Standard bathtubs are made from enamel-coated ferrous metal or acrylic, but industrial developments have led to the creation of new materials. A cast marble bathtub has pros and cons that should be taken into account when choosing and installing equipment. The artificial material has an original appearance, but does not tolerate mechanical stress and is destroyed by sudden temperature changes.
What is cast marble
Artificial stone is crushed marble with the addition of quartz sand mixed with synthetic resin. The standard allows the introduction of a binder within 20% of the total volume of the material: a decrease in the amount of stone chips leads to a deterioration in performance characteristics. The resulting raw materials are poured into molds previously coated with a protective substance.
After crystallization, a transparent film remains on the surface of the artificial stone product, preventing damage to the material during operation.
Material characteristics
Due to the combination of natural minerals and synthetic resins, the material has increased abrasion resistance and can withstand short-term heating up to +900°C (an irreversible change in shade is possible). The structure of the material does not absorb moisture and organic solvents; household cleaning agents do not have a negative effect on cast marble. Density ranges from 1.8 to 2.2 g/cm³ (depending on the characteristics of the raw materials), which is 15-20% lower than the specific gravity of natural stone.
Main parameters:
- compressive strength - from 70 to 120 MPa;
- abrasion coefficient - 0.44 g/cm³;
- permissible static load - 350 kg;
- moisture absorption coefficient - less than 1%;
- frost resistance - up to 300 cycles.
Width of color palette
The color of the material is determined by the pigment that is introduced when mixing the components. Manufacturers produce material in various color shades, which allows you to select sanitary equipment taking into account the design of the bathroom. The introduction of several pigments ensures the production of an original ornament with shade transitions in a random sequence.
Mechanical engraving with filling of the grooves with contrasting paint (for example, gold or silver) is allowed.
Material advantages
Advantages of cast marble plumbing products:
- increased sound insulation does not require additional protection to be applied to the outer part of the bathtub;
- artificial stone does not conduct electricity;
- the product allows for refurbishment;
- the material has a uniform color.
Wide range of shapes and sizes
The physical characteristics of the material make it possible to drill additional holes in the bathtub body for installing hydraulic massage nozzles, auxiliary handles or ultraviolet lamps. Since plumbing equipment is manufactured using casting technology, it is possible to use products of complex geometric shapes. Its outlines are limited only by technological tolerances (for example, the radii of surface joints must ensure that the matrix is filled with liquid material during the molding process).
The casting does not require additional mechanical processing of the internal surfaces - only the edges are ground and the feeders are removed. The thickness of the flanging of the product is uniform and does not decrease, as on stamped containers. It is possible to create marble baths with uneven wall thickness (subject to technological limitations).
An additional advantage of the products is the ability to machine the edges during installation (for example, when the equipment does not fit in the planned area).
Easy to install
The product is installed on a previously prepared floor surface on legs. Increased mechanical strength eliminates the need for additional fastenings to the walls and a metal frame. After installation, the front part of the bathtub is covered with a screen made of plasterboard or brick, in which technological holes are provided.
Ease of repair
Since the product is cast from uniformly mixed material of a given color, during operation there is no change in shades in individual areas.
Any mechanical damage that occurs (for example, scratches or chips) is removed by polishing or grinding, followed by restoration of the protective layer.
Ease of use
Metal baths have low heat capacity; the surface is perceived by the human hand and skin as too cold.
Structures made of cast marble feel warm; poured water slowly loses temperature. Thick walls reduce the noise level from liquid flowing to the bottom from the mixer gander; the resulting deposit of dirt and salts can be easily removed with household cleaning products.
Advantages of cast bowls
A high-quality marble bathtub has a number of advantages over cast iron and acrylic counterparts. For example, a significant range of models. On the plumbing market there are angular, oval, asymmetrical bowls. There is a choice of color and design. If desired, you can additionally equip the product with a hydromassage function - artificial stone tolerates vibration well.
On a note. A marble bathtub is easy to install. She stands steadily on her legs. There is no need to install a frame or attach the bowl to the wall.
A product made of cast marble is warm to the touch and maintains its temperature for a long time, so taking water procedures in such a bath is especially pleasant. Another nuance is high-quality sound insulation. This property is ensured by the high density and significant weight of the material. The noise of drawing water will not cause discomfort.
The service life of a bathtub is about 40-50 years. You can care for it with regular detergents. Minor chips and scratches do not affect the functionality of the product. The surface can be sanded and covered with a protective layer.
Important. The bowl is non-slip and therefore safe to use. The walls do not absorb dirt and are also not susceptible to the formation of mold and mildew.
Disadvantages of a marble bath
The disadvantages of equipment made of artificial material should also be taken into account:
- a complicated technological production process negatively affects the cost and final price of products;
- increased wall thickness increases the weight of the finished product, which makes it difficult to transport and carry to the installation site;
- to reduce the risk of damage to surfaces, it is recommended to use special cleaning agents;
- the surface of cast marble absorbs dyes (for example, coffee or tea leaves dark stains that are difficult to remove using standard methods);
- When exposed to heated objects, destruction of the surface is possible.
High price
To manufacture sanitary equipment from artificial stone, reusable molds are required into which a pre-prepared mass is poured. To improve the quality of the product, centrifugal compaction technology is used, which requires the use of special equipment. After removing the bath, the flash and feeders are trimmed, which further increases the manufacturing cost.
Difficult care
To remove dirt deposits, special substances are used that are gentle on the protective layer on the surface of the artificial stone.
If the varnish coating is damaged, the process of mechanical wear of the stone bath accelerates; the material absorbs dyes. It is recommended to wipe the surface of the product with a soft cloth after use, removing any remaining moisture and detergents.
Do not soak or wash items made from multicolored materials in a bathtub, as the pigment will settle on damaged areas (such as scratches or nicks).
Bulky plumbing
Equipment with a complex geometric configuration is supplied in wooden formwork, which makes transportation in an elevator car difficult. To deliver the bathtub to the apartment, a ladder is used, but during the carrying process the product may be damaged. Additional difficulties arise when installing a bath: it is difficult to move the product inside the room. For example, the Armada-170 bathtub from the Aquastone company has a volume of 260 liters, the weight of the product without packaging and additional elements is 100 kg.
Weak strength
The material can withstand increased load (3 times more than natural marble), but can collapse if heated unevenly. For example, when pouring hot water, mechanical stresses arise in the body of the bathtub, causing cracks to appear. When heavy metal objects fall, chips appear on the surface of the container, and part of the side may peel off.
Customer Reviews
Participants in various forums actively share with each other their experiences of using marble bathtubs. For example, Tatyana from Moscow liked the Estet Delta model. According to the woman, the surface does not absorb dyes, including homemade coffee scrub. The bowl was not damaged when a shower head accidentally fell into it.
Users Vitaly, Elena, Marina and others praise Astra Form products. Among the advantages are an impressive design and a feeling of comfort while taking a bath. A Muscovite with the nickname “Cranberries in Sugar” had a marble product that became chipped shortly after its purchase. But overall, the woman was satisfied with the purchase, since she admits that she is to blame for the appearance of defects (careless handling).
Attention! There are also frankly negative opinions about various models.
Reviews about marble baths are contradictory. To ensure that your desired purchase does not disappoint you, follow the basic tips for using and caring for the product. Often the cause of defects is not a manufacturing defect, but force majeure during delivery, installation, or careless operation of the bath by the consumer.
The best bath manufacturers
The best manufacturers of artificial marble sanitary ware include:
- Riho;
- AstraForm;
- "Esthete";
- Fema;
- Victoria Albert;
- Esse;
- "Color and Style";
- Marmo Bagno;
- Aquastone;
- Jacob Delafon.
Manufacturer ratings are determined based on customer reviews and product range. All manufacturers offer products in standard colors. Bathtubs are supplied upon individual orders (with a selection of colors from the RAL or Sikkens catalogues).
Factories provide products with massage nozzles, handles, plastic screens and LED lampshades.
Riho
The Czech company Riho offers bathtubs of various geometric configurations. It is possible to order the product in individual coloring using the Sikkens pigment catalog.
The outer surface of the product is covered with 4 layers of transparent varnish with a glossy surface, the inside of the tank is protected with a matte material (a glossy coating is available for an additional fee). The manufacturer offers bathtubs of standard configuration, as well as equipment designed for installation in the corner of the room.
Astra Form
The Astra Form company has been producing sanitary equipment from artificial marble since 2000. The company produces a line of original bathroom furniture and offers products in standard colors. For casting, a mixture of natural marble and synthetic resins is used, the pigment is selected according to RAL tables. The buyer can place an individual order.
It is possible to produce a decorative screen that is painted in the color of the bathtub. Upon request, holes are drilled in the flange for mounting the mixer.
The manufacturer offers several types of supports; installation of equipment without brackets leads to removal of the equipment from warranty service. Upon request, massage nozzles with electric or pneumatic control are installed in the bathtub. At the buyer’s request, decorative lighting elements and a chromotherapy unit are used (due to the use of emitters of different colors, a person’s psychological and emotional mood changes).
"Esthete"
The Russian product line, founded in 2012, includes bathtubs of classic, rectangular and asymmetrical configurations. The equipment is installed on a metal subframe equipped with adjustable legs. The wall thickness ranges from 14 to 16 mm. The plant offers products in several standard colors (including classic white). The surface is covered with a layer of glossy protective material; upon request, hand painting is applied to the internal surfaces and edges.
Additional equipment includes:
- decorative screens;
- nozzles for hydraulic or air massage;
- massage sprayer control unit;
- chromotherapy lamps.
Fema
The Russian company Fema Style offers 26 models of bathtubs made of cast marble. It is possible to introduce into the material a pigment selected according to RAL tables (standard paint and materials with a metallic effect).
The equipment is supplied in cardboard containers; For an extra charge, a wooden container is used to prevent damage to the bathtub during transportation and loading. The list of additional equipment includes metal handles. Upon request, holes are drilled for mounting the mixer and supplying cold and hot water supply pipes.
Victoria Albert
The Victoria Albert company from the UK offers designer bathtubs that are placed along the wall or in the center of the room. A separate mixer is installed to supply water. Holes are drilled in the flange during the installation of equipment in an apartment or cottage. For the manufacture of products, a mixture of synthetic resins with ground volcanic stone is used. The manufacturer's warranty is 25 years.
Esse
The Russian company Esse has been producing artificial stone bathtubs since 2011. The manufacturer claims a service life of up to 45 years. An additive based on corundum is introduced into cast marble, which increases the mechanical strength of the structure. The inner surface is coated with a layer of varnish that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and chemicals. Artificial stone does not change color throughout its entire service life. The buyer can place an individual order. The RAL table is used to select paint.
Russian
The Russian one has existed since 1999. The mineral dolomite is used to manufacture equipment. Bathtubs are equipped with massage systems, a decorative screen or a glass curtain to protect against splashes. In addition to standard colors, it is possible to manufacture containers to order with color selection from catalogs (the manufacturer claims more than 1000 design options).
Marmo Bagno
The Russian company Marmo Bagno has been producing artificial stone bathtubs since 2016, using Italian technologies. Decorative screens are provided, massage nozzles are installed upon request and holes for the mixer are drilled. The manufacturer mass-produces white products; Upon request, pigments selected according to the RAL color scheme are introduced into the material.
The product line includes corner and rectangular bathtubs, as well as oval-shaped products for installation in the center of the room.
Aquastone
The Russian company Aquastone provides a 5-year guarantee for its products, providing for the return or exchange of goods within 7 calendar days. To make bathtubs, marble chips are used, mixed with polyester resins and pigment. The plant claims that the material is resistant to prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures (no more than +180°C). The service life of the equipment is 45 years (according to estimates from the company’s quality department).
Bathtubs of a rectangular configuration and containers for installation outside the walls of the room are offered. The legs are covered with a decorative shield; There are special retro-style supports covered with a layer of golden enamel. The outer part of the container is painted in 100 colors (at the buyer's choice). Hydraulic massage system nozzles are available upon request. Aquastone bathtubs are distinguished by wall thickness increased to 20 mm, which further reduces the noise level from flowing water.
Jacob Delafon Russia
The French company Jacob Delafon has been developing and producing sanitary fittings since the end of the 19th century. The artificial material Lithocast (a mixture of mineral powders and acrylic resins) is used to make baths. The plant offers products in rectangular and round configurations. There are products designed for installation in the center of the room. The company guarantees the service life of the bathtub at 10 years. Containers are not made to order.
Successful examples in the interior
When installing a bathtub made of cast marble, a harmonious combination of the external finish of the tank and the walls of the room is ensured. For example, an ornament is applied to the outer part of the York series product from Victoria Albert; the supports are covered with a light-colored screen. The owner of an apartment or house can independently change the design using original pearlescent paints and a stencil. The floors and walls are covered with tiles, grouted with mastic, the color of which matches the shade of the decorative pattern on the side of the bathtub.
A rectangular bathtub can be installed along a wall or in a corner of the room; the opening is covered with a screen with mosaic tiles. The color of the finish matches the shades of the tiles on the floor and walls of the room. The mixer with shower head is built into the partition. A guide frame with matte impact-resistant steles is attached along the perimeter of the bathtub, protecting the room from the effects of splashing water.
A bathtub with massage nozzles can be installed in a special niche made of brick or gas silicate blocks covered with tiles or mosaics. On the front part there is a step lined with tiles with ornaments. Shelves are provided at the ends of the container for installing decorative elements or storing accessories. The mixer and control panel for the massage unit are built into the far side of the bathtub, and an arch with stained glass is placed on the wall of the room. There are additional shelves for accessories under the glazing.
Variety of shapes
Ease of shaping allows the master to bring to life the most skillful and crazy shapes for the product. Reading consumer reviews, you can understand that baths are the very embodiment of art, which amaze even the most demanding audience.
Attention! The shape of the composition can be different, both round and square, with curved lines, rectangular, etc.
