Enjoying Luxury and Comfort with Freestyle Tubs
According to a study, the bathtub market is expected to hit $9.9 billion by 2023. However, unlike taking a bath, choosing a tub is a challenging task. You require adequate time to select from several types of bathtubs. A perfect tub serves more than one purpose; it also adds to the aesthetics of your bathroom.
There’s hardly any competition against the inherently breathtaking and statement-making freestyle tub. Freestanding bathtubs command attention, smoothly becoming the bathroom’s point of attraction. And they’re not just striking; you also get to soak away the day’s stresses in comfort and sophistication.
Like each tub, a freestanding bathtub has its pros, cons, options, and considerations. Herein is a comprehensive guide to comfortable and luxurious freestanding bathtubs.
What Is a Freestanding Tub?
As its name suggests, a freestanding bathtub stands alone in the bathroom. It’s not mounted to a wall or to any surrounding deck. These bathtub designs are a comeback from when a tub was more like a movable basin.
Because of the passage of time, freestyle tubs have been refined for both traditional and modern settings. So now, older homes can have genuine vintage freestanding tubs, and newer homes can get updated classic bathtubs.
These high-quality bathtubs will also enable ongoing use in whatever style. The trick is to hire a professional bathtub installer to avoid problems later on. Aside from the traditional iron freestanding bathtubs, you can now find different materials to suit your budget and style requirements.
Types of Freestanding Tubs
Lucky you! There are plenty of options for freestanding bathtubs. Above all, you can get the best types of freestanding bathtubs in various sizes, shapes, and colors. This makes it easy to choose suitable bathtubs that blend well with your bathroom decor.
As you choose from the numerous materials, the shapes and features also vary. Check out the following:
- Single- or double-ended tub: The ends are rounded with one or two slopes. The plumbing of the single-ended is at the opposite end, while the double-ended has its plumbing in the middle of the tub.
- Slipper tub: It got its name from its shape, which features a high-heeled shoe. The slipper tub can be single, with a raised interior at one end. Or, it can be a double-slipper tub where both ends are raised.
- Pedestal tub: The base matches or complements the bathtub.
- Clawfoot tub: Also called the footed bathtub. It has four supporting claw feet.
- Freestanding corner tub: Perfect for a corner due to its triangular shape and two straight sides.
- Freestanding tub with shower: Freestanding bathtubs can also have a shower feature. Remember to include a curtain rod for added privacy in the tub.
- Freestanding soaking tub: Usually round or oval and deep. For example, the Japanese soaking tub with a smaller design and a seat. Though it lacks dimensions, it makes up for depth: You can sit in, and the water covers you up to the shoulders.
- Freestanding jetted tub: It comes with jets in the tub, mainly for hydrotherapy.
Consider buying a removable shelf or tray for a more relaxing and luxurious bathtime experience. This will be placed across the top of the bathtub to hold a book, toiletries, or a glass of wine. You can still add lights and aromatherapy to get that immersive, spa-like setting.
What to Consider When Buying Freestanding Bathtubs
After checking out the different types of freestanding tubs and ensuring you have adequate space, what’s next? Before you buy, consider the following:
- Cost: This goes without saying. There’s no need to look at bathtub designs beyond your budget. But, even with a fixed budget, don’t rush for cheaper options and compromise on quality.
- Material: First, consider the quality and maintenance of various materials. Then, pay attention to the aesthetics, as you want to avoid buying an unpleasant freestyle tub. Another thing to look at is the weight. Most freestanding bathtubs tend to be heavier because of the material. Some floors can only stand the weight of a heavy freestyle tub with reinforcements.
- Dimensions: The size of your bathroom will help you choose the right-sized tub. Leave a foot of space between the wall and the tub for the best design and functionality. More minor to medium-sized freestanding bathtubs are significantly popular because they take up less space. Plus, they are more practical for frequent use.
- Plumbing Location: Where do you need the plumbing? Should it be at one or both ends of the bathtub? In the middle? Go for a tub that suits your plumbing restrictions.
- Shape and style: Freestanding bathtubs have contemporary and traditional styles. Deciding on bathtub designs relies on function and aesthetics. Opt for a shape that blends well with your bathroom’s style.
- Faucet: When choosing a favorable bathtub installation, consider the faucets for freestanding bathtubs. You can choose either the freestanding, wall-mounted, or deck-mounted option. The freestanding ones stand alone on the floor next to the basin, the deck-mounted ones lie on the tub, and the wall-mounted ones hang over the basin.
The Best Material for a Bathtub
Another important aspect of freestanding bathtubs is the wide range of materials available. You get to choose something that works for your budget, bathroom décor, versatility, and durability. Here you go.
- Acrylic: It’s produced from vacuum-formed sheets of acrylic, often fiber-glass reinforced for more durability. Acrylic bathtubs are naturally soft and supple, making it the perfect material for a wide selection of bathtubs. It’s also a popular choice for high-quality bathtubs because it’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to maintain.
- Cast iron: Cast iron freestanding bathtubs are an excellent alternative to most materials. This material is long-lasting, preserves heat longer, and looks more luxurious than steel or acrylics. If you prefer original and vintage-themed bathtubs, freestanding cast iron tubs are your best shot. Even better, cast iron has several color options to meet your décor requirements and preferences.
- Copper: The copper types of bathtubs are stunning, providing the ultimate luxury and elegance. One of the significant benefits of a copper freestyle tub is that it conducts heat faster and holds heat longer than outdated bathtubs. When you pour hot water into the tub, the copper walls heat up quickly and allow you to enjoy the temperature longer. Besides, it’s a healthy choice.
- Stainless steel: Steel freestanding bathtubs are gaining popularity in modern homes. This is due to the precise manufacturing and low cost compared to other bathtubs. Aside from the low cost, other pros of steel include lightweight, quick heat absorption, and durability.
- Stone: A stone tub adds a unique natural charm to bathrooms, hence providing a striking focal point. The smooth-to-the-touch stone baths feel excellent to your skin, letting you easily slide in and enjoy a deeply absorbed warm bath. Natural stone bathtubs repair quickly, last long, retain heat and have a wide range of designs. But, you’ll need to reinforce your floor because a stone tub is very heavy.
- Solid surface: The artificial resin tub is resistant to stains, scratches and discoloration. It performs well with heat retention. Resin is also more durable than other bathtub materials, maintaining its appearance with consistent wipe-downs. Freestanding resin tubs are also smooth and lightweight, deserving an excellent reputation.
Remarkably, it’s also possible to clad different freestanding tubs in materials like leather and bronze. Some of the other exciting options include concrete and marine-grade wood.
What Are the Advantages of Freestanding Bathtubs?
- Creates space since the freestyle tub doesn’t attach to the wall, taking up less visual space
- Easy to clean
- Easy to remove or replace without structural changes
- Numerous material and finish options
- Requires skilled but straightforward plumbing without extra framing or tiling
- Several placement options in the bathroom
- Striking, dramatic, sophisticated appearance
What Are the Possible Cons of Freestanding Bathtubs?
- Inadequate storage space
- Some materials are heavy and require floor reinforcement
- Hard to use for the elderly or people with disabilities
- Bathtub installation costs may be higher
Are Freestanding Bathtubs Comfortable?
Here, we go with “comfort is in the beholder’s eye or the body’s feeling.” However, freestanding bathtubs are specially designed for comfort and luxury. When buying a freestyle tub, ensure it fits your body correctly to provide the most comfort.
Generally, the lovely deep soaking level makes many types of freestanding tubs very comfortable. You get to immerse your whole body in the warm water for as long as possible. Also, these bathtub designs have a slope that supports your back in a perfectly comfortable spot.
Are Freestanding Baths Hard To Maintain?
Every wife’s concern is how to get around cleaning the hard-to-reach corners of a freestanding tub. But, worry not!
Freestanding bathtubs are usually very easy to maintain when positioned in the perfect bathroom spot. This way, you’ll have enough space to clean every side. It’s even better when you have a big bathroom because maintenance becomes almost effortless.
Preferably, install your gorgeous new freestanding tub in the middle of the bathroom. Besides being easy to clean, placing your tub in the middle makes it the center of attention. Everybody’s going to love it!
Parting Shot
The above comprehensive guide lets you make wise decisions when choosing bathtub types. Most freestanding bathtubs cater to your comfort and luxury needs.
Most importantly, the stand-alone, high-quality bathtubs are exceptional because they have no restrictions on installation designs. This makes them highly versatile and easy to maintain and use in any space. Finally, the variety of styles and materials allows you to face-lift your bathroom just as you want!