Rating of artificial marble bathtub manufacturers

What are marble baths made of?

An exquisite natural marble bathtub is created from a single stone shard using special computer equipment equipped with a precise cutting and grinding mechanism, as well as computer control. Using this equipment, specialists can produce the most original bathtub models for any customer. A solid bathtub bowl is cut out of a block of marble, after which it is carefully processed, polished and coated with special materials. Marble is soft and malleable, making it quite easy to work with. The density of marble ranges from 2650-2900 kg/m3.

Natural marble is a noble material. Its beauty and elegance allows you to embody any interior and add royal luxury, color and aristocracy to it.

It has a wealth of shades, but more often it is cream, beige, and gray. The patterns and colored veins in the structure of marble are unique. In addition, these inclusions can be of different colors, which makes the marble even more sophisticated and interesting. After polishing, marble shines with its natural shine.

Interior Design Styles for Stone Bathtubs

Stone in the interior is used to create designs in classical and neoclassical styles. Such styles are called pompous. And marble is an excellent way to create a luxurious interior. You can use the castle style - this is an interesting option for using stone in the interior. In techno and high-tech styles, stone is used to give the design angular and slightly rough shapes. In country style, in addition to wood, stone is also used. In the loft style, stone introduces elements of brutality into the premises. Art Nouveau and eco-style promote the use of natural materials, which means that stone will fit perfectly into such spaces.

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Pros of marble baths

Marble baths have inexhaustible advantages, the most important of which are exclusive design and high aesthetics. A marble bathtub will bring its owners and guests a unique experience and aesthetic satisfaction. Bathtubs made of artificial marble have many advantages.

They do not fade for a long time and do not change their original color, do not change visually and remain in their original state for a long time. The main advantage of artificial marble is the unique ability to create the most simple, unusual shapes of bathtubs from it. The appearance of such a bathtub can be shaped as you like: you can increase the size, radius and depth, modify the corners and other elements and characteristics of the bathtub.

Among the positive aspects of marble baths are:

• Strength and durability. Natural marble is a fairly strong and durable material. Colored marble has especially such properties. However, in strength, natural marble is inferior to artificial marble, which has greater strength and abrasion resistance due to its polymer-mineral structure. Cast marble has impact resistance and structural integrity, unlike its natural counterpart, which can crack under heavy loads. Thanks to these positive qualities, cast marble bathtubs can be thin, but still withstand heavy loads.
• Environmental friendliness and radioactive safety. Natural marble is particularly environmentally friendly, since it does not emit various substances and toxins. Artificial marble contains synthetic impurities, which makes it less environmentally friendly. Marble belongs to class 1 radioactivity and is therefore quite suitable for use as a building material.

• Noise insulation. Due to the physical properties of the material, the noise of impact on the surface of the bathtub will be almost inaudible.
• Resistance to temperature fluctuations. Thanks to this quality, the marble bath does not overheat or overcool, which preserves the structure of the bath and does not affect its durability.
• Thermal conductivity. Artificial marble has extremely low thermal conductivity and thermal expansion, which makes it a fairly warm material. In addition, cast marble is a dielectric. Natural marble is a more thermally conductive material than artificial marble.
• Hygiene. The bathtub material is resistant to the proliferation and rapid spread of microorganisms and fungi, and therefore does not require particularly frequent cleaning. It can be periodically rinsed and cleaned with special compounds to avoid the development of infections.

• Moisture resistance. Artificial marble has excellent moisture-proof properties, due to which various cracks and deformations do not form on it. Natural marble also has low water absorption rates, however, it is higher than that of artificial marble, so natural marble is more at risk of cracking.
• Variety of shapes. This bath can be made in any shape. This is especially true for artificial marble, thanks to the unique technology of its use in the manufacture of bathtubs.
• Ease and simplicity of installation.

Marble combines well with many other building materials, such as wood, metal, and ceramics. Thanks to this, a marble bathtub will fit perfectly into any interior, for the design of which any finishing materials were used.

Types of stone

Stone chips are used in production. It is made from processing products of malachite, marble, granite and other stones. The mixture from which the products are cast includes quartz sand. Polyester and acrylic resins act as binders. Catalysts are needed to speed up the solidification process of the liquid mass.

According to the stone grinding method, the models are as follows:

1. Mirrored. The pattern is clearly visible, the surface of the bowl is smooth.
2. Polished. A slight roughness of the agglomerate is felt.
3. Polished. The product is matte and smooth, the structure of the stone is barely visible.
4. Punctured. This bathtub has an asymmetrical design.

Manufacturers often mix 2-3 types of stone chips, creating an unusual surface of the product.

Modern manufacturers

Among the best manufacturers of cast marble bathtubs are the following:

Marmite

Marmite is a Polish company specializing in the production of cast marble products. Products are manufactured in Poznan, Poland. The company's product range includes over 2 thousand models, which are supplied mainly to European countries. The products comply with all European sanitary and environmental standards. Marmite marble baths come in different shapes and sizes, and come in a variety of colors. The shine of the products surpasses even the shine of natural marble. The complete absence of seams on Marmite products is its significant advantage.

Riho

Riho is a Czech manufacturer, one of the most popular cast marble products on the European market. Bathtubs from this manufacturer go well with any interior design solutions and will decorate any bathroom beyond recognition. The products meet all modern quality standards.

Marmorin

Marmorin is a Polish manufacturer that produces high-quality products. The complexity of shapes and innovative style distinguishes this company from others. The company specializes primarily in the production of granite kitchen sinks, shower trays, porcelain stoneware bathtubs and sinks, as well as cast marble for the bathroom. All the company's products have excellent performance characteristics, high quality and meet modern standards. Marmorin's collaboration with its partner BioCote, which has developed leading antimicrobial silver ion technology, ensures that products are protected against bacterial growth and the spread of fungi.

Kaldewei

Kaldewei is a German company that produces sanitaryware products made from cast marble. The company differs from others in its long warranty (about 30 years) and variety of forms. The shapes of Kaldewei bathtubs can be very diverse - rectangular, oval, octagonal, asymmetrical.

5. The best manufacturers according to consumer reviews

And the most important question is which manufacturer to trust and how not to waste an impressive amount. After all, it’s quite easy to be deceived; we told you about this in detail in the description of the manufacturing process. The answer to this question is very simple - you should not be tempted by the frankly low price of the product and it is better to give preference to well-known manufacturers who have been on the market for a long time. Having analyzed many consumer reviews, we can highlight a couple of domestic manufacturers that have proven themselves on the positive side:

• Estet LLC, Kostroma. The most important advantage of this company is the use of natural, domestic marble to produce a base of excellent quality. Already at this stage it is clear that the performance characteristics of the products will be at the highest level. The high density of the structure ensures a very long service life. It is worth noting that the side and end protective panels are also made of natural marble. You will also be pleased the prices for finished products, which are approximately 25% lower than the market average. This is due to the use of raw materials of domestic origin. A nice bonus will be fast delivery, which does not exceed 2 days from the date of order. minus - a limited model range, which nevertheless includes the most common bowl shapes.
• LLC Esse, Tyumen (ESSE baths). This domestic manufacturer also uses high quality natural stone for production. The company boasts a wide range of models not only of bathtubs, but also of shower trays. Prices are reasonable, below market prices. It is possible to manufacture according to individual customer orders with non-standard sizes. Disadvantage is a long production time - from 10 to 14 days and delivery of products to order.

Three representatives can be distinguished from European manufacturers

• SPN, Latvia is a company that uses only natural marble in production. The wide range of models will appeal to the most selective buyer. Many models are always available at the company's warehouse in Moscow. It is worth noting that this is one of the few companies that produce colored models, as well as models that imitate the surface of natural stone. There is a limited number of exclusive models in a single copy. The company also produces cast onyx bathtubs. The disadvantage is the use of plastic as a material for the manufacture of side and end panels.
• Vispool, Latvia - similar to all previous companies, uses natural materials. Most bathtubs are freestanding models with modern designs. Most of the model range replicates the products of the domestic company Esse, Tyumen. The disadvantages include the highest cost compared to all manufacturers represented on the Russian market. The surface of products can imitate only one type of stone - natural granite. Delivery of goods is carried out to order and takes 2-3 weeks from the date of order.
• Belux Ltd, Belarus, Zhodino. This company presents high-quality items made from real marble chips in compliance with all required production stages. The model range is quite diverse and interesting. The prices for the items are quite reasonable, one might say low. Disadvantage You can call it a long delivery time - about 2 weeks. All items are made to order only.

It is also worth mentioning a couple of manufacturers who use quartz sand as a base material, but still call their products marble:

• Marmite, Poland - products of this company can be found in a warehouse in Moscow. The model range features a characteristic European design. And even despite the use of quartz sand, the products have very high prices.
• Astra-Form LLC - a domestic manufacturer that tries to reduce the cost of its products as much as possible by using inappropriate material. When using sand, it is impossible to achieve the required density of the structure; air layers are formed, which affects the level of strength and durability. The company's product range is very large and is also available in Moscow.
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We introduced you to the most significant characteristics that affect the quality of the product, gave recommendations regarding care and operation, and cited several trusted manufacturers whose products meet the necessary conditions.
Now your choice will definitely be successful. One thing is certain - bathtubs made of cast marble will be appreciated by people who are accustomed to comfort and practicality. Tags:Bathroom

Cast (artificial) marble

Currently, bathtubs made of cast marble are quite popular. Thanks to ultra-precise equipment and professional, high-quality processing, they look very much like marble.

Cast marble is an artificial material that perfectly imitates natural marble. This material looks luxurious and expensive and brings a feeling of wealth to the interior. The composition of this composite includes marble chips, quartz sand and solid polyester resin, which, when combined with mineral elements, acquires high mechanical strength. The more marble chips are in the composition, the more natural the material is considered.

An important advantage of cast marble over its natural counterpart is the ability to be painted in any desired shade, thanks to the addition of a special coloring pigment to the chemical composition of the material. A product made from this artificial material can be of any shade - red, emerald, pink, bright purple, with different textures, thanks to which such products can be used in the most daring and extraordinary design solutions. Cast marble is usually used to make baths of any shape and size, sinks, toilets and bidets, window sills, kitchen countertops, bar counters, and fireplaces.

The surface of cast marble is always coated with a special gel-like composition for coating composite products - gelcoat.

This protective material gives the product strength and glossy shine, and also protects it from ultraviolet radiation, moisture and mechanical damage. It is applied in a layer of up to 1 mm. Transparent gelcoat makes the surface look like natural marble or black granite. Colored gelcoat can give the surface shade, different patterns and designs.

The structure of cast marble, covered with a layer of gelcoat, has a smooth, non-porous coating that is quite easy to clean, since dirt practically does not linger on the surface. When cleaning the material, however, the use of abrasive substances is prohibited, as their particles can scratch the surface and thereby spoil its appearance. To clean cast marble, you need to purchase special detergents.

The advantage of bathtubs made of cast marble is the absence of seams, due to the presence of two-component glue. In addition, the material is hygienic; its moisture-resistant structure prevents the spread of fungi and mold.

The material is resistant to most common chemicals. Only lemon juice and acetone with prolonged exposure can damage its surface.

Typically, cast marble products are made to order, but there are companies that mass-produce standard bathtub models in traditional colors and basic configurations.

Features of the material

The properties of cast marble allow it to be used not only in the manufacture of sanitary ware, but also in other areas, for example, kitchen furniture.

You can find a variety of decorative products made from this raw material - various sculptures, monuments and even fountains. It can also be found in facing materials.

The main component from which the bath is made is marble chips (80-85%). Sometimes it is replaced with quartz or other rock, various minerals. Manufacturers often use up to three fractions of marble particles.

The second component is polyester resin (15-20%), it is necessary for the crumbs to connect with each other. At the current stage, the material acquires a liquid and viscous consistency.

Also at this stage, various dyes are added to diversify the appearance of the product, and the future outlines of the object are formed.

Cast marble is named after the process during which the resulting mixture is poured into various forms. Its walls are covered with a special layer called gelcoat, commonly called liquid glass.

In the future, it will give the product gloss and protective properties that will protect it from harmful external influences.

Disadvantages of marble baths

Marble is a carbonate sedimentary rock, so it is not resistant to acids and food coloring, so marble baths should not be exposed to these substances. Also, marble baths should not be subjected to thermal shocks, or hot tea or other liquids should be spilled on them, as this can damage it.

Do not expose marble baths to abrasive particles, such as sand, as they will scratch the stone. To clean the bathtub, you will need to purchase special formulations based on natural and synthetic wax.

Natural marble is a more fragile material than its artificial counterpart. Therefore, a bathtub made of natural marble requires careful handling. If there is a possibility of strong shock loads on the bathtub, it is better to purchase it from an artificial material.

If there is significant damage to a bathtub made of either natural or artificial marble, it will not be so easy to repair. If a bathtub made of these materials cracks and splits, after repairs are made it is unlikely to have its original satisfactory appearance and therefore may have to be replaced.

Marble, especially natural marble, has quite a lot of weight, so it will exert considerable pressure on the load-bearing reinforced concrete slabs. Bathtubs made of cast marble have less weight, and they are thinner, which reduces the load.

In addition, the high cost of products, even those made of artificial marble, as well as the equally expensive costs of repairing them, is a significant drawback of these baths.

Installation and connection methods

Corner design

Installing a bathtub made of marble chips has its own characteristics. Incorrectly sealing the bowl under a tile or into a wall leads to movement of the building structure, which creates compression pressure. When hot water is added, the built-in bathtub loses the ability to naturally expand, which leads to the formation of cracks.

The best option is installation using the attached method. In this case, the bath expands and contracts under the influence of temperatures without deformation. In addition, the installation method is simpler and hassle-free.

Shapes of marble baths

The shapes of bathtubs made of both natural and artificial marble can be very different. They can be oval, rectangular, round, and even multi-faceted.

The wide variety of shapes of these baths is due to the material itself and the capabilities of innovative equipment. Bathtubs made of marble can be made either symmetrical or asymmetrical, to suit every taste of the customer.

Kitchen in black and white colors.

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Prices for marble baths

The high price of products made from natural marble is due to its high cost. Natural marble is a natural resource and its reserves cannot be restored. Also, the cost usually includes the cost of transporting the material from the deposits to the plant. Processing this material requires high-tech expensive equipment, which also affects the cost. Therefore, few people can afford a natural marble bath. The minimum cost of bathtubs made of natural stone is at least $5,000.

The price of bathtubs made of cast marble is much lower, and in general, similar to their acrylic counterparts. Cultured marble bathtubs cost $1,000 and up. The production of products from this material requires significantly less working time and resources.

Comparative characteristics

Thus, a modern marble bathtub cast from artificial stone has advantages and disadvantages:

Due to the high price, this plumbing fixture is installed in the bathrooms of large apartments, penthouses, and mansions with expensive renovations. The weight of the bowl is approximately the same as cast iron sanitary ware, but it does not need to be heated, and the water remains warm even longer.

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