Freestanding baths are widely considered the most chic and elegant bathtubs available. They can fit any style of bathroom aesthetic, because there are fewer limitations on design and dimensions.
Freestanding Bath Pros & Cons
Pros
- Freestanding tubs add a luxurious aesthetic to any bathroom
- Easy installation without requiring wall connections
- Wider range of styles to choose from
- Simple to move around the bathroom when redecorating
Cons
- Freestanding bathtubs are heavier when full of water, so the bathroom floor may need reinforcing to support
- Freestanding bathtubs are generally more expensive than other tubs
- Accessibility can be an issue
- No storage shelf as with other kinds of tub
- Harder to convert to a shower bath
Freestanding Bath Pros
Whether you want a classic clawfoot tub or a more contemporary design, a freestanding bath can elevate your bathroom from a functional space to a beautiful one. There are also more styles of bathtub to choose from because they don’t have to fit in between walls, or be covered by panels.
As the name suggests, you can place a freestanding bathtub anywhere in your bathroom. It can go in the middle as a focal point, or it can cosy up to a window – it’s your choice.
Installing a freestanding tub is also easier than installing a built-in tub. All you need is to sort out the drainpipe and where the filler tap goes, and away you go! There’s no need to worry about connecting the bath to the wall or filling in more tiling around it. Plus, you can even move a freestanding bath around in your bathroom if you don’t like where it currently sits – really putting the “free” in “freestanding.”
Freestanding Bath Cons
Unfortunately, freestanding baths do come with their own set of downsides. They tend to be larger than other kinds of tub, which in turn means they weigh more when full of water. This may mean that your floor will need reinforcing to fully support the tub.
This leads us to the main problem with freestanding tubs: they are often more expensive than other tubs. Not only are there associated installation costs, but freestanding baths often have aesthetic design flourishes that add to their price.
Accessibility is also a factor with freestanding tubs: they can often be bigger, or have higher sides, than built-in tubs. Getting in and out of such tubs can be awkward, as can leaning over the edge for cleaning, or giving pets or children a bath.
Freestanding bathtubs also lack the ledge or shelf that built-in tubs often have. This can be circumvented by using a rolling caddie or a bathtub tray, but that’s an extra expense on top of the tub itself.
It’s also harder to convert a freestanding tub into a shower bath. A small handheld unit that helps with rinsing off can be attached more easily. However, attaching a full shower unit is awkward in its own right, and will also require a wrap-around curtain. All of this can seriously disrupt the aesthetic of the freestanding tub.
Installing a freestanding tub is ultimately your choice, but if you have any questions, please do contact us and we’ll be more than happy to talk your through your options.
Freestanding Baths View All Baths
