Should You Get a Built-in or a Freestanding Tub?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when remodeling or upgrading your bathroom is whether you should get a freestanding tub or a built-in tub. Both kinds of tubs have their benefits and drawbacks. Here is a quick comparison of freestanding tubs and built-in tubs to help you decide which one you should get:

Freestanding Bathtubs

Freestanding tubs tend to be bigger and offer more room than built-in tubs. If you’re the type who enjoys taking long, relaxing baths, a freestanding tub can be much more comfortable than a built-in tub. Of course, one of the biggest draws of a freestanding tub is the aesthetic. Freestanding tubs tend to look and feel more luxurious. These freestanding bath tubs from Badeloft have a sleek, modern aesthetic that can elevate your whole bathroom.

Freestanding tubs also give you more options as to where you’d like to place them in your bathroom—provided that they’re reasonably close to existing plumbing. If your bathroom has a large window with a great view, a freestanding tub can give you more freedom to strategically place it where you can fully appreciate that view. There’s nothing more unwinding and peaceful than soaking in an elegant tub while enjoying a beautiful sunset at the end of a long day.

If you decide to get a freestanding tub, you may also want to consider getting a freestanding sink to complete the aesthetic. Badeloft’s freestanding sinks, which you can view at www.badeloftusa.com, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all with high quality fixtures and a beautifully refined look.

Built-in Tubs

If you have less space in your bathroom, a built-in tub is the practical and more compact option. Built-in tubs take up less space in the room, and often offer a handy ledge for keeping all your bath products within easy reach, eliminating the need to install separate shelves.

Built-in tubs are also the better option for people who prefer taking showers to taking baths. Showering in a freestanding tub is possible, but it would require installing a shower rod and suspending curtains all around the tub. If you’ve ever tried showering in such a setup, you would know that it can be extremely difficult to keep water from getting everywhere, and such a setup can be quite stifling.

Since a built-in tub is usually enclosed on three sides, it would be easier to keep the water in, so you would make less of a mess when showering. You would also have the option of ditching a shower curtain altogether, in favor of installing a glass partition and door. This design would look great with high shine, polished chrome fixtures and hardware.

Finally, built-in tubs are generally easier to clean, depending on the materials used to make them. You would only need to wipe down the unenclosed sides, as opposed to having to clean all around a freestanding tub.

At the end of the day, whether you should get a freestanding tub or a built-in really depends on your preferences, your bathing habits, and how much space you actually have in your bathroom. Hopefully, this information helps you decide which kind of tub would best suit your lifestyle and needs.