How to choose a cast-iron bathtub: valuable tips for choosing plumbing fixtures from cast iron

Cast iron plumbing is associated with a reliable and timeless product. But in spite of everything, you can run into a container with which all enamel will be washed off after a couple of months. In order not to fall prey to unscrupulous sellers, you should clearly know how to choose a cast-iron bathtub of excellent quality. Do you agree?

You will learn all about choosing the perfect cast iron plumbing by reading the article we presented. We examined in detail all the criteria on the basis of which you can make a balanced purchase. A properly selected product will last about 30 years without losing its original attractiveness and performance properties.

Cast-iron bathtubs: shape, size, weight

The desire to make your bathroom more comfortable, filling it with useful and functional items, makes you work hard on the design. But in addition to developing a stylish interior, it remains to be found a reliable bathtub made of cast iron.

It is a product from this material that can become a reliable companion for many years.

A few words about forms

Bathing capacity is the most important attribute of a bathroom. Its shape depends only on the flight of imagination of the designer of a particular company of a plumbing manufacturer. These are smooth bends that form something abstract, alien, as well as clear and strict lines that take the form of a classic product.

When functionality is required from the bathtub, a guarantee of a long term of excellent service and a presentable appearance - this means we are talking about a cast-iron product.

A cast-iron bathtub will fit perfectly into the interior in a retro style. Modern materials and a touch of time will create a delightful duet

The high cost of cast iron does not have much plumbing manufacturers to frequent changes in the configuration of the bowl, because the experiment may not be in intense demand. Usually these are simple and concise products.

The high carbon content in the material, usually from 2.14% or more, ensures the strength of the products. At the same time, the alloy is quite brittle - if you hit hard with a hammer on the side of the container, it can be split.

It is a cast-iron tank that can remain attractive for many years and not lose its performance

Plumbing manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, offer a wide range of cast iron bathtubs. Models differ in shape, size, functionality, appearance, quality and, of course, price.

Moreover, European products are much more expensive. Sometimes this cost is due to the fame and good reputation of the manufacturer.

Elite Italian plumbing contains fancy paintings on the outer side - this is a sophisticated and sophisticated technique.

In the plumbing market, you can find bathtubs made of cast iron in the following forms:

• rectangular;
• oval;
• round;
• angular;
• asymmetric.

A round container is a chic interior item that speaks about the wealth and good taste of its owner. Such bathtubs are located in large rooms, because they take up a lot of space.

Oval and rectangular models can be placed in a variety of rooms - it all depends on the size and design

Asymmetric models are right-handed and left-handed. Their unusual shape allows you to save the useful space of the room and place more functional furniture, for example, a washing machine or a beautiful cabinet under the sink. This is typical for small bathrooms.

Corner baths are not always large. There are models whose size range begins with the parameters 115x72 cm

Cast iron bathtubs, depending on the installation method, are:

• freestanding;
• recessed.

Oval and round patterns are freestanding. For their installation, special legs are used, sometimes bundled. They are not only strong and stable, but also serve as a kind of decor. Most often, the legs of the oval baths are in the form of paws of an animal.

The edges of rectangular and asymmetric models are mounted on the walls next to each other, or the bathtub is built into a pedestal designed specifically for it.

The option with a pedestal looks very impressive in a large room. Outside, it is tiled with natural contrasting color tiles.

Although plumbing with outlandish bends is rarely cast from cast iron, the shape of the products does not look boring and faceless.Many models are equipped with additional functions - anti-slip coating on the bottom, handles on the sides or hydromassage equipment. There are models without any adaptations - they are simple, made in a classical form.

A bit about size and weight

To make the right choice and buy a good cast-iron bath, you need to consider some features. Firstly, the widespread belief that a good cast iron product must certainly have thick walls is a mistake.

This is an outdated concept. Modern equipment and production technologies, improving every year, allow casting bathtubs with a wall thickness of 5-8 mm. But they are as reliable as the products manufactured in the distant Soviet era.

Secondly, a cast iron bathtub cannot be light. Despite all the tricks of manufacturers and technologists, the weight of the tank can not be less than 70 kg. Some models reach 220-250 kg.

Depending on the size, the weight of the product itself will fluctuate. In this regard, it is dangerous to install large containers on the 2-3rd floor of an old house with wooden floors. A round cast-iron bathtub with hydromassage will be excellent on the 1st floor of a country house.

If, as designed by the designer, a heavy bath is to be installed on the top floor of a modern new building, then it is necessary to calculate even before the purchase whether the floors can withstand such a load.

In addition to the weight of the cast-iron bathtub with hydromassage, you need to add the weight of water - 200-300 liters. Also, add weight to people who can be in it at the same time - 2-3 people

Thirdly, the statement that light European cast iron bathtubs are worse than domestic ones is very controversial. They are not much easier. The weight of the lightest European cast-iron bathtubs, depending on size and model range, starts at 70 kg.

As for the quality of cast iron products of well-known Italian, German and Spanish manufacturers, it is at the highest level. For example, bathtubs made of cast iron of the German brand Kaldewei have a 30-year warranty.

The enamel coating of some manufacturers includes titanium, which allows you to get an incredibly strong and wear-resistant enamel after baking in a special oven at a temperature of about 1200 degrees.

Manufacturers offer compact models of cast iron hot tubs. If the depth of the bowl of such a product is from 60 cm, then even a large person will fit here

Choosing the optimal size of the bathing tank, you need to take into account its dimensions, because not all high-rise buildings have a freight elevator. It is necessary that the bath not only entered the elevator, but also in the doorway. If the house has only a staircase, then it should be possible to turn around on the landing.

Choose the right one bath size It is based on the individual parameters of all family members. After all, a narrow and small bathtub for large people will be extremely uncomfortable.

Room size and bath

Choosing the best plumbing for a bathroom should be based on its area - the more space, the more diverse options you can watch. Unfortunately, most city dwellers have standard apartments with small bathrooms. Therefore, no matter how I would like to, I have to reckon with this.

For large rooms, round and oval freestanding models of any size are suitable - the main thing is that the owners should be comfortable

In a small bathroom up to 10 m² a built-in rectangular bathtub up to 180 cm long or an angular average size is suitable. If you install a freestanding model on the wall, then it will not look advantageous in a cramped room. The central location will allow you to focus on it, but then other important pieces of furniture simply do not have space.

An important point in choosing the size is the location in the bathroom of sanitary equipment and stationary furniture. They can make it very difficult. installation of a cast iron bathif its size and shape do not leave enough free space.

Therefore, when choosing plumbing, you need to think not only directly about its location, but also transportation to the apartment, moving to the installation site within the apartment, as well as connection steps.

A freestanding bathtub abutting against the opposing walls with the sides creates an oppressive sensation - as if the walls are stepping on the bather

About Cast Iron Plumbing Manufacturers

Many manufacturers of plumbing, along with cast iron, use other materials, obeying customer demand and fashion trends. So, in the manufacture of bathtubs, acrylic, steel is most often used, less often wood, artificial stone made of marble or granite chips.

All manufacturers can be divided into 2 large groups:

• conscientious;
• hack workers.

The first group includes European, domestic and Chinese manufacturers, which give a guarantee on their plumbing. Representatives of manufacturers have a good reputation, improving technology and excellent raw materials.

The popularity of hot tubs prompts many plumbing companies to complement their range with options to meet customer demand

High-quality cast-iron baths are cast using molds appropriate to a particular model. Then a good layer of anti-corrosive substance is applied, a special composition for the formation of a high-quality coating and placed for baking in the oven.

High temperature from 120 degrees allows the applied enamel and bath material to firmly adhere to each other. Craftsmen produce fakes, issued as expensive branded products. This, as a rule, is sinned by Chinese manufacturers.

Here it is possible to deceive with the thickness of the product, which can be determined by weight - the minimum weight of a bathtub made of cast iron made according to modern European technologies is 70 kg. If plumbing weighs significantly less, this is an occasion to doubt its quality.

Another feature is not baking, but enameling of a cast-iron blank. This is what should be feared - in such a product, over time, the enamel coating begins to peel off and peel off, sometimes it just rinses off without a trace.

Knowing about such pseudo-manufacturers, you should be careful about buying a bath. It is important to carefully inspect the surface for scratches and bumps - a solid product has a shiny and smooth finish.

Choosing a container with a suspiciously low price, you need to ask for the accompanying documentation and a guarantee for the company. If the seller refuses, you should immediately leave him.

The high-quality enamel covering the cast-iron bath has a uniform tone, gloss and a perfectly smooth surface along the side walls and the bottom of the product

Among the most popular manufacturers in our market that supply high-quality cast-iron plumbing, we can distinguish the following:

• Portuguese RECOR;
• French Jacob Delafon;
• German Kaldewei;
• Spanish Roca;
• Italian Castalia, BelBagno, Gruppo Treesse;
• Russian - Universal plant from Novokuznetsk, Kirov factory;
• chinese
• Goldman

If we compare the affordability of products, then the most affordable prices for Russian and Chinese cast iron bathtubs. The leader in sales among European brands is the Spanish company Roca.

When deciding which cast-iron bath is worth choosing: domestic or European, it is better to give preference to the French Jacob Delafon. This company has quite affordable prices, and the quality is much higher.

All of these plants give a guarantee for the use of their plumbing - from 1.5 (domestic) to 30 years (German). The main thing is to buy a product of high quality, the origin of which is documented.

Feeling shy to ask for the relevant documents, you can run into a fake. As a result, money will be spent, and the bath will not live up to its expectations

Cast iron bath: how to choose

The choice of bath should be treated no less responsibly than the selection of tiles and other interior items. Having settled on a high-quality cast iron product, we can safely expect that it will last 20 years or more.

To choose the right plumbing, you need, firstly, to clearly determine where it will be installed. In addition to space, you should immediately decide what size product is needed. Here it is necessary to take into account the standards of the allocated space for installation and the dimensions of all family members. After all, bathing in a bath too shallow or cramped is a dubious pleasure.

If a big bathtub for hydromassage has firmly established itself in dreams, and there are wooden floors in the house, the idea should be abandoned. It is dangerous to the life and health of family members and neighbors from below.

Secondly, you need to decide on the budget. Based on the allocated amount to buy a bath, you can choose the appropriate option from a particular manufacturer. Here it remains to be decided which additional components will be needed - head restraints, handles on the sides, decorative legs and mounts. Not all models are immediately supplied with these parts.

Thirdly, if the budget is not minimal, you can consider hydromassage bathtubs. After all, in addition to huge containers for several people, manufacturers offer nice and compact options.

Fourth, you should decide on the desired color - not all plants can offer an abundance of colors and shades for a cast-iron bath. If white color is required or it is planned that all plumbing will be in one color scale, then it is better to buy all products from one manufacturer.

Otherwise, a dissonance of color may occur, which will lead to unpleasant sensations during a stay in the bathroom.

Harmoniously combined colors make it possible to feel the lightness and airiness of the interior. It’s nice to be in this room and easy to breathe

Fifth, it remains to be decided where exactly the drain and overflow holes should be located. There are models in which the drain is located in the center of the bowl. Sometimes such an option is needed.

Sixth, you need to buy a product from a well-known factory. Be sure to ask the seller to provide documents confirming the quality. Here you must immediately check the equipment. If you do not have the desired parts, you can immediately buy them, for example, bath siphon or headrest.

Seventh, choosing the appropriate option, you need to carefully inspect the bath from all sides. The coating should be perfectly smooth and shiny. There should not be hollows and hills on the surface of a quality product. You can see cracks, chips or damaged enamel - this is an unusable product.

If damage to the coating is insignificant, then it is worth agreeing with the seller on the provision of a substantial discount and restore enamel using bulk acrylic or epoxy.

After the purchase, it will be difficult to prove something to the seller if cracks or broken enamel are found at home

You also need to immediately estimate the weight of the product - the bath should be almost impossible to lift. An average cast iron bath weighs, on average, about 100-120 kg.

Choosing the most suitable and high-quality plumbing made of cast iron for yourself, you can deal with delivery and proper installation.

Errors in choosing a bath

So that the purchase of a bathtub made of cast iron does not disappoint, it is worth paying attention to the main mistakes made in this case:

• lack of warranty and supporting documents from the manufacturer;
• the buyer forgets to conduct a visual inspection of the enamel surface and the reverse side for uniformity of coating and the presence of scratches, chips and cracks;
• Before buying, no measurements were taken of the bathroom, doorways, landing and freight elevator.

Before payment, you should check the equipment - so that everything that is listed by the manufacturer is in stock.This can be handles on the sides, head restraints, legs, mounts and other details.

If the selected model is not equipped, for example, with legs or a headrest, and the presence of this part is a priority, you will have to take care of their purchase in a timely manner

Useful Care Tips

The service life of a good cast-iron bath can significantly exceed the period specified in the warranty card. This will happen if you follow the rules for care and use.

Buying an elite Italian bathtub covered with enamel remarkable for its performance characteristics, you can count on a 20-30-year friendship with it

Firstly, you can not overload the bath. The instructions for each product indicate the maximum allowable load - the weight of a person + the weight of water. Overloading is fraught with unpleasant consequences, when the legs or the fasteners that hold them can not stand and break.

Secondly, cast iron bath detergents should be selected without acids, chlorine, abrasive particles. It is better to use the liquids recommended by the manufacturer if possible.

Separately, it is worth noting the care for the anti-slip coating. It requires thorough washing after each use. Otherwise, the smallest particles of dirt will accumulate, which will lead to its rapid darkening.

Thirdly, after using the container, it must be rinsed and wiped dry. If the tap flows, it should be repaired as soon as possible - from a constant leak, an indelible yellow coating on the enamel is formed.

Convenient handles on the sides, facilitating the process of exiting the bath, also require gentle care. They need to be wiped so that there are no stains

Fourth, do not drop heavy and angular objects into the bath - a hammer, sink or toilet bowl. These strokes can crack the cast iron bottom, which will render the product unusable.

In case of damage to the enamel coating, you do not need to be upset and prepare to buy a new one. It is for bathtubs made of cast iron that you can choose the most convenient way to restore enamel. These products respond well to repairs of this kind.

The fastest way to restore is to install an acrylic liner. A similar type of work can be performed independently or with the assistance of specialists from a good company.

Another option is to pour liquid acrylic on the prepared surface. It is also possible to cope on their own, but some skill is required.

For the bulk method, the shape and size of the cast-iron bath does not matter. Acrylic liners produce only 10 of the most common models

The third method is enamel coating of the surface. This method is more time consuming. Without experience and patience, it will be difficult to cope. Indeed, to achieve an excellent result, it will be necessary to apply 2, 3 or more layers of enamel.

The service life of the restored surface is from 5 to 20 years - everything will depend on the proper care and respect for the new coating.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video review of popular cast iron bathtubs at an affordable price segment:

A detailed video explaining the rules for installing a cast-iron bathtub:

Useful video about one of the options for restoring a bathtub made of cast iron:

Having familiarized yourself with the features of cast iron bathtubs, you can safely proceed to the selection of the ideal model suitable for a particular room. Do not forget that this plumbing product will last about 20 years. It should be attractive in appearance and comfortable. If the owner wishes, the bath can be equipped with additional functions that make its use more comfortable.

Want to talk about how you chose a cast-iron bathtub for installation in an apartment or a country house? Or maybe you have arguments according to which you prefer plumbing made from another material? Please write comments in the block below, share useful recommendations and photos on the topic of the article.