I should add... the tub would be used only by me. DH is only a shower user. No bathing of children or grandchildren. Baths are taken regularly, e.g. every night in winter, and so the tub must be comfortable.

Thanks!

Love my freestanding tub. I know people claim it’s difficult to clean behind - I haven’t had that problem as it’s set just far enough from the back wall so I can easily clean behind it. I have a Maxx with a wide lip around the top so it can hold a candle, soap, wine glass, etc. Fill spout is in the ceiling and the handles are on a close by wall. Going on ten years with this tub and no regrets.

I've never had a freestanding tub, but when my husband and I build our custom home, I hope to include at least one or two. As long as you have enough space to clean around it, and assuming they fit the architectural style of your home, I think claws or pedestal tubs are lovely. Plan for a bay window, a wide lip, a basket that stretches the entire width, and/or a small table beside the tub, for toiletries. :-)

The freestanding looks much nicer IMO. I would suggest really looking at the tub - does it have a ledge, does it have armrests - if not is it so deep you can't rest your arms comfortably on the sides of it ( measure from your fanny up while sitting to get a sense of where the tub would hit your arm ). Make sure there is some sort of note in the description about lumbar support. That usually means a decent recline. Go bigger than 5 ft but not up to 6ft otherwise you may find that you slide way down in the tub ( unless you are very tall ).

Do your homework and where ever you order from ask about returns - since you can't see it in person or sit in it - what is the return policy.

Good luck!

Neither will be very easy to clean. Free-standing looks cooler but I would not choose either. How about a plain old built-in tub? Easy to get in and out of as one ages, and easy to clean!

I had a built in tub and changed to a free standing after my remodel. I love the look of the freestanding but sometimes I miss the ”seat” on the side of the built in. My tips: be sure to try out a tub to see if it fits your body. Also, do not get something too big if you are using it everyday. Mine in 72 inches and it takes forever to fill.

I have aged and that standard built in tub is very difficult to get out of as there is no place to grab--only a very slick flat surface that your hand slides on. You can only put a grab bar on one side--not ideal. I'm changing to a freestanding tub where I can grab onto both sides of the tub with both hands--much safer. I will also have walls reinforced to add grab bars later.

The free standing can look a lot nicer, BUT, even though it is not used often, it has to be cleaned around frequently. Hairs and what not get all behind it, so you have to get on your hands and knees and scrub the floor behind beside and beneath the tub.

So, my vote is for your first picture.

I love my new freestanding tub, but I’m a (I think lol) relatively young flexible with no mobility issues and have no problem getting in and out. I also had no room for a built in unless I wanted another corner garden tub (which I did not). So I went with a smaller freestanding and I do love it, but I might take baths once a week, maybe twice.

Thanks so much, Lindsey_CA. Those pictures really helped me understand that I don't like all built-in tubs, just the one in the inspiration picture I posted. :) Something about it's curved lines and the natural stone used. I am not drawn to any of the ones you posted, so that tells me I'd only want it if we can do it in a specific way. Super helpful, thanks!

We are still in design phase with our architect and once I see what size and configuration we have with the master bath and what my options could be, I'll be able to make more decisions. I could also love incorporating river rock somehow if it was freestanding:

How To Use River Rock Tile in Bathroom Design: 19 Great Ideas - Style Motivation · More Info

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We have a free standing claw foot tub in our master bath and it isn’t an issue cleaning under it and behind it at all. I just use my Swiffer mop. I think free standing tubs just look so nice!

Maybe I'm old school but I have yet to see a free standing tub that I like. Most of them look like ugly afterthoughts crammed into a space that was clearly not designed for such a fixture. The only ones that I like have a thick rim that you can sit on. However, I prefer the look of a drop in with a tub deck.