5 tips for choosing a cast marble bath: pros, cons, manufacturers

Obviously, the times when only two types of bathtubs were available to consumers - steel or cast iron, long forgotten. They were replaced by quickly gaining popularity acrylic bathtubs. Indeed, this is an excellent alternative with many advantages, but progress does not stand still. And relatively recently, a more interesting type of this product became available - cast marble bathtubs. One name suggests thoughts of reliability and durability. But let's see if this is really so. Today we will give you standing selection tips cast marble bathtubs, consider their main pros and cons and highlight proven manufacturers.

1. What are marble bathtubs made of?

Knowing the production technology and the correct composition that must be followed by manufacturers will help you choose a truly high-quality product. So, as basics used natural marble chips. It is obtained by grinding marble slabs with defects or waste natural lump stone in the manufacture of decorative items or other products. After processing, the crumb has a very fine-grained structure resembling flour.

To hold the composition together, special binder components are added to it and mixed thoroughly. Typically, resins are used for these purposes. Moreover ratio of components should be maintained at the level of 80% crumbs + 20% resins. A slight deviation from the norm in the range of ± 2% is allowed, which is painlessly reflected in the characteristics of the finished product, but no more. A significant reduction in marble in the composition will lead to a deterioration in performance.

Now consider the method that unscrupulous manufacturers use, thereby tricking buyers. The basis in this case is not natural processed stone, but quartz sand. This is a material that consists of small particles having internal cavities. And, as you know, the more porous the material, the less its strength. Problems may arise in the future, for example, when cutting holes for draining and overflowing or cutting in a hydromassage system. Chips and small cracks can form, which eventually spread over the entire surface of the product.
Now for production technology. It consists of 5 main stages:

• Form or formwork preparation. The dimensional accuracy and straightness of even sections of the product will depend on the quality of the mold. The characteristics of the formwork also affect the uniformity of wall thickness. Therefore, worthy manufacturers use very expensive and accurate molds for pouring, which, accordingly, increases the cost of the bath itself. There are both standard formwork and custom-made, for a specific shape of the bowl. A very important step is application on the walls of the form of a special mixture - gelcoat. This is a polymer composition that will serve as a protective layer on the surface of the bath, make it shiny and increase wear resistance. Its use is mandatory because the surface of the marble is very porous.If this moment was missed, then the surface of the bath will quickly absorb impurities, and will be susceptible to dyes. Moreover, it will not be so smooth and attractive.
• The second stage is the preparation of the mixture, which we described above. We did not just mention that a coloring substance is added to it to give the desired shade. At this stage, there is also a probability to be cheated. Conscientious manufacturers add dye directly to the mixture and knead all the components together. In this case, the finished product will have the same color throughout the thickness. And even the drain holes will have colored walls. It greatly simplifies future bath repairs. It is possible that during careless operation, small scratches or chips may occur, but they will have a color identical to the entire surface and will not be evident. And to eliminate them, you just need to purchase a repair kit of the appropriate shade and use it yourself. Manufacturers who are trying to reduce the cost of the manufacturing process and make the price of their goods lower and more attractive do not add color to the mixture. They apply a color coating only to the surface and protect it with a gelcoat layer, at best. In this regard, with the formation of chips or deep scratches on a colored surface, they will have a distinctive light color and will be very noticeable.
• After all the preparatory work, the finished mixture is poured into the formwork. This process requires maintaining a certain level of temperature and humidity. Normal temperature is in the range - 18-23 ° C. Compliance with this condition is one of the key points, otherwise it may happen. uncontrolled deformation composition. In the factory, the pouring process is performed on special vibrating tables. A certain level of vibration helps to distribute the mixture evenly, prevent the formation of voids and achieve the necessary degree of shrinkage with the specified density parameters.
• At the same temperature, further drying and crystallization of the composition occurs.
• After the final hardening, the formwork is removed, and the surface of the bath is subject to minor modifications, namely the removal of casting defects, grinding and polishing. Then the finished product is allowed to infuse for a certain time to acquire the necessary strength indicators.

After such a simple process at first glance, marble bathtubs acquire their refined and perfect look.

2. Advantages and disadvantages

Any product has a number of positive and negative points that you need to know. After all, it is these factors that are decisive during the choice. Start with undeniable advantages cast marble bathtubs:

• The surface of the bath, subject to all stages of production, have a very high strength and resistance to mechanical stress. Quality bathtubs for a long time will maintain a perfectly smooth and unharmed surface.
• The polymer-mineral base has a high level of abrasion.
• The ability to dampen vibrations will appeal to lovers hydromassage. Unlike acrylic, which quite noticeably transmit vibrations during the operation of the massage installation, marble remain completely motionless. Thus, you can fully focus on pleasure, and not on the trembling of the walls.
• Noiselessness, which is slightly superior to acrylic products, is maintained even when water falls from a great height. This will be relevant when using systems soul from the tropical rain series.
• Like most composite materials, cast marble is characterized by high thermal insulation performance. This will significantly increase the cooling time of the water.
• The surface of the bath is pleasant to the touch and not cold due to the low level of thermal conductivity, which makes the operation process very pleasant.
• The properties of the material itself inhibits the formation and growth of bacteria.
• The structural integrity of the material makes it possible to withstand significant loads with small wall thicknesses.
• Cast marble is a dielectric.
• Cast marble products are resistant to many chemicals.
• The variety of color palette is much greater than that of acrylic.
• Imitation of a color of any breed of natural stone is possible. This option is almost indistinguishable from products made from the original material.
• In case of damage in the form of scratches or chips, the surface is easily repairable without the need for dismantling.

The virtues speak for themselves and justify the cost of such bathtubs. Now let's get acquainted with disadvantages which are much smaller:

• Some argue that surface care is much more complicated due to the inability to use abrasive cleaners. This is a moot point. After all, even if you rub the enamel of the steel bathtub with the hard side of the sponge, and even with the use of bulk products, it will also lose its gloss over time and become covered with small scratches. There is a special series of bath care products made of various materials, which allows you to maintain a clean and consistent surface at the same time. And due to the presence of a protective coating, the surface of the bath is very smooth, which prevents the accumulation of dirt. It can be concluded that complex care is due only to the acquisition of a poorly executed product.
• The surface of cast marble does not tolerate prolonged contact with water. This does not mean the adoption of water procedures, but what happens after. If your bath is installed even with a slight bias, this can complicate the drain from the bowl. Even small areas with water can leave traces in the form of yellow spots. It is rather the inadequate quality of the supplied water than the material itself. After all, the same thing will happen with any surface, but after a different period of time.
• Marble baths are afraid of blows of heavy objects. When dropped, a rather large chunk may break off. You can solve this problem, but it entails large expenses.
• AND most significant the disadvantage is the high cost of a quality product that is exceeded only by products made of natural stone.

Carefully having analyzed flaws, it can be noted that the real disadvantages are only the last two points. The rest are caused either by improper care, or improper installation and operation, so deciding to purchase, you will get a truly reliable and durable bathtub that perfectly complements the room’s interior with its luxurious look.

3. Tips for choosing shape and size

A bathtub is the center of attention of the entire room, its key component, which can emphasize the features of a certain style, and spoil the situation with an inappropriate shape or color. The variety of shapes of the bowl of cast marble bathtubs is much wider than natural. Anyone can choose the right option for themselves. The form directly depends on installation method:

• Standing separately;
• Wall.

In the first case, the bowl can be a real work of art, especially if it was made to order. This type of product is a bowl, which is located at a distance from the walls. In some cases, special legs are provided, which can have the most diverse shape and give a special chic. Its edges can be either straightforward or rounded. The edges can be asymmetric, resembling sea waves. The silhouette itself can be oval, trapezoidal, almond-shaped, round, in the form of a polyhedron or asymmetric. Such models look very unusual. They are appropriate to place in spacious bathrooms rooms.Usually they take pride of place in the center of the room. Effectively complement the non-standard font, a specially paved small pedestal and a floor high crane. Disadvantage such an installation location is:

• Difficult approach communications to the drain holesthat should remain invisible.
• Have to care not only for the inner, but also for the outer surface.
• The use of a large amount of usable space.

Wall-mounted installation method due to its compact size means placement in small bathrooms. By form bowls distinguish such options:

• Rectangular
• Asymmetric;
• Quadrant;
• Corner

All of the above models can be equipped with a hydromassage system. The choice of a particular shape and size of the bowl will depend on the area of ​​the room and your personal preferences.
Concerning color scheme then two options are considered the most harmonious:

• When the bathroom has a distinctive color and is the highlight of the room. In this case, the non-standard color of the product must be supported by several smaller details. For example, a wine-colored bowl can be supplemented with large candles of the same color and a large bath towel. Or a small rug and wall shelf a similar shade. The surface may not necessarily be solid. It can imitate the color of natural rock or other materials. In this case, the bowl should be in a contrasting color with respect to the colors of the walls or floor. Then you will achieve the desired effect, and all attention will be focused only on the chic bath.
• The second option is the most traditional - when the color of the bowl matches the overall color scheme of the bathroom. Such an interior looks harmonious and holistic. And the bathroom becomes its integral part. Usually the closest possible shade to the color of the walls is selected. But flooring maybe a few tones darker.

Properly selected shape and color of the bowl will help to create a unique interior that does not require additional decor. After all, the impeccable appearance of marble bathtubs is already the main decoration of the room.

4. Care and proper use rules

Like any other product, cast marble bathtubs require a careful attitude and proper care. And as you know, the best care is prevention. To maintain their attractive appearance and avoid the formation of unwanted spots, it is necessary to adhere to several simple rules:

• Use detergents specifically designed for this material. You will have to forget about hard abrasive cleaners forever. Their cost is quite high, but the effect of their use will smooth this disadvantage;
• After each bath, it is advisable to wash the surface with clean water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth;
• There is no need to clean the surface with special detergents immediately after bathing, once or twice a week is enough, depending on the frequency of use;
• Make sure that the water is completely drained from the bowl. Even small islands of water around the drain will result in yellow spots. In the early stages, they can be eliminated using hydrogen peroxide in small quantities;
• Repair leaking taps in a timely manner to avoid prolonged exposure to water at the same place. This can also lead to stains and plaque;
• When purchasing such an expensive product, be sure to take care of replacing the old one. water supply. Particles of rust or worse, rust-stained water can leave noticeable marks. And the fight against rust on cast marble products is very difficult;
• In case of education mold or mildew, use ammonia to eliminate them;
• If a stain from a dye has formed, you can try to remove it with solvent. However, it is impossible to leave it on the surface for a long time, otherwise a white cloudy spot will form. It is better to gently wipe the contaminated area with a cotton pad moistened with solvent;
• If, after washing colored items, you pour water into the bath, immediately rinse its surface with clean water to avoid absorption of the dye and the formation of color spots;
• The marble surface is practically not subject to fading, but if this still happened, a special polish will help to restore the original appearance.

Now for small scratch or chips. On the surface of quality products, they practically do not form if there was no impact. If the surface of your bath is quickly wiped and covered with a net of small scratches, this indicates an inadequate manufacturing process or the manufacturer saves on the quality of the protective coating. Re-polishing will help to eliminate this. Special kits for minor repairs will help eliminate small chips on their own. If the size of the chip or the depth of the scratch is large, then it is better to use the help of specialists.

5. The best manufacturers according to customer reviews

And the most important question which manufacturer to trust and how not to spend an impressive amount for nothing. After all, it is quite simple to deceive yourself, we told you about this in detail in the description of the manufacturing process. Answer this question is very is simple - Do not be tempted by the frankly low price of the product and it is better to give preference to well-known manufacturers who have long been on the market. After analyzing a lot of consumer reviews, we can highlight a couple domestic manufacturers who have proven themselves on the positive side:

• Estet LLC, Kostroma city. The main advantage of this company is the use of natural, domestic marble for the manufacture of foundations of excellent quality. Already at this stage it is clear that the operational 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. They will delight and prices for finished products that are approximately 25% below average market. 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 time of order. Minus only one - a limited range, which nonetheless includes the most common bowl shapes.
• LLC Essays, Tyumen (bath ESSE). This domestic manufacturer also uses high-quality natural stone for manufacturing. The company boasts a wide range of not only bathtubs, but also shower trays. Prices are reasonable, below market. It is possible to manufacture according to individual customer order with the implementation of custom sizes. Disadvantage is a long production time - from 10 to 14 days and delivery of products to order.

Of European manufacturers can distinguish the three representatives:

• SPN, Latvia - A company that uses only natural marble in production. A wide range 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 color models, as well as models that mimic the surface of natural stone. There is a limited number of exclusive models in a single copy. The company also manufactures molded onyx bathtubs. Disadvantage is the use of plastic as a material for the manufacture of side and end panels.
• Vispool, Latvia - Like all previous companies, it uses natural materials.Most bathtubs are freestanding models of modern design. Most of the lineup repeats the products of the domestic company Essay, Tyumen. TO disadvantages the highest cost can be attributed to all manufacturers on the Russian market. The surface of the products can imitate only one version of the stone - natural granite. Delivery of goods is made to order and is 2-3 weeks from the date of order.
• Belux Ltd, Belarus, Zhodino This company represents a high-quality position made of real marble chips with all the required stages of production. The model range is quite diverse and interesting. The prices for the positions are quite reasonable, it can be said low. Disadvantage You can call a long delivery time - about 2 weeks. And all positions are made only to order.

It is also worth mentioning a couple of manufacturers who use quartz sand as the base material, and their products are still called marble:

• Marmite, Poland - The products of this company can be found in a warehouse in Moscow. The lineup has a distinctive European design. And even despite the use of quartz sand, the products have very high prices.
• Astra-Form LLC - A domestic manufacturer who tries to reduce the cost of their products as much as possible by using inappropriate material. When using sand, it is impossible to achieve the necessary indicator of the density of the structure, air layers are formed, which affects the level of strength and durability. The lineup of the company is very large and also available in Moscow.

We familiarized you with the most significant characteristics that affect the quality of the product, gave recommendations for care and operation, and brought several trusted manufacturers whose products meet the necessary conditions. Now your choice will definitely be successful. One thing is certain - cast marble bathtubs will be appreciated by people who are accustomed to comfort and practicality.