Asymmetric acrylic bathtubs: varieties, tips for choosing

There are many types of plumbing fixtures that deserve attention. But even against this background, acrylic bathtubs with an asymmetrical shape stand out favorably. It is worth knowing what they are, what brand products are worth trusting, how to use these devices in the interior and other nuances of choice.

Even 3-4 decades ago, users did not have much choice. They could only use steel and cast iron baths in their apartments. The advent of asymmetric acrylic bathtubs instantly split audiences and even experts into 2 opposing camps. Some believe that this is the ideal solution for all cases, others - that it is not necessary to consider acrylic as a serious choice.

The creation of asymmetric structures from acrylic is just easier than from metal, because it is more flexible and easier to work with. That is why such material is very much appreciated by designers. In order to increase the strength of the product, it is coated on the outside with a layer of epoxy resin and placed on a frame made of metal structures. Often on the Internet you can find lists of positive and negative properties of acrylic.

Asymmetric baths have appeared relatively recently, because there were no corresponding technologies before. Products are made on the basis of sheet acrylic. Therefore, as a plus, such constructions can be written:

• uniqueness of appearance (bringing peculiar features to the bathroom);
• minimal thermal conductivity (especially for those who like to take a bath longer);
• maintaining a pleasant appearance simply by contact with hot water;
• ease of removing not only superficial scratches, but even serious holes and crevices.

The weaknesses of acrylic construction will be:

• rather large sizes (an asymmetric bathtub will always take up more space than a rectangular one);
• excessive flexibility and deformability (although this refers rather to low-quality budget-class models);
• insufficient resistance to significant stress (when the bathroom is used by "weighty" people).

A traditional corner bath can be considered a very nice kind of asymmetrical design. Such products look very beautiful and immediately add charm to the room. You can leave more room for imagination. At the same time, the angular design is also quite convenient. In such a bath, it is easy to take almost any position that is necessary when washing or taking a shower.

It should be borne in mind that corner baths can have left and right format. It is not difficult to determine this. You just need to turn your face to the longest edge of the sanitary ware. You need to look on which side with respect to the observer is the right angle.

And those that are made according to an even more intricate scheme, naturally turn out to be the most expensive products. That is why experts do not recommend chasing the uniqueness of the shape of the font. They advise you to better pay attention to the choice of the type of acrylic. We are talking about its technical and industrial types. Technical type:

• used in the manufacture of bath bowls;
• lasts long enough;
• resistant to wear and tear;
• relatively reliable.

But at the same time sanitary acrylic is also popular... It retains all the valuable qualities of the "technical" version. Due to special additives, it is possible to block the development of infections dangerous to health.

Rectangular and asymmetric acrylic baths are available in lengths of 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 or 1.8 m. These include models:

• 150x90 cm;
• 160x90 cm;
• 150x100 cm;
• 150x75 cm;
• 150x80 cm;
• 160x90 cm;
• 170x90 cm;
• 170x100 cm;
• 170x110 cm.

At the same time, models with a width of 0.7 and 0.8 m are quite common.This includes dimensions such as 120x70, 130x70 cm, 140x70 cm, 140x80 cm.The typical depth is from 38 cm.The recommended installation depth is 60 ± 2 cm. In this case, the countdown is carried out from the floor to the upper edge of the side. Elongated bathtubs (1.9 or 2 m) with a width of 0.8-1.1 m can also be found. But they are sold relatively rarely. The same problem applies to all looking for models 140x90 cm, 140x100 cm. The following parameters prevail in the corner segment:

• length 1.4-1.7 m;
• width 1.4-1.7 m;
• depth - not less than 0.4 m;
• mounting height - 60 ± 2 cm.

Oddly enough, but even the standard "Khrushchev" of the early series can be suitable for placing an asymmetric bath... Let the total area of ​​the room be about 3 m. In this case, its dimensions will be equal to 1.6x1.9 m. Most often, then the bathtub is attached to the far, and the sink (optionally, the toilet) to the long wall. If you plan to make room for the washing machine too, it will have to be placed strictly on the left, otherwise it will not be possible to allocate even the minimum section for the passage.

Corner models can also be used. But it is better that they are smaller. Then the placement of the bath will not be a problem. Moreover, quite a significant amount of space along the short wall will be freed up. There you can install a sink or toilet.

Occasionally asymmetric corner baths are placed with a long edge against the wall. It can even be fully occupied.Then more space will be in the middle of the bathroom, it will be possible to place everything that is required there. In a square room, it is still better to purchase symmetrical corner baths. In narrow, elongated spaces, on the other hand, asymmetrical designs reveal all their advantages.

Products are quite popular Bas brands... The assortment of this Russian manufacturer includes about 100 different models. The production process involves the use of advanced foreign equipment. Therefore, compliance with international standards has been fully achieved. All modifications are calculated for both an integrated and a stand-alone installation. The positive side of Bas is the 10-year warranty. The cost of baths will also delight consumers.

Another Russian brand - Triton... The products of this manufacturer are familiar not only in our country, but also in neighboring states. The technological process involves the use of vacuum stamping methods, which have proven themselves to be excellent. There are many versions in the assortment that differ in size. It will not be difficult to buy a decent version at low costs.

The higher level is typical for the products of the Polish Kolo brand... The equipment was recently installed in his factories. The warranty periods are quite satisfactory, there are modifications of various designs, however, it is not possible to find Kolo products everywhere.

From Spain supplied Pool SPA baths... This company pays special attention to the design quality of its products. She also closely monitors the variety of the line and its quality. Completing each model, the developers take into account all the needs of the consumer.

The goods of the Russian brand Aquanet... The overwhelming majority of experts note that this is the best Russian brand. It can offer a variety of products and is of solid quality in designs. Consumers will certainly like the variety of complementary items.

In the review it is impossible not to mention and Cersanit... This company is one of the global leaders in the production of acrylic bathtubs. It brings together Polish, Russian and Romanian capital. In Russia, it is Cersanit that accounts for a significant part of the market. The cost of goods is many times lower than that of counterparts from the EU, however, economical versions are of little use for people with large body weight.

The highest quality, according to a number of experts, is typical for Roca products... This is a foreign brand that has transferred all production oriented towards our country to the Russian Federation. We managed to do this without losing quality. You can choose from a wide variety of modifications.

Products of such brands may also work well:

• "Aquatek";
• "1Marka";
• Alpen.

Even if you have the money to buy a good-quality bathtub from a leading manufacturer, and this is definitely not a fake, you need to consider many other subtleties. Any reputable plumbing store can offer a very wide assortment, even from 1 or 2 leading brands. Attention should be paid to the type of acrylic used. ABS / PMMA models are essentially resilient plastics. But polymethyl acrylate is organic glass with a homogeneous structure.

If ABS / PMMA is used, then the ABS will account for approximately 90% of the total mass. In this case, polymethyl acrylate is used only for the outer layer. This combination looks good. However, the wear will be quite intense. You can normally use a bathtub for no more than 3-5 years.

The reason is simple: ABS is hygroscopic. After being saturated with moisture, it begins to deteriorate rapidly. The surface layer of PMMA will wear off very quickly. Therefore, it is advised to give preference to the most durable products made of monolithic PMMA. They will work for at least 10 years under the condition of normal operation.

Whether to trust sales assistants, everyone decides for themselves. However, it is still worth listening to their recommendations. These people can tell a lot about the technical parameters of a particular bath, which are not obvious to a layman.

3 layers are ABS, base and polymethyl acrylate. In constructions with pure PMMA and a base, there are always only these 2 layers. But the more durable construction is not always definitely better. It is not needed where the bathroom will only be used occasionally. Therefore, you can choose the cheapest models in a country house.

However, the thickness of the actual acrylic face layer is critical. It can vary from 2 to 6.5 mm. Of course, the thicker the better. Do not trust the words of sellers that an insufficiently smooth inner surface is such a high-tech development. In fact, behind the tricky terms and reasoning, there is nothing more than an openly low quality.

You can understand the administration of retail chains and sellers: they are trying to sell illiquid goods from their hands. However, the buyer must first of all watch out for his own interests. Normally, there should be no bumps and bulges. A palm pressed tightly to a good bath cannot slip. It will stick to the surface as if it were clean window glass.

The thickness of the layer should be exactly the same throughout. Some unscrupulous manufacturers are trying to reinforce the ends as much as possible, while other parts are done frankly badly. Sophisticated shoppers will not fall into this trap - they will click on the bottom of the bowl and on the walls in different places. Then it will become clear how good the reinforcement is throughout the volume.

An additional check is carried out using a flashlight. He is pressed against the bottom of the bath. Turning on the flashlight, put your palms together. On the other hand, from the inside, the gap should not be visible. If it is clearly visible, then the product is of poor quality. When choosing a volumetric bath with high walls, it is more convenient to carry out the lamp test together.

Such checks are especially important when choosing plumbing of dubious origin or when buying in a hitherto unknown store. It is best to go shopping in large retail chains or in the official branches of manufacturers. But sometimes it is worth conducting tests there, especially if you have to choose a bath in the budget segment.

This is what a pure white asymmetric acrylic bathtub looks like. In combination with a light wood floor and a rich dark color of the walls, it looks extremely attractive. The mirror surface also plays a role.

A corner white model surrounded by dark surfaces might look like this. The original drawing on the wall and skillful manipulation of lighting add a special charm to the composition.

An acrylic asymmetrical bathtub can also be beautifully combined with wood-colored surfaces. Its logical continuation is the snow-white floor. Light chocolate inclusion and decorative items fit very well into such a composition.

A good alternative is the play of reds and whites. They are intertwined as appropriate.

For information on how to choose an acrylic bathtub, see the next video.