Corner cast iron baths: features of choice
Today, a bath is a basic necessity. This plumbing fixture is present in almost every home. Carrying out repair work in the bathroom, many are considering various design projects using corner baths. They look attractive and have many other benefits that we will look at in this article.
Comfortable form
Oval and rectangular bathtubs are most familiar to everyone, but they are not always convenient and rational in certain planning conditions. As a rule, a bathroom in standard apartments does not differ in a large area, so a conventional design may simply not fit into the available space. The angular shape is comfortable due to the following features:
- It saves space... Such a bath can comfortably accommodate a tall person, while the bathroom can fit in a small room.
- There is a wide range of these types of baths... You will be able to familiarize yourself with a rich model range, where there are different types of cast iron baths with a large number of configurations.
- Convenience. The presented design and shape are characterized by ergonomics. It is much more convenient to use than a standard rectangular bathroom.
It is worth paying attention to the moment why these bathrooms are produced much less often than standard ones. This is due to the complexity of the processing of the material used. Cast iron alloy is characterized by high strength and low ductility, while it is quite fragile, therefore, the manufacture of rounded and complex shapes is accompanied by certain difficulties.
Asymmetric products are manufactured with the following parameters: 170x110, 120x120 and 120x70.
Advantages and disadvantages
A cast-iron corner bath is a profitable purchase, since its service life exceeds half a century. Many professionals point out that cast iron appears as the most successful material in the production of sanitary bowls. The models under consideration are characterized by many advantages:
- Long operational life. A cast iron bath can be used without problems for several decades without losing its original properties.
- Slow cooling. The material in question is characterized by a low degree of thermal conductivity, which is why hot water, which is poured into the bath, will cool rather slowly.
- There is resistance to chemical detergents and temperature extremes... A cast iron bath copes well with the effects of hot and cold water, while it can be cleaned with potent agents.
- Attractive appearance... Cast iron corner baths can perfectly fit into any interior, emphasizing the sophisticated style and wealth of the owner.
- Cast iron is a material that is very easy to restore. This procedure is usually necessary to restore the gloss of the surface after many years of use.
- It's a cost-effective purchase, since you will need repair or replacement long after the start of operation.
Manufacturers note that these bathtubs very often last up to 100 years., however, for this, it is necessary to periodically restore and renew the enamel coating, which is the weak point of the product.
Despite the obvious advantages of the bath in question, manufacturers rarely produce corner models made of cast iron. This is largely due to the fact that not all firms have the required equipment, qualifications and knowledge of how this alloy should be processed. Based on this, a cast-iron bath of an unusual shape will become an exclusive product that not many can afford. Despite the abundance of advantages, these products are characterized by some disadvantages:
- Great weight. A standard cast iron bath weighs about 100 kg. In the case of a corner structure, its weight exceeds 150 kg, excluding the amount of water collected. It is important to understand that not every floor is designed for such loads, so the installation of this bath is not possible everywhere.
- The enamel layer, which is applied to the surface of the bowl, tends to wear out faster than cast iron. If the bathtub has been used incorrectly, and it has not been properly maintained, then over time a yellow tint will appear, chips and cracks are possible.
- Custom shape and dimensionswhich complicate the transportation and installation of these baths, especially if they are located in a small bathroom. Often, it is required to parse the doorway just to bring the bathroom into the apartment.
- Relatively high price... Corner models cost at least 50,000 rubles, and if there are high-tech additions, then the product will cost over 150,000 rubles.
Based on the above, it becomes clear that a bath with a similar mass and size needs a large room. First, you need to make calculations to determine whether the floor will withstand such a high load.
It is important to note that many of the disadvantages of this product are due to poor quality production.
Making the right choice
When it comes to such an expensive purchase, it is necessary that it justifies itself, that is, it can serve as long as possible. That is why it is important to seriously approach the issue of choosing a cast-iron corner bath. The difficulty lies in the fact that usually you do not have the opportunity to see the plumbing bowl, since such complex structures are most often made to order. However, there are several factors you should pay attention to when choosing.
Dimensions (edit)
This is a very important selection criterion, because if you choose the wrong size of the product, then it simply may not fit in the room, or there will be unnecessary space between the bathroom and the wall.
First of all, it is necessary to make accurate calculations of the place in which it is planned to install the bath. It is important to take into account the features of the corner structure so that the resulting calculations are as accurate as possible. The place should be selected taking into account whether there is access to communications, that is, the corner bath should be located where there is a sewerage system and water supply.
Domestic manufacturers create cast-iron corner baths up to 170 cm long, while foreign manufacturers provide for a length of up to 180 cm. Bowls are 60 to 160 cm wide, and their depth is in the range of 40-65 centimeters.
Coating
Which must be inspected before accepting the product. Cast iron is a complex metal that is difficult to work with. That is why not every manufacturer provides products with a flat surface. If the surface is smooth and uniform in color and the manufacturing standards are met, the product is of the highest quality.
After you inspect all the walls from the outside, determine the presence or absence of defects, you must also consider the inside. There should be no cracks, chips or abrasions on the enamel surface. In this case, the thickness of the enamel should be uniform, without thickening.
Cast iron thickness
Domestic corner models visually look strict, since they are made from a material whose thickness is about 7 mm.European manufacturers use cast iron with a thickness of 5 mm.
Availability of a guarantee and a certificate
Before making a purchase, you must make sure that the cast iron bath you are purchasing has a quality certificate and a manufacturer's warranty. This is for you a certain guarantor that the products really meet all the stated requirements.
Availability of additional functions
Cast iron corner baths can be equipped with useful features. As an example, we can note the presence of a hydromassage, which will allow a person to relax after a hard day's work and improve their health.
Hydromassage is not the only addition that can be present in such baths. Other features include automatic drain, unique handles, electric heating. You should be careful with these additions.
If you do not plan to use them, then you should not overload the bath with various devices. This will only raise the price of the purchased product.
Product term
The service life of the product, which is affected by the quality of the casting of the material and the reliability of the enamel. If there are any defects in the bowl, then after a few years it will be necessary to restore the bath enamel or restore it from chips and cracks. Even a small scratch or faint crack can lead to serious damage in the future.
Manufacturer reputation
Which must be flawless. When it comes to such expensive plumbing, in no case should you purchase it from firms unknown to you. It is worth noting that foreign-made corner cast-iron bathtubs are more elegant than domestic ones.
If you and your family prefer not only to take a bathroom, but also a shower, then you should not acquire a large bathroom that will take up half of the room. It is best to pay attention to the corner design. With a small area of the bathroom, the corner structure will look most advantageous, since it will not hide the useful space.
In a situation where there are small children and elderly people in the house, it is best to opt for models with a seat and handles, since these equipment provide additional ease of use.
It is important to note that the corner bath does not have to be supported by the wall. If the area of the bathroom allows, then in this case the font can be placed in the middle, which will be an unusual design move and will allow you to zone the room in the right way.
Where can I buy?
Finding a similar corner bath in Russia is problematic. Domestic manufacturers make cast iron baths of various widths and lengths, but these are mainly rectangular or oval structures. In stores, you can rarely find a corner bath made of cast iron, so they are usually purchased to order. This is a very profitable service, thanks to which you can acquire a convenient plumbing fixture. It will be maximally adapted to the interior of your premises and will satisfy all your needs.
Manufacturers
You should consider the fact that purchasing a corner bath made of cast iron from an unverified manufacturer is an unjustified risk, since it is an expensive product. The manufacture of such structures is usually carried out by firms that have a worldwide reputation. They distribute their products not only in their own country, but also abroad. An example is ROCA, whose products are very popular and have a long service life.
All the pros and cons of a corner bath are in the next video.
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