Bathtub Wars: Freestanding vs. Built-In

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Bathtub Wars: Freestanding vs. Built-In

You may have settled your mind on having a bathtub in your bathroom. However, decision making is not yet over because you still have to choose if you will go for a built-in or freestanding bath. To help you decide, we listed their pros and cons so you can weigh them and see the best option for you.

Freestanding bathtub

Pros

• Portability. It’s one of the most attractive benefits of a freestanding tub. It is not fixed in one area so you can move it to the place that you like, whether it’s in the middle of the bathroom or next to the wall.
• Aesthetics. Freestanding bathtubs give that modern and luxurious feel. It’s an instant upgrade to the look of your bathroom. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get a bathroom makeover, it’s one of your top options.
• Easy installation. There is no need to hire a designer and builder to do it because freestanding tubs are readily available. All you need is to determine where you want to place it and to hire a plumber to work on the water supply and drain.
• Style choices. You will be amazed at the fantastic style selections available for freestanding bathtubs. You will find different shapes, sizes, and materials.

Cons

• Weight. It is heavy so you need to make sure that the floor is sturdy enough to support its weight, especially if you install it on the second floor.
• Cost. Freestanding bathtubs require more work to make at the end of the manufacturer, which is why they are also costlier.
• Size. While freestanding tubs are available in different sizes, it might still be a challenge to find something that perfectly fits you.
• Storage. There is no storage option for most freestanding tubs. A work-around is to get a rack and place it next to the tub for extra storage for your toiletries and towel.

Built-in bathtub

Pros

• Space. You can install it in the corner to save more space.
• Storage. Built-in bathtubs have storage for toiletries so you will have convenient access to them.
• Shower. You can also install a shower with a built-in bath. While you can do this with a freestanding bathtub, it will not look good, and it will also require a shower curtain as water can easily spill out.
• Cost. It generally costs less to have a built-in bathtub installed than a freestanding bath.
• Customisation. You can have it customised to your liking, ensuring that it will perfectly fit you.

Cons

• Installation. It requires careful design and more time to finish since the builder will do it from scratch.
• Movability. Once installed, it will be fixed in its place; unlike a freestanding bathtub that you can still move to another area or even another bathroom.
• Style. There is not much you can do about the style because its three sides are confined to the walls.

Freestanding and built-in bathtubs both have something to offer, and they also have their drawbacks. Take each factor into consideration to determine the best choice for you.