Before you commit yourself to that big bathroom renovation. a critical decision needs to be made: freestanding bath vs. built-in?
When we talk with our clients about their bathroom renovation, there is often a lot of emphasis placed on bringing in a free standing bath tub over a built-in option. Freestanding baths give the notion of a luxury and decadence, while built-in baths have garnered a bad rap for being outdated and unattractive.
I’m sure we don’t need to tell you the difference between a freestanding bath and a built-in, but you may not know why people choose one over the other. There is no specific situation that says you must choose one over the other, however these are a few key factors to consider when making your bath decision.
Freestanding Baths
Cost: Not only is the unit itself typically more expensive, but the required plumbing also has the potential to more expensive for freestanding baths, as the plumbing cannot be hidden within the bathtubs surround and needs exact placement.
Image Source: Three Birds Renovations
Space: Because freestanding baths are finished on all sides, they can be placed anywhere. Want a bath directly under a window or skylight, or even in the middle of the room? Why not? Built-in baths are typically constrained to edges and corners.
Style: Most people who pick a freestanding bath do so because of the look. They have the ability to make an almost sculptural, visual statement, which is where the overwhelming appeal comes from. They appear unique, and makes statement that is often associated with luxury. We particularly love a freestanding bath when it allows a bathroom flooring pattern to shine.
Image Source: The Local Project
While a freestanding bath may be physically bigger than its built-in counterpart, sometimes it can appear to be visually lighter, tricking you into thinking it is smaller and making the room feel more spacious.
Storage: If you’re looking to add some styling props in the form of a bath tray, you are likely to have more success with a freestanding bath. With room on either of the lip, your tray will be able to extend across the bath in a stable manner. However, other than that you’ll need to make sure everything you need for your bath is within arms length of the bath, as they don’t come with any storage.
Image Source: The Local Project
Built-In Baths
Cost: Since renovation projects typically come down to budget, you can bet the cost of the two options plays a major deciding factor. Built-in bathtubs are a much more budget friendly option, even when you factor in the cost of tiling the bathtub surround.
Space: Built-n baths are considered more space efficient than their freestanding counterparts. This is in part due to the size of the tub and in part due to the space required around the freestanding unit, especially if the freestanding bath is paired with floor mounted taps.
Image Source: Pinterest
In many instances, built-in baths can also double as a shower, making them very popular in smaller bathrooms and homes where owners would like to have both a bath and shower options but don’t have the space allowance for two separate units. This is also in part because their design makes it easy to keep the water well contained.
Style: Built-in baths have gained a bad rap over the years, mostly thanks to styles that were considered very popular at the time and are not anymore.
However the built-in bathtub continues to be a favourite of many due to its practicality and sensibility. We’re not knocking its looks either: with the right design, a built-in tub can have every bit as much beauty as a freestanding tub.
Image Source: The Local Project
We are definitely seeing the resurgence of the built-in bath, especially as built-in baths can be designed with any type and style of materials, which means they can be customised to blend in with or stand out from the rest of the bathroom design.
Storage: Because built-in baths are built flush with a wall, they will naturally offer more options in terms of storage. If your bath has a large surround you can also custom storage solutions into the surround for maximum practicality
Image Source: TileCloud
Both styles of bath tubs come in a wide range of dimensions and shapes, and if you are a big bath taker you’ll probably want to try them out to ensure the shape fits your body comfortable. It’s not unusual to see our clients taking them for a test drive in the showroom, by getting into the tub – fully clothed of course!