Wot bath?

For strength and stability the German steel baths from Bette and Kaldewei take a lot of beating at your budget.

Avoid cheap composite or fibreglass baths.

http://www.bette.co.uk/

http://www.kaldewei.com/en/index.php

 

Decent acrylic baths are OK But decent acrylic baths are probably more than £400.

Cheap acrylic baths are flimsy, flexible, easily damaged and prone to poor sealing along the tiled edges.

 

steel baths are rigid but theres no flex in them so if theres alot of movement from the floor they wont move with it also they are slippery to shower in and cool the water down quickly . most standard 5mm acrylic/fibreglass baths are fine if fitted correctly or you could go for a carronite bath or superspec both can be purchased under £400

 

We install lots of these and boy are they tough!!
I've dropped a hammer from ceiling height into one, it bounced of the bottom of the bath and not a mark!!
Also recommended if you & the wife are going to be doing a load of * in it or even if it's you and the wifes sister!!
http://www.carronbathrooms.com/carronite.php

[Edited by: admin]

 

Agree with DP

Carronite baths are the dogs danglies if its acrylic based baths you are after.

Kaldewei are good value for a steel bath too..

 

I agree Carronite are excellent. So are Bette and Kaldewei. Avoid any budget bath, especially budget acrylic.

 

b and q steel bath £80. brilliant

 

The German steel baths are superb value for money and excellent quality. Carronite baths are very nice too. Just don't buy a cheap acrylic bath. They are truly dreadful.

 

Beware pressed steel baths chip very easy!
Some have plastic legs, which snap in half after just a few years.

We fit these http://www.globalbathnetwork.co.uk/familybaths/fbgranadatwingrip.htm

And they are pretty good too and come with a 25 year guarantee (can't be bad), in-fact I have one in my own house which is a recommendation in itself.
Get the 8mm though not the 5mm.
They also do a cast iron one, however, as I've never fitted one in cast, I am unable to recommend these.

 

Some have plastic legs, which snap in half after just a few years...I think Homebase sell this rubbish!

German steel baths are excellent. So are good qualirty composite/acrylic. Spend as much as you can on a quality bath.

 

Kaldiwei for me. And they do have some neat profiles, if a bit expensive. Maybe acrylic if you're * in there and have a plastic fetish

 

Probably borderline OK. Most are 5mm acrylic ( the minimum acceptable) but those are budget bath prices so don't buy without looking at them first.

 

Welshy - go for a "Carronite" , good baths for the money , very strong etc , etc - have installed loads without any problems mate

 

Avoid those baths in your link Wewlshy, go for a Carronite, Kaldewi or Bette at your budget.

 

Cheap double ended baths are the biggest nightmare ever! They are flimsy and really horrible. Go and have a good look at them in a showroom. Free standing baths MUST be decent quality, if not you will really regret it.

 

This is close to your budget although NOT freestanding.

http://www.ukbathrooms.com/shop/bathrooms/baths/luxury_baths/products/betteduo_rectangular_double_ended_steelbath.html