Freestanding Tubs: Everything You Need to Know
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Go ahead, make a statement. A spectacular freestanding tub will make it for you! We’ve taken the guesswork out of freestanding tubs.
Very few fixtures are as inherently breathtaking and statement-making as a gorgeous freestanding tub.
Freestanding tubs command attention, effortlessly becoming the bathroom’s focal point. And they’re not just pretty to look at; who wouldn’t want to soak away the day’s stresses in stylish sophistication?
Like every tub – and really every fixture – a freestanding tub has its advantages, disadvantages, options, and considerations.
What is a freestanding tub?
The name is perfectly descriptive: a freestanding bathtub stands alone in a bathroom, not attached to a wall or surrounding deck. These tubs are reminiscent of the past (way in the past, when a tub was more like a movable basin, and in the more recent past, when freestanding tubs looked like today’s tubs), so older homes may have genuine vintage freestanding tubs while newer homes still feature the classic style, updated for today’s use.
Freestanding bathtubs are available in a huge range of sizes, shapes, and materials.
Pros of freestanding tubs:
- Eye-catching, dramatic, stylish appearance
- Many material and finish options
- Creates illusion of space; tub doesn’t attach to the wall and footed tubs stand above the floor, taking up less visual space
- May be moved or replaced easily without structural changes
- More placement options within the room
- Requires skilled plumbing but not additional framing or tiling
- Easy to clean (unless placed right next to a wall); no grout lines
Cons of freestanding tubs
- Limited storage space
- May be heavy and require extra reinforcement underneath
- Less accessible for those with disabilities; difficult to install grab bars and to get in and out
- Often more expensive than other tubs; installation costs may be higher
- Larger than many other tubs; often space-consuming
- Difficult to combine with a shower
What are the shape and installation options for a freestanding tub?
One of the best selling points of a freestanding tub is its flexibility in appearance. These tubs are available in standard oval and rectangular shapes, but also in square, round, and corner configurations. Use your imagination: if you want an egg-shaped tub, a freeform tub, or an hourglass tub, you’ll have plenty of choices.
A freestanding bath can be installed virtually anywhere as long as the proper plumbing is present, making it a great choice for odd-shaped bathrooms. It can also serve as a statement fixture in the center of the room or under a skylight.
What is a slipper tub?
One popular freestanding tub shape is the slipper tub. A slipper tub is shaped with one higher, sloping side to allow bathers to recline comfortably while remaining in the water; a double slipper tub is raised on both sides. In addition to being a beautiful shape, a slipper tub is generally more comfortable and ergonomically designed than other shapes.
What are optional features of freestanding tubs?
Freestanding tubs can be simple and streamlined, but they can also have different features for visual interest and extra comfort. Some terms and features you may encounter:
- Roll top: a roll top tub has edges that appear to be rolled for a smooth finish
- Clawfoot: a footed tub features feet – available in various styles, both traditional and contemporary – to raise the tub off the floor
- Decorative base: some tubs sit atop or inside a decorative base, cladding, or pedestal; some bases and surrounds include storage to combat the lack of deck on the tub itself
To make your bath a relaxing experience (and keep your stuff dry), consider purchasing a removable shelf or tray across the top of the tub to hold your book, glass of wine, or toiletries; a bath caddy offers extra storage.
For an immersive, spa-like experience, add-ons like aromatherapy, pillows, multimedia capabilities, and lights will bring your bath to the next level.
What kind of freestanding tub should I get?
Like other tubs, freestanding tubs are available with various system options. You may prefer a simple freestanding soaker tub for straightforward soaks, or a freestanding tub with jets – whirlpool, air tub, or combo for massage power. Check out our tub buying guide to learn the differences between whirlpools, air tubs, and soaker tubs.
How big should a freestanding tub be?
Most freestanding tubs are quite oversized, but they don’t have to be. Freestanding Japanese soaker tubs have a small footprint and deep interior, while large freestanding tubs can be over 6 feet long!
Before choosing a freestanding tub, consider the size of your bathroom (you’ll need 3-6 inches on each side, and you don’t want it to overwhelm the room) and measure all doors, stairwells, and hallways that the tub will need to pass through on its journey to your bathroom.
If you enjoy soaking with a partner, go for a double slipper tub, an extra-long tub, or an extra-wide tub to comfortably accommodate both bathers.
If you plan to bathe pets or children in the tub, be sure to choose one that’s not too deep or with very high sides as you’ll have difficulty reaching them while washing and getting them in and out of the tub. To alleviate difficulty getting into the tub, try a set of stairs (preferably textured to prevent slipping).
What is the best material for a bathtub?
Another awesome factor of freestanding tubs: the huge variety of materials available.
- Acrylic: lightweight, low-maintenance, and largely affordable, acrylic tubs are a popular choice
- Cast iron: reminiscent of original and vintage tubs, freestanding cast iron tubs are durable and heavy, often with several color options
- Copper: a freestanding copper tub is an ultimate luxury, elegant, opulent, and strikingly beautiful
- Stainless steel: a more affordable metal, stainless steel is a great alternative to copper
- Stone: natural stone tubs are spectacular – and spectacularly heavy, so reinforce your floor
- Solid surface: crafted of manmade resin, freestanding solid surface tubs (like Perlato’s Lapistone™) are smooth, sturdy, and lightweight
- Other materials: freestanding tubs can be clad in virtually any material, including interesting options like leather and bronze; they can also be made out of unusual materials like concrete and marine-grade wood
What kind of tub faucet works with a freestanding tub?
Freestanding tubs are not limited to freestanding tub faucets, though they do look beautiful together. Some tubs have pre-drilled holes for deck mount faucets, while others can be drilled to accommodate your chosen faucet. If your tub is close enough to the wall, a wall mount tub faucet may work fine – just check that the spout projects enough to fill the tub without leaking or dripping.
Can a freestanding tub have a shower?
A freestanding tub can technically have a shower, but it will require a curtain or enclosure, which pretty much defeats the purpose of the freestanding tub. If your bathroom is not adequately heated, you may want to surround it with a curtain to retain heat (who wants to be cold in the bath?); a ceiling-mounted curtain rod and shower head will do the trick as unobtrusively as possible (just make sure to keep it open so that your tub has maximum impact).
How much does a freestanding tub cost?
Freestanding tubs can be costly, but you don’t have to sacrifice style for your budget. Prices range from under $900 to – get ready for it! – over $80,000, with plenty of options in between.
What are the best brands of freestanding tubs?
Every freestanding tub is a work of art. We carefully curate our products to offer only the finest freestanding tubs, but we’re particularly fond of several models. The chic, versatile, comfortable, and low-maintenance Lapistone™ line by Perlato – as well as other Perlato freestanding tubs – are artistic and practical, truly the definition of affordable luxury. Hydro Systems’ spa-inspired freestanding bathtubs are the perfect place for a bit of at-home pampering. Maax encourages users to bathe in style – and with some awesome color choices – and peace of mind, thanks to their well-priced freestanding whirlpool tubs, air tubs, combo tubs, and soaker tubs. MTI offers sleek, sophisticated stand alone tubs to appeal to every bather’s sense of style and comfort. Beauty, luxury, and affordability meet in Neptune’s flawless tubs.
With so many great options, the choice can be overwhelming. Contact our knowledgeable, experienced sales team for personal assistance in finding the perfect tub to fit your space and your needs.
