Freestanding vs. Built-in Bathtubs
Today, it’s really hard to overestimate the importance of bathtubs in modern bathrooms. A bathtub is not just a luxury. It is also a useful thing that can bring you so much pleasure and satisfaction. Soaking in warm water helps you relax reducing stress and recharging your batteries.
Choosing the ideal tub can be really challenging just because there are so many different types of bathtubs available on the market today. Obviously, you should choose the tub that perfectly meets your needs and even exceeds your expectations. A beautiful tub is a great addition to any bathroom. It can bring a sense of coziness and style completely transforming your space. But how do you know that the tub you get is the ideal option for your space?
In order to choose the best bathtub for your bathtub renovation, you should analyze a lot of important factors. What atmosphere do you want to create in your bathroom? Who is going to use the bathtub on a regular basis? You should answer these and some other important questions to be able to get the ideal bathtub for your home.
The vast majority of interior designers agree that freestanding and built-in bathtubs are the most popular bathtubs often preferred by homeowners. Let’s dig deeper to find out which tub can be easily incorporated into your bathroom and turn it into a soothing escape.
The Difference between Freestanding and Built-in Bathtubs
A freestanding tub has always been a symbol of elegance and sophistication. The tub is not surrounded by walls and can be installed almost anywhere in your bathroom. A freestanding tub is the ideal option for larger bathrooms. It can become a powerful design element adding a unique touch to your space.
If you have a smaller bathroom and want to save precious space, you should definitely opt for a built-in tub. The tub is usually installed against bathroom walls. If you choose the right built-in tub, you will also add beauty and style to your space.
The Pros and Cons of Investing into a Freestanding Bathtub
There is hardly any other bathroom that can compare with the beauty and elegance of a freestanding tub. No doubt, there is a freestanding tub for every bathroom. The wide range of different freestanding tubs manufactured today provides you with an excellent opportunity to choose the one that fits your bathroom complementing and improving its design.
In comparison with built-in bathtubs, freestanding tubs are much easier to install. Plus, they are very easy to clean and maintain. If you clean your freestanding tub on a regular basis, it will preserve its brilliant look for many years to come.
Along with the advantages that freestanding bathtubs offer, they still have some drawbacks you should know about before making the final choice. No doubt, these tubs are immensely beautiful and luxurious. And they usually come with a heavy price tag. That is probably one of the main reasons why some homeowners refuse from buying this tub. Plus, a freestanding tub can be extremely heavy and big. Just make sure that your bathroom floor can withstand the weight of the tub without reinforcement. If you are planning to combine a tub with a shower, a freestanding tub is not the way to go. In this case, you should prefer a built-in tub. Plus, freestanding tubs can’t provide enough storage space.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying Built-in Bathtubs
A built-in tub is a traditional bathtub that suits every bathroom space. They are usually cheaper than freestanding tubs. This is great news for people who have a tight budget, but still want to get a high-quality tub for their space.
As you already know, freestanding tubs require more space to be installed. And built-in tubs are definitely space-savers. Plus, they provide ample storage space. You can easily mount shelves next to your tub to store bath products. Built-in tubs are also easy to clean and maintain. You will not have to spend too much time and effort to keep your tub beautiful and shiny.
It’s worth mentioning that built-in bathtubs have some drawbacks as well. You cannot place this bathtub wherever you want. Built-in tubs are usually installed in a corner. Your choice is also limited. In comparison with freestanding tubs, there are not as many options of built-in tubs as you may wish. So you should build a beautiful and unusual surround to add a touch of uniqueness to your bathroom space. Built-in bathtubs can also be more difficult to install.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Bathtub
Choosing the right tub for your bathroom space is a serious decision. The tub you prefer will have a huge impact on the way your bathroom looks and feels. No doubt, your choice will largely depend on your budget, bathroom design and your personal preferences.
As you already know, built-in bathtubs are better options for smaller bathrooms while freestanding tubs should be preferred for more spacious bathrooms. Pick the right shape and size for your bathtub. Select the tub that will be comfortable for you and every member of your family. Rectangular tubs are extremely popular. But if you want to add a touch of uniqueness to your space, think about adding an oval tub. By the way, oval tubs are available as freestanding and built-in as well.
Keep in mind that the bathtub material you prefer also matters. It definitely determines the longevity and durability of the bathtub you install. The most common bathtub materials include fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron, and solid surfaces. Both freestanding and built-in bathtubs can be manufactured from these materials. You should analyze the pros and cons of each material to make a choice you will never regret.
It’s also worth mentioning that converting a freestanding tub into a built-in or vice versa is an extremely difficult and expensive thing. So, you should choose the right tub from the very beginning. Make sure that you know which tub you really need.
Transforming your bathroom space can be a very interesting and at the same time complicated process. But with the ideal tub, you can easily refresh your bathroom breathing new life into it. Get a high-quality tub to make your bath time even more pleasant and relaxing.
