A freestanding tub can be exactly what you need to give your bathroom luxury and elegance. These fixtures have grown in popularity among homeowners with their classic appeal and appealing designs. In this article, we’ll go over all you need to know about these gorgeous fixtures.
What is a Freestanding Tub?
Unlike built-in bathtubs buried into the wall or floor, a freestanding tub exists apart from any surrounding walls or foundations. A freestanding tub is a statement item radiating quality and sophistication. Their sculptural designs and captivating presence help an average bathroom to become a haven of relaxation.
From What Materials are They Made From?
There are several materials used in making these fixtures, each with special advantages. Three most often used freestanding tub materials are stone resin, cast iron, and acrylic. The ideal material for freestanding tubs boils down to your individual tastes and budget.
- Acrylic is easy to clean, reasonably priced, and light. They also keep heat well, thereby guaranteeing a warm and cosy bathing experience.
- Conversely, cast iron are well known for their heat retention and robustness. They can, however, be weighty and might require extra structural support.
- Combining the elegance of natural stone with the adaptability of contemporary materials, stone resin baths offer a rich and long-lasting solution.
Types of Freestanding Tubs
There are different types of these bathroom fixtures, and we’ll discuss them in this section.
Single Ended
One of the most often used traditional forms also happen to be the single ended freestanding tub. The drain and faucet are on one end; the other end features a graceful curve and slope for easy lounging. Since one side has a single headrest, it is perfect for one person at a time use.
There are several ways to create single ended tubs; the single slipper style is among the most often used ones. The typical cost for this kind falls between $650 and $1,100. However, bear in mind that if you need plumbing repairs to make the tub functional, it will increase the cost.
Double Ended
This type has both sides with a slope, rather than one side with a mild slope. This leaves room for two persons to fit comfortably. Usually found in a central position are the drain and faucet. Hence, this tub is somewhat larger than the single ended type.
If you’re looking for a bath for two, this is the ideal option. If you want to create a modern statement in your bathroom, this is a fantastic option. You can visit https://www.housebeautiful.com to learn how to create a modern statement in your bathroom. If you have more space, you should get this as well.
Popular designs include the double slipper style with a minor slope in the middle of the tub and the double ended clawfoot tub. Depending on the style and materials, a double ended tub will normally cost between $1,101 and $2,600. The expenses will be more if your plumbing needs changing to fit the new tub.
Soaking
Their deeper-than-average dimensions is the reason they are named “soaking tub.” Anyone who desires to be totally submerged in water will find this to be the ideal selection. They vary in size and shape.
Given their depth, soaking tubs might require a more powerful water heater. They also weigh more since they are deeper than the typical freestanding tub. If you choose a heavy material, such as cast iron, you might want to make sure the tub stays on the bottom floor.
This is necessary to prevent the need to strengthen any floorboards. These fixtures usually cost between $3,608 to $4,100. As a result, it often costs more than other freestanding tub varieties.
Japanese Soaking
This is a variant of the soaking tub. Though its footprint is reduced and it is circular, its depth is still quite deep. Should your bathroom be on the smaller scale, this could be the appropriate option. Japanese soaking baths have an integrated seat, a shorter length but a deeper contour.
This allows a normal adult to easily submerge up to their shoulders in the water, therefore facilitating long soaks. You can read this article to find out why soaking in a bath is good for you. The drain and faucet run across the other side from the seat. Remember that Japanese soaking tubs usually cost more than other freestanding baths. The price tag could run from $2,000 to $3,500 or perhaps more.
Pedestal
Sometimes pedestal baths are known as skirted tubs. True to their name, they have a pedestal base. They can be found in any of the four designs we have covered above.
They can be considered a version of the clawfoot tub, which we’ll talk about next. These tubs can really become the focal point in your bathroom and provide modern touch. Depending on the style and materials you go for, they typically cost between $1,100 and $3,000.
Clawfoot
These were the first type of freestanding tub, as they were rather popular in the 1800s. Even a modern bathroom would find this very classic bathtub to appear natural. Clawfoot tubs come in single-ended, double-ended, slipper, and double slipper styles, just like pedestal tubs.
A flexible clawfoot tub can be put in almost any part of your bathroom that has room for it. But bear in mind that if you want to put the tub farther away from the wall, you may need to make plumbing changes that will cost more. Most clawfoot tubs cost between $1,100 and $3,000. A simple plastic tub can cost as little as $750, but more expensive materials and styles can cost $4,000 or more.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Freestanding Tubs
Like every bathroom fixture, freestanding baths offer benefits and cons. Here is a brief summary.
Advantage:
- Versatile positioning options since they do not call for wall installation
- Arresting visual appeal
- Usually, installation is rather easy as the bathtub is not needed to be matched to a wall niche or floor opening
- Different materials, designs, and sizes
- Improves the bathroom’s whole value and look.
Drawbacks:
- Some models could be heavier and need more structural support
- High initial cost than conventional bathtubs
Conclusion
Adding a freestanding tub to your bathroom is a great way to make it more useful and stylish at the same time. These tubs come in a lot of different styles, colors, and materials, so you’ll find one that suits you. Even though they might cost more at first, they are a good investment for any modern bathroom.
