Acrylic or cast iron bathtub? Overview of the pros and cons of both options

After a hard working day, of course, you need to relax, taking a bath with foam, pine extract or with essential oils. This is an urgent need, because the rhythm of life is now very fast and people spend a lot of time at work. For this reason, you need to think about relaxation in order to relieve fatigue and refresh yourself. This is where the logical question arises, which is better: an acrylic or cast-iron bathtub? This publication will discuss the rational choice of this invariable attribute of the bathroom, because it is bought for more than one day.

Comparative analysis of the main parameters

Each type of bath has its own disadvantages and advantages, so it is better to understand these subtleties before coming to the store. First, let's talk about strength and durability. As for cast iron, it has a large margin of safety, and the bathroom from this material is heavy, but stable. It can be cracked with a hammer with great difficulty, so the face is clearly an advantage over acrylic.

Considering the second option, it should be noted that the acrylic bath is lighter, and the degree of strength depends on the method of reinforcement (the most durable products have a metal mesh at the base).

This is important to know: in terms of longevity, both types last for a long time, only proper care is a prerequisite.

Appearance and price matter should also be considered. The enamel coating of the cast-iron bath has a uniform color and good gloss. But the advantage of acrylic is the variety of colors. A certain color is laid in the product at the initial stage of manufacture, so the bath does not lose its original appearance for a long time. Here, the possibilities of the material are endless: the market offers a wide range of products (literally all the colors of the rainbow) to the attention of consumers, from classic white to extravagant black. Comparing the price of both types, it should be emphasized that their cost is approximately the same, but nevertheless an acrylic bathroom, characterized by complex structural solutions with additional reinforcement, will cost more.

It is worth paying attention: the sophistication of the bends of acrylic products indicates either poor quality or poor reinforcement.

Thermal stability parameters and rules of care - there is also something to say here. Everyone has long known that cast iron has a high heat capacity and although it needs to be heated for a long time, but the level of temperature drop is 1 degree for 10 minutes. The acrylic bath in this indicator outperforms cast iron, because the water cools by a degree for half an hour. This moment is especially relevant if a person likes to soak in hot water for a long time.

Such a bath is very suitable for lovers of complete relaxation.

What about leaving? Of course, the surface of any material can be damaged, so it is better not to drop heavy objects into the bathroom.Considering the care of cast iron products, it should be noted that significant problems will certainly arise with damaged enamel. The bottom line is that such a bath can be restored, but the process is not easy. For example, enamel restoration is the most time-consuming and dusty, and if the bath is darkened, has chips and deep cracks, a more radical method is required.

Glass restoration - a result on the face

We are talking about updating the enamel by pouring glass: due to the specific consistency, it fills cavities, voids and levels the surface.

This is important to know: the “bulk bath” method provides a long service life after repair, and the surface is smoother.

The acrylic bathtub is convenient to care for, the main thing is not to use detergents that contain strong solvents. It is better to use a light liquid detergent or rinse the product with running water.

Properly choose a cast-iron bath

Of course, when thinking about buying a bathroom from this material, you need to know the main criteria for the right choice. We’ll talk about them.

Firstly, you need to remember that the bathtub occupies a central place in the interior of the room, so it must definitely fit into the design. What does it mean? The bottom line is that you should focus on shape and size. New materials processing technologies opened up wide opportunities for manufacturers, because today rectangular models with pronounced clear lines and corner bathtubs (a find for small rooms) are sold in stores.

According to the installation method, cast iron products are divided into built-in models and freestanding fonts. By the way, manufacturers currently offer foot baths in several versions:

• Baroque style - special features: oval shape of the bathtub, legs made in the form of lion paws;

hi-tech - strict contours of the container, chrome triangular or rectangular legs;

In such a bath, swimming is a pleasure!

• "Antiqued" - now these are very fashionable models, since the curved legs give a sophisticated look to even the most minimalist bathroom.

It is worth paying attention: modern bathtubs are equipped with a number of useful functions: hydromassage, backlight, automatic maintenance of water temperature.

We must not forget about the quality of casting: a good coating should not have roughness, bumps, sagging, waves and bulges. If the listed defects are present on the product, this clearly indicates that the application of enamel is uneven. As a result, the bath will corrode more quickly.

In addition to all of the above, we will present you a brief overview of the advantages of cast iron bathtubs:

• sustainability;
• the color of enamel looks noble and rich;
• the surface does not accumulate dirt, does not crack and does not flake;
• normal soundproofing;
• long term of operation.

Acrylic bath - is it so good?

It should be noted right away that due to the increasing popularity of bathtubs made of this material, many unscrupulous manufacturers of plastic have appeared on the market. That is why when choosing it is necessary to pay attention to a number of significant points:

• material thickness - in order to determine it correctly, you should feel the product along the edge of the rim: fine, if the thickness is 5 mm or more;
• reinforcing layer - manufacturers of quality bathtubs take care of strengthening, and also carry out surface treatment of acrylic. Such a layer on the cut is immediately noticeable, therefore it is better to carefully consider the products, so to speak, competently;
• on the sides there should be no burrs, roughness;
• you can knock on the product, if the sound is deaf, then the bath is sound;
• having a certificate is also important: serious companies have no problems with this.

And now you can supplement the article with a brief description of the advantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• lightness - weight not more than 30 kg;
• plasticity of the material - all forms are blown out under vacuum;
• the bathtubs are pleasant to the senses - a perfectly smooth surface gives a real pleasure to the bather;

restoration with liquid acrylic is possible.

You can choose any acrylic bath: the range of shapes is excellent

And finally, let's say a few words about the minuses: fragile material, if someone dropped a heavy object into the bath, a hole may appear. Also, the bottom of the bathtub bends a little while bathing, but this is only unusual at first, and then this feature is forgotten.

In a word, if your task is to choose a bath: acrylic or cast iron, take into account all the information presented in the publication, and then you can choose the best option for yourself.