One of the most recognizable and distinctive elements in any bathroom is the bathtub. Even a familiar room can be completely transformed by a new type of tub. One of the first decisions you have to make when selecting a bathtub for your space is whether to go with a freestanding or built-in model. While a built-in bathtub can be a practical and effective way to make the most of limited space, a freestanding bathtub can be a striking design element that is comparable to sculptural art or furniture.
The choice between a Freestanding vs. Built-in bathtub must be made before you commit to that extensive bathroom renovation. As both options have advantages and drawbacks, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of each. But not everyone and not every bathroom can use it. It’s important to think about your space and determine what will fit best. Everything you require to make the best choice will be provided in our guide.
Freestanding bathtub
A freestanding bathtub serves as the bathroom’s decorative focal point. It draws attention because, with the exception of the plumbing, it stands apart from all adjacent walls and fixtures. A freestanding bathtub is not incorporated into the bathroom’s architectural design, in contrast to the majority of home baths, which are concealed in an alcove between three walls. This indicates that you are totally free to select the tub’s location, size, shape, and material.
A freestanding tub is a bathtub that rests directly on your bathroom floor and has all four sides exposed. They frequently serve as a focal point and attract attention, drawing your attention right away as you enter the bathroom. A freestanding bathtub can be positioned anywhere in a space. The location must be such that the water and drain lines can be run up to the faucet and the tub’s basin. That is the only restriction. A freestanding tub’s configuration and shape can be as traditional or contemporary as you like, and they have a significant impact on the room’s overall design.
Pros of Freestanding tub
1. Feature
Most people choose a freestanding tub because they like the way it looks. Most upscale spas will use freestanding tubs because they are distinctive and make a statement that is frequently associated with luxury.
2. Installation
Freestanding vs. Built-in bathtub installation? A freestanding tub is easier to install than a built-in tub. You probably won’t need a decorator or a contractor just a plumber is likely to suffice.
3. Choice
Any style can work with a freestanding tub. Their designers are able to be more imaginative with the shape because they aren’t constrained by the need to fit into tile or between walls.
4. Placement
With freestanding bathtubs, you can make better use of your available space. Want a bathtub in the middle of the room, directly beneath a skylight? of course! For installation, built-in tubs may require two or more walls; however, freestanding tubs can be placed anywhere.
Cons of Freestanding tub
1. Size
Even when you order one of these tubs in the typical five-foot length, each distinctive design is likely to require more space than a built-in bathtub in every dimension.
2. Storage
In comparison to built-ins, freestanding tubs offer fewer options for easily accessible storage. Simply put, a freestanding tub has no ledge or deck where you can put your shampoo or candles. However, by investing in a rolling caddie or bathtub trays, you can lessen this issue.
3. Price
Freestanding tub vs. Built-in cost? Even with installation, freestanding bathtubs are typically more expensive than built-in bathtubs. This is as a result of their more intricate construction and elaborate design.
4. Weight
Numerous freestanding bathtubs can be very heavy, necessitating frequent floor reinforcement. Without a doubt, this applies to cast iron bathtubs. Fiberglass models are available, it’s true, but they can be more expensive and less common. They weigh more when filled with water because they are generally larger as well.
Built-in bathtubs
Built-in bathtubs are intended to balance available room space with the bathing features you prefer. Most built-in bathtubs include showerheads, allowing you to bathe and shower in the same space. Showerheads can be changed based on your preferences, with options ranging from waterfall designs to hand showers with detachable nozzles. Options for shower stalls and surrounds are also available for a built-in bathtub.
Built-in bathtubs are installed against the walls of your bathroom and can be tucked into corners or alcoves. Built-ins are frequently tub and shower combos because their design allows for easy water containment. Because of its practicality and sensibility, the built-in bathtub remains a popular choice among many people. With the right design, a built-in tub can be just as beautiful as a freestanding tub. Because a built-in bathtub is flush with the walls, it is not impossible to customize the design. You can design a tub in almost any shape you want, or even have a walk-in tub installed for easy access.
Pros of Built-in bathtub
1. Saving space
When it comes to space efficiency, which is better: Freestanding vs. Built-in bathtub? Built-in tubs will be more space-efficient. They are flush with the wall and are usually tucked out of the way. Space around freestanding tubs is usually required. If you have a small bathroom with limited space, you might consider a built-in tub or an alcove tub.
2. Plumbing
Plumbing for freestanding tubs can be complicated and usually necessitates the installation of new piping, whereas plumbing for built-in tubs is already present in many bathrooms. The standardized plumbing requirements for a built-in bathtub can reduce the cost of installation.
3. Price
Freestanding tub vs. Built-in cost? Despite the increasing availability of less expensive freestanding tubs, built-in tubs are still the more cost-effective option.
4. It is easier to clean
Built-in tubs are typically smaller and have fewer cracks and crevices to clean. Freestanding tubs are attractive, but dust collects beneath the tub and around the feet, making it difficult to keep your bathroom clean.
Cons of Built-in bathtub
1. Installation
Despite the possibility of new plumbing, freestanding tubs are easier to install than built-ins. Built-in tubs necessitate sealing, mounting, and, in many cases, the creation of a surround. None of these are required for freestanding tubs. Built-in tubs are easier to clean than freestanding tubs, depending on the design.
2. Flexibility
Of course, placement is not as versatile as with freestanding tubs. Built-in tubs will be relegated to the room’s edges, and many will need to be placed in a corner.
3. Choice
There are simply fewer options for built-in tubs. This means that built-in tubs must rely on their surround for style and individuality. Though there is some creativity in the built-in tub market, it is far less than there is in the freestanding tub market.
4. Look
Freestanding vs. Built-in bathtub in a matter of personal preference, there is something about a freestanding tub that outshines even the most stylish built-ins. Nothing compares to the design statement that freestanding tubs can make in the built-in tub space.
Eventually, your budget and style preferences will most likely determine which type of tub is best for a specific bathroom in your home. If you attempt to repurpose a built-in tub bathroom for a new freestanding tub, keep in mind that new connections to the water and sewage lines may be required, as well as the floor being reinforced. These installation costs may not be obvious at first, but they can be significant depending on the location of the bathtub, faucet, and drain. Consider these factors when deciding between freestanding and built-in bathtubs.
You should also consider how the room will be used, such as whether it will be primarily used for showering or drawing a bath. Showering causes water to spray beyond the tub’s edges, so you may want to consider an alternative to a Freestanding vs. Built-in bathtub, or find a good way to keep shower water from falling on the floor. Standing water can deteriorate the flooring over time and create a more immediate slipping hazard when using the shower, unless it can be safely drained. You can also check out this article from Bria Homes- Things to know before installing a bathtub to know more about different kind of bathtub including the proper installation here in the Philippines for your home. Also BRIA Homes primes itself on the development of affordable house and lot or condominium units that caters to ordinary Filipino families aspiring to own their own homes it had evolved into the ideal option for ordinary Filipino workers looking to invest in a high-quality yet affordable home.
Written by Mark Anthony Seña
