Which bath is better: acrylic or cast iron. How to choose a shower tray Made of ceramic or acrylic

27/02/2017

Today, the kitchen sink market is not lacking in models. And although stainless steel sinks are considered the most practical, they do not always fit into the design of the kitchen, so many buyers prefer ceramic or acrylic models. What is the difference between them?

When choosing a kitchen sink, you need to take into account a number of parameters, such as compliance with the interior design of the kitchen, the level of durability and your own lifestyle in which this or that model will be used. So, ceramic or acrylic?

Style

Both ceramic and acrylic kitchen sinks are double and single. The style and coloring of those and other models is very diverse, from “antique” sinks to classics and cutting-edge design. Installation methods and fasteners can also vary depending on your wishes and preferences.

Material

Ceramic sinks are made from a special mixture of clay and various additives that improve the properties of the material. All this mass is pressed under high pressure and then fired at a very high temperature, which makes the ceramic very durable. Cast acrylic sinks are made from molded acrylic, which is lighter but also quite strong and durable.

Price

The price for both ceramic and acrylic models may vary. But most often, acrylic sinks are cheaper, and are designed for a budget buyer. More modern and expensive sinks are usually made of ceramics.

Durability

If something heavy is dropped into the ceramic sink, it can be damaged. However, with proper care, such a model will last for decades. The service life of high-quality ceramic sinks is 25-30 years. Ceramic sinks absorb heat well and are not afraid of boiling water or hot dishes. Acrylic sinks are more “gentle”. They are easily scratched, and after a hot frying pan, a yellow spot or a deformed area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe coating may appear on the acrylic surface.

Ease of cleaning

Usually there are no problems with cleaning ceramic sinks. However, if the pollution is left for a long time, it will be much more difficult to get rid of them. Acrylic models are easier to clean, and some acrylic sink manufacturers even endow them with grease-repellent properties. Neither ceramic nor acrylic require special care, and both materials can be cleaned with common household products for sinks, bathtubs or sinks.

By the way, here is one of our previous publications, where we talked about how to make effective natural cleaners on your own, which you might find useful.

One of the invariable attributes of all bathrooms is the sink. A person encounters her several times a day, and therefore her appearance is capable of both creating a good mood and maintaining it throughout the day, and hopelessly ruining it. In order for the sink to be not just an ordinary element of plumbing, but to be a comfortable and unique part of the interior of the entire apartment, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of this product. And, probably, the first thing you need to decide when choosing a sink is the material from which it is made.

Among the most common materials for modern sinks, faience, porcelain, cast iron, steel and artificial materials are especially popular.

Faience sinks

Sinks made of earthenware are characterized by a smooth and hard surface, which can be easily washed with cleaners and detergents. They are able to retain their original appearance and novelty for quite a long time. The disadvantage of such shells is their fragility. The slightest blow to the surface of a faience sink can lead to the formation of cracks, which increase over time, dirt accumulates in them, which cannot be removed, which ultimately leads to the destruction of the sink.

Porcelain sinks

Porcelain sinks have properties similar to faience sinks, but their surface has fewer microscopic pores, which significantly increases the useful life of the product.

Cast iron sinks

On the modern plumbing market, you can also find cast iron sinks, which, of course, do not at all resemble those famous Soviet cast iron sinks that had a repulsive and depressing design. Now cast-iron sinks are covered with several layers of enamel of any colors and shades, they are strong and durable, and outwardly they are completely indistinguishable from their faience or porcelain counterparts.

Stainless steel sinks

Often found in stainless steel sinks, which are an indispensable element of high-tech bathroom interiors, dominated by steel and glass. Such sinks are very practical, easy to clean, they are not at all afraid of falling a variety of objects, but they are also prone to scratches. Thanks to a special rubber coating on the reverse side, their surface reacts completely silently to a jet from a tap of any intensity.

Acrylic sinks

Recently, acrylic sinks have become very popular. Due to the properties of acrylic, they can have a variety of shapes and colors. In addition, these sinks are very light and very resistant to dirt, as they are covered with a special hygienic and dirt-repellent layer. The surface of acrylic bathtubs practically does not make sounds when water falls on it, and it also does not cool hands when touched. Perhaps the only thing to avoid when using acrylic sinks is very hot water or boiling water.

Glass sinks

If you wish and if you have sufficient funds, you can buy a sink made of especially durable quartz glass. The design of such sinks is simply unsurpassed, however, glass sinks require constant and careful maintenance, as even just dried water significantly affects their appearance.

Choosing washbasins for bathrooms

Plumbing products, which are traditionally made of sanitary faience or porcelain, are combined under the general name of sanitary ceramics. Thus, sanitary ceramics includes such indispensable components of your bathroom or bathroom as a toilet bowl, sink and bidet. In this article we will talk about acrylic, sanitary ware and sanitary ware. What are the differences between these materials? What do you prefer for your apartment?

In Stroytsentr Inkom you can buy washbasins of the following brands: (Santek), (Sanita), Sanita Lux, KERAMIN, ROCA, ARCUS,

Sanitaryware

Earthenware products are made of white clay, they have a dense finely porous structure. Since, in comparison with porcelain, this material has a greater tendency to absorb water (moisture absorption coefficient - 0.5%), it needs a special coating - a thin layer of glaze. It is glazing that provides a faience sink or bidet with decent moisture resistance. The glaze retains its original appearance for a long time, its glossy surface is not prone to clouding, and the color of a quality product, as a rule, is not subject to change.

The walls of an object made of sanitary ware are thin enough not to give the impression of a massive structure, but at the same time their thickness (1 cm) contributes to the strength and durability of the product.

The cost of a sanitary ware interior element is often lower than that of the same product made from sanitary ware. However, it should be noted that this price range is not introduced into the rank of an invariable rule: in any case, a sink from a well-known manufacturer will be more expensive than a sink from a modest company, regardless of the material.

Sanitary porcelain

Sanitary porcelain is created from white clay with the addition of quartz and feldspar. Additional elements of the composition provide it with a high density (the moisture absorption coefficient is 10 times less than that of sanitary ware - 0.05%) and strength characteristics that inspire confidence.

The smooth surface of sanitary ware better resists dirt and odor absorption. Due to its homogeneous structure, this practical material is easy to clean from pollution, it is easy to care for it, preventing the appearance of an unpleasant plaque. Experts say that sanitary ware is also more resistant to mechanical damage (compared to sanitary ware), but this parameter is rather arbitrary.

Both porcelain and faience are covered with the same glazes and enamels, so it will be problematic to visually determine the material hiding under the decorative protective layer.

Please note that both versions of sanitary ceramics can be impregnated with special dirt-repellent coatings. The purchase of such a product will please any hostess - dirt will not stick to its surfaces and is easily removed, which will allow you to significantly reduce cleaning time.

Description of acrylic sinks

All types of sinks are made of acrylic (for bathtubs, kitchens, etc.), as this material fully complies with hygienic and consumer standards.

Acrylic stone has very low water absorption and porosity. In these parameters, the material surpasses faience and even porcelain. Therefore, acrylic sinks retain a perfectly clean and smooth surface much longer.

The second most important property is hygiene. The polymer does not promote the growth of bacteria. Moreover, this stone possesses this quality to such an extent that products made from it are recommended for use in medical institutions.

Acrylic owes its widest use in everyday life to its plasticity. The material softens at a temperature of 150-175 C and takes any shape.

It is only from acrylic stone that a sink or bathroom can be made not of a traditional round or rectangular shape, but asymmetrical, curvilinear, imitating any object or object.

If when describing other washbasins it is possible to list form factors - square, oval, round, then in relation to acrylic it does not make sense.

Scope of application

• Kitchen sinks - here the material requires high resistance to pollution, the action of dyes and aggressive household chemicals. Acrylic stone fully justifies itself.
• Washbasins in the bathroom - hygiene, ease of maintenance and resistance to hot steam come first. The low porosity of acrylic ensures that the requirements are met.
• Plumbing products in medical institutions - the stone is very easy to clean, it is not a breeding ground for bacteria, as it does not contain pores, and it perfectly tolerates rather difficult disinfection procedures.
• Sinks in public places - perhaps, here the dirt-repellent effect and ease of cleaning are even more important than in the kitchen, as well as resistance to mechanical shock damage. Material in public areas is subjected to maximum stress. Acrylic stone meets these requirements.
• Design projects - the plasticity of the material allows you to diversify the appearance of furniture in the bathroom and in the kitchen. From acrylic stone or material with acrylic coating, not only sinks are produced, but also worktops, facades, floor cabinets and more.

When choosing a bathroom pallet, you should decide in advance what it will be like. In the plumbing store, the buyer can be offered various options for pallets, ranging from cast iron products to expensive and massive pallets made of natural stone. The most common options are acrylic or ceramic pallets. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before deciding which pallet is better, acrylic or ceramic, it is worth understanding their characteristics.

acrylic pallet

One of the most common options for a shower cabin. The popularity of acrylic pallets is due to their low cost and resistance to scratches. The acrylic layer is usually 4 to 6 mm. This is enough to prevent minor scratches. Moreover, the acrylic layer is easy to repair at home. To repair the pallet, use a two-component grout. It removes the effects of scratches and returns the product to its original appearance. Also, the acrylic tray heats up quickly. It is easy to clean, the acrylic surface is not susceptible to dirt absorption. All these qualities make the product quite comfortable to use.

The disadvantages of this product include its weak design. The pallet is designed for light weight and is afraid of heavy objects falling onto the surface of the bowl. However, such problems are mainly found in older models of pallets. New products are made using reinforcing elements and special stiffeners at the bottom of the bowl.

Ceramics are inherently more natural. It creates a unique feeling of coziness and comfort. A ceramic product has one quality that other pallets do not have. This is noise reduction. Sound waves from falling water will be absorbed by the ceramic walls. The ceramic tray can withstand a large load. The massive construction makes it quite stable. Also, the ceramic product is easy to clean and wash. Hostesses will like it for its hygienic properties.

The main disadvantage of ceramics is its fragility. If a heavy object falls on the tray, a chip can easily form on the surface of the bowl. In the worst case, it may burst or crack. Another disadvantage of the ceramic pallet is the low thermal conductivity. It must be warmed up in advance, before the adoption of water procedures.

Pallet selection

Evaluating both products, we can note some important aspects that will affect the decision of the question - which pallet is better, acrylic or ceramic?

1. If your family has rather obese people whose weight exceeds 100 kg, you should carefully choose an acrylic product. It is best to choose products with reinforcement, or give your preference to a ceramic pallet.
2. Comfort and care. In this regard, ceramic products are in the lead. Of course, the acrylic tray is also easy to clean and clean, but the ceramic product has very good soundproofing properties, which puts it above acrylic products.
3. Animals. If the family keeps pets that need to be washed after a walk, you should pay attention to acrylic products. It is more scratch resistant. Moreover, the repair of the product can be done independently, without overpaying for the reconstruction of ceramic enamel.
4. Price. Acrylic is in the lead here. Pallets made of this material cost less money than a ceramic counterpart.

Video

The choice of a bath at this time is limited only by your own fantasies and financial capabilities. This type of plumbing surprises with colors, shapes, materials. In addition to the usual cast iron bathtubs, acrylic bathtubs have gained popularity. They have many advantages over steel or copper models. However, there are points on which such modern innovations lose out.

Competition: cast iron vs acrylic

Materials made according to the latest modern technologies are taking an increasing place in everyday life. Artificial stone or plastic, reminiscent of natural glass, have become familiar materials. Acrylic bathtub made of composite material is the newest fashion trend.

Acrylic, when heated, exhibits the best plastic properties. It is in this heated state that a product is produced from it by hot stamping, which in the future will decorate the bathroom. After this operation, the bath is reinforced. Acrylic product has the following advantages:
- ease;
- perfectly keeps heat;
- perfectly smooth surface;
- the possibility of rapid restoration.

However, it must be remembered that acrylic bathtubs also have significant drawbacks. These include:

Intolerance to chemical cleaners;
- brittleness of the material. Any heavy object can permanently destroy the bath;
- the subtlety of the design. When filling it with water, the product may be slightly deformed;
- the inability to determine the quality of the bath by eye.

Despite the shortcomings, acrylics come in a variety of shapes, colors and configurations.

Favorite and reliable cast iron

While cast iron bathtubs cannot compete with acrylic bathtubs in a variety of shapes and colors, they are an alternative for smaller bathrooms. They have a number of advantages due to which they are still in demand:

They are impact resistant;
- have excellent thermal conductivity;
- bathtubs from cast iron are durable;
- not afraid of temperature changes and exposure to chemicals.

A special anti-corrosion coating is applied to cast iron bathtubs, which protects it from rust. At the same time, the product acquires a noble color and allows you to clean the surface with any chemical means. The disadvantages of cast iron baths include their significant weight, a small selection of shapes.