Alcove vs Freestanding Tub: Which Bathtub is Best for You in 2024?

When you’re searching for the right tub, you will find that there are two main types to choose from: alcove and freestanding. Since a bathtub will last for decades, it’s deeply important to choose the right one for your home. It’s important to understand the differences between these two tubs and how each might meet your preferences and your family’s unique needs.

What Is an Alcove Tub?

An alcove tub is made of a tub basin surrounded by a flat rim. It is finished on one long side with an apron-style surround. They are built into an alcove in the bathroom (thus the name) with three sides enclosed. An alcove tub is usually a standard size but can be customized with a variety of colors, water or air jets, shower combinations, and more.

Thanks to the materials used, alcove tubs are usually rather lightweight. The most common are acrylic and fiberglass, though they are also available in other materials, such as stone or stone resin.

What is a Freestanding Tub?

A freestanding tub is finished on all sides and thus can be placed almost anywhere in your bathroom. The shape of the tub and the unique placement options make it a perfect option for those who want a unique design. These statement pieces come in a wide variety of types and have plenty of bells and whistles, such as unique silhouettes or air and water jets. Here are some of the types:

• Single-ended or double-ended tub. Single-ended tubs have one end that is taller than the other. Double-ended tubs have both ends of the same height and are often designed for two people.
• Slipper tub. These are elevated on one end to allow for a more comfortable bathing experience.
• Clawfoot tub. These tubs have four feet that hold them up. Most people are familiar with these types of tubs, which often feature prominently in homes of yesteryear.
• Pedestal tub. This tub has the same design as a clawfoot tub, but instead of feet, it sits on a pedestal or similar base.
• Corner tub. As the name suggests, this tub has more of a three-sided shape that allows it to sit comfortably in the corner of the room.
• Soaking tub. This is a deeper freestanding tub that allows the bather to sink into water up to their shoulders for a true soak.
• Jetted tub. Also known as a whirlpool tub, this uses jets of air or water to provide a hydrotherapy experience.

Alcove vs Freestanding Tub: Pros and Cons

Every tub has advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to carefully compare tubs to make an informed decision about which might work well for your home, personal style, and budget. Here are some things to look for when choosing the right tub for you.

Characteristics	Alcove Tub	Freestanding Tub
Aesthetics	This is the typical look for a bathroom, which doesn’t bode well for specialized design.	This is a more elegant option that opens up a wealth of design ideas for your bathroom.
Size	The size is limited by placement along a wall.	The size of the tub is limited only by the size of your bathroom.
Tub Height	Alcove tubs are often limited in height.	These tubs can be taller than the usual, especially if you want a good soak.
Heat retention	Fiberglass and acrylic are the most common options, but they don’t hold heat very well.	Stone resin and cast iron are common options for freestanding tubs, and both hold heat quite well.
Cleaning	You can only clean from one side of the tub, which can make it more difficult to get those hard-to-reach spots.	Cleaning the tub is easier because you can move around all four sides of it.
Storage	Storage options are limited to shelves or small nooks above the tub.	Unique storage options are possible around and below the freestanding tub.
Plumbing	Fixtures are placed in one spot, which makes it easier to replace the tub when the time comes.	Additional plumbing might be required depending on where you choose to position the tub.
Flooring	A typical floor structure works fine for a lightweight alcove tub.	A very heavy freestanding tub might need to sit on a reinforced floor for safety.

Alcove Tub Pros

Are you wondering why an alcove tub might be a good choice? Here are a few reasons to consider one.

Price

Alcove tubs are quite affordable. They are not usually custom-built and don’t offer many design options, but when it comes to price, that’s a good thing. Alcove tubs are also usually made of fiberglass or acrylic, which are among the more budget-friendly options on the market.

Functionality

If you are looking for a tub that provides the easy addition of a showerhead to create a combination tub/shower unit, an alcove tub is ideal for this. The showerhead simply attaches to the wall and uses plumbing that runs through that wall, so converting an alcove tub to a shower/tub combo is quite simple for a good plumber.

Safety Features

Alcove tubs can be customized to include safety features such as grab bars, textured floors to prevent slips, anti-scald technology on the faucets, and quick drains that allow water to escape the tub much more rapidly than usual. Depending on the size of the alcove tub, you can sometimes also install a bathtub bench or similar assistance.

Easy Cleaning

Since an alcove tub is tucked away into the corner of the room, you only have to clean the interior of the tub, the top of the sides, and the apron in front. Though you do have to stretch across the tub to clean the far side, having less to clean can make life easier.

Standard Design

You can bet that an alcove tub will fit into any bathroom. Why? It tucks into the area right where the walls meet, so unless you have a perfectly round bathroom, an alcove tub works. It also narrows down your options to make the choice of material, size, and placement much easier.

Alcove Tub Cons

There are many pros to installing an alcove tub, but there are plenty of downsides that might drive you to choose another option. Here’s what to expect from the downsides of an alcove tub.

Limited in Size

The size of an alcove tub is limited by the places you can install it in your bathroom, which is almost always where walls meet. That means that the size of the tub itself is limited to get into that particular space.

Fewer Material Options

Alcove tubs are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic. Because they are tucked away and hidden, using high-end materials doesn’t really make sense. Besides that, alcove tubs tend to be lighter, so manufacturers choose materials that are easy to maneuver into tight spaces.

Placement

Alcove tubs are typically placed in only one place in the bathroom, which can dramatically limit your design options. You must work around an alcove tub rather than allow it to become part of the overall aesthetics.

Freestanding Tub Pros

You probably have many good reasons for choosing a freestanding tub already, but why not consider a few more pros? Here’s what to expect when you choose one.

Luxurious Aesthetic

Few bathroom additions are more luxurious than a freestanding tub. Its unique shapes and elegant lines create a wealth of design options that transform your space from utilitarian to “wow.”

Easy Installation

Freestanding tubs can be placed anywhere you want as long as they don’t obstruct the other fixtures that can’t be moved. In addition, the installation is as simple as setting the tub in the spot you have chosen and attaching the plumbing connections.

Wide Range of Styles

From a double-slipper that suits two bathers to smaller round tubs that provide a deep soak for one, there are numerous styles you can choose from. Classic claw-foot tubs, those with a wider base, or tubs that are just the right shape for a built-in storage surround—the options are endless.

Mobility

Freestanding tubs work well for those with limited mobility. By placing them anywhere in the room, you can create a safer space that allows you to step into the tub from almost any direction, thus helping you feel more secure. Freestanding tubs can also include mobility aids, such as grab bars or textured bottoms.

Heat Retention

Freestanding tubs are often made of materials known for retaining heat, such as stone resin and cast iron. This means that your luxurious soak can last even longer without worrying about catching a chill if the water cools too quickly.

Freestanding Tub Cons

Just as there are many good reasons to choose a freestanding tub, there are a few downsides to consider. Here’s what you must keep in mind before choosing your favorite freestanding tub.

Weight

Freestanding tubs often weigh more than alcove tubs. That means that they might cost more for delivery and installation, as they could be considered “heavyweight,” and you would be charged accordingly. They are also more difficult for a contractor to maneuver into place.

Price

In most cases, freestanding tubs will cost more than alcove tubs. The materials are the main driver of cost, followed by the shape and size of the tub itself. However, the benefits you can reap from a freestanding tub can easily offset the higher price point.

Potential Floor Reinforcement and Plumbing Changes

Freestanding tubs are often much heavier than alcove tubs. Without the support of the surrounding walls, you might have to reinforce the floor underneath a freestanding tub, especially if it is a larger model or placed on anything other than the first story of the home. Plumbing changes might also be required if your home is designed for an alcove tub.

How to Choose Between an Alcove and Freestanding Tub

Choosing the right bathtub type depends upon the aesthetic you want your bathroom to present. A spa-like oasis is easy to achieve with a freestanding tub; with an alcove tub, not so much. The freestanding tub gives you design freedom that no alcove tub can match.

Freestanding tubs tend to be much more comfortable than alcove tubs, both in terms of their general shape and their power of heat retention.

The price is a consideration; if you have a very tight budget, an alcove tub might be best. But if you are willing to pay a bit more for comfort and luxury, a freestanding tub is the way to go.

Finally, remember that even if you have space that is suitable for an alcove tub, you don’t have to go that route. Set a freestanding tub in that space and enjoy the way it transforms your space.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Tub for Your Bathroom

Many people make mistakes when choosing the right bathtub for their bathroom, and then they feel stuck with their choice. Avoid that problem by paying close attention to these common pitfalls.

• Choosing the wrong size. If you enjoy bathing with a partner, you’ll need a tub big enough for that. Do you prefer the feeling of being cocooned alone in a warm bath? Look for a smaller tub that suits you.
• You may be torn between comfort and function. Some of the best tubs for comfort don’t offer all the bells and whistles you might want from function; a good example is a tub with jets when you really just want to soak. Choose which matters to you, comfort or function, and enter the tub search with that in mind.
• The style doesn’t flow. If your heart is set on a claw foot tub but you have a very modern aesthetic, those looks are going to clash. If you’re not sure about what you really want, now is the time to talk to a professional designer.
• Cleaning isn’t factored in. Keeping the tub clean is vitally important for health and hygiene. Look for a tub that is easy to clean, such as a freestanding tub where you can easily reach in from all sides and make sure it’s sparkling.
• Not considering the weight. So you’ve decided you want a freestanding tub, but the weight means you will have to reinforce the floor. That just added a good amount to your budget! If you know you want a heavy tub, plan accordingly.
• Considering the tub surround. Do you want a surround to showcase your freestanding tub? You must choose a tub that will easily accommodate a surround. For instance, a clawfoot tub is meant to stand alone and let the beauty of the material shine; a surround won’t work well with a tub like this.

When you’re looking for the right bathtub, Badeloft has you covered. Badeloft’s models are designed to fit any aesthetic, from the most classic and traditional to the sleekest modern spa-like oasis. Badeloft tubs last for a very long time, so it’s important to take your time to find the right bathtub that will suit your home for decades to come.