Things to Know About Freestanding Bathtubs

When you finally get home after a long, tiring day, nothing beats the luxurious feeling of getting a relaxing soak in the tub. But if you want to be extra posh, perhaps you’ve been thinking about renovating your bathroom for a new freestanding tub.

As the name implies, freestanding tubs are bathtubs that stand alone. They are finished on all sides, making them an eye-catching bathroom centerpiece, and often occupies major space in the bathroom. Most people adapt freestanding bathtubs because of the style impact it gives to the bathroom. But before you consider installing one for your bathtub, here are the things to know and the things to consider:

1. Freestanding tubs can be made of different materials

Usually, freestanding tubs are made of solid surface materials and high-quality acrylic. Because it stands on its own, it needs highly durable materials for longer life and to ensure safety. Other materials like steel, cast iron or even wood (mostly as exterior material) are used to make freestanding tubs. For the most impact, choose a tub made of stone or copper. But whatever material you use and as long as the tub is placed strategically, it becomes your ultimate statement piece for the bathroom.

2. Freestanding tubs are stylish and available in different design styles

Bathtubs

First and foremost, freestanding tubs are known to be an elegant and sophisticated interior design statement. They are common in large and luxurious baths because they have to be placed in bathrooms with enough space to accommodate it. Since these tubs are not constrained by the walls, they can come in different styles, such as the vintage claw-foot to modern egg shapes. You can go for one with feet or without, or go for traditional or contemporary. Oval freestanding tubs suit traditional bathrooms

They can be flexible with color, too. Cast-iron freestanding tubs are typically painted with an undercoat, so you or your decorator can decide on the final shade. This means you can paint it with the perfect shade that will match your overall color scheme.

3. Freestanding tubs are more suitable for large, spacious bathrooms

Built-in bathtubs can be conveniently placed beside the wall for a more efficient and space-saving layout, but that’s not the case with freestanding tubs. It requires open space on all four sides (or three sides, at the very least). It is best placed in a middle area with enough room to walk around it. Installing a freestanding tub only makes sense for bathrooms with significant space. If it makes the room feel cramped, the luxurious effect of the tub won’t work.

Also, take note that freestanding tubs make it a bit more challenging to store bath items and toiletries that you need to be kept at arm’s reach while you bathe. So, your other space consideration is the storage. Usually, a nearby shelving or a simple side table or stool is kept next to the bath for easy access to body scrubs, shampoos, towels and the like. Make sure you have enough room for it that does not distort the design and efficiency of your bathroom.

Before you start looking for bathtubs, you should measure the space where you would place it. Also consider your installation options, because hiding plumbing can be tricky with freestanding tubs.

4. Freestanding tubs are generally heavier and more expensive than built-ins

Freestanding tubs are often very heavy, especially if they are made of stone or cast iron. This is the reason why freestanding tubs are usually not fixed to the floor unless you want them fixed. Because they are made of very heavy materials, you don’t need to worry if it will suddenly move.

Take into account how heavy it will be when it’s full of water and how strong and reinforced is your floor to handle it, especially when you’re thinking of installing it in the bathroom of your second floor or higher. Before installing, it’s best to check with a structural engineer or a builder so you can be sure. Because of the heavier materials, the cost is heavier too. The intricacies in design and its more complicated manufacturing process also add to the bigger price.

5. Freestanding tubs are convenient

Another benefit of having a freestanding tub is that it’s easy to install. They are also very easy to clean when placed in a perfect spot in the bathroom because you have enough room to walk and clean around it. With tubs that have legs, the floor can be interrupted, so it’s easier to clean as well. Also, it would be easier to update your bathroom walls and flooring without too much hassle because the tub is in the middle.

6. Freestanding tubs are comfortable

Freestanding tubs are designed for comfort, but if you want the best results, look for bathtubs with an ergonomic design to perfectly fit the body’s shape. Generally, freestanding tubs have a deep soaking level at just the right height and have slopes for inclining your back comfortably. When looking for a tub, make sure it’s a comfortable fit for the person who will use it more frequently. Go to showrooms and let the future bathtub owner sit in the bathtubs to make sure it’s comfortable and fits well.

7. Think twice before installing a shower with a freestanding tub

For very spacious bathrooms, a freestanding tub can be paired with a walk-in shower. But if you don’t have the luxury of having that big space, you can still attach a shower into your tub. Generally, it’s easier to install a shower with a built-in tub since it can be easily mounted in the wall. But in the case of freestanding tubs, it can be a struggle to make a shower useful without compromising the luxurious look and visual effect of the bathtub.