The plumbing market offers a huge selection of bathtubs. Products are represented by fonts of various shapes, colors and textures. The choice of materials is also rich. Bathtubs can be made of cast iron, steel, acrylic, glass and other raw materials. Separately in this list is ceramics. Consider the features, advantages, disadvantages and subtleties of the choice of ceramic products.
The subtleties of production
Depending on the manufacturing technology, 2 types of ceramic baths are distinguished: ceramic-metal and earthenware. In the production of the first, the base is made - a metal bowl. It can have various capacities and shapes. The clay mass is applied to the resulting framework and fired at high temperatures (900-1000 degrees). The “hardened” product is enameled, dried and goes on sale.
The second method of production is the most laborious and expensive. Traditional faience baths are made from a polymer composition. It includes marble chips and a binder component - polyester resin.
The use of this substance provides the finished product with glossy gloss, strength and resistance to mechanical abrasion.
Advantages and disadvantages
Ceramic bath has a number of indisputable advantages. The main advantages of such products:
- aesthetics - bathtubs look elegant and spectacular, they can become the main "highlight" of any interior;
- wide selection - there are products for every taste on sale, they differ in size, color and design;
- great heat preservation;
- resistance to mechanical damage (the surface is not scratched, no traces of abrasions appear on it, even with intensive use);
- corrosion resistance;
- environmental Safety.
Yellowness will not appear on ceramics over time. Such a bath will be easy to clean.
However, this plumbing product has certain disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the high cost, because of which not every consumer can buy a ceramic font. The disadvantages also include fragility - if a heavy object falls on the product, ceramics may crack. In this case, it cannot be restored. Ceramic baths are quite heavy, which may cause difficulties in their installation.
Models
Manufacturers produce ceramic bathtubs for every taste and consumer request. There is a sale both dimensional models and miniature. Compact solutions are designed for installation in a small-sized room (most often they are purchased by owners of apartments with a combined bathroom), where every centimeter is important. There are models to accommodate two people - in such fonts it is convenient to sit opposite each other. In addition, manufacturers offer shortened fonts and sedentary options, equipped with a door and a seat.
Ceramic baths can be:
- rectangular;
- square;
- round;
- oval;
- triangular;
- asymmetric.
Most corner models are represented by bowls that visually resemble a quarter circle. Manufacturers also produce options with a sloping bottom, without legs or with legs.
The foot bath is equipped with various supports - these can be traditional legs or columns. Exclusive models are decorated with stucco, various semiprecious stones or minerals.
For more convenient operation, manufacturers produce models with handles, lights, various holders. On sale there are solutions with hydro and air massage. It is worth considering that the more features are provided, the higher the cost will have to pay for a particular model.
How to choose?
Bath - Mandatory sanitary ware in any bathroom. It is necessary to maintain human hygiene and to relax. When choosing a ceramic bath, it is important to pay attention to several nuances. These primarily include appearance. The product should fit into the interior of the room and be in harmony with furniture or plumbing elements.
In addition, you need to consider the style in which the room is decorated:
- for classics an excellent solution would be white or beige freestanding models (it is best to place them in the center);
- for ethnic styles it is advisable to look at the built-in fonts of round or oval shape;
- rectangular bowls are perfect for baroque or modernist style;
- for rooms decorated in contemporary styles, designers are advised to look at the bathtubs designed to be placed on the podium, or give preference to built-in models.
To make the bath comfortable to use, It is necessary to determine the size in advance. The height of the product is selected taking into account the growth of households. Optimum height indicators for an adult range from 65 to 70 cm. If there are small children in the family, it is advisable to look at lower decisions. The optimal depth of the bathroom is 50-60 cm, the length is 160-180 cm, and the width indicators are 70-80 cm.
When choosing the dimensions of the product, it is worth considering the size of the room. You need to take into account the area of the bathroom, a set of furniture, household appliances (for example, a washing machine). When making the calculations, it will be clear how much space will be left to install the font.
When choosing a bath, it is worth considering the reputation of the manufacturer. It is not recommended to purchase a sanitary product of dubious production at a low price - such a product may be of poor quality.
Among the manufacturers of ceramic bathtubs, the Italian brands Flaminia and Globo were able to prove themselves.
On how to choose a bath, see below.
