Steel Baths

Why Choose Steel Baths?

Unparalleled Durability and Strength Steel: Known for its exceptional fortitude, steel imparts unparalleled strength and durability to these baths. Contrasting with materials like acrylic, steel baths boast a formidable resistance to impacts, scratches, and general wear and tear. This resilience is not just about maintaining appearances; it's about ensuring your bath remains a haven of relaxation for years, if not decades.

Superior Heat Retention: Imagine a long, soothing bath where the warmth lingers, enveloping you in comfort. Steel baths excel at retaining heat, a property that keeps bath water warmer for extended periods. This feature is not just a luxury; it's a gateway to a more indulgent, relaxing bathing experience that rejuvenates both body and mind.

The Epitome of Modern Aesthetics In the world of bathroom decor: The aesthetics of your bath can set the tone for the entire space. Steel baths, with their sleek and minimalist design, are synonymous with contemporary elegance. Their clean lines and unassuming presence complement modern decor, transforming the bathroom into a space of understated luxury.

Types of Steel Baths The versatility of steel baths is evident in the variety available, catering to different needs and preferences. Let's explore the most popular types:

Standard Steel Baths: These are the quintessential steel baths, striking a perfect balance between quality and affordability. Designed to fit seamlessly into a variety of bathroom layouts, they are the go-to choice for those seeking reliability without compromising on style.

Steel Baths with Anti-Slip Coating: Safety in the bathroom is paramount, especially in homes with young children or elderly residents. Some steel baths come equipped with an anti-slip surface, offering an extra layer of security. This thoughtful addition ensures peace of mind, making your bathing experience worry-free.

Steel Baths with Grips: Marrying safety with convenience, these baths feature built-in grips. These aids make entering and exiting the bath easier, providing support and stability. This design consideration is a nod to the need for accessibility in modern homes, making luxury inclusive.

Freestanding Steel Baths: For those seeking a touch of opulence, freestanding steel baths are the embodiment of luxury. These statement pieces become the focal point of any bathroom, infusing it with elegance and sophistication. Whether you opt for a classic or avant-garde design, a freestanding steel bath transforms your space into a personal sanctuary.

Installation and Maintenance:

Steel baths, despite their robust nature, require careful installation and maintenance to ensure their longevity. Here’s what you need to know:

Installation Considerations: The installation of a steel bath, particularly a freestanding model, may require professional assistance. It's crucial to consider the weight of the bath, especially when full, and ensure that your bathroom floor can support it. Proper sealing and alignment are also essential to prevent leaks and ensure a seamless look.

Maintenance and Care: Maintaining a steel bath is straightforward. Regular cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners is recommended to preserve the surface's lustre and prevent the buildup of soap scum and limescale. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the coating. For anti-slip surfaces, special care is needed to keep the texture effective.

Which is the Right Size Bath for Me?

The decision to integrate a steel bath into your bathroom is as much about functionality as it is about aesthetics. The key to finding the perfect steel bath lies in selecting the right size to complement your bathroom space. Let's delve into the ideal sizes for different bathroom dimensions.

Small Bathrooms: Compact and Functional: In smaller bathrooms, where space is a premium, choosing a bath that fits without overwhelming the room is crucial. A steel bath measuring approximately 1500 x 700mm is typically ideal for these compact spaces. This size ensures that you enjoy the luxury of a bath without sacrificing essential room for other bathroom fixtures.

Standard Bathrooms: The Perfect Balance: For standard-sized bathrooms, which are more common in most homes, a 1700 x 700mm steel bath strikes the perfect balance between comfort and space efficiency. This size is spacious enough to provide a relaxing bathing experience while fitting harmoniously into the average bathroom layout.

Larger Bathrooms: Spacious and Luxurious: If you're fortunate enough to have a more expansive bathroom, you have the luxury of opting for larger and more spacious steel baths. Sizes like 1800mm baths not only offer more room for a truly indulgent soak but also serve as a stunning focal point in a large bathroom, enhancing the overall feel of luxury and relaxation.

How Much Do Steel Baths Cost?

The cost of steel baths can be as varied as their sizes, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Here’s a closer look at the pricing spectrum:

Budget-Friendly Options: For those mindful of expenses, there are affordable steel bath options available. These baths, while lower in price, do not compromise on the quality and durability that steel offers. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their bathroom without a significant financial outlay.

Mid-Range Models: The mid-range steel baths offer a balance between cost and added features. These might include improved designs, better heat retention capabilities, or even added safety features like anti-slip coatings. This range is ideal for those who want a bit more than the basics but are not looking to splurge excessively.

High-End Luxury: At the top end of the price spectrum are the luxury steel baths. These models often boast superior craftsmanship, exceptional design, and additional features like therapeutic jets or bespoke finishes. They are designed for those who view their bathroom as a retreat and are willing to invest in creating a space of utmost comfort and elegance.

What Are The Best Steel Bath Brands?

When considering upgrading your bathroom with a steel bath, it's crucial to choose a brand that guarantees quality, durability, and style. Let's explore in-depth some of the leading brands in the market:

Kaldewei:

Kaldewei, a German company with over a century of experience, stands out in the bathroom solutions sector, particularly for its steel baths. The brand is distinguished by its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Kaldewei's products, including their baths, are made from a unique steel enamel. This material is not only robust and durable but also consists of 20% recycled steel, making it 100% recyclable. This approach underlines the brand's strong commitment to sustainability and its efforts to create long-lasting products.

One of the groundbreaking initiatives by Kaldewei is their use of Bluemint® Steel from Thyssenkrupp, the world's first CO2-reduced steel. This innovative material significantly reduces the CO2 intensity during steel production, a testament to Kaldewei's dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable manufacturing. The company's long-term partnership with Thyssenkrupp marks a significant step towards achieving climate neutrality in the industry.

Kaldewei's commitment to sustainability is recognised internationally. They have been acknowledged as a “Sustainability Leader” by Marriott International, reflecting their significant efforts in providing sustainable solutions in the hospitality industry. This accolade is a testament to Kaldewei's effective use of recyclable materials and their contributions towards achieving sustainability goals in major projects.

In addition to their environmental efforts, Kaldewei's products are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional design. The company uses a special formulation to produce its enamel, ensuring that their baths, shower surfaces, and washbasins are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally superior. Their products are designed to offer a luxurious experience, combining modern luxury with sustainable thinking, an approach Kaldewei refers to as 'Luxstainability®'.

Bette Steel Baths:

Bette, a renowned German manufacturer, continues to make significant strides in the realm of sustainable bathroom design. Their commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in their support for sustainable steel production in Germany. Notably, Bette has been using substantial quantities of carbon-neutral steel, also referred to as 'green steel', since 2021 and aims to manufacture half of its products from this material by the end of 2024. This dedication to sustainability is achieved without transferring the cost to customers, which speaks to Bette's commitment to both the environment and consumer affordability.

Bette's product range, renowned for its durability and versatility, is also notable for its bespoke options. Their products, including baths, shower trays, and washbasins, are made from glazed titanium steel and come with a 30-year warranty. This durability ensures that Bette's products can often be reused or sold for reuse, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. The company also offers a wide range of colour and size options, with the ability to tailor products to fit specific spaces and design needs.

In terms of product design, Bette demonstrates a strong focus on innovation and aesthetic appeal. They offer a variety of bath models suitable for different bathroom layouts, including fitted and freestanding baths, corner baths, and space-saving designs. The company's range of baths is designed to cater to all occasions, ensuring that there is a perfect fit for every bathroom concept. This variety is coupled with the option to customise products according to individual preferences and space requirements.

Another noteworthy aspect of Bette's products is their Anti-Slip Pro finish, which provides a high level of slip resistance while remaining almost invisible and easy to clean. This feature, along with the company's extensive choice in hundreds of sizes and colours, highlights Bette's commitment to safety, practicality, and design flexibility.

Roca:

Roca, a globally recognised brand, excels in combining practicality with contemporary aesthetics. Originating from Spain, the brand has established itself as a leader in the bathroom sector, known for its innovative designs and sustainable solutions. Roca's steel baths are designed with a focus on comfort and style, integrating seamlessly into modern bathrooms. They offer a wide range of designs, from classic to avant-garde, ensuring there is a bath to suit every taste. Additionally, their commitment to sustainability and use of eco-friendly materials make their products a responsible choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Roca's product line, including its steel baths, exemplifies this sustainable approach. The company has installed solar power production facilities in several of its plants, ensuring that a significant portion of its energy consumption comes from renewable sources. Furthermore, Roca's Let's Make a Deal programme, aimed at saving water in their production plants, has already resulted in significant water savings, equivalent to 11 Olympic swimming pools.

In terms of product design and features, Roca offers a variety of steel baths with contemporary aesthetics and practical features. For example, the ECO rectangular steel bath with an anti-slip base is a testament to their focus on safety and comfort. This bath has a generous capacity, optional installation legs, and is designed for drop-in installation, demonstrating Roca's commitment to combining practicality with style.

Roca also engages in various initiatives to promote sustainability in bathroom design. The brand's holistic vision of sustainability is reflected in their materials and production processes, as well as in the lasting design of their products. By aligning their activities with the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations, Roca ensures that their designs not only meet current needs but also contribute to a sustainable future.

Overall, choosing the right brand for your steel bath is as important as selecting the bath itself. Brands like Bette, Kaldewei, and Roca not only offer quality and durability but also bring their unique style and innovation to the table. Whether you seek a bath that is practical and long-lasting, a luxurious centrepiece, or an eco-friendly option, these brands cater to a broad spectrum of preferences and needs. Investing in a steel bath from these reputable brands means investing in a blend of comfort, style, and sustainability for your bathroom.

Installing a Steel Bath: Essential Guidelines and Considerations:

Preparation and Installation:

When you decide to install a steel bath, it's not just about choosing the right model; it's also about ensuring it's installed correctly. Here's what you need to consider:

Assessing Floor Strength: Before installation, it's vital to ensure that your bathroom floor can support the weight of a steel bath, especially when it's filled with water. Steel baths, due to their material, are generally heavier than their acrylic counterparts. This is particularly important in older homes where the flooring might not be designed to support such weight. Consulting a structural engineer or a professional installer can provide you with peace of mind that your bathroom is ready for the bath.

Professional Installation: While DIY projects can be tempting, the installation of a steel bath is a task best left to professionals. This is not only to ensure that the bath is fitted correctly but also to make sure that all plumbing is properly connected. Professional installers will handle the alignment, sealing, and connection to the drainage and water supply with precision, preventing any future issues like leaks or misalignments.

Taps and Drainage Alignment: The placement of taps and drainage is crucial and should match your bathroom's layout and plumbing. Decisions need to be made about whether the taps will be wall-mounted, freestanding, or fitted to the bath itself. The drainage system also needs to be aligned with your existing bathroom plumbing. These considerations are essential for both aesthetic coherence and functional efficiency.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity:

Once your steel bath is installed, maintaining its condition is key to ensuring it lasts for many years. Here's how you can keep your bath in pristine condition:

Regular Cleaning: To maintain the lustre and hygiene of your steel bath, regular cleaning is essential. Use non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the surface. A soft cloth or sponge with a mild bathroom cleaner is sufficient to keep the bath looking new. This regular maintenance prevents the build-up of limescale and soap scum.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the surface of your steel bath, leading to dullness and potential corrosion over time. It’s important to avoid cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia. Always read the cleaning product labels to ensure they are safe for use on steel surfaces.

Seal and Caulk Maintenance: Check the seals and caulking around your bath regularly. Over time, these can become worn or damaged, leading to potential leaks. Replacing or repairing seals and caulking is a relatively simple task that can prevent water damage to your bathroom.