skip to main content

Free standing versus drop in tub for master bath

6 years ago

We are redoing our master bath and are debating between a free standing tub and a tub with a tub deck around it. I would love to hear what you like or dislike and the advantages/disadvantages of both options.

Currently, we have an undermounted tub with a tub deck. I know one advantage of that set-up is it gives me a place to sit while flossing my teeth. Thanks for any input.

Featured Answer

Milly Rey

6 years ago

Freestanding tubs are inferior in every way. They are harder to clean around, the inside is smaller, and they splash more. They are usually more expensive, too.

They are pretty. That makes them popular.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Mrs Pete
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Freestanding tubs are inferior in every way.

Except looks. They're totally drool-worthy, especially if you enjoy a vintage look.

But when it comes to practicality, you're totally right: Expensive to buy (and not just the tub -- the faucet and the extra tile for under the tub), harder to clean, small and lacking in bells and whistles, no edge for your soap dish, and you can't have a shower above. And something that isn't evident at first glance: It's hard to step OUT of a freestanding tub: You're something like 6" above the floor, so when you step out of a freestanding tub, it's like you're stepping over the edge AND down a step at the same time -- not child or elderly-friendly.

For what it's worth, we're doing a drop in tub-in-deck.
dmpsd thanked Mrs Pete
Related Discussions
Need help deciding between free-standing and deck-mounted bathtub
Q
Comments (18)
The WetStyle f/s tub has a removable tray that sits across the tub. I like numberjunkie's idea of a shelf or ledge behind the tub for placing items and also like the idea of having the shower wall next to the tub tiled half-way up to have a space for installing a grab bar. WetStyle has an optional shelf that surrounds the tub, but I think it would make it more challenging to get in and out of the tub - would need to hop over the shelf. The drop-in tub I was initially considering was 72"x42" but that would likely not fit, so would need to be 72"x36". This weekend I looked at an open house (new construction) in my area that had a drop-in tub with a narrow space for the deck surround (see attached photo). The deck was tiled on the top and on the apron with white subway tile. I noticed that with the narrow deck space (about 2") and the tub overhang, it would be awkward to sit on the edge of the tub and swing my legs in or out of the tub. Wiithout space for a deck that is wide enough to comfortably sit on, ease of entry or exit may come down to depth of the tub and options for placement of grab bars. The Wetstyle tub is 22" deep; the drop-in tubs are generally deeper, more like 26"
...See More
Free standing v. drop in tub
Q
Comments (3)
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.
...See More
Poll: Tub or no tub master bath?
Q
Comments (34)
"Isn't it funny how so many who have the tubs never use them yet when people look for a home they love seeing a jet tub in the master bath? Is it just the "thought" of that magificent soak we all wish for but never take that puts in our minds that we must have the tub?" Ditto with all the chef kitchens with professional ranges. In my area, hardly anybody cooks in their chef kitchen because everybody is too busy. OP renovates for resale, i.e. bang for the buck, which isn't necessarily primarily for functionality.
...See More
ideas for behind master bath tub
Q
Comments (5)
I wouldn't do anything behind the tub, as much as I love art in its different forms etc. I like visual proportions as they are now-chandelier, window, tub with its faucet. I wouldn't want to interfere with it too much. Your window is your art...in a sense one really looks at it. I'd do someting both beautiful and very useful next to the tub-like a side table where one keep soaps/brushes (yeah..they should look good))..maybe a cool thing-y for towels (it's very hard, or else I found it to be real hard, to find something cool and free standing and narrow enough, especially new..new costs some abnormal amount of money. I personally decided to manage without..)..plants are always a good idea, to me at least One can do a shelf I suppose..but it won't stay empty, right? If you really prefer to, I'd go for smth not full length..assymetrical..I wouldn't want to repeat the window lines.
...See More
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
6 years ago
They are pretty. That makes them popular.

And what is pretty and popular becomes old and cliche.

(We are such spoil sports over here.)

Drop in tubs are far more classic (if you have the room for one. I don't, so I am stuck with a free standing tub that looks like a lovely trough.)
dmpsd thanked Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
chispa
6 years ago
The other important point is how much space you have. Free standing tubs usually take up much less room.

By getting rid of a large decked tub, that blocked access to the main large window in the bathroom, I was able to get a much better layout. I put a free standing tub perpendicular to the old tub, opened up access to the window and gained space for a small vanity/console with a pretty upholstered stool under it and mirror above.
dmpsd thanked chispa
enduring
6 years ago
All tubs used to be free standing. Yes there is a drop when you step onto the floor from the inside of the tub, if the tub is on legs. But are all free standing tubs on legs? A hand rail would be appropriate to help with getting in and out.
Iowacommute
6 years ago
You also have to consider deck width. I'm 4'11 and have been in tubs with decks where I had to straddle to get in and out. I felt like I was climbing over a wall. In those cases a freestanding tub which sits on the floor would have been better.

It comes down to your height and mobility. I've been deciding between a freestanding and an undermount because there is so much space around the current tub.

Related Stories

INSIDE HOUZZ What’s Popular for Toilets, Showers and Tubs in Master Baths

By Erin Carlyle

Self-cleaning toilets and tubs with heated backrests are among the novel choices cited in a 2018 Houzz bathroom study

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS A Master Bath With a Checkered Past Is Now Bathed in Elegance

By Karen Egly-Thompson

The overhaul of a Chicago-area bathroom ditches the room’s 1980s look to reclaim its Victorian roots

BATHROOM DESIGN An Awkward Master Bath Gets a Roomier Feel — Without Adding On

By Becky Harris

A designer replaces a glass-block shower, a chunky tub and a wasted dressing area with lighter, more spacious features

BATHROOM TRENDS Data Watch: Homeowners on Keeping — or Ditching — the Master Tub

By Erin Carlyle

Our 2017 U.S. bathroom trends study shows that some owners upgrade their tubs, while a sizable number bid them goodbye

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: A Handsome Master Bath for Him

By Karen Egly-Thompson

A spacious second master bathroom is overhauled with functional farmhouse style

BATHROOM DESIGN A Barrier-Free Master Bathroom With a Luxurious Feel

This Maryland remodel offers ideas for designing an accessible bathroom that’s elegant too

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Elements of a Dream Master Bath

By Laura Gaskill

A heavenly bathroom could be just a few features away. Would any of these be must-haves for your renovation?

BATHROOM DESIGN Bathroom of the Week: Modern Farmhouse Style for a Master Bath

By Becky Harris

A North Carolina homeowner finds a pro on Houzz, and he updates the room with traditional and modern elements

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: Modern Farmhouse Chic in a Denver Master Bath

By Becky Harris

Harmony reigns as white pairs with wood, rustic texture with sleek surfaces and straight lines with curves

RUSTIC STYLE Room of the Day: Materials Make This Master Bath

By Bryan Anthony

Rustic brick veneer, wood cabinetry, glass tiles and classic marble countertops create a modern old-world bathroom retreat

Sponsored

17 Reviews

The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County

More Discussions

wood look Ribbon tile trim

0

bathroom remodel fan placement

0

Is it possible to change a color of a granite countertop

2

Bathroom exhaust vent placement

3

Renovation tub already taking a beating

1