Free Standing Baths Vs Built-In Baths

If you’re going to remodel your bathroom, you may be debating on the type of bathroom fixtures that you are going to add. You know that you would like to have something that is much more modern. One of the greatest points of contention is whether a freestanding bath, or one that is built in, is going to be the best choice for your particular bathroom. In some cases, people may have more than one bathroom, and they will simply install a freestanding bath in one, and a built-in bath and the other. However, if you are still debating over which one is actually more beneficial to install, here is a quick overview of the benefits and drawbacks related to free standing baths vs built-in tubs.

What Is A Free Standing Tub?

Freestanding tubs are exactly what they sound like. These are the old style tubs that you have probably seen in older homes. Although modern tubs have a distinct appearance from those that were made decades ago, they are essentially the same because of the way that they are installed. For example, your tub could be situated toward one corner of the bathroom, or if you have a larger bathroom, it could be positioned directly in the middle. All of the pipes will be connected from below, allowing you to enjoy hot baths whenever you want.

What Is A Built In Tub?

Built-in bathtubs are considered to be modern bathtubs. They will either be a standalone bathtub, or it will be a combination with the shower. These are typically encased within water resistant tiles on two sides, and the remaining sides will be made of glass, including sliding doors that will give you access. Most of them will have transparent glass, although others may be like a standing shower, encased with glass that will not allow people to directly see you inside. Others may have shower curtains that go around the edges, preventing the water from leaking out onto the floor if you happen to be taking a shower in these combination units.

What Is The Cost Difference Between The Two?

The cost difference tends to be situational. This means that the type of tub that you are installing, its size, and the manufacturer that is producing it, can all factor into the final cost. Some tubs can be several thousand dollars, simply because they are high ticket items that have always been sold for these higher level prices. Others could be much more affordable, though they will not be as well made, nor will they have certain stylistic characteristics that many have come to enjoy. The cost of installation may also vary, depending upon the size, shape, and depth of the tub. These are all factors that you need to consider as you are deciding on which one to obtain.

Spatial Efficiency Versus The Cost Of Plumbing

As you consider free standing baths vs built-in tubs, you need to consider the spatial efficiency of each of these per the size of your bathroom. Those that are built in tend to offer the most spatial efficiency, primarily because they are out of the way, off to the corner. In regard to the cost of plumbing, this is often more expensive when working with a free standing bathtub. That is because you will need to hide the plumbing that is coming into the tub, and this cosmetic necessity is what will lead to the increased cost. The plumbing for a built in tub, whether this is a bathtub or bath and shower combination, will always be less expensive because the plumbing can come from the ground, or come out of the wall. In both cases, you will never have to worry about the pipes being seen, thus lowering the total cost of the installation.

The Capacity Of These Different Tubs

The capacity of these tubs refers specifically to how large they can be. You have a lot more flexibility when it comes to those that are free standing. As long as you have the room, you could opt for a regular bathtub, or one that is rectangular, square, or circular. There are those that can hold many people, such as a hot tub, and can also act in the same capacity. Conversely, those that are built in are often limited by size, usually designed in a rectangular format. If you do have a large bathroom, and you would like to have something that looks both modern and elegant, the free standing tub might be the best choice for your bathroom.

Decorative Impact And Flexibility Of Placement

Two final factors to consider when looking at free standing baths vs built-in tubs is in regard to flexibility of placement and the overall decorative impact of installing one of these tubs. In regard to flexibility, you can literally place a free standing bathtub wherever you want to, as long as you have the space. The only time this is not a feasible decision is if you have a smaller bathroom, and you are limited to placing this in one of the corners. If that is the case, you would be better off with a built-in bathtub, even with the shower, because of the way they are built and designed. The decorative impact of these tubs can go either way. In some cases, it has to do with the layout of the bathroom. Larger bathrooms tend to be enhanced from free standing bathtubs, whereas the built-in modules will be much more impressive when used in smaller spaces.

The ongoing debate over free standing baths vs built-in bathtubs will always persist. As long as people have bathrooms that are of different sizes, and people have different tastes, they will lean one way or the other. If you are primarily interested in saving money, and being practical, the built-in modules will likely be the best choice. However, if you have a larger bathroom, and you are interested in incorporating modern designs, free standing bathtubs will be the best. It’s also true for those that are not concerned about how much they are going to spend. This basic overview of free standing baths vs built-in bathtubs should help you make the right decision for the bathroom that you are remodeling.