Classification of modern bathtubs according to materials of manufacture

Photo by ReRooms

Bath in the ReRooms project

Remember that the bathtub will take up a significant portion of the room, so it is important to accurately measure the area where it will sit. Please note that space is required for other accessories and fixtures. Measure the doorway to make sure you can fit the tub in.

Photo by ReRooms

Corner bath in the ReRooms project

Choosing a bathtub is a very personal matter, so don't let anyone else make that decision for you. Yes, a contractor can help you size the tub in relation to the space and advise you on installation, and a bathroom designer can help you with style, but you should choose a tub that you'd be happy to use every day. You can “try on” the model you like right in the store. Feel free to climb into the bathtub, lean back at full length and see how comfortable you are. Some bathtubs look great but can be very uncomfortable. Do you like to sit or do you prefer to lie down with your legs fully extended? Do you want your feet to reach the end of the bath without your head going under the water? Do you have children who will also use the bathroom? Do you need armrests or grab bars? Pay attention to the slope under your back and the height of the bathtub. Height helps determine where the faucets will be placed, at what level the tiles will be laid, and whether you need to recess the bathtub slightly into the floor or install a non-slip step so that you can get in and out of the bowl without difficulty.

Photo by ReRooms

Bathtub with cladding in the ReRooms project

Advantages

An oval bathtub is a kind of intermediate option between rectangular and non-standard models. The latter are still considered by most people to be quite a curiosity.

This model is more compact than various bulky square or round bathtubs. This allows you to install an oval bathtub even in a small room.

An oval bathtub, of any model, can be found in any plumbing store. The differences between the products lie in both materials and design features, as well as installation methods.

Bath color

Everything is simple here: the color of the bathtub should match the interior of the entire room and please the person who will use it. For a space decorated in subtle colors, designers often choose bright bathtubs. Playing with contrast, supporting shades, muted accents - there are no strict rules, only your own taste and advice from designers.

Photo by ReRooms

Pink bath in the ReRooms project

Flaws

The oval shape of the bathtub is non-standard, which is why the price tag for such a bathtub is significantly higher than for a simple rectangular one. On the other hand, this same price tag is also determined by the brand and material, so even a not very rich person can choose an option that suits their pocket.

Although the oval bathtub itself takes up quite a bit of space in the room, its installation requires slightly more space than is ultimately freed up. Therefore, before replacing the old bathtub with an oval one, it is necessary to carefully measure everything again.

Accessories

For each type of bathtub, it is necessary to select the right accessories. The characteristics of bathroom faucets will also be different. They are made from different materials, which naturally affects the cost. There are:

• steel;
• composite;
• brass;
• bronze;
• copper faucets.

Naturally, each type of bathtub has its own mixer. The most ideal option would be to purchase mixers along with the tank. Moreover, in many stores the accessories are already well matched to the plumbing fixtures.

Materials

• Cast iron. Surprisingly, oval cast iron bathtubs are in fashion. The reason for this is that antique and retro styles are now gaining popularity. For decades, cast iron bathtubs have been a model of reliability and durability. They also perfectly insulate sound and take a long time to heat up and cool down. The main disadvantage of cast iron bathtubs has not gone away - they are very massive and of considerable size.
• Steel. Bathtubs made of steel are the most budget option of the lowest quality. Therefore, it is chosen only by those who cannot afford anything else. They are not inferior in design to any other bathtubs, but they are much less convenient to use. A steel bathtub has a slippery and brittle coating and extremely high thermal conductivity, which is why it heats up and cools down very quickly. Another disadvantage is that when water is collected, this process is accompanied by a loud and unpleasant noise.
• Acrylic. Acrylic is a modern synthetic material. It has all the advantages of analogues created by Mother Nature. This material is light and flexible, like steel, retains heat and absorbs sound no worse than cast iron, and also looks no worse than marble. Its only drawback is its fragility, which is why the bathtub will have to be replaced soon after purchase.
• Marble. More expensive than the others are probably marble bathtubs. The only exceptions are products made from rare wood species, but those are made to order. Bathtubs are made from natural or artificial (cast) marble. Moreover, it is more profitable to take a bathtub made of artificial marble: it looks great, and its cost is noticeably lower. Also, caring for an item made from cast marble requires much less effort than something made from natural raw materials.

With seat

Aquatek Borey 3

• Acrylic bathtub, made in the shape of a quarter circle.
• Overall dimensions 150*150, bowl depth 54 cm, volume 380 liters. This model is perfect for spacious rooms.
• The basic package includes a frame and a seat.
• Additionally, you can install the following options: air massage,
• aromatherapy,
• underwater lighting,
• headrest,
• handles, hydromassage system,
• disinfection system,
• chromotherapy.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Bowl with two ledges that can be used for seating or as a shelf for washing accessories.
• The corner of the side with rather large dimensions is also used as a shelf. It is convenient for permanent storage of washing and hygiene products.
• There are technical holes on the sides for installing taps. If their location is not suitable, then the mixer can be installed in any part.
• The decorative front panel is purchased separately.
• The manufacturer guarantees a service life of up to 15 years.

Design

The oval shaped bathtub is a truly versatile piece. It will fit perfectly into any design, and all that is needed is to choose the right model. For example, for an oriental style, an oval bathtub with a copper finish is good, and in order to create a bathroom of a minimalist Japanese design, it is best to choose a white acrylic bathtub.

There are various options for installing an oval-shaped bathtub. Placed in the center of the room, it will attract all attention, which should be used if you want to make the bath the main piece of furniture. It will also look good on the edge of the bathroom - in a corner or near a wall. But it is recommended to install the bathtub separately from other plumbing fixtures: this is how it will look best.

Dimensions

The standard dimensions of oval bathtubs are approximately the same as their rectangular counterparts. The most commonly purchased products are 170 by 80 cm. The largest size of such a bathtub is 240 by 150 cm, its volume is 530 liters. The smallest bathtub measures 120 by 70 cm. You can find oval bathtubs for one or two people.

Bowl shape

If the bathtub is oval-shaped, then its bowl is usually also oval. All other configurations have a negative impact on capacity. On the other hand, a large bathtub may have a slightly different shape. For example, oval bathtubs with a rectangular bowl are in second place in popularity. On sale you can find oval bathtubs with bowls of irregular shape, not too far from the oval: having smooth lines and rounded edges.

Bath place

One of the advantages of an oval-shaped bathtub is that it can be installed anywhere. And the design of a room of a sufficiently large size, if its communications are carried out exclusively under the floor, can be improved by installing a bathtub in its center. If the room is not spacious, you can install a corner model in it. It is more difficult if you need to install the bathtub close to the wall: a considerable gap is inevitable here. But here professionals can recommend an excellent way to deal with this problem: you just need to create a niche that completely follows the contours of the bathtub.

You can install an oval bathtub using various methods. They are often placed on decorative legs. And if the bathtub is a huge solid bowl, it is installed directly on the floor. It is more difficult and more expensive to install a bathtub into the floor or place it on a special podium.

Compact sizes

1Mark MARKA ONE Piccolo

• Compact acrylic drop-shaped bathtub. Overall dimensions are 150*75*64 cm, depth 44 cm.
• The volume is 110 liters, which will allow you to use water economically, even with frequent use.
• The kit includes a metal frame for installation; it reliably holds the bowl in a stable position.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The maximum narrowing of the font in the part where the legs are located is provided for the installation of additional equipment, in particular a sink. It will hang over the bowl without interfering with the bathing process, and the rounded outer edge of the bathtub will make access to the sink easy.
• Suitable for small spaces where installing a full rectangular bathtub takes up too much space and does not allow for a sink.
• It is produced in both right and left versions, which allows it to be used in any room without restrictions.
• The inner corner can be used as a shelf for washing and hygiene products.
• Due to the small volume of the font, it is impossible to sit at full height when taking water procedures.

Useful tips

• People who have purchased an oval bathtub have noticed that waterproofing such an item is not an easy task. The purpose of this sanitary fixture is for bathing and relaxing, not for showering. So for those who value speed in hygiene procedures, it is better to buy not only a bathtub, but also a shower enclosure;

• Before purchasing a bathtub, you should look at its contents. Most manufacturers include a headrest, handrails and a hydromassage panel. However, the cheapest models may easily not be equipped with them, and you will have to buy additional accessories yourself;
• If you have a thick wallet, you can pay attention to built-in bathtubs equipped with a countertop. Such plumbing fixtures are distinguished by both great efficiency and considerable practicality. This is due to the fact that you can put a washcloth and various detergents or cosmetics on the countertop while bathing.

• Using the front panel, you can either hide the connections and plumbing fixtures, or complete the design of the structure. When choosing a panel, you must be guided by the individual characteristics of the bath. More specifically, the style, color scheme, as well as the material from which the product is made.

For two

1Brand AIMA Love

• Acrylic bathtub for two, with a large bowl.
• Overall dimensions are 185*165*138, volume 265 liters.
• With large sizes, this model has a depth of 48 cm, which is enough for a comfortable bath and at the same time allows you to save water.
• The shape of the product resembles a strongly elongated heart, the narrow part of which is intended for the legs, and the wide part forms two places for the back.
• The basic package includes a steel metal frame that securely holds the bowl.
  Instead of the usual four points of support, the frame has 8 legs and an additional transverse rib on the frame.
• Additionally, you can purchase a front panel that follows the curve of the bowl.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Additionally, the bathtub is equipped with headrests and a hydromassage system. The nozzles are located on the bottom, in the walls and in the back area.
• There are armrests on the sides of the bowl.
• The two straight sides of the bath form a wide rim, which is used for various bathing items.
• It is possible to install a faucet and shower head into the side.
• The model is presented in both left and right orientation.
• The structure may sag under the influence of water pressure.

conclusions

Purchasing a freestanding clawfoot bathtub is advisable if you have a spacious bathroom. An acrylic bathtub can satisfy the requirements of almost any person, both in terms of quality characteristics and external data. An alternative could be a quaril bowl.

Before purchasing such a bathtub, you should take into account the fact that for a floor-mounted faucet, piping and sewerage must be laid during repairs. Bowl legs emphasize the appearance of the product and complement the interior of the room. But if the overlap is weak, it is advisable to install the bath on a podium to reduce the pressure on the surface. If necessary, the floor is additionally strengthened so that it can withstand the weight of the bowl, water and people. With proper preparatory work, installing a bathtub is not very difficult.

Infinity

These baths are very comfortable and you can truly relax and unwind in them after a busy day at work. Infinity baths can even be called 4D baths. They have built-in special technology that creates wonderful aromas and regulates the temperature of the water. This “smart” bath will even help you choose relaxing music! The design of the bathtub is an example of simplicity and elegance at the same time. You can probably even fall asleep in it, forgetting about everything in the world.

Features of connecting floor mixers

The installation of pipes for the floor mixer must be carried out during repairs before the screed is formed and the cladding is laid. To install plumbing, plastic pipes with a diameter of 25 mm are required. To connect plastic pipes with each other, a soldering iron is used, and with metal elements, special equipment is used.

Floor mixer

To lay pipes, gutters are formed in the floor. After installation, the floor is poured with concrete, and tiles or other facing material are laid on top. Upon completion of all work, you need to install the mixer and connect it to the cold and hot water supply pipelines.

Kinds

Acrylic is the most popular material for making bathtubs today. Its plastic features allow you to create the most unusual shapes and colors. And we should say separately about the existing types of non-standard bathtubs.

For example, one of the classifications is based on installation method:

• along the wall;
• in the corner;
• in a niche;
• in the center of the room.

Products also differ in interior design and accessories:

• with a ledge for sitting;
• with handrails;
• with niches for accessories and supplies.

According to the placement of irregularly shaped baths, there are:

• recumbent;
• standing;
• sedentary.

The latter option is characterized by an important advantage - high sides, which allows you to draw a high level of water, which means you can be completely immersed in the water.

Variety of shapes

The construction market offers any form.

This and:

• ordinary rectangular;
• oval;
• round;
• square;
• corner;
• broken lines of various configurations.

Corner mini-bath is the ideal solution for a small bathroom