Are you embarking on a bathroom remodel and not sure what to look for in a freestanding tub? You're not the only one. Seeking out just the right style, shape, and size can be daunting when there's so many choices!

Doing your research up front and understanding the factors that go into making an ideal selection will help ensure you end up with a tub that looks amazing and fits both your space and lifestyle. In this blog post, we'll explore all the considerations to keep in mind when buying a freestanding bathtub - from materials to measurements.

Our clients frequently ask this question:

What to Look for When Buying a Freestanding Tub?

1. Dimensions

2. Design

3. Material

4. Faucet

5. Finishing Touches

1. Dimensions

Before you do anything else, you need to figure out what size tub you want. This will help you narrow down your choices and rule out any tubs that won't fit in your space.

Understanding your available space is crucial since it will help you avoid serious problems after the tub has arrived. The tub's intended placement should be measured.

When choosing a freestanding tub, knowing your measurements is very crucial because they take up and require a lot more space. For the finest design and functionality, leave at least a foot of space between the wall and the basin on all sides.

Additionally, you will require a location to put your plumbing as well as simple access to it in case any repair is required in the future. You should aim to leave at least 4" of space on all sides between your tub and the bathroom wall as a general rule.

Measure every opening that the tub will pass through, including doors, hallways, stairwells, and staircases. Additional labor expenses may be incurred if doors must be removed, doorways must be widened, or drywall must be opened.

2. Design

Freestanding baths are available in a variety of modern and traditional styles. You must consider both beauty and functionality while choosing a tub style. Consider the bathtub's intended use. Will long, sumptuous soaks be taken in it frequently? If so, the tub's depth will be a top concern. Here are several tub designs to take into account.

Single-Ended

The most typical tub style found in traditional homes is this ageless, classic shape. With this design, your drain and faucet are located on one end, which is rounded and inclined for lounging. These tubs normally range in size from 48" to 70".

Single Slipper

Similar to the single-ended design, single-slipper tubs have one end for relaxing and one end for plumbing. Single-slipper tubs have a raised end that mimics a slipper. This style of bathtub will offer greater back support, increasing comfort. Single slipper baths are frequently seen in sizes between 43" and 73".

Double-Ended

these tubs do not have raised ends; instead, they have two circular ends that allow you to bathe on either side. Depending on size, two bathers can fit between the two gently slanted walls for comfort. This design of tub will have a center drain and faucet location and is available in a range of sizes, often between 55" and 72".

Double Slipper

Raised ends allow for comfortable side-reclining in double-slipper baths. This design can accommodate two bathers in a couple's suite depending on the length of the tub. The center of the tub, at its lowest position, will be where the drain and faucet are located. Typically, this shape comes in sizes ranging from 59" to 78".

Clawfoot

Since the 1800s, clawfoot bathtubs have been a common choice for bathtubs. These are ideal for replacing your old clawfoot tub with something new while keeping your bathroom's original design. Clawfoot tubs are frequently available in a range of sizes, typically between 48" and 72", with single-ended, single-slipper, double-ended, and double-ended designs.

Pedestal/Skirted

Pedestal tubs, often called skirted tubs, add to the classic art deco style by standing on a plinth as opposed to claw feet. Like clawfoot tubs, pedestal bathtubs come in single-ended, single-slipper, double-ended, and double-slipper variations. From 52" to 78", these are available in various sizes.

Japanese Soaking

A Japanese soaking tub might be a good option if your freestanding tub needs to fit into a small space. This particular tub design typically has the shortest length, which is compensated for by its tallest design. These tubs frequently come with an incorporated seat because of their higher dimensions. The average adult bather can immerse themselves in the water up to their shoulders in these tubs, which gives long soaks a soothing feeling.

3. Material

There are many different materials for freestanding tubs, and there are variations between them that go beyond appearance. It's helpful to know what is available and what to anticipate from each variety when making a purchase. Choose something distinctive, like copper or stone, if you want your tub to be more of a statement piece. Depending on the design, each bathtub design provides advantages.

Acrylic

With a wide selection of both contemporary and classic forms, acrylic tubs are currently the most popular option for freestanding bathtubs. Because of their relative lightness, they are simpler to install, move around, and carry upstairs. In contrast to heavier materials like cast iron and resin, they won't additionally necessitate strengthening your floor if you install them on a higher level.

Cast Iron

Freestanding bathtubs made of cast iron are quite sturdy and weighty. They are still created in the same manner as they were centuries ago, have survived generations, and can be found in homes built a century ago. Cast iron bathtubs are the preferred option for traditional repairs in old houses because of their timeless attractiveness.

Solid Surface

Resin is frequently used to create solid surface bathtubs. These bathtubs are often composed of a premium composite material with a firm surface and a more modern style. These bathtubs include a built-in integral drain and overflow system that makes installation simple and gets rid of exposed drain pipes.

Copper

These exquisitely handcrafted tubs are offered in a wide range of distinctive shapes, designs, and textures. Like cast iron, the water can maintain a constant temperature thanks to copper's capacity to conduct heat. Due to its inherent resistance to bacteria and mold, copper also provides health benefits.

Stainless Steel

These bathtubs often have a more contemporary appearance and provide an excellent focal point for a modern design. They complement chrome and brushed nickel plumbing fixtures well and are available in polished or brushed finishes. Additionally, because it is simple to clean and maintain its finish, this material needs very little maintenance.

Stone

As a result of their exquisite detailing and distinctive designs, stone bathtubs are at the top of the "wow factor" pyramid. To achieve a natural, striking appearance, stone tubs are hand carved from raw granite, marble, travertine, and other stones. Stone tubs are a terrific way to make a statement, but because of their durability and inherent heat-retention abilities, they are also an excellent alternative for everyday use.

4. Faucet

Tub feelers come in freestanding, deck mount, tub-inner wall mount, and interior bathroom wall mount designs. Your freestanding tub's style and substance will decide the kind of tub fillers you have.

For instance, since faucet holes cannot be drilled into solid surface materials, installing a deck-mounted faucet on a solid surface tub is not possible.

You must be knowledgeable about each type because some acrylic and cast-iron bathtubs come with a variety of faucet drilling alternatives.

Rolled Rim

There won't be any faucet drillings in bathtubs with a rolled top or rim. The rim of the tub will be continuously rolled all the way around. Only a freestanding tub faucet or a tub faucet mounted on a bathroom wall that would be installed on an adjacent wall is compatible with this kind of tub.

Tap Deck with 7" Rim Holes

If you've chosen a tub faucet that mounts to the deck of the tub or one that attaches to the tub's rim, you must have a tub with a tap deck. The tap deck is the flat portion of the tub rim where a tub faucet is intended to be attached. The only deck-mount tub faucets that will fit with this pre-drilled option are those with normal 7" centers, as the measurement of 7" relates to the distance between the centers of the first and second mounting holes.

Tap Deck without Drillings

Please note that only two-hole tub faucets will be compatible. Roman tub faucets, or faucets that require three or more holes, will not be compatible. Some acrylic and cast-iron bathtubs will have the option to purchase with a tap deck but without drillings. In this case, your plumber would need to drill the faucet holes into the tap deck to accommodate the tub faucet that you have chosen.

Inner-Wall Tub Drillings

Some cast iron bathtubs will come with inner-wall tub faucet drillings, though they're not as prevalent as they once were. Similar to rolled-rim tubs, these sorts of tubs have a constantly rolled rim and mounting holes on the interior wall of the tub for tub-wall faucets. The normal size for this style of faucet is 3-3/8" from hole to hole, and these bathtubs will be pre-drilled with that measurement.

5. Finishing Touches

All that's left to do now is add the finishing touches to your stunning standalone tub. A freestanding tub may be styled in a variety of ways to make it a true center point in the space while also being suitable for everyday use.

Whether the goal is to add character or convenience, a variety of freestanding tub accessories are readily available. Tub caddies are common additions, and some come with a reading rack or wine glass holder to promote relaxation. Bathtub caddies are a terrific way to make your standalone tub more personal and unique.

There are also over-the-rim caddy alternatives with soap baskets or loofah holders available for convenience. Clawfoot tub foot coasters are a nice addition because they help to safeguard your bathroom floor.

Your decision will still be based on your needs, preferences, and financial situation.

Conclusion

Ultimately, buying a freestanding tub can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. With so many available options on the market, it’s important to know what specifications you need for your bathroom space and which materials would work best for your lifestyle.

The most crucial factors to bear in mind are dimensions – make sure to measure carefully before committing – design, material, faucet and finishing touches such as lighting or surround tile. By taking into account all of these elements you can rest assured that your new freestanding tub will give you years of comfortable and luxurious bathing experiences for you and your family.

At Imagine Unique Remodels, bathroom remodeling is one of our expertise. Our team is highly trained and has gained years of experience in the industry including designing and choosing the perfect materials for your dream bathroom!

We cater to the needs of our clients and guide them towards achieving the kitchen that they've always been dreaming of! Need assistance? Take a free over-the-phone consultation with us now at (408) 600-0448.

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Imagine Unique Remodels will not accept anything less than the best. We are always on the lookout for the best and want to see the sunny side of things. Come collaborate with us and let's make your goal a reality while we provide the best service possible!

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Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding your next kitchen/bathroom remodel, we can guide you thru the full process from designing to the ready-to-use phase.

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