Freestanding tubs are one of the most popular options chosen by homeowners during a bathroom renovation. There are many reasons for this, including the wide variety of styles, the elegant aesthetic the tub brings to any space, and the excellent heat retention and comfort that comes with a freestanding bathtub.
But as with any other major purchase for your home renovation, there are pros and cons. From the elegance of the design to the cost of a freestanding bathtub, there are many factors to consider to help you determine if you should buy one.
What Is a Freestanding Bathtub?
A freestanding bathtub is finished on all four sides, creating an artful design piece that can be placed almost anywhere in the bathroom. The elegant lines and curves make a freestanding bathtub a statement piece and focal point for the bathroom, one that you can build an entire design around. They tend to be comfortable and great for deep soaks.
While many homeowners buy a freestanding tub and find that it suits their every need, there may be better options for some. Some aspects of a freestanding tub, such as the weight and the higher cost, make them impractical for some homeowners.
Let’s address the pros and cons of a freestanding bathtub to help you figure out if one of these beauties is right for you.
Pros of a Freestanding Bathtub
A freestanding bathtub brings numerous advantages as it turns your bathroom into a relaxing oasis. Some of the most common pros include:
- Choice
- Aesthetics
- Installation
- Placement
- Mobility
- Easy to clean
Choice
Since freestanding tubs aren’t limited by the need to fit into an alcove, designers have the freedom to be creative with the shape and size of the tub. They take full advantage of that, creating everything from double-slipper designs that are suitable for two to round and deep tubs that allow for a full-body soak. A freestanding tub can suit any style.
Aesthetics
The look of a freestanding tub is second to none. Whether you choose a tub with a more modern look or a classic form, the unique shapes and design of freestanding tubs are strongly associated with luxury. In fact, most high-end homes will use freestanding tubs, and they are a staple of expensive spas and resorts. If you want to turn your bathroom into an oasis of relaxation, a freestanding tub will help you achieve that goal.
Installation
Since freestanding tubs need only to be connected to plumbing, they can be installed almost anywhere—and much more easily than alcoves or other built-in bathtubs. The installation is as simple as carrying the tub into the room, maneuvering it into the proper place, and making sure the plumbing lines route to the tub. That’s it.
Placement
Unlike alcove bathtubs, freestanding bathtubs allow you to use the space in a creative way that suits your fancy. Freestanding bathtubs don’t require walls for proper placement and installation; instead, they let your imagination run wild as you plan out exactly how to use your space effectively to get the desired effect.
Mobility
Are you the kind of person who wants to change things up now and then? Rather than settling for the placement of a built-in tub that won’t change for decades, opting for a freestanding tub allows you to move things around in your bathroom on a regular basis. If you get tired of the tub sitting in a certain place, it’s easy to enlist the help of a contractor to move it for you, with no demolition work necessary.
Easier to Clean
Those four finished sides mean that you can move around the outside of the tub freely, which makes it much easier to clean. As with an alcove tub, you start cleaning on one side—but rather than stretching to reach the other side, you can simply move around the freestanding tub as you go. The durable materials stand up to cleaning products, making it easy to get the tub sparkling clean.
Cons of a Freestanding Bathtub
It’s obvious why it makes sense to buy a freestanding bathtub. But are there reasons that might hinder your choice? For some, the following are disadvantages that might discourage you from choosing a freestanding bathtub.
Price
This is the biggest turn-off for those who want to buy a freestanding bathtub. Freestanding bathtubs are on the more expensive side, with alcove tubs being much more affordable. Part of that is the design options, as freestanding tubs are made with luxury in mind. The materials are often of much higher quality than you get with a standard tub, and while those materials mean more durability and heat retention, they also mean that the price goes up.
Weight
Freestanding tubs are often larger than other types of tubs, which means that they weigh more, especially when full of water and the user’s body weight. But they can also be heavy thanks to the materials, such as cast iron. Even though stone resin is a relatively light material compared to cast iron, it’s still heavier than the typical acrylic used to make most alcove tubs. That higher weight often means that the floor underneath the tub must be reinforced.
No Shower Options
Though it is possible to mount a shower kit on a freestanding tub, most find that it looks ungainly and takes away from the sleek aesthetic of the tub. In addition, a shower in a freestanding tub requires a wrap-around curtain, which can be unsightly and ruin the look you were hoping to achieve with the elegant freestanding option.
Size
While being able to move around a freestanding tub does make cleaning easier, there is a caveat: freestanding tubs are often deeper than other types, which means you must lean in over the edge to clean the bottom of the tub. That can be difficult for those who are shorter or have a limited range of motion. Getting in and out of the bathtub can be tough as well, especially those that are larger or taller than the norm.
Storage
A freestanding tub does not have a ledge, deck, or rim that allows for storage of small everyday items you use when you bathe. Rolling caddies or bathtub trays can help with this—in fact, an elegant bathtub tray is often a welcome addition to the freestanding look. However, if you want more storage than that, you’re probably out of luck. Though it’s possible to store some things underneath the tub, keep in mind that option could ruin the look you’re trying to achieve.
How to Buy the Right Freestanding Bathtub for Your Bathroom?
If you’re ready to buy a freestanding tub, you’ve considered all the pros and cons and determined that this is the right option for you. Now, it’s time to think about what you need, as having a firm idea of your desires can make the search for the right tub much easier. Here’s how to make sure you are confident in your decision.
1. Decide What Size You Need
Choose the size of your freestanding tub. If you prefer something that will hold two people, make sure it is long and wide enough. If you like something that doesn’t feel so much like an indoor swimming pool, go with a more upright seat in a circular or oval tub. Freestanding bathtubs are great for any size bathroom, including some of the smallest, so make sure the size you want will suit the aesthetic you dream about.
2. Select a Freestanding Tub Style
The style of your tub will make a difference in how you feel about soaking in it, so choose wisely. Do you want something with sheer elegance and a nod to the past? In that case, a claw foot tub might be for you. Do you want something with a much more modern appeal? Go with a freestanding tub with an elegant base or pedestal.
3. Choose A Bathtub Material & Finish
The material you choose can run the gamut from acrylic to stone resin to cast iron, though the higher-end materials are more common in freestanding tubs. Remember that the material matters when it comes to heat retention as well. For instance, cast iron and stone resin are great for heat retention, while ceramic and acrylic aren’t as great in that regard. The finish is also something to consider, as freestanding tubs come in an enormous variety of colors and textures.
4. Consider Your Tub Faucet
The faucet should echo the elegance of your tub. When you buy a freestanding tub, make sure that the faucet and associated hardware match the look you are trying to achieve. It might take some time and searching to find the ideal one, but you will know when you do.
5. Customize Your Freestanding Bathtub
You can customize your bathtub with a variety of bells and whistles, such as quick drain technology, anti-scald technology on your faucet, a textured bottom for ease of staying upright, and even grab bars that blend right into the shape and style of the tub itself.
Enjoy Your Freestanding Bathtub!
Every freestanding tub has pros and cons. Fortunately, the advantages usually outweigh the disadvantages, making a freestanding tub a strong contender for creating the bathroom you really want. Badeloft provides elegant stone resin freestanding tubs in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit your design dreams. Take a look today to start the journey of buying a freestanding tub of your own.
Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.
Contact us with any business related inquiries.