Reinforced bath panels
Discussion
Dear Wise DIY Men and Women of PH,
I'm planning a bathroom refit. I like the idea of a reinforced acrylic bath because I'm afat lump powerfully built type.
I'm not keen on a steel bath because I'ma wimpy snowflake not keen on getting into a chilly bathtub in winter.
However, the catalogue I'm looking at also mentions reinforced side/end panels.
Is there any point in reinforced bath panels? At first glance it seems like a load of cobblers, but I wonder if there's something that I'm not getting about the whole issue.
Thanks,
Blearyeyedboy
I'm planning a bathroom refit. I like the idea of a reinforced acrylic bath because I'm a
I'm not keen on a steel bath because I'm
However, the catalogue I'm looking at also mentions reinforced side/end panels.
Is there any point in reinforced bath panels? At first glance it seems like a load of cobblers, but I wonder if there's something that I'm not getting about the whole issue.
Thanks,
Blearyeyedboy
gizlaroc said:
Just do realise that it will only be chilly if you fill it with chilly water?
With no disrespect meant, I think you've missed the point of an acrylic bath.Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.
I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.
blearyeyedboy said:
gizlaroc said:
Just do realise that it will only be chilly if you fill it with chilly water?
With no disrespect meant, I think you've missed the point of an acrylic bath.Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.
I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.
blearyeyedboy said:
With no disrespect meant, I think you've missed the point of an acrylic bath.
Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.
I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.
Very true. But with a steel bath you could spray the underside with foam to retain the heat. Plus, the foam has the huge advantage of cushioning your landing when you fall through the floor. Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.
I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.
DonkeyApple said:
blearyeyedboy said:
With no disrespect meant, I think you've missed the point of an acrylic bath.
Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.
I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.
Very true. But with a steel bath you could spray the underside with foam to retain the heat. Plus, the foam has the huge advantage of cushioning your landing when you fall through the floor. Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.
I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.
blearyeyedboy said:
gizlaroc said:
Just do realise that it will only be chilly if you fill it with chilly water?
With no disrespect meant, I think you've missed the point of an acrylic bath.Steel is a better conductor than acrylic, so on a cold day your bath water will cool down quicker in a steel bath compared to an acrylic one.
I've had both, the difference is noticeable. It's a First World Problem, admittedly, but steel is good if you need something strong and cheap. I'm not aware of any other advantages of a steel bath.
Steel will not be as warm to start with, but once you have filled it with water it will keep the water warmer for longer.
Mind you, I guess there will be variations on this depending on thickness etc.
Reinforced bath panels offer no structural support at all to the bath itself. they have a second layer of plastic on the inside with vertical ribs that keep the panel upright and less prone to flexing. They are worth the slight increase in price.
I would also use steel baths, more robust and wont flex and break the seal. One of the best baths out there for value is the 80 quid one from screwfix, not advertised but they are actually made by kaldewei and very strong. I have fit loads of them in my btls
I would also use steel baths, more robust and wont flex and break the seal. One of the best baths out there for value is the 80 quid one from screwfix, not advertised but they are actually made by kaldewei and very strong. I have fit loads of them in my btls
Edited by dazwalsh on Monday 23 April 14:36
We've had 2 Kaldewei steel baths and love them. They're very cost effective and they just feel nicer, both to the touch and in terms of solidity. Never noticed that heat loss is any different to an acrylic one, but as noted above, heat rises so the loss will mostly occur from the top.
Swervin_Mervin said:
We've had 2 Kaldewei steel baths and love them. They're very cost effective and they just feel nicer, both to the touch and in terms of solidity. Never noticed that heat loss is any different to an acrylic one, but as noted above, heat rises so the loss will mostly occur from the top.
I have a Kaldewei and paid a fair bit for it (over £300) it is however 3.5mm steel and very heavy @ circa 50kg, took me a while to find the right size for me as internal dimensions on most are just crap, and as mine is basically a big shower tray I wanted decent foot spaceThis is the mdel I have..
https://www.bathe.net.au/baths-showertrays/details...
blearyeyedboy said:
Hmm. Fair points on steel, people. Hadn't thought of foam underneath.
I'll have a rethink, thanks.
As for the side panels, sounds like reinforced ones are a load of tosh as I suspected. Thanks.
It all depends on how flimsy the non reinforced panel is, ive trimmed the outer edge off a stabdard one before to get it to fit and the whole thing bent under its own weight, ive seen thicker cling film.I'll have a rethink, thanks.
As for the side panels, sounds like reinforced ones are a load of tosh as I suspected. Thanks.
The reinforced ones are stronger and wont flex, and can withstand a light breeze without cracking or deforming. IMO they are worth it.
Saleen836 said:
Swervin_Mervin said:
We've had 2 Kaldewei steel baths and love them. They're very cost effective and they just feel nicer, both to the touch and in terms of solidity. Never noticed that heat loss is any different to an acrylic one, but as noted above, heat rises so the loss will mostly occur from the top.
I have a Kaldewei and paid a fair bit for it (over £300) it is however 3.5mm steel and very heavy @ circa 50kg, took me a while to find the right size for me as internal dimensions on most are just crap, and as mine is basically a big shower tray I wanted decent foot spaceThis is the mdel I have..
https://www.bathe.net.au/baths-showertrays/details...
Went for the Saniform Plus in our current place, so looks the same but the thinker 3.5mm steel. Can't remember the cost but still not too badly priced IIRC
Also have a Kaldewei shower try in the en-suite. Much more cost effective than many of the stone and resin ones, looks just as nice, and is still very sturdy.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff