Cast iron bathtubs: features, sizes and tips for choosing

A cast iron bathtub is a reliable sanitary fixture, the quality of which has been tested by time. Despite the huge number of acrylic and steel samples on the market today, many consumers still prefer the good old cast iron bathtubs, considering them the strongest and most durable.

Cast iron baths are enameled appliances designed for household and hygienic purposes. For their manufacture, use gray cast iron grades СЧ10 and СЧ15, melted in accordance with GOST 1412-85.

Due to the presence of carbon in cast iron, the share of which is about 2.14%, bathtubs are very strong and durable. However, despite its high strength, cast iron does not withstand shock loads well and can crack from a directed blow with a hammer.

Stable consumer demand and high popularity of such bathtubs are explained by a number of indisputable advantages of cast iron over other materials.

• Cast iron has low thermal conductivity, due to which the water in the bathtub remains hot for a long time.
• When filling the bathtub, there is practically no noise from the pouring water.
• Long service life cast iron baths distinguish them favorably from products made of other materials. Such models can last 50 years or more, which cannot be said about other bathtubs.
• Due to the special structure of the metal the enamel does not crack and stays on the bath for a very long time.
• Enamel coating and alloy do not pose a threat to human healthwhich makes cast iron bathtubs an environmentally friendly product.
• The wall thickness of cast iron baths is 6-10 mm, which allows them to easily withstand the weight of the human body and water pressure, without changing the original forms. In addition, cast iron models are not afraid of boiling water and do not deform from exposure to high temperatures.
• Due to the high weight a cast iron bathtub does not need to be additionally fixed to the wall or ceiling: the product is very firmly on the floor and it is impossible to accidentally turn it over.
• Cast iron appliances are highly resistant to chemicals, therefore, you can wash them with any detergent, including abrasives.
• Enamel baths are pore-free, which prevents the accumulation of dirt and the multiplication of pathogens.

Along with a large number of obvious advantages, cast iron bathtubs undoubtedly have disadvantages. These include rather large weight of products, often exceeding 200 kg. This significantly complicates their transportation, lifting to the floor, installation and often forces the buyer to refuse to buy them in favor of models made of lighter materials. Another significant disadvantage of cast iron baths is the need for their grounding, due to the high electrical conductivity of the metal.

This is mainly due to the high cost of the material, which is a weighty argument for many manufacturers not to produce such baths. In addition, due to the low ductility of cast iron, it is very difficult to cast original molds from it that satisfy modern requirements. That's why most models are produced in a classic rectangular or oval shape and it is not so often possible to find an interesting specimen.

The main competitors of cast iron bathtubs in the modern market are acrylic and steel models.

• In comparison with steel products, cast iron keep heat longer and are not subject to corrosive processes. However, steel models weigh much less than cast iron models and do not cause difficulties during transportation and installation. In terms of strength and durability, cast iron wins, but in the variety of assortments - steel bathtubs are the palm. When water is drawn into the bath, steel models make a lot of noise, in cast iron this process is almost silent. As for the cost, steel baths are much cheaper than cast iron ones, for which they are in wide consumer demand.
• Speaking of acrylic, cast iron surpasses it in strength and resistance to deformation: low-grade acrylic does not withstand the effects of boiling water and begins to deform over time, while cast iron is not threatened. But in weight, cost and variety of sizes and shapes, acrylic certainly wins. Acrylic specimens are often equipped with many additional options such as hydromassage, lighting, anti-slip bottom and built-in seat. Cast iron samples cannot boast of such a variety and are more often produced in a traditional configuration.

Cast iron baths are classified according to criteria such as installation location, shape and size. According to the first criterion, the models are divided into wall, free-standing and corner models.

• Freestanding bathtubs have a rectangular or oval classic shape and are installed in the center of the room, away from the walls. The advantages of such samples are stylish appearance and the ability to enter the bath from any side.The disadvantages include the need to pull communications into the middle of the room (water supply and drain), the inability to install in small bathrooms and spray flying in different directions.

• Wall-mounted baths represent the most numerous category of cast iron bathtubs and are installed close to the wall or to the corner. The advantages of wall-mounted samples are ease of installation, good accessibility of communications and the ability to install in small spaces. Moreover, among the wall-mounted models, there are seated samples of 100x70 and 120x70 cm in size, which can be installed in very tiny bathrooms.

• Cast iron corner models are not so common, and those that are on the market cost 100 or more thousand rubles. The advantages of such samples are stylish appearance and ease of connection to communications. The disadvantages include too much weight and dimensions, because of which they do not pass into the elevator and doorways.

In their shape, cast-iron models are oval, rectangular and asymmetrical... The latter are right-handed and left-handed, they are designed for corner installation and look quite presentable.

Oval and rectangular specimens can be equipped with legs, or they can have a flat base or stand directly on the floor. Round baths are found, but very rarely, due to their huge size and large capacity.

Cast iron baths are available in a wide variety of sizes. Standard dimensions are 150x70, 160x70, 170x70 and 180x70 cm. Such models fit well in standard rooms and are considered the most popular. For small bathrooms, 130x70 and 140x70 cm products are suitable, and for medium bathrooms, you can purchase a slightly wider bathtub in sizes 160x75, 170x75, 175x75 and 170x80 cm.

And finally, large solid specimens with dimensions of 180x75, 180x80 and 190x80 cm are perfect for spacious and tall bathrooms. However, due to their too large volume and weight, they should only be installed in houses with reinforced concrete floors.

In order to accurately calculate the load on the floors, you should know not only the weight of the model, but also its volume. For example, a bathtub 170 cm long, 50 cm high and 70 cm wide can theoretically hold 595 liters. However, in fact, the bathtub is half full, moreover, the rounded sides and the narrowing of the bowl towards the bottom significantly reduce this indicator. The bathing volume of such a bath will be 182 liters.

The weight of the product and the weight of a person are added to the displacement, as a result of which the maximum load on the floor is obtained. It should be borne in mind that the weight of the lightest cast-iron bath cannot be less than 70 kg, while the overall corner samples can hold up to 290 liters of water and weigh up to 220 kg.

However, these calculations are valid only for single baths, while double samples, as well as models with hydromassage and other additional equipment, weigh much more than simple specimens. In this regard, it is prohibited to install such models in houses with wooden floors.

The modern plumbing equipment market offers a large selection of cast-iron bathtubs, among which there are both famous brands and little-known samples. Below are the best, according to the version of online stores, products that have earned a large number of positive responses.

• The first line of the popularity rating is occupied by the Roca Newcast model with a size of 170x85 cm, made in Spain. The bathtub has a regular oval shape, painted white and equipped with an anti-slip coating. The depth of the product is 42 cm, the drain is located in the center.The volume of the bath is 222 liters, the cost is 91,529 rubles.

• Swedish rectangular model Byon measuring 140x70 cm has a depth of 39 cm and is equipped with legs. The model is produced in a wall-mounted design, made in white and equipped with an anti-slip coating. The volume of the bath is 118 liters, there is an overflow device, the diameter of the drain hole is 5.2 cm. The legs can be adjusted, which allows you to level the product on the floor with height differences up to 3 cm. Warranty period - 3 years, cost - 20 615 rubles.

• Italian cast iron model Castalia Prime is available in dimensions of 180x80 cm and is equipped with comfortable chrome-plated handles for easy getting up. The bathtub is designed for wall mounting, has a regular rectangular shape and is equipped with beautiful legs. The product is made in a modern style, designed for one person and painted white. The depth of the bath is 46 cm, the location of the drain is standard, the diameter of the drain hole is 5.2 cm. The cost of the product is 46 645 rubles.

• Oval German model Elegansa Sabine White made in vintage style and has a perfectly smooth snow-white finish. The bathtub has no legs and is installed on a flat base. A distinctive feature of the model is the original shape with smooth transitions, which gives it a very elegant appearance. The bathtub is available in dimensions 170x68 cm and belongs to the free-standing category. The quality guarantee is 5 years, the cost is 150,000 rubles.

• American corner bathtub Kohler K-824 from Mayflower collection refers to premium products and is designed for one person. The dimensions of the product are 35.6x121.9x111.8 cm, the overflow hole and drain are located on the left, and the enamel coating is very pleasant and smooth to the touch. The product is characterized by high wear resistance and long service life. For a corner construction, the model is quite compact and can be installed in small rooms.

The only drawback is considered difficult transportation. The cost of the product varies depending on the supplier and averages 230,000 rubles.

• Of the Russian manufacturers, it should be noted JSC "Kirovsky Zavod", which produces high quality cast iron baths that meet GOST 18297-96. In 2006, a new German line was installed at the enterprise, producing iron castings using vacuum-film molding technology. The launch of the new equipment made it possible to almost completely remove the waste and start producing strong and durable bathtubs. The plant has a patent for the invention and use of glassy enamel enriched with silver ions. This coating disinfects the surface of the bath and maintains the bacteriostatic effect throughout the entire service life.

In addition, blood microcirculation is activated and the work of the sebaceous glands improves. Baths are completely safe from an environmental point of view and are guaranteed for 25 years. As an example, we can consider the Silver "Prestige-1.5" model with dimensions of 150x70 cm and a depth of 40 cm. The bathing volume of the product reaches 164 liters, weight - 90 kg. The bathtub is equipped with comfortable handles and a headrest, the cost of the product is 18,750 rubles.

When choosing a cast iron bath, a number of important points should be taken into account.

• When purchasing a bath, you should take into account the area of ​​the room and access to communications... So, if the bathroom is combined with a toilet and has an area of ​​no more than 3.7 m2, then the only possible option would be a wall model with a length of 160 to 180 cm (depending on the length of the room) and a width of 65-70 cm.As for large areas, the type of installation, the size and shape of the cast-iron bath are selected taking into account the preferences of the buyer and do not depend on third-party factors.
• The next selection criteria are the composition and quality of the enamel layer.... The best option would be a coating enriched with silver ions. The use of such a bath has the best effect on human skin and has a positive effect on his well-being. Pay attention to the thickness of the enamel, which should vary from 1 to 1.2 mm, as well as the absence of chips and scratches.
• Thanks to modern developments, manufacturers have managed to achieve a significant reduction in the thickness of the cast iron layer from 10 mm to 5 mm. This made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the products and slightly simplify their transportation. Baths with thinner walls are most likely made in violation of technology, so you should not buy them.
• Before buying, it is necessary to measure the doors of the freight elevator and apartment openings... And make a choice solely on the basis of the numbers received.
• Pay attention to the depth of the product.... Baths with an indicator of 40-46 cm are considered the most convenient for use.
• Cast iron bathtubs are expensive therefore, you should buy them only from trusted manufacturers who value their reputation. In addition, each product must have accompanying documentation and a warranty card.
• If a person with impaired function of the musculoskeletal system lives in the apartment, then the best option would be to purchase a model with handles and anti-slip coating.
• Desirable so that the drain point and the sewer piping match. This will greatly simplify installation and eliminate unnecessary connections.
• The bathtub is often the centerpiece of a bathroom, so the design and style of the room must be in harmony. In addition, the bathtub must match other plumbing fixtures: washbasin and toilet.
• When buying, you need to check the equipment declared by the manufacturer and make sure there are handles, legs, head restraints and other parts.

With proper and timely maintenance, the service life of cast iron baths is measured in decades. To do this, you just need to follow a number of simple rules for the operation of the product and take good care of the enamel.

• Do not overload the product. The accompanying documentation clearly states what maximum permissible load the model is designed for. Overloading badly affects the condition of the legs and their mountings and can lead to breakage.
• When cleaning enamel, you should refrain from using products based on acids and chlorine. The best option would be to use the formulations recommended by the manufacturer, the list of which is usually indicated in the documentation.
• If the bathtub has an anti-slip coating, then it must be thoroughly washed after each use. Otherwise, dirt will quickly clog the pores and cause darkening of the enamel.
• After use, it is advisable to wipe the cast-iron bath dry with a soft cloth and avoid dripping taps. Otherwise, yellow spots may appear on the enamel coating, which will be problematic to wash off.
• When doing bathroom renovations the cast-iron bathtub should be covered with a soft blanket and protected from accidental dropping of heavy objects: hammer, sinks and bathroom furniture. Even a small blow can crack brittle cast iron and it will be impossible to repair the bath.
• Unlike cast iron, the enamel coating is quite maintainable. and when chips and cracks appear, it can be easily restored using a bulk method using acrylic or by applying 2-3 new layers of enamel. In case of severe damage to the enamel layer, an acrylic insert is installed in the cast iron baths.

In general, consumers speak well of cast iron baths. The good quality of the enamel coating and the long service life of the products are noted.

Among the minuses are called scanty lineup and rustic appearance most wall-mounted samples. Also noted high price, which is several times higher than the cost of steel models. However, the most significant disadvantages pointed out by most consumers are complete unserviceability of cast iron and too heavy weight.

Most inexpensive cast-iron bathtubs look quite ordinary in the interior, however, expensive premium samples look very impressive and are in no way inferior to acrylic and steel models.

The freestanding model with graceful legs will be a worthy decoration of the bathroom, made in the style of Japanese minimalism.

The model with a gold-plated mixer fits perfectly into any interior and looks very rich.

Cast iron corner bathtub takes up little space and allows more ergonomic use of the bathroom space.

Retro style cast iron bathtub, - the central element of the bathroom interior.

Wall-mounted model with handles and headrest looks very stylish and modern.

How to choose the right bathtub, see below.