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!

Do free standing vanities need to be attached to the wall other than the plumbing connections? My new vanity has a 3" backsplash making it 39" high. I am having PVC beadboard behind it which is 42" high with the top and bottom trim included. The top trim piece is probably the only part that would show above the backsplash. I was thinking of leaving about a 1/2" gap between the back of the backsplash and the wall, but my contractor thinks it should be flush and the backsplash caulked to the wall. He suggested we lower the beadboard a few inches and have it butt up to the ends of the backsplash. Any opinions would be appreciated!

Delta is a great plumbing brand. Reliable, and you can find parts anywhere. That import junk off of Amazon isn't even legal to sell here. They don't submit to lead testing or any other type of plumbing safety tests. There’s just no one left to enforce that. Tubs are the same. The good ones are not cheap. Kohler makes great products.

I have that tub. I had the faucets mounted on the deck. I use a teak bench by the tub to put things I need for my bath. Just give the plumber the specs sheet. I took heavy paper and laid out where I wanted the tub to be. Mine arrived in time but it is always good to visualize and go over everything ahead of time. I definitely wanted at least 12' on all sides for ease of cleaning. Consider getting a handheld wand on the deck as well.