A Guide on Freestanding Baths: Choosing the Right Size and Materials
Freestanding baths have been in existence for centuries. And back then, most baths were manufactured with copper or steel. The design wasn’t as sophisticated as what we have today. Back then, the bathtub was just a big, bulky pot that was installed right in the middle of a regular room or a bathroom. As technology progressed, simple pot designs evolved into cast iron baths built with enamel claw feet or pedestals.
Today, however, you can go for freestanding bathtubs that come with a shower combination. There’s no doubt that freestanding baths have made a strong comeback. If you’re interested in buying one, here’s what you need to know.
Variety of Materials Freestanding Baths Come In
When it comes to freestanding baths, you can choose from different materials. Each materials comes with its own set of benefits, durability levels, and maintenance frequencies. Here are some of the topmost materials that you can invest in.
Acrylic
Freestanding baths designed with acrylic have become quite popular. Plus, acrylic-based designs come in both modern and classic styles. Moreover, these freestanding baths are relatively lighter than other materials such as cast iron and stone. This means these freestanding baths are easier to install and you can move them around in the bathroom, switching positions at will. In addition, acrylic is a durable material and is exceedingly non-porous, which means it’s easy to clean.
However, the material is prone to warping and isn’t as scratch-resistant. However, with prolonged use, the structural integrity of the material worsens, leading to bumps, additional scratches, and crinkling. But with regular maintenance you can repair all these issues.
Copper
Copper freestanding baths will help retain all the warmth and heat of the water for extended periods of time. Unlike cast-iron, copper provides loads of additional benefits. For example, copper is renowned as a healthy material and prevents mold and bacterial growth. This means you won’t have to clean the freestanding bath as frequently as you would cast iron bathtubs. Plus, copper also adds to the overall aesthetics of the tub because of its beautiful color and gleam. In addition, copper freestanding bathtubs come in a myriad of different design specifications.
Stainless Steel
If you want to go for modern and sophisticated freestanding bath designs, stainless steel is your best bet. Stainless steel freestanding tubs come with beautiful, sharp, and crisp edges with elegantly embedded lines and impeccably designed corners. One of the best things about stainless steel tubs is the fact they’re designed to fit inside smaller or more minimalistic bathrooms. The material provides absolute durability, keeps the water hotter for longer, and requires very little maintenance. It’s going to be a bit cold to the touch, but once you fill it with hot water, get into the bath, you’ll feel much more relaxed and destressed.
Selecting a Freestanding Bath Design
Briefly, let’s look at some important factors to consider when planning to buy a freestanding bathtub.
- Your Budget – Freestanding baths are expensive.
- Space – Make sure there’s sufficient space in your bathroom to install a freestanding tub.
- Structural Integrity – It’s also important to ensure your bathroom floor is solid. Freestanding baths can be heavy.
Moreover, you need to understand that the main purpose of a freestanding bathtub is to enjoy extended soaks. And that means you’ll need a material that keeps water hotter for longer. Plus, you will also need a freestanding bathtub that comes with durable and adequate dimensions. You need to be able to comfortably fit inside the tub.
Bottom Line
Freestanding bathtubs are an excellent way to destress and enjoy a long, warm bath. And with winter upon us, it can be a worthwhile investment. So, keep these factors in mind when choosing your very own freestanding bathtub.