Why are Freestanding tubs more expensive?

When purchasing a bathtub you have two options: drop-in or freestanding. And while drop-in bathtubs are seen as the more affordable option, freestanding bathtubs are not without their own charms. Today we will go over why a freestanding bathtub is more expensive when compared to other tubs on the market. 

What qualities make them more expensive

Freestanding bathtubs are more expensive than other tubs because of Material, Design, and Maintenance. Material is generally the bulk of the price, as quality materials will require a steeper price tag. In terms of design, freestanding bathtubs are generally quite large in size, which will inevitably increase their price. Lastly, maintenance is required for a bathtub this large, with concerns towards the water bill and just general care required for a freestanding bathtub.

Material 

With all bathtubs, the bulk of their price comes from the materials used. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, but generally, it is seen that the more expensive the material is, the higher quality the bathtub is. Acrylic, cast iron, and porcelain comprise the mid-range of bathtub materials, being very affordable and lasting for another between 10-20 years. Higher up we have materials like stone resin and copper, which are slightly pricier but can easily last up to a lifetime with proper care, hence the increased price tag.

 Design

Although materials fill in the bulk of a bathtub’s expense, the design consists of the remaining price tag. Since freestanding bathtubs can be placed anywhere in your bathroom, this allows their design to be unrestricted. With a freestanding bathtub, you can make almost any size or design you wish, which of course will increase their price, but it gives you more creative freedom to have the bathtub you want in your home as opposed to settling for a more commercialized design.

Freestanding tubs also carry both a classic and modern feel-something that is often missing from a traditional drop-in tub and offers your home a unique feel.

Maintenance

Maintenance for a freestanding bathtub is a bit more involved when compared to other bathtubs on the market. Since freestanding bathtubs tend to be much larger, they require a bit extra handiwork to clean and maintain. That being said, higher quality materials such as stone resin and copper do not need to be cleaned as frequently as acrylic or porcelain.

Long lasting

The biggest benefit of a freestanding bathtub is longevity. So long as the bathtub is properly maintained and cleaned, a freestanding bathtub can last anywhere from 15-29 years. Though this figure will go depending on the material used. Acrylic will last 10-15 years, Wood is around 30 years, and both copper and stone resin is around 50+ depending on how it is treated. 

Popularity

Although they are more expensive than traditional drop-in tubs, freestanding bathtubs are actually quite popular. Despite the initial drawback, freestanding bathtubs are a worthwhile investment, lasting for quite a length of time and giving your home a unique item that helps to increase its value. Their freedom in installation is also a large positive for them as freestanding bathtubs can be installed in virtually any space in your home, as opposed to a drop-in that requires a carved out space to install.

Can freestanding bathtubs help increase the value of your home?

A freestanding bathtub can help to increase the value of your home. The actual answer is that, the higher the quality of your bathtub, the more it will add value to your home. If it is a popular model/material, then obviously it will help increase your home’s value a fair bit. However, if it is not a desirable model, then it won’t add to the value of your home.

Freestanding bathtubs are pricey investments. But they are just that: investments. When compared to other bathtubs on the market, it’s hard to match their unique design, their comfortable material, and longevity. So consider that the next time you are on the market for a new tub.

badeloft

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.