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!

I am seeking a recommendation for an affordable tub filler for a 66" Kohler Mariposa drop in tub. There will be a small tile deck around it. (I think the smallest area is around 4".) This is for my parent's build and I cannot get them to budge on budget for the faucets. So far, we have lucked out with the shower/tub combo for the spare bathroom and the simple shower unit for the master bath shower. Combo unit was the Moen Caldwell ($141). Shower unit was the Moen Banbury ($128). Both units have been in brushed nickel and spot resistant. Now we need a tub filler and there is not one in the Banbury line. I think we would like to stay with a similar feel and look since we may use the Banbury line for the sink faucets (multiple choices for that). Any suggestions? From what I have been able to view online, the Moen Brantford line is similar and has two sizes of Roman tub fillers. One comes out farther and is slightly taller than the other one - we do not know if this is needed (and is about $80 more in price.) If you have a Mariposa tub, where is your faucet located? Are you happy with it? What is the measurement from the center of the faucet base to the center of where the water comes out? Thank you for any advice. The tub has been ordered, but is not in yet and I know they will want the faucet soon.

I would urge you to be really careful with jet tubs. I have had nothing but problems with my Bain Ultra jet tub. My tub would turn on randomly throughout the night, so I would be in bed and hear air rushing from the tub in the middle of the night. Within a year of installation the lights on the keypad stopped functioning. Called their customer service department and they will not honor their warranty. Apparently their electronics and keypads are poorly constructed. The Bain employee I spoke to suggested I replace the tub altogether.

My tub was from 1999 so way worse! Yours does not look bad! I updated 3 years ago to a free standing tub and love it! You will have to replace flooring though since it will show on a free standing tub. You will also have to fix the walls where the tile was. We did a total master bath remodel. My recommendations would be to go to a large bath/kitchen showroom and sit in some tubs to see how you like them! Also to figure out the size you want. Most run very large. I am only 5'2" so didn't want a 7' tub where I would just float around in! Mine is 5 feet I think and its perfect.