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Sara Oliver

Freestanding vs. Built-In Bathtubs: Pros and Cons


Freestanding vs. Built-In Bathtubs

Are you looking for a bathroom makeover? Now you can transform your bath into a Spa for relaxation with our exclusive bathtubs selection for you. Freestanding and built-in bathtubs are two popular options for you. 


It is always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before selecting. There's a bathtub to suit your needs due to diversity in design and structure. Some of the considerations you need to consider are the area available, the budget limits, and the design constraints to ensure that the bath has good coordination with other fixtures in the bathroom.


Let’s discuss it in detail:


What Exactly are Freestanding Bathtubs?


Freestanding bathtubs have a unique design because they don't have any framework or wall surrounding them. This means they don't have to rely on the existing structure for support at the time of installation. 


The most popular bathtubs are designed in various styles and shapes. They use acrylic, cast iron, or stone.


  • Clawfoot: These are traditional bathtubs that are elevated off the ground and are supported on legs


  • Pedestal: These are bathtubs of a round, beautiful form resting on a base.


  • Oval and rectangular tubs: They are primarily used in compact spaces.


  • Round: A round-shaped bathtub is mainly used for soaking.


Benefits of Freestanding Tubs


Freestanding tubs make your bathroom look elegant and can also be decorated with art to make it look like a spa. They are self-supporting, so they have to follow the plumbing requirements only where the tub's location disturbs the bathroom's aesthetic value. Therefore, they are quite loved by the homeowners.


Disadvantages of Freestanding Tubs


Freestanding baths are more expensive than built-in baths because of their required materials and plumbing requirements. They also take space that can be used for decorating style, making it more challenging to achieve at least a 4-inch distance between the edge of the tub and the wall for cleaning purposes in small bathrooms.


Built-in bathtubs 


A built-in tub most likely sits snugly in the space between the walls. If you notice a tub, that is part and parcel of the bathroom design. A built-in tub surrounded by tiles or screws is meant to blend in with the design around it. Fiberglass, acrylic, and cast iron are widely used as built-in tubs are strong and low-maintenance.


Types:

  • Alcove bathtubs: They are best for small bathrooms as they are enclosed on three walls.


  • Drop-in bathtubs: They are simple with post-free decking platforms. 


  • Corner bathtubs: They are stylish yet save a lot of space. 


  • Soaking tubs: These bathtubs are made to match the décor of the house and bring beauty to the entire region.


Pros:


Built-in tubs are very helpful in cramped spaces. They effectively use the space while complementing the bathroom's look. Their structure helps achieve a minimalist look, making the bathroom appear large.


Incorporating built-in bathtubs into the bathroom design can be done easily due to the available surrounds, shelves, and storage space, which can be easily customized according to the requirements of the homeowner, making an exquisite design. This gives the homeowners the latitude to shift the arrangement around to suit their liking.


Cons:


They have fewer placement options compared to freestanding baths, with niches and walls being the strongest candidates. This may limit creativity in bathroom settings. 


Built-in tubs can bring modern flair or suit classic designs, but they require an estimate to avoid confusion. When buying a tub, it is also wise to consider the space and the overall beauty of the bath space. 


Overall, the choice of bathtub depends on the individual's needs and preferences. Consider how often you shower and bathe, as this determines the type of tub you purchase.


Final Thoughts


Both freestanding and built-in tubs have their pros and cons to analyze them. Although built-in bathtubs have some limitations regarding spatial and design considerations, the merits of space and personalization may compensate for such aspects they can provide. 


Nevertheless, it is recommended that you seek the opinion of a design specialist about the tub designs so that you can get hand-tailored suggestions of the design based on your preferences and the configuration of the space planned for bathtubs. This guarantees that the selection fulfills functional needs and rational design goals.


Contact Dream Pools & Spas to explore our range of pool and spa options and experience unparalleled service. Let's create your dream oasis together!


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