skip to main content

Design Dilemma Polls Bathrooms

Freestanding bathtub or built-in?

3 years ago

We can't decide between a freestanding tub or a built-in tub.

The room is 3.2m x 2.9m and has no windows.

All measurements are the same except for the sink:

To accomodate the freestanding tub, the double sink can be 1,5m wide at most.

With the built-in tub, the double sink can be up to 2m wide.

Our current double sink is only 1m wide, and it feel adequate, so both options is good for us.

Freestanding tub

Built-in tub

Featured Answer

hummingbird678

3 years ago

Usually a freestanding only looks good if it's more open, not enclosed in a small space. But the bigger question is do you plan to use the tub? If so, is one more functional than the other? For example, when I soak in the tub I like to have candles around, a place to set my book, a ledge my cat can sleep on, etc - so a built-in is much more practical than freestanding since it gives me a lot more space to put things.

Are you sure you have enough space in front of the toilet (in both options)? That looks pretty tight.

Comments (8)

decoenthusiaste
3 years ago
Do you have a housekeeper? If not, you want to get on your hands and knees while standing on your head to clean behind and under a free standing tub? I thought not.
Panda Cake thanked decoenthusiaste
Related Discussions
Need a freestanding tub and freestanding faucet for our home reno
Q
Comments (12)
We got a very good deal on a Victoria and Albert tub, but we had also been looking at "vintage tub" and they had some ones that looked nice. We had bought a Pfister faucet to go with it, but it was too low for our tub when they went to install it. Then we were stuck with having to get a faucet which had the same center distance on the pipes and there weren't a ton with the 7" centers so ordered the victoria and albert faucet but it was almost too high above the tub and so so expensive. In the end we got one I really like from vintage tub and looks wise the polished nickel finish and the porcelain on the handle as well as the feel/weight etc. looks just as good quality for 1/5 the price of the V&A one. Haven't really used it yet as it just went in on Friday so can't speak for long term use.
...See More
Free standing tub or built-in tub?
Q
Comments (1)
I think it depends on how you live and if you're planning for resale. I am a bath person and chose an insert so that I could have an air jetted tub, have room for candles, bath salts, etc. and for ease of cleaning around it. I was told that it can sometimes be difficult to clean around free standing tubs, especially in a smaller space. Also, we wanted a larger one as my husband enjoys it after a long day of cycling. The tub insert may not be the rage right now but it functions best for us.
...See More
freestanding tub where built-in previously sat
Q
Comments (0)
I'm installing a freestanding bath tub in a high rise. I obviously can not drill into slab to move the drain pipes. Short of building a platform is there anyway I can install this tub? I hate the freestanding tubs with pedestals. I want to put the new tub in the general place as the previous tub but not exactly. Thanks in advance!
...See More
free-standing tub
Q
Comments (2)
I was just searching for the same thing! Did you ever get a tub that works? We are having our master bath remodeled and have been searching for a good freestanding tub. We have had a great jacuzzi for 33 years and figure we should replace it when we do this remodel. I hope you found what works for you.
...See More
Panda Cake
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for the input. We have decided for the built-in tub. :-)
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
3 years ago
As stated above, a free standing tub looks beautiful in a large open space. Other than that, I see zero benefits to it and numerous downsides. If you would like my long list of downsides, let me know and i will list.
Kellie Smith
3 years ago
CDR Design I am planning a master bath remodel and have an existing wet room that is 70 square feet. Aesthetically the space calls for a freestanding tub. I am very interested in your downsides list.
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
3 years ago
Sure, Kellie. I am not against them per se.......just would give a lot of thought before I installed one. I would ask myself the question: why do I want one? What is the benefit?

Is there a dedicated room 70 sf or is the entire bath 70 sf?

1 Generally more expensive than built-in

2 Generally heavy, often requiting a reinforced floor

3 Generally high sides, making it harder for kids or elderly to get in and out of

4 Very difficult to clean around when placed near a wall

5 nowhere to store things like soap, shampoo and conditioner, unless you use a bath caddy or a freestanding stool beside the bath. Caddy takes away from the beauty of free-standing, IMO.

6 Trend watch: will they look so "2020" in a few years?
Kellie Smith
3 years ago
Thank you!
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
3 years ago
Sure!

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Should You Get a Freestanding or Built-In Bathtub?

By Victoria Villeneuve

If you know you’re a bath person but aren’t sure which type of tub to get, these questions can help you decide

BATHTUBS 8 Reasons to Choose a Partially Freestanding Bathtub

By Bubbles Bathrooms

A bathroom designer sums up the benefits of this hybrid tub style

BATHROOM DESIGN Expert Talk: Freestanding Bathtubs Make a Splash

By Lawrence Karol

Professional designers explain why they chose freestanding tubs and how the style can enhance the design of any bathroom

BATHROOM DESIGN Where to Put Your Freestanding-Bathtub Necessities

By Becky Harris

Every Freestanding Tub Needs a Spot for Your Novel, Phone or Rubber Ducky

BATHROOM DESIGN Liberate Your Bathroom With a Freestanding Bathtub

By Natalie Myers

Free up the design options for your bathroom with a claw-foot, pedestal or soaking tub that doesn't require a wall

HOME OFFICES Create a Customized Office Look Without Built-Ins

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Make your home office highly functional and gorgeous with flexible, affordable freestanding shelving

SHOP HOUZZ Trade Pricing: Bathtubs

An assortment of our most stylish freestanding, drop-in and alcove tubs

0

KITCHEN DESIGN Renovation Detail: The Built-In Breakfast Nook

By Rachel Grace

On the menu: one order of cozy seating with plentiful sides of storage. For the kitchen or any other room, built-ins fit the bill

ORGANIZING Building Built-Ins: They're Really Just A Bunch of Boxes

By The Lettered Cottage

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 9 Built-In Outdoor Benches for Relaxing

Integrated patio seating works to save space, provide storage and soften edges

Sponsored

More Discussions

Help finding pull out hinged medicine cabinets

5

How to fix this kitchen remodel?

56

Help Picking Carpet Color

14

Bossy Contractor Dilemma and Modern Mouldings

29

Basement Planning

0