Freestanding Bath vs Built-in Tub: Which should you choose?

Bathroom fixtures like tubs, showers, and sinks used to be purely functional and not meant to be decorative. These days, however, homeowners are consciously finding ways to design bathrooms and select fixtures that can be the primary feature of the space. Take the humble bathtub for example. If you are looking for something sophisticated, stylish, yet practical, you can opt for a freestanding tub instead of a built-in one. But with the myriad of options available today, how do you decide whether a freestanding tub is the best choice for your bathroom?

How does a freestanding bath differ from a built-in bath?

The best example of a freestanding tub is the bathtub frequently seen in Victorian-era bathrooms. These tubs have all sides detached from the wall and are often placed in the middle of the bathroom space. A built-in tab either has one or two sides installed to a wall. A built-in tub?s design is part of the bathroom architecture, while a freestanding tub is treated more like furniture where you can freely design and choose its location.

Cost of installing freestanding baths vs built-in baths

In the past, freestanding baths used to be more expensive. But many manufacturers today have started coming up with freestanding baths that are more affordable by using different kinds of materials. Connecting a freestanding bath to plumbing may cost more than a built-in tub because it can be challenging to hide the pipes and make the connection more aesthetically pleasing. A built-in tub, while easier to install, may become more expensive depending on the size and extent of construction required to blend it into the bathroom design seamlessly.

Space availability

When it comes to space efficiency, the obvious choice would be a built-in tub. However, do not discount the possibility of choosing a freestanding bath even if you have limited bathroom space. For example, compact size roll top baths suit'small bathrooms well, provided that you can have it installed without wasting available space.

Compatibility with a shower

Some people prefer to combine a bath with a shower fixture. Having a shower gives their bathroom versatility and allows those who prefer showers over baths to have this option. In this regard, it is perhaps easier to combine a shower with a built-in tub. Nevertheless, you can buy a hand-held shower fixture and connect it to your freestanding bath for a quick rinse. This option will ultimately depend on your personal preference and what you feel best suits your needs.

Compatibility with bathroom accessories

While it is an automatic assumption that it is easier to add accessories to a built-in bath, many freestanding tubs these days allow for the addition of accessories such as shower caddies, trays, and bath panels. By designing your bathroom and carefully noting of available space, you can match your bathroom fixtures with accessories that are not only functional but beautiful too.

Aesthetic appeal

Once again, aesthetic appeal all boils down to personal preference and the overall design of the bathroom. But it cannot be argued that a freestanding bath has an impact that is unmatched by any built-in tub. A freestanding gives off an immediate appearance of style and luxury. If you install a freestanding bath in the middle of a spacious bathroom, it looks exceptionally luxurious and sophisticated. Wheth...