are significantly cheaper. The only minus of the bath produced in Russia- while they can not compete in the sophistication and diversity of design compared with products of leading import manufacturers.

The rating of domestic brands is headed by the company. "Esthete", whose products (including side and end panels) are made of stone. High strength, durability of products are noted by buyers. The disadvantage is a small model range. However, the most popular forms of bowls are present in the collections of the manufacturer. The greatest consumer demand is the collection “Estet Astra” (oval) and “Estet Gracia” (asymmetric bowl size 170h94 cm).

Users also note the high quality and convenience of bath forms from a Russian manufacturer. Aqua stone. The service life of products - 45 years, manufacturer's warranty - 5 years. The most popular models are 170x70 and 180x80 cm in light shades. Connoisseurs of original solutions should pay attention to the collection of the brand: "Bali", "Malta", "Florida", "Scarlet". Baths of this line - a work of art. They are characterized by unusual shapes, stylish colors, original finish.

If you are looking for a bath that imitates a stone, but at a lower price, you can look at products based on quartz sand. Decent manufacturers of such products are Marmite (Poland), Astra-Form (Russia).

When choosing a bath made of artificial stone, remember that it can not be cheap. Evaluate its surface - it should be smooth, without pores and cracks. Pay attention to the composition: the baths have a sufficient strength, the content of marble chips in which is not less than 80%, 20% are resins. A small deviation from the norm is allowed, not more than 2%.

Tap the surface of the bath, the sound should be deaf, the same everywhere. The surface should not have "burrs", seams. High-quality bath, both from natural and cast marble has thick walls. The molded product has a wall thickness of 10-12 mm, and a protective layer thickness of at least 1 mm.

When choosing a bath size, consider the height of the tallest member of the family.Ideally, the person should be completely placed in the bowl, resting his head on one of its sides, the legs should be straight. The standard bath is a length of 170 cm. The depth of the bath is usually 50-60 cm. Deeper ones are suitable for a jacuzzi (especially square and asymmetrical bowls). If there are elderly relatives or people with disabilities in the house, it is recommended to choose a bowl that is less than 50 cm high.

For small spaces, corner structures are usually purchased. The average size for them is 150x150 cm. The products are quite spacious, but they do not take away the useful area of ​​the room.

If you buy colored bowls, specify what method they are painted. Preference is given to products, the pigment in which interfered in the composition for casting. It is easy to identify them - take a look at the cut in the place of the drain.

If the bath has side panels that cover the bath, then you should not purchase products with plastic panels. But marbled granite is a worthy option.

The cost of the bath depends on many factors. First of all, its composition, wall thickness, shape.Standard rectangular designs are cheaper than those that are asymmetrical. Products of domestic manufacturers have a lower cost compared to the prices of imported analogues. It is important that the majority of Russian brands are not inferior to them in quality. The only difference is the less rich model range and poor color palette.

Modern models are equipped with armrests, special projections under the neck and spine. Their cost is higher, but their use is more comfortable.

Despite the strength of the material, the bath of molded marble cracks when heavy objects are dropped on its surface from a height.

In general, care for her is quite simple and provides for compliance with the following recommendations:

• Do not use abrasives or hard brushes for cleaning. This leads to cracks on the surface. To clean a stone bath is better with a special tool. It is more expensive than the usual cleaning products, but much more effective for surfaces of this type.
• After taking a bath, rinse it with clean water and wipe dry.
• Washing the bath with cleaning products is sufficient 2-3 times a week.

• It is important that no water collects on the surface of the bowl, as this will cause staining. In the area of ​​risk - baths of light shades, products made of white marble.
• For the same reason, the condition of the plumbing should be monitored, and at the slightest leakage of a faucet or shower, they should be immediately removed.
• If a small rust stain appears, you can try to remove it with hydrogen peroxide. If a colored stain appears, use a solvent. It must be briefly applied to the surface and rinsed with water. It is forbidden to permanently leave the solvent and rub the stain aggressively, as this will result in the formation of turbid stains and damage to the protective layer.

• In the event of roughness or burnout of the bath surface, polishing is required using professional compositions.

• When installing a hydromassage device, all electrical cables must be grounded, this is the only way to guarantee the safety of the structure.
• When a small chip appears, it should be sealed as soon as possible using a repair kit.

The cast stone bathtub will harmoniously fit into a strict classical interior or a magnificent magnificent baroque style. Ideal - freestanding bathtub with legs. The latter can be made in the form of plant ornaments or paws of animals. The material should accurately imitate natural stone, the preferred colors are grayish, white, yellow.

If the decor attracts you with simplicity and lightness, and the combination of marble and wood is pleasing to the eye, decorate the room in the style of Provence. In this case, you can also choose a freestanding bath, but without a bright decor. Corner or oval models, as well as products embedded in the pedestal will also be appropriate. The color solution for such bowls is pale purple, olive, light blue, and beige.

As decoration use wooden surfaces, for example, ceiling beams, ceramic tiles. Provence style is home comfort and floral ornament, so use fluffy towels, jugs and even sprigs of dried flowers.

For Moroccan or Indian colors, mosaic and marble will be the best combination. In the decoration of the walls and the floor is better to use bright tiles or mosaics, laying them out of the characteristic oriental patterns.The bowl is located in the center or, if the area of ​​the room does not allow, it is simply removed from the walls. The shape is oval, round or asymmetrical. Gold or silver finish is allowed.

For modern interiors, concise, simple in shape, freestanding or rectangular wall models are recommended. As for the color, it is either bright shades, or calm gray (with the transition to steel), black, white shades.

When choosing color models it is important that they are in harmony with the general palette of the interior. Designers urge to use no more than 1-2 primary colors in the design of the room. The remaining shades should only complement them.

Black bath in black and white interior looks stylish and laconic. If you take water procedures in a dark bowl uncomfortable, you can leave its inner surface white, only the outer walls can be black.

For information on how to trim the sides of a tub made of molded marble, see the following video.