Steel baths: advantages and selection criteria

Not so long ago, every apartment had a classic rectangular cast iron bathtub. 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 shower cabins, many still prefer baths. Therefore, during the renovation in the bathroom, the most important place is taken 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 area for comfortable washing. Also, an important point - the bath should be beautiful and match the style of the interior. But this selection criterion is considered individual for each customer. Modern manufacturers offer bathroom fixtures from various materials.

The most popular are three categories:

• acrylic - allow you to implement bold design solutions;
• cast iron - are the 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. A steel bathtub hardly differs in appearance from a cast iron bathtub, but it is considered a more budgetary option with the same operational properties. The weight of a steel bath is 4-5 times less than a cast iron bowl with the same dimensions and characteristics. In addition, steel is a more ductile material than cast iron, so the bath can be either classic rectangular or asymmetric.

Additional elements make the bathtub more comfortable and ergonomic.

Any model can have several functions:

• handrails - durable handles are made of reliable materials: metal or polyurethane;
• drain-overflow systems;
• comfortable headrests for relaxation with cushions adjustable in terms of stiffness;
• wide bumpers on which you can sit or use them to place cosmetics;
• adjustable legs for a more convenient installation of the bath;
• additional compartments for cosmetics and other accessories;
• noise-absorbing stands;
• radio;
• ionization;
• water heating;
• backlight.

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

Additionally, the bath can have underwater massage systems.

• Hydromassage - has a relaxing and healing effect. The design of the bath is additionally equipped with a pump and a hose, thanks to which water jets are supplied under pressure along the bottom and walls of the bath. 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 not bad if the structure is additionally equipped with sound insulation, since with a high water pressure, the steel structure of the bath can create discomfort.
• Aeromassage - the main element of the system is air bubbles.
• Turbomassage - in addition to water jets, the system uses air bubbles.

Before buying, you need to consider the pros and cons of steel tubs.

Steel plumbing has many benefits.

• A wide variety of ergonomic shapes and convenient sizes. Steel is a more ductile material than cast iron, so modern manufacturers offer a wide range of different models and a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and configurations.
• Price. The price of plumbing made of steel is relatively low compared to plumbing made of quaril, stone or cast iron. And there is always the opportunity to find the right model for any budget.
• Low weight. The full-size model has a weight of about 35-40 kg, which makes it possible to install a steel bathtub in apartments of the old stock. Since the frame is lighter, it will not place more stress on old floors and supports. Also, steel tubs are easier to transport and install.
• Reliability and modern design. Steel bathtubs have the great strength inherent in cast iron and have a stylish look that is comparable to acrylic products.
• Strength and smoothness of the coating. Steel baths have an additional coating that gives the bowl shine and durability. Therefore, temperature drops and mechanical stress will not lead to deformation or cracking.
• Resistant to temperature extremes. Steel and enamel coatings retain their original characteristics at both high and low temperatures.
• Easy to care for. The smooth enamel coating has virtually no pores, which greatly facilitates the cleaning of the bathtub. In addition, some models have a special self-cleaning coating that protects against the formation of marks from dried drops or streaks.
• Long service life. On average, steel plumbing can last over 30 years.

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

• High thermal conductivity. The peculiarity of steel is such that the metal heats up quickly and also cools down quickly, so the water in the bath will become 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 agents are suitable for a steel bath. Harsh and powdered household chemicals can deform 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 thicker walls, which make the structure more reliable, reduce heat transfer and increase noise insulation.

The steel bath is made from 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 billets are squeezed out and take the required shape.

There are two types of steel used in the manufacture of a steel bath:

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

A high-quality bath coating protects the steel from corrosion and increases its service life.

The most popular models are enamelled bowls, as they:

• have an 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 bathtubs can be supplemented with acrylic inserts.They are bowls with a thickness of 2-6 mm, which exactly follow all the curves and shapes of the steel bath.

Acrylic has many positive qualities:

• makes the inner surface smoother, shinier and more pleasant to the touch;
• the water in the acrylic bowl cools down much more slowly;
• the acrylic bowl is lightweight, 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 guarantee the durability of the bath;
• acrylic bowls are rectangular, oval or triangular in shape and can be used in many models;
• reliability and durability - manufacturers also guarantee a long service life of acrylic liners.

Also, the bath can 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 fade even after cleaning with detergents;
• hot water cools down much more slowly compared to enamel coating;
• polymer coating is considered a more budget option.

Color-coated bowls are also difficult to clean and require the use of extremely mild liquid cleaning agents. The disadvantages include the lack of colors. All polymer coated models are exclusively white.

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

• glass ceramics are applied to the surface of a steel bowl in two layers and fired in a furnace for greater strength;
• has a natural shine, flawless white color and a pleasant smooth surface;
• the structure does not deform and does not change shape;
• the coating is resistant even to harsh cleaning agents, temperature extremes and mechanical stress;
• reliable protection against chips and scratches;
• light weight, which greatly facilitates installation and transportation.

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

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

The steel bathtub can have both standard and fanciful shapes.

Manufacturers offer steel bowls in various configurations.

• Rectangular - the standard and most common option. Such models often have rounded sides. A rectangular bathtub is a great option for small bathrooms.
• Round - an unusual and interesting option. Such models can in themselves become a luxury item in bathroom design. Depending on the size, manufacturers offer single, double and even multi-seat bowls.
• Oval - a great option for a classic bathroom interior. Laconic and simple models have no corners and, depending on the size, can accommodate two people at the same time.

• Corner - can only be installed in large bathrooms. When choosing such a model, it must be borne in mind that corner baths are left and right, symmetrical and asymmetrical.Such non-standard bowls visually liberate 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 in standard sizes and symmetrical shapes. But also some models can have a curved and sophisticated shape, or give the interior a certain futurism.

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

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

In various models, the width can be in the range of 60-160 cm. The depth, as a rule, varies from 38 to 48 cm. But unusual options can also be purchased. For example, a steel bathtub can have an asymmetrical shape and have an original design. It can be used to supplement the standard or non-standard layout. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the bath has three sides, two of which are in contact with the walls, and the third has an oval or curly shape.

The choice of a steel bath is a serious task in which many nuances must be taken into account. A large assortment of plumbing fixtures of various configurations, shapes, sizes, with colored or white enamel is on sale. It is easy to get confused in all this variety, so the question of how to choose the right steel bathtub is of interest to many.

The main requirement for a bath is that it should be comfortable for all family members. People with large shapes or tall stature should choose models with a size of 180x80 cm. For people of average build, models with a length from 150 to 170 cm are suitable. Also, when choosing a size, the thickness of the walls plays an important 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 a weight 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 build, a bowl with a depth of about 40 cm is suitable. With this size, a person can plunge into water without protruding knees.

When choosing the shape of the bath, you must first of all focus on the design of the bathroom. The bowl is available in various shades. A bright bathtub 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 fits harmoniously into any style.

The rating of the best manufacturers of bathtubs is headed by European companies. Plumbing fixtures made in Germany and Italy are very popular among buyers.Also, many people prefer Russian-made bathtubs, but these products have a shorter service life.

High-quality bathtub models have additional anti-slip and easy-clean coatings, which reduce the risk of injury and increase hygiene. But if you choose a bathtub not for basking in hot water, but for sanitary or household premises, pay attention to more practical and cheaper models.

No expensive equipment is required to install a steel bath. The bowl is installed on legs, and you can cope with this task alone, but you need to have some experience.

There are three options for installing a steel bath:

• along one wall is the most common option;
• corner 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 advise choosing round or oval bathtubs in this case.

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

Install the frame to the structural supports. To securely fasten the structure and so that the bath does not wobble, use corner iron supports fixed to the wall. But before that, experts recommend increasing the sound insulation. Since steel tubs have low sound absorption, a strong ringing sound is generated when the bowl is filled with water from a strong jet. This noise will be heard not only in the bathroom, but also in the adjacent rooms. To get rid of loud noises, experts advise using rubber pads when installing the bath. You can also foam the outer part or use modern penofol material to thicken the bottom.

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

Treat the side of the junction of the bathtub with the wall with a sealant, and for greater reliability, you can also install a flexible wall plinth. The outside of the bowl can be covered with plastic panels or ceramic tiles.

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

To do this, you must adhere to simple tips and recommendations.

• After each use of the bath, try to rinse the soap solution from the surface of the bowl with running warm water. Try to keep the bowl dry, as even a small amount of water can leave streaks, stains or rust on the bottom.
• Be sure to check the ingredients before using bath cleaners. Household chemicals should not contain acid, it has a detrimental effect on enamel. Also, do not use powders and hard sponges for cleaning the bathroom, otherwise the surface may become rough.
• Hard running water may cause small yellow spots to appear on the surface over time. A weak vinegar solution will help get rid of them. To do this, mix the vinegar with water and treat the yellowed areas with a soft cloth.
• Baking soda can help whiten the surface and get rid of the rust stain. To do this, mix soda with water until mushy and apply the resulting composition to the surface for half an hour. Also in such cases, citric acid helps a lot. Then wipe with a soft cloth and remove the mixture with running warm water.
• If a heavy object has fallen, it can damage the enamel, even the shower hose. And if a chip or scratch appears from this, then this area can be restored. To do this, you need to clean and degrease the chip area, and then use acrylic or epoxy enamels.
• If the inner coating has lost its original appearance and you are thinking about what paint to paint the bathtub, then perhaps ordering a new acrylic liner would be the best option in this case. It can be ordered for any size and completely cover the defective surface.

Based on user comments, some customers do not recommend installing steel tubs. One of the main reasons is that the legs provided by the manufacturer are not capable of supporting the heavy weight of the bathtub filled with water. But many have found a way out of this difficult situation and offer to strengthen the frame on their own.

Perhaps the cheapest imported baths are offered by Blb. Customers have left positive comments on the Universal HG B70H. As the name implies, the bathtub is considered versatile and suitable for many typical rooms. But this model is suitable only for those rooms in which the installation of the bathtub is supposed to be along three walls. As noted by buyers, this is a prerequisite for the reliability of the bath attachment. Since the supporting structures are less stable, then when a person leaves the bath, the entire structure may stagger.

But the main recommendation before buying a steel bathtub is when choosing the right model, be sure to take into account the wall thickness. So, for example, some buyers who decided to save money 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 the heavy load from water and from the weight of a person.

The sitz bath is more of a budget option. Such a model is compactly located even in a small room. These baths can be produced in various shapes: rectangular, oval or triangular.

Also, buyers have noted another budget model, but from the German manufacturer - "Kaldewei From Plus 310-1". The size of the bowl is standard - 150x70 cm. The design itself is built very conveniently: the place for the back in the bowl has a slight 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 build. In addition, the presented model is designed specifically for people weighing up to 85 kg. The bathtub is equipped with legs that do not need to be strengthened. But some buyers noted that the height of the support offered to buyers is relatively small, so for comfortable use, you can additionally increase the legs in height.

Plus size models can also be purchased for a more budgetary price. A few years ago, a non-standard size 180x70 was difficult to find on the plumbing market. But recently, domestic companies have launched the production of large steel baths. Such models were appreciated by tall people.

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

Many buyers have learned to independently solve problems that arise during its operation. Since the model is considered a budget model, the bottom of the bowl is not treated with soundproof materials, and the structure itself is made of steel 1.5 mm thick, which must be taken into account when choosing this bath.

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

• to begin with, large steel sheets are cut into blanks;
• after that, the metal sheets are sent to the extraction unit in the molding apparatus, where, with the help of a press, the blanks are given the shape of a bowl;
• 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 covered with enamel, and the bath is sent to the chamber to be baked under high temperature.

Absolute precision at all stages of production allows us to obtain high-quality products without defects and hidden defects. There are several leading manufacturers of steel sanitary ware on the world market, and each has its own segment of buyers. Modern manufacturers use the latest technologies, unique coatings and implement bold design solutions when developing steel bathtubs. European and domestic factories produce reliable bathtubs of a convenient design with a similar design.

• Blb company (Portugal) offers customers universal bath models. It is worth noting the budget and compact seated model "Europa mini" with noise protection. The dimensions of this bath are 105x70x39 cm, and the volume is 100 liters. The bathtub is equipped with adjustable legs, which, as buyers advise, must be reinforced with a metal strip for greater reliability before installation.

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

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

• Another German modern manufacturer - Kaldewei, was able to solve the problem related to the soundproofing of steel bathtubs. To do this, the company's specialists have finalized the design of the bath and developed a special anti-resonant support made of styrofoam. Externally, the material is similar to foam. This kind of stand also has rubber elements for the mixer pipes. Thus, Kaldewei bathtubs have improved sound and thermal insulation thanks to a unique coating, also developed according to its own recipe.

The range of sanitary ware of the company is very wide, the manufacturer offers baths 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 is 81 cm. The manufactured products belong to both budget and premium class, so any customer can afford Kaldewei steel bathtubs.

• History Roca began over a century ago. For its many years of experience, the manufacturer has significantly increased the range of steel baths. The company offers bowls of various shapes and sizes. The key feature is a special production technology - the bathtub 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 bathtubs that are as close as possible to the anatomical forms of a person.

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

Excellent models of steel baths are also produced in Russia, which are not inferior in quality to European manufacturers. Plumbing "Donna Vanna" and Antika, produced in Yekaterinburg, are very popular. The Reimar model has a unique three-layer coating of steel, enamel and polymer, which reliably protects against the formation of fungi and bacteria and provides additional sound insulation.

In Kirov, unique products are produced - the surface of a steel bath is coated with enamel 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.

See below for more details.