Steel baths: advantages and selection criteria

Not so long ago in each apartment there was a classic rectangular cast-iron bath. But today, designers claim that in order to create a unique and stylish interior, it is necessary to use modern materials. And yet, despite the large variety of different showers, many still prefer baths. Therefore, during the repair in the bathroom, the most important place is occupied by the process of choosing a high-quality and durable bath.

When choosing a bath, the main thing is to use space rationally. The design should be comfortable and have a large place for a comfortable wash. Also important point - the bath should be beautiful and consistent with the style of the interior. But this selection criterion is considered individual for each customer. Modern manufacturers offer sanitary ware for the bathroom of various materials.

Three categories are considered the most popular:

• acrylic - allow you to implement bold design solutions;
• cast iron - are a classic option;
• steel - have less weight compared to cast iron, but at the same time are more reliable and durable compared to acrylic.

More expensive models are made of glass and stone. The steel bath in appearance barely differs from the cast iron one, but it is considered a more budget option with the same performance properties. The weight of the steel bath is 4-5 times less than the cast-iron bowl with the same dimensions and characteristics. In addition, steel is a more plastic material than cast iron, so the bath can be both classic rectangular and asymmetric.

Additional elements make the bath more comfortable and ergonomic.

Any model can have several functions:

• Hand-rail - strong handles are made of reliable materials: metal or polyurethane;
• overflow and overflow systems;
• comfortable head restraints for relaxation with adjustable pillows on pillows;
• wide sides on which you can sit or use them to place cosmetics;
• adjustable legs for more convenient installation of the bath;
• additional compartments for cosmetics and other accessories;
• noise absorbing coasters;
• radio;
• ionization;
• water heating;
• backlight.

Some types of bowls can be equipped with various functional elements that help to relax and rejuvenate after a hard day.

Additionally, the bath may have underwater massage systems.

• Hydromassage - has a relaxing and healing effect. The bath structure is additionally equipped with a pump and a hose, due to which water jets under the pressure and bottom of the bath are supplied under pressure.When choosing a hydromassage, pay attention to the pump power and the number of modes. The minimum recommended power should be 600 watts. It is also good if the structure is additionally equipped with sound insulation, since with a large water pressure the steel structure of the bath can create discomfort.
• Aero massage - The main element of the system are air bubbles.
• Turbo Massage - in addition to water jets, the system uses air bubbles.

Before buying, you must consider the pros and cons of steel baths.

Steel plumbing has many advantages.

• A large variety of ergonomic shapes and comfortable sizes. Steel is a more plastic material than cast iron, so modern manufacturers offer a wide range of different models and a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and configurations.
• Cost The price of plumbing from steel is relatively low compared with plumbing from quarian, stone or cast iron. And there is always the opportunity to choose the right model for any budget.
• Low weight. The full-size model has a weight of about 35-40 kg, which allows you to install a steel bath in the apartments of the old stock.Since the hull has less weight, it will not exert a heavy load on outdated floors and supports. Also steel tubs are easier to transport and install.
• Reliability and modern design. Steel baths have great strength inherent in cast iron, and a stylish look, comparable to acrylic products.
• Durability and smoothness of the coating. Steel baths have an additional coating that gives the cup shine and strength. Therefore, temperature drops and mechanical stress will not lead to deformation or cracking.
• Resistance to temperature changes. Steel and enamel coating retain their original characteristics at both high and low temperatures.
• Easy to care. Smooth enamel coating has virtually no pores, which greatly simplifies the process of cleaning the bath. In addition, some models have a special coating with a self-cleaning function that protects against the formation of traces from dried drops or stains.
• Long service life. On average, steel plumbing can last more than 30 years.

In addition to the large number of advantages, of course, steel plumbing also has disadvantages.

• High thermal conductivity.The peculiarity of the steel is such that the metal heats up quickly and also cools quickly, so the water in the bath becomes cool much faster than in cast iron or acrylic. Although for families with children, this feature is considered an advantage, not a disadvantage.
• Not all cleaning products are suitable for steel tubs. Rigid and powdered household chemicals can lead to deformation of the smooth surface of the bowl.

According to experts, the advantages of steel baths cover all the disadvantages. For example, many manufacturers offer models with thickened walls, which make the design more reliable, allow to reduce heat transfer and increase noise insulation.

Steel bath is made of metal sheets with a thickness of 2-5 mm. The whole process is carried out on an automatic line. At this stage of production, the thickness of the walls and the bottom of the future bowl is regulated. With the help of a press, steel blanks are extruded and take the required shape.

In the manufacture of steel bath used two types of steel:

• Stainless steel - meets sanitary requirements and is absolutely harmless to people.The material is corrosion resistant.
• Structural steel - the most popular option, due to a more affordable price.

High-quality coating of the bath protects the steel from corrosion and increases its service life.

The most popular models are enamelled bowls, as they are:

• have ergonomic design;
• the service life of some models can reach 30 years;
• if chips and scratches appear on the surface, the coating can be restored;
• low cost

Some models of steel baths can be supplemented with acrylic liners. They are bowls with a thickness of 2-6 mm, which exactly repeat all the bends and shapes of the steel bath.

Acrylic has many positive qualities:

• makes the inner surface more smooth, shiny and pleasant to the touch;
• the water in the acrylic bowl cools down much more slowly;
• the bowl of acrylic has a low weight, which greatly facilitates the transportation and installation of the bath;
• environmentally friendly material - acrylic is absolutely safe for human health;
• inserts help to increase the service life and ensure the durability of the bath;
• acrylic bowls have a rectangular, oval or triangular shape and can be used in many models;
• reliability and durability - manufacturers also guarantee a long service life of acrylic liners.

Also, the bath may have a polymer coating, which also has many advantages.

• provides additional sound insulation when filling the bowl with water;
• has a shiny glossy surface that does not tarnish even after cleaning with detergents;
• hot water cools much more slowly compared to the enamel coating;
• Polymer coating is considered a budget option.

Polymer-coated bowls are also whimsical in care and require the use of exceptionally mild liquid cleaning products. The disadvantages include the lack of color.All models with a polymer coating are exclusively white.

Glass ceramic coating is used in the premium category bathrooms. Its characteristics:

• glass ceramics is applied to the surface of a steel bowl in two layers and, for greater strength, is fired in a furnace;
• has a natural shine, immaculate white color and a nice smooth surface;
• the structure does not deform and does not change shape;
• the coating is resistant even to harsh cleaning agents, temperature changes and mechanical stress;
• reliable protection from chipping and scratching;
• low weight, which greatly facilitates installation and transportation.

Thick-walled models have a long service life. The most reliable baths are models with a combined coating of steel, enamel, glass-ceramic and polymer.

A wide range of steel baths allows you to choose a model that meets all basic requirements. Among the modern models, you can easily find a suitable bath for small apartments and spacious country houses.But do not forget that when choosing a suitable model, you must also consider how much the bath weighs. When calculating, it is necessary to take into account the additional weight of the water in the bowl and the weight of the person.

A steel bath can have either the standard or the most bizarre shape.

Manufacturers offer steel bowls in various configurations.

• Rectangular - the standard and most common option. Such models often have rounded sides. A rectangular bath is an excellent option for small bathrooms.
• Round - an unusual and interesting option. Such models themselves can be an element of luxury in the design of a bathroom. Depending on the size, manufacturers offer single, double or even multi-seat bowls.
• Oval - A great option for a classic-style bathroom interior. Laconic and simple models do not have corners and, depending on the size, can accommodate two people at the same time.

• Corner - can be installed only in large bathrooms. When choosing such a model, it is necessary to take into account that the corner baths are left and right, symmetrical and asymmetrical.Such non-standard bowls visually free the central part of the room.
• Hexagonal - Bowls of complex shape can have different shapes. Such models can be installed both in the corner of the room and in the center.

Modern manufacturers produce classic models of standard sizes and symmetrical shapes. But also some models may have a curved and refined shape, or give the interior some futuristic.

Based on the dimensions, there are three categories of baths:

• Small-sized can be installed in small rooms, their dimensions vary from 120x70 to 140x70 cm, while such bowls do not clutter the space. Today, manufacturers produce models for people with limited mobility. So, for example, you can buy a compact bowl 120x70x80 cm with a sitting place.
• Standard ones are considered to be a classic variant, bowl sizes can be in the range from 160x70 to 170x75 cm. Such models are suitable for installation in typical apartment buildings.
• Large-sized with a size of 180x80 and more are designed specifically for spacious rooms. A bath of this size is suitable exclusively for tall people.Owners of average height will be quite uncomfortable to be in a filled bowl.

In various models, the width can be in the range of 60-160 cm. Depth, as a rule, varies from 38 to 48 cm. But you can also purchase unusual options. For example, a steel bath may have an asymmetrical shape and be different original design. With it, you can add a standard or non-standard layout. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the bath has three sides, two of which come into contact with the walls, and the third has an oval or figured shape.

The choice of steel bath is a serious task, in which it is necessary to take into account many nuances. A large range of sanitary ware of various configurations, shapes, sizes, with colored or white enamel is on sale. In all this variety it is easy to get confused, so the question of how to choose the right steel bath is of interest to many.

The main requirement for the bath - it should be convenient for all family members. People with large shapes or tall should choose models with a size of 180x80 cm. Models ranging from 150 to 170 cm are suitable for people of average build. Also, when choosing a size, wall thickness plays a big role. Steel plumbing is available for people with different weights. So, for example, for people of average weight, models with a wall thickness of 2.5-3 mm are suitable, and for people with weights above average, experts recommend choosing models with walls from 3.5 mm.

An important nuance when choosing a bath is the depth of the bowl. For most people of average body size, a bowl about 40 cm deep is suitable. With such dimensions, a person can dive into the water without protruding knees.

When choosing the shape of the bath, you must first focus on the design of the bathroom. Bowl may have different shades. Bright bath can be a bold accent in the interior. Modern coloring components are not afraid of temperature changes and direct sunlight.But the most popular is still white, it harmoniously fits into any style.

The ranking of the best manufacturers of baths is led by European companies. The plumbing made in Germany and Italy is very popular among buyers. Also, many prefer Russian-made baths, but this product has a shorter service life.

Quality bath models have additional anti-slip and easy-clean coatings, which reduce traumatic risks and increase hygiene. But if you choose a bath not in order to bask in the hot water, but for sanitary or domestic premises, pay attention to more practical and cheaper models.

To install a steel bath does not require expensive equipment. The bowl is set on the legs, and this task can be managed alone, but you need to have some experience.

There are three options for installing a steel bath:

• along one wall - the most common option;
• Angular placement near two or three walls is often found in small apartments;
• in the central part of the premises - available only to owners of country houses and spacious modern apartments. Designers are advised to choose in this case, round or oval baths.

The type of installation depends on the area, the style of the room and the model chosen. First of all, prepare the walls and the floor to install the bath. Support floors must be perfectly level. In most cases, it is necessary to pre-floor the floor. Pull all pipes to the place of installation of the bowl, connect the siphon and drain. After that, check all joints before connecting the water. Any malfunction in the future can be costly not only for you, but also for your neighbors from below.

Install the frame to the bearing supports. To securely fix the structure and in order not to loose the bath, use angular iron supports fixed to the wall. But before that, experts recommend increasing noise insulation.Since steel baths have low sound absorption, when filling the bowl with water from a strong jet, a ringing sound is formed. This noise will be heard not only in the bathroom, but also in the neighboring rooms. To get rid of loud sounds, experts advise the use of rubber pads when installing a bath. You can also replace the external part or use modern penofol material to thicken the bottom.

Most models have a slope at the bottom of the bowl for a quick runoff of water. If such a slope is not provided in your bath, then you will need to install the clamps on the legs with a slight height adjustment. Connect the drain pipes to the strapping and check the connection. To do this, you can turn on the water and inspect possible leaks.

Process the side of the bath with the wall sealant, and for greater reliability, you can also install a flexible wall plinth. The outer part of the bowl can be closed with plastic panels or ceramic tiles.

With proper care, steel plumbing will last an average of 20 years.

For this you need to follow simple tips and recommendations.

• After each use of the bath try to wash the soap solution from the surface of the bowl with running warm water. Try to keep the bowl in a dry condition, because even from a small amount of water at the bottom may appear stains, stains or rust.
• Before using bath cleaners, be sure to review the composition. Household chemicals should not contain acid, it has a detrimental effect on the enamel. Also, do not use powders and hard sponges to clean the bathroom, otherwise the surface may become rough.
• From hard flowing water, small yellow spots may appear on the surface over time. Get rid of them will help weak acetic solution. To do this, mix the vinegar with water and treat the yellowed areas with a soft cloth.
• Bleaching the surface and getting rid of rust stains will help baking soda. To do this, mix the soda with water to a mushy state and apply the resulting composition to the surface for half an hour. Also in such cases perfectly helps citric acid.After that, wipe with a soft cloth and remove the mixture with running warm water.
• Enamel can damage a dropped heavy object, it can even be a shower hose. And if from this there was a chip or scratch, then this site can be restored. To do this, you need to clean and degrease the place of cleavage, and then use acrylic or epoxy enamels.
• If the inner coating has lost its original appearance and you think what paint to paint the bath, then perhaps the best option in this case would be to order a new acrylic liner. It can be ordered at any size and completely cover the defective surface.

Judging by the user comments, some buyers do not recommend installing steel baths. One of the main reasons is that the legs provided by the manufacturer are not able to withstand a large weight of a bath filled with water. But many have found a way out of this difficult situation and offer to independently strengthen the framework.

Perhaps the cheapest imported baths company offers Blb. Buyers leave positive comments about the model “Universal HG B70H”.As the name implies, the bath is considered universal and suitable for many typical rooms. But this model is suitable only for those rooms in which the installation of a bath is supposed to be along three walls. According to buyers, this is a necessary condition for the reliability of fixing the bath. Since the supporting structures are less stable, when the person leaves the bath, the whole structure may shake.

But the main recommendation before buying a steel bath - choosing a suitable model, be sure to consider the wall thickness. So, for example, some buyers who decided to save, purchased models with thin walls, so they complain about the sagging of the bottom of the structure during water procedures. This means that the body of the bowl is not able to withstand a large load from water and from the weight of a person.

The sitz bath belongs more to the category of budget options. Such a model is compactly located even in a small room. These baths can be produced in various forms: rectangular, oval or triangular.

Also, buyers noted another budget model, but already from the German manufacturer - “Kaldewei From Plus 310-1”. The size of the bowl is standard - 150x70 cm. The design itself is very convenient: the place for the back in the bowl has a small bevel, which allows you to sit comfortably and completely relax while taking a bath. Such a copy can be placed in a typical bathroom, it will be convenient for people with an average physique. In addition, the presented model is designed specifically for people weighing up to 85 kg. Bath is equipped with legs that do not need to be strengthened. But some buyers noted that the height of the support offered to customers is relatively small, so for comfortable use you can additionally increase the legs in height.

Large models can also be purchased at a lower budget price. A few years ago, the custom size 180x70 was difficult to find in the plumbing market. But more recently, domestic companies have established the production of large-sized steel baths. Such models are appreciated by people with high growth.

Another model of the bath deserves attention in the opinion of buyers.Kazakhstan manufacturer offers products under the brand White Wave Classic. It is worth noting that the entire line of the company is produced on German equipment, but at the same time plumbing belongs to the budget segment. So, buyers leave positive feedback about the Universal 170 x 75 bathtub. The shape of the bowl is classic, and the model itself is suitable for installation in rooms of any size.

Many buyers have learned how to solve problems that arise during its operation. Since the model is considered budget, the bottom of the bowl is not treated with sound-proof materials, and the design itself is made of steel with a thickness of 1.5 mm, which must be considered when choosing this bath.

The production phase of the steel bath is very interesting and fully automated. During the work exclusively stainless and structural steel is used.

• for a start, large steel sheets are cut into blanks;
• after that, the metal sheets are sent to the hood in a molding machine,where with the help of a press, the shape of the bowl is shaped;
• excess metal edges are cut off, and a hole is drilled at the bottom to drain the water;
• after that, the inside of the bowl is enameled, and the bath is sent to the chamber to be baked under high temperature.

Absolute accuracy at all stages of production allows to obtain high-quality products without rejection and hidden defects. There are several leading manufacturers of steel sanitary ware on the world market, and each has its own segment of customers. Modern manufacturers use the latest technology, unique coatings and implement bold design solutions in the development of steel baths. European and domestic plants make reliable baths of convenient design with a similar design.

• Blb Company (Portugal) offers buyers universal models of baths. It is worth noting the budget and compact sit-down model “Europa mini” with noise protection. The dimensions of this bathtub are 105x70x39 cm, and the volume is 100 liters.The bathtub is equipped with adjustable legs, which, as advised by buyers, for greater reliability, it is necessary to strengthen the metal strip before installation.

• In Germany, produce high-quality steel baths under Bette brand. The company's products occupy a leading position among the global manufacturers of sanitary ware and belongs to the premium segment. By production only steel sheets with a minimum thickness of 3.5 mm are used, which guarantees the reliability and durability of each model.

• Baths under Swiss brand Laufen are a unique functional combination of safety and modern design. Products meet all European quality requirements. The unique production technology includes two stages of enamel coating and two kilns firing at a temperature of 860 ° С. In addition, numerous tests have shown that the coating is resistant to cleaning agents and to direct sunlight.

• Another German modern manufacturer - Kaldewei, was able to solve the problem associated with the sound insulation of steel baths.To this end, the company's specialists refined the design of the bath and developed a special antiresonant stand made of Styrofoam. Externally, the material is similar to foam. This kind of stand also has rubber elements for mixer tubes. Thus, Kaldewei baths have improved sound and heat insulation due to the unique coating, also developed according to its own recipe.

The range of plumbing company is very wide, the manufacturer offers a bath of various shapes and sizes. It is worth noting an unusual model in the Japanese style “Kusatsu Pool”, the dimensions of which are very compact - 140x100 cm, and the depth of the bowl - 81 cm. The products include both budget and premium class, so any buyer can afford Kaldewei steel baths.

• Story roca started over a century ago. Over its many years of experience, the manufacturer has significantly increased the range of steel baths. The company offers bowls of various shapes and sizes. A key feature is the special production technology - the bath is completely covered with pigmented enamel, which effectively protects against mechanical damage and corrosion.Plastic material allows designers to implement the most daring and unexpected solutions and produce baths as close as possible to the anatomical forms of a person.

A favorite among the entire model range is the “Princess” bath with anti-slip coating, at the bottom of which there are wavy protrusions. Also in great demand are the models "Akira", "Malibu", "Continental" and "Haiti".

Russia also produces excellent steel bath models that are not inferior in quality to European manufacturers. Plumbing Donna Bath and Antika, produced in Yekaterinburg, is very popular. The Reimar model has a unique three-layer coating made of steel, enamel and polymer, which reliably protects against the formation of fungi and bacteria and gives additional sound insulation.

Unique products are manufactured in Kirov - the surface of a steel bath is enameled with silver ions. Comfortable and modern built-in models can be purchased from the Novokuznetsk manufacturer. Although all domestic products are manufactured on German equipment, the price remains quite affordable.

How to install a steel bath, see the video below.