I don't know, but I am finally settled on one after tons of internet searching...this post interests me as well. I will be ordering mine next week.

It's a much more expensive choice by the time you tile the whole space under tbe tub, pay for the precise plumbing location issue, pay for the prettier exposed plumbing. And the tub itself. A good non imported cast iron one won't be cheap. Cheap import acrylic will be cheap, but you get what you pay for on so many levels with plumbing products.

I also wanted to say that I originally considered a drop in w/granite surround...this in comparison would be the better choice, due to heat retention. A freestanding tub will lose water heat faster than a drop in. Especially since you can have your installer put insulation around a drop in. This to me, would be a better choice than a freestanding tub. I had to go w/freestanding due to the small size of my bathroom, otherwise I would have preferred the drop in w/insulation around it. Especially for "soaking" tub. Something to consider.

i love the way mine looks and love to soak in it. ours is very modern resin that retains heat. copper is also good for retaining heat. victoria and albert has some beautiful tubs. well worth the expense if you like the look and a luxurious soak.

What brand/type is your tub?

There are also good imported from Europe cast iron tubs that are not as ridiculously priced as the American made ones. While the tub is more money, and you have the plumbing costs, with a built in, you have the cost of the tub surround and its materials. I'm assuming you're not looking at the standard tub we all had in our bathrooms growing up but would want something with a luxury built in look?

coronado · More Info

Definitely don't want standard tub. The architect put a drop in tub in the plans but the builder said I can change it when time comes to outfit the bathroom.

our tub is from signature hardware, the winifred model: http://www.signaturehardware.com/winifred-freestanding-resin-tub.html

i liked the length (i am 5'4" and hubby is 6' and we both fit in it and i love the matte finish on the resin. it also has an integrated overflow, which means less hardware. we used a free standing tub filler but it would be equally nice with a wall mount.

OK, here's my take: I love the look of freestanding tubs, but in terms of practicality, I like tub ledges for all the stuff I need when taking a bath, e.g. candles, wine, book, not to mention soap, bath pearls, my orchids, etc.
Still remember trying to find that illusive soap bar that had slipped away between wall and tub...

So, you'd need a ledge nearby.

versus this:

I agree...mine is going under a large window that will have a granite ledge for setting my things on. (Must have a ledge or shelf)

tamizami I am also looking at the Winifred tub and using a freestanding filler from Signature Hardware. Was it easy for your plumber to install, and did you install it on a second floor? I hear resin is very heavy. My space is very tight so I would need the 56" one, what size did you get that fits you and your husband? I'm 5'2" and he is over 6 feet. Thanks!!

I have had mine long enough now to say it is fantastic...went with the 5 ft of this one:

Aquatica 014a

And this faucet in brushed nickel (which is beautiful)...it is a very good product.

Leta Freestanding Tub Faucet with handshower

I am very happy to say that this freestanding tub holds heat better than my old cast iron tub. I had nothing to worry about...In fact it can get too hot as it retains heat for a VERY long time. I would also suggest you get a little side table or something to go with your freestanding tub. It is necessary. I got this one:

Side shelf/table

We have a 6 foot free standing Victoria and Albert slipper tub. I am 5.5 and fit in it just fine. Hubby has to bend his knees (5.10). It is resin and retains heat just fine. We have a wall mount instead of floor mount filler. I love leaning against the slipper back but gave up getting to put your arms on the rim of the tub.

Doing a renovation for a flip, and the free-standing soaking tub seems to be the current trend for the master bath, but I've not done one before and this discussion has been very helpful! It appears that I need to tile up the wall about 3' and add a shelf - anything else I should plan for? [Sorry for the silly question, but I'm more a shower person - I'm assuming there's no place for the soap, b/c you shower first then just soak in the tub?]

No, I have a little bath bin, that I pull out of a drawer and place on the shelf of the table I showed in pic...dh has a specific soap dish he uses, since he uses an actual bar of soap. I use BBW products and no bar soap.

Actually, people do take a bath, with soap, bubbles, etc. I'd look at Houzz pictures of freestanding tubs. Definitely have a shelf close by.

Something like this?

Maybe it's one of those things like a professional range; more to look at than to actually use.

One last question - how much clearance from the walls - back and sides - should there be? Thanks.

This will depend upon the faucet hardware size and placement. I went w/a single pipe freestanding faucet and I placed my tub as close to the wall as possible to still be able to clean behind it.

Question - how is the floor mounted faucet serviced? If you had to replace it, it looks like the tub would have to be removed.

No, the water lines are flex lines that feed thru that pole. The mount and pole are easily accessed from the side of the tub...and are removable w/3 small screws at base. I purposely made sure that the faucet was reachable from the side of the tub, that is why there is the space that there is between tub and wall.

Current (nostalgic) fad. Once it was whirlpools. Now we have this...and 'wet rooms'.

I'm happy with my air-jet with warming element and arm rests/handle assists. Easy-clean, in and around. (No 'under' TO clean.) Has a surround for my 'stuff'.