When designing or planning a bathroom renovation, we often face the dilemma of which bath to choose. Will a classic model made of sanitary acrylic work better for everyday use, or should you invest in heavy and more expensive cast iron? Nowadays, many manufacturers offer a wide range of models made from different materials – the most popular being cast iron, steel, and acrylic baths, though items made from artificial marble are also available. Each has different characteristics, knowing which will greatly simplify the selection of the perfect model suitable for our bathroom. Before heading to the shop, let's review the pros and cons of baths made from commonly used materials.
Popularity of Acrylic Baths
Acrylic baths are products that are very popular today. They are smooth and glossy, which means they will look great in any bathroom, regardless of style. Thanks to their shiny surface, they are easy to keep clean with standard cleaning agents and a regular cloth – it's important to avoid chemicals containing acetone or alcohol, which can damage the delicate surface of the bath. Home cleaning methods are also excellent – a damp cloth soaked in water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar is sufficient. Moreover, acrylic baths do not discolour and, thanks to their insulating properties, they maintain the water temperature for a long time. Unlike steel baths, the water in acrylic ones cools down much slower.
However, the benefits of acrylic baths don't end there. They are also lightweight, which makes transport and later installation easy. Their downside might be their susceptibility to scratches or impacts, meaning the surface may not look as aesthetic as when first purchased. However, it's worth noting that some baths are coated with an additional material, such as polyester resin with fibreglass, which increases their resistance to damage.
Acrylic baths are available in various shapes and colours. They maintain water heat for a long time and are soundproof, enhancing their comfort. Importantly, acrylic baths do not discolour over time due to rust and mineral deposits, making them look excellent from the day of purchase and many years later. Many manufacturers offer baths with a special coating or antibacterial agent enriched with silver ions added during the production process to the acrylic sheets. Bacteria develop much slower on such surfaces, making it easier to maintain hygiene.
Thanks to the plasticity of the material they are made of, acrylic baths are excellent for installing whirlpool systems – a feature that also allows for easy smoothing of minor damage and scratches that may appear on their surface during everyday use. To remove scratches and gaps, it's enough to invest in a repair kit, which allows you to fill existing losses without the need for a specialist visit – such a kit can be purchased online and in any bathroom fixture store.
The Durability of Cast Iron Baths
Cast iron baths stand out for their solidity and durability. They won't get damaged even with frequent use. Their surface is covered with a special enamel resistant to various scratches and mechanical damage, ensuring the bath looks excellent not only on the day of purchase but also many years later. Cast iron baths feel relatively cool to the touch, but they maintain the right water temperature for a very long time. It should be noted that they are quite heavy compared to baths made from other materials, which might be problematic for transport and installation.
Besides their high durability, cast iron baths can also be a stylish addition to our bathroom. They are often a main decorative element, as they are usually available in an unencased version – sometimes adorned with stylish feet for a unique character. The downside is the limited choice of models – mainly white rectangular cast iron baths intended for encasement are available on the market, though retro-style models can also be found, perfectly suitable for both traditional and more industrial bathrooms.
The Wide Selection of Steel Baths
Steel baths are highly solid and resistant to damage. The enamel on their surface is not susceptible to impacts, scratches, or exposure to chemicals. Moreover, these baths are lighter than their cast iron equivalents, making both installation and transport easier. The downside is that water in a steel bath cools down relatively quickly. This can be remedied by encasing the bath with polystyrene – the bath will not only maintain the water temperature but will also be soundproofed, reducing water pouring noise.
Steel baths are available in various sizes, colours, and shapes. Modern enamel coatings ensure high resistance to scratches, detergents, or impacts. They're not very heavy either. A bath measuring 150 x 70 cm weighs around 30 kg, so moving it shouldn't pose major problems. The downside of steel baths is that they feel cool to the touch when not filled with water.
What Else to Consider
One of the main considerations when purchasing a new bath is its finish – this finishing touch greatly influences bathroom arrangement and the aesthetic appearance of the installed fittings. Based on installation location, we can distinguish baths:
- Wall-mounted – installed along one or a maximum of two walls.
- Corner – placed in room corners (usually have a semi-circular shape).
- Freestanding – often installed in the middle of the room, they are meant for large bathrooms. Their installation is more difficult and often requires changes in plumbing.
- Built-in – often sunken into the floor.
- “Bath in bath” – involves placing a new acrylic bath in an old cast iron bath that can't be removed for some reason.
Cast iron, steel, and acrylic baths are available in various options – manufacturers offer a large selection of models differing in shape. Rectangular baths are among the most popular, but corner models in triangular shapes, available in symmetrical (at least two sides of equal length) and asymmetrical (often trapezoidal) designs, are equally common. For large bathrooms, round and oval baths can be an interesting solution.
It's also important to consider the bath's capacity and dimensions – there are models designed for both small and large bathrooms. In large areas, finding a suitable bath isn't usually a problem, but arranging a small bathroom, especially if it has non-standard dimensions, can be challenging. A shorter and shallower bath is an ideal solution for such interiors, as it won't take up much space and will allow easier access. In a large bathroom, a double bath, which is much wider and slightly longer, works well.
Choosing a bath is not so simple, but following a few principles will surely help you find the perfect model that meets all household expectations.