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Free-standing tub vs. drop in tub

11 years ago

I am doing extensive remodelling due to a fire. I have several bathrooms that need to be redone but right now am stuck on the master bathroom. I hired a decorator because I am very overwhelmed with all the many choices and decisions that need to be made. The decorator is recommending a free standing tub, I previously had a tub with tile surround and I was happy with it (had place for soaps and shampoo). My question is, besides aesthetics, are there any advantages to free standing tub? For those of you with free standing what do you like about it? And are free standing tubs available with whirlpool?

Thanks for any input.

Featured Answer

_sophiewheeler

11 years ago

Drop ins are easier to clean. By far! A free standing tub has a lot more nooks and crannies to have to mop around, even a skirted pedestal tub. They also are challenging for storage space. They do look marvelous, and for some, the added work and less storage convenience are worth it for that look.

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Comments (6)

andreadeg
11 years ago
I switched from a built int tub to a free standing pedestal tub during my remodel. I like both, but have a preference for the stand alone tub. It does look better, and it doesn't take a smuch water to fill. finding a spot for shampoos and such is a bit of a challenge. i have a tray that sits across my bathtub for all my needs. It even has a magazine stand.

Good luck with all of the decision that you need to make!
alizacf
Original Author
11 years ago
thanks andreadeg, I think I"ll stick with what I know and am used to ( and was happy with) and go with drop in tub.
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I also have experience with both. Naturally, I agree it is a matter of personal taste, but a few additional pros/cons: * Having the deck to put candles, soaps, extra books, glass of wine, bath oils, whatever, can be very nice. * When comparing costs, remember that you save money on installation of the freestanding styles because you don't need to buy the stone deck top or tiles, and the labor to build the surround, etc. So while many freestanding styles cost a little more, depending on what models you choose and what type of deck top you would select, the freestanding may end up being less expensive. * To take full advantage of the beauty of many freestanding styles, it may depend greatly on your layout. They seem particularly well suited to being placed in front of beautiful windows, with ample space around them. Personally, I think they lose something if they are sort of shoehorned in somewhere. But of course, that's just a matter of judgment. Good luck! I think you can't go wrong either way--both styles can be beautiful.
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I have a free standing tub with a wall mounted filler and spray head. I think floor mounted is just something else to clean. We dont have a deck to mount to on this tub. My last tub was deck mounted and we hated it but it looked impossible to change the faucet. Im guessing you have chosen your tub so the above advice to get a drop in doesnt apply. I also think that a freestanding tub looks a bit more custom. I have no problem cleaning mine.
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Lynne Reno
11 years ago
my husband wanted a free standing tub but the cost of the plumbing fixtures was just crazy and we are on a tight budget so we went with a drop in.
alizacf
Original Author
11 years ago
thanks hollyspring and lynneblack, two more reasons do go with drop in, cheaper and easier to clean!
chaparral
11 years ago
We are going with a freestanding in our new master bath both because we like the looks and also with our layout it worked better. Given the cost of a good tiling job I'm not sure a built-in would have been less expensive than a standalone.

We had 2 drop-in tubs (one to be removed with shower stall) and one of them still in-- acrylic-- which we put in 12 years ago and somewhat regret now because it flexes and the grout cracked over time so it has needed a lot of maintenance. (this is mostly because of the material we chose). But when our kids were younger they loved the bubbles!

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