Whether contemporary or classic models, freestanding bathtubs can be a stunning addition to your bathroom if you want to relax after a long day. Even though they scream elegance, they are not flawless, thus a need to know the pros and cons of freestanding bathtubs.
The pros of freestanding bathtubs include aesthetic appeal, flexibility, ease of installation, cleaning, and maintenance. They are also easy to replace and give the impression of more space. However, they have shortcomings, such as consuming more space, getting heavy, and being expensive.
Besides a detailed examination of the merits and demerits of freestanding tubs, find out if you can put them in your shower, if they should be fixed to the bathroom floor, and why people like them. Also, this post covers if the flooring around a freestanding tub should be fixed and whether these bathtubs become outdated.
What Are the Pros of Freestanding Bathtubs?
A freestanding tub could be the missing piece in your bathroom because of the following benefits:
1. Aesthetic Appeal
Freestanding bathtubs are the pinnacle of luxury restroom design. Nothing compares to their visual effect in terms of aesthetics, seeing that they can transform a dull area into a stylish one in seconds.
You can buy one that best matches your distinctive look because it comes in different styles, from classic to contemporary. They are one-of-a-kind and create an impression frequently linked with luxury.
2. Fits Multiple Options
A standalone tub can complement any bathroom decor. There is no end to the diversity of freestanding bathtubs, which range from the classic clawfoot to contemporary egg-form soaking tubs.
Since the necessity of squeezing into tiles does not constrain them, designers can be more inventive with the shape. A freestanding bath will make almost any choice appear more stunning, whether you intend to match wall tiles and the floor to have an elegant backdrop.
3. Easy to Install
A freestanding bathtub is easy to install in a bathroom than a built-in unit because it does not need additional structure, support, or grouting. You probably only need a plumber, unlike built-in tubs that require contractors and designers.
Any part of your bathroom can accommodate the freestanding tub and a freestanding mixer tap; it’s that easy. However, you may need to reinforce the floor if you plan to place the tub on a deck, which adds to the installation costs.
4. Offer Flexibility
Thanks to the surrounding plumbing, you can install freestanding tubs anywhere in your restroom. Standalone tubs offer you the liberty of installing them close to a window so you can soak while enjoying the outside view.
5. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Freestanding tubs do not require the same cleaning and maintenance as regular bathtubs since they are not bordered and tiled into a wall as standard baths. Therefore, you’ll find that maintaining a freestanding bath in pristine condition is a breeze.
6. Good Soaking Depth
Thanks to their considerable depth, modern freestanding bathtubs are often known as “soaking tubs.” The depths of these soaking baths vary from 14 to 25 inches.
7. Comfort
Comfort adds to the list of benefits of these high-end bathtubs, depending on the model you purchase. For instance, a classic clawfoot tub suits women with petite bottoms, while an acrylic modern soaking tub for two may provide you with the space and shape you want.
8. Easy to Replace
You won’t need to make structural alterations to your bathroom while changing a freestanding tub because no disassembling or reframing is involved. It makes replacing a standalone tub straightforward.
9. Variety
Freestanding tubs’ availability in myriad styles wraps up our list of benefits. You will find them in rectangular, oval, or circular shapes and materials such as cast iron, wood, acrylic, and copper.
What Are the Cons of Freestanding Bathtubs?
Having looked at the benefits, let’s now discuss freestanding bath problems.
1. More Expensive
Freestanding bathtubs cost a fortune because you will incur purchase and installation costs. It may easily cost you thousands of dollars to get it up and running.
Furthermore, freestanding bathtubs are fragile tubs that demand expert plumbers; just a mistake will make your bathroom flood. As a result, the plumbing for a standalone tub is more costly than an inbuilt one.
2. They Are Heavy
Most freestanding tubs are weighty, necessitating floor strengthening- this is unquestionably true for cast iron bathtubs. Fiberglass variants are available, although they are less popular and may be more pricey and bigger, thus weighing more when filled with water.
Furthermore, their weight makes them almost impossible to shift after installation, so be careful where you lay them since you won’t be able to relocate them without expert help. Besides that, you will need to reinforce the bathroom flooring, especially when placing them on higher floors.
3. Storage Problems
Freestanding tubs offer fewer storage choices than built-in baths. A standalone tub doesn’t include a shelf to place your toiletries.
However, you may alleviate this issue by buying a rolling caddy or tub tray.
4. Consume More Space
Generally, freestanding bathtubs are suited for spacious bathrooms. If you’re searching for freestanding units for a medium-sized bathroom, your selections are significantly limited.
The size of freestanding tubs also makes them challenging to clean, especially when installed in a corner. Experts recommend placing them away from the wall so that you can clean all the components.
5. Showerless
It is feasible to attach a shower to a freestanding bathtub, but it looks ridiculous and necessitates the inclusion of a wrap-around curtain.
Freestanding Tub with Faucet
A floor-mount faucet (also known as a tub filler) elevates the freestanding tub look. It will make an instant, stunning style statement in any restroom.
A freestanding setup exposes the faucet pipe (no barriers, access panels, etc.), allowing for a free workspace. The project is easy and quick, with no soldering required, but it may be essential to strengthen the floor, which may entail carpentry expertise.
Furthermore, you can use wall-mounted faucets with freestanding bathtubs. Since many freestanding bathtubs do not have tap holes, they function well with a freestanding faucet.
Freestanding Tub with Shower
You can install a shower in a freestanding bathtub, but you’ll have to hang your shower rod and circle the bathtub with curtains to keep the floor dry.
FAQs
1. Are Freestanding Baths Worth It?
This one may be debatable based on your preferences, but freestanding baths come out on top for the remarkable visual impression they bring. They do not require any additional structure, which saves you money and time.
Apart from that, freestanding bathtubs don’t need tiling around them, as do inset bathtubs.
2. Does Flooring Go Under a Freestanding Tub?
Besides installing a freestanding bathtub in the middle of your bathroom, you can tile under it. You’ll also have an easy day cleaning if there’s space between the walls and the bathtub.
If you have a pedestal or a soaker tub, you can consider tiling under it.
3. Why Do People Like Freestanding Tubs?
The majority of consumers choose freestanding bathtubs for their aesthetics. It’s distinctive and creates an impression commonly linked with a lap of luxury.
Homeowners also go for freestanding tubs owing to their ease of installation.
4. Should a Freestanding Bath Be Fixed to the Floor?
Unless you specify otherwise, freestanding baths are not permanently attached to the flooring. Gravity usually handles the “movement” issue in solid stone tubs.
It implies that, unless you have an ultra-lightweight acrylic bathtub without water, the tub will weigh more than a hundred pounds, making it exceptionally sturdy. If you believe you can move the fixture by stepping into/out of it, you might consider alternate methods of anchoring it to your floor.
5. What Shape Freestanding Tub Is Most Comfortable?
Oval bathtubs are visually appealing and relaxing; you can fit them into the bathroom plan and décor. You may set their adaptable form in diverse ways to suit any style.
6. Are Freestanding Tubs Going Out of Style?
The freestanding tub is a popular bathroom renovation concept that may be on its way out. Part of the reason is that they create additional areas to clean because of the dirt and water that stick between the base of the tub and the bathroom floor.
Additionally, freestanding tubs are weighty and need reinforced floors to handle their weight.
7. Do You Need to Waterproof Around a Freestanding Tub?
Tiling around a freestanding bathtub is unnecessary, but you will make an exception if you install it against a wall. Apart from tiles, you can use glass bricks, wainscot, and mildew-resistant paint.
8. Can You Put a Freestanding Tub in a Shower?
You can install a freestanding bathtub in your shower since its combination with a walk-in shower is magical. Nevertheless, some experts don’t recommend this, citing inadequate space to accommodate the two fixtures and the idea that bathrooms were designed for showers (and not baths).
The good news is that incorporating a freestanding tub in a shower will make you benefit from both.
Final Remarks on the Pros and Cons of Freestanding Bathtubs
In the world of bathroom design, freestanding bathtubs are popular. However, it’s always a good idea to weigh the advantages and downsides before deciding.
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