Freestanding Bathtub vs Built in: Which is right for you?

Freestanding bathtubs and built-in bathtubs have always enjoyed a steady rivalry for those that are looking for the right bathtub. Freestanding bathtubs offer an aesthetically pleasing bathtub that is easy to clean and can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, although they are more complicated to install and much heavier. Built-in bathtubs, on the other hand, possess less of that classic vintage draw, but are much easier to install and much more affordable. So let us see which is the right pick for your bathroom.  

What is a freestanding bathtub?

A freestanding bathtub is a bathtub that can stand on its own without any additional supports or anchors. These tend to be quite large in shape compared to drop-in bathtubs, with the discernible difference that they have no handholds and are finished across all sides, making them smooth, which helps in their installation process. This design allows a freestanding bathtub to be installed anywhere in bath space. 

What is a built in bathtub?

A built in bathtub or drop-in, is a bathtub that is finished on all sides, allowing it to be installed in a carved out ingress or platform. Unlike a freestanding bathtub, built-in bathtubs are confined by where the ingress or platform is located, making it more limited in terms of installation location. The benefit of this is that drop-in bathtubs tend to be much lighter, making them easier to install compared to freestanding bathtubs. 

Pros of Freestanding Bathtubs 

If you’re interested in getting a freestanding bathtub for your home, these are the benefits you can expect from it:

• Wide range of options. Any style can work with a standalone tub. The variety of freestanding tubs is endless, ranging from the traditional clawfoot tub to the cutting-edge egg-shaped soaking tubs. 
• Pleasing aesthetics. The majority of individuals choose freestanding tubs based only on appearance. Freestanding tubs are distinctive and create a statement that is frequently connected to luxury—the majority of upscale spas will use them.
• Installation. Installing a freestanding tub is easier than installing a built-in tub. You probably only need a plumber, not a decorator or a contractor.
• Placement. You can make more imaginative use of your space with freestanding baths. While the installation of built-in tubs may require two or more walls, anything goes with freestanding tubs.

Pros of Built-in Bathtubs 

• Cost. Even while less expensive freestanding tubs are becoming more widely available, built-in tubs are typically the most cost-effective. Naturally, this is dependent on how much the surround will cost (assuming your built-in tub calls for one).
• Savings space. Built-in tubs will take up less room. Usually tucked out of the way, they sit flush with a wall. In general, freestanding baths need room surrounding them. 
• Storage. Built-in tubs provide a lot more storage possibilities because they are flush with the wall. For instance, built-in tubs can have shelves installed on the walls to hold shower and bath accessories. If you have a large surround, which a drop-in or undermount tub offers, you can utilize the tub’s edge for storage.
• Plumbing. Freestanding tub plumbing can be a little more complicated and typically involves running new pipes, but built-in tub plumbing is typically already installed in many bathrooms. Plumbing for freestanding baths can be ugly and challenging to hide. Plumbing for built-in tubs is hidden beneath the tub and not visible.
• Easy to Maintain. Built-in bathtubs are often smaller and have fewer internal cracks and crevices that need to be cleaned. Although clawfoot tubs have a nice appearance, dust collects around the feet and beneath the tub, making it more difficult to maintain a clean bathroom. Cleaning a built-in tub just requires cleaning the interior, not the exterior or the bottom.

Comparing the freestanding vs built in tub

When it comes to discussing freestanding bathtubs and built-in bathtubs, there are quite a few differences between the two. The principal of which is their installation method, where freestanding bathtubs can be placed anywhere in your bathroom whereas built-in or drop-in bathtubs require a previously carved out and cleaned space. Freestanding bathtubs also tend to be quite large in size whereas drop-in tubs are smaller, giving them more flexibility in terms of install.

Freestanding vs built in cost

When discussing cost, freestanding bathtubs are generally more expensive than built-in bathtubs. This is due to their larger size and the additional material used to make them. Installation costs are also included in this estimation as installing a freestanding bathtub is generally more expensive than a built-in bathtub. Finally, through general use, freestanding bathtubs, unless paired with a shower combo, will invariably use more water, increasing their maintenance and cost even further. 

Sizes

From a size perspective, freestanding bathtubs are generally much larger than built-in bathtubs. Built-in bathtubs are generally more compact as they must be finished on all sizes so they can be installed in your prepared space. But another thing to consider is that freestanding bathtubs don’t require walls and tub surround to be installed, giving them additional freedom to be placed anywhere in your bathroom. So from a pure space perspective, depending on the size of your bathroom, you may save more space using a freestanding bathtub compared to a built-in tub. 

Plumbing

The plumbing for freestanding bathtubs is relatively simple: you simply find a line to your plumbing and make sure your bathtub is connected to the in and outflow of your water. Since this style of bathtub can be placed anywhere, you have a great deal of freedom in determining where your plumbing is placed. For built-in bathtubs, you will need to configure your pipes to align with your walls or alcove so that your built-in bathtub can be placed. 

Shower Tub Combo Options

For shower tub combos, both freestanding and built-in bathtubs can be fitted with a shower. For built-in bathtubs, a shower attachment can be fitted to the wall of your shower, giving you the benefit of both a bathtub and a shower. For freestanding bathtubs, an exterior shower nozzle can be purchased and fitted on your bathtub, and the addition of curtains can give you some added privacy to your shower. 

Flexibility– Can they be moved around?

For the purposes of redesign or moving, freestanding bathtubs tend to win in this comparison. They tend to be quite large, but sturdy overall, meaning they can be moved around much easier than a built-in bathtub which is anchored or secured to your wall or a platform. Of course, you can simply demolish the area around it and move the bathtub afterwards, but it is a great deal messier than just moving a bathtub which is the benefit of a freestanding bathtub. 

Accessories 

For built-in bathtubs, since they tend to be anchored near walls, they have a wider option of bathtub accessories available to them such as bathtub trays, shower caddies and other storage compartments that can be placed along the wall. Freestanding bathtubs can also be installed with a tray for bathing supplies, but it will have to be removed after bathing to ensure the water does not erode the material itself. 

Popularity

Freestanding bathtubs have always been a popular choice due to their classic and vintage appeal. That being said, drop-in bathtubs have dominated much of the market due to their ease of installation and affordability. This trend is likely to continue, but for those that can afford it, freestanding bathtubs offer an aesthetic level of comfort that is hard to beat. 

Decorative – Modern vs Vintage

For most people, freestanding bathtubs tend to be more vintage in appearance, with styles such as clawfoot tubs, whereas drop-in bathtubs retain a more modern feel with their sleeker designs. However, there has been a rise of newer styles of freestanding bathtubs that are more modern in appearance, with a wide array of colors that rival the sleek edges of drop-in bathtubs today.  

Storage

In terms of storage, drop-in bathtubs are easier to store due to their relatively small size. Freestanding bathtubs tend to be much larger, though there are smaller models available or soaking styles that take up less space. But in general, if you are looking for a model to store away, drop-in bathtubs are much more friendly towards your storage space.

Installation

Freestanding bathtubs are afforded the luxury of being installed anywhere in your bathtub so long as it has access to your pipe system. However, this luxury also means that installation for freestanding bathtubs can be quite difficult without assistance as they can be quite a great deal heavier than built in bathtubs. Built-in bathtubs on the other hand, are much easier to install as they tend to be quite a great deal smaller, making them lighter than freestanding tubs and simply need to placed in a carved out ingress or raised platform. The drawback to this however is that built-in tubs need to be placed near walls or a platform, limiting their potential space compared to freestanding tubs.

Accessibility for disabled or elderly

When it comes to assisting the elderly, built in bathtubs have the advantage of being installed in a location that can be fitted with grips or handholds. Many drop in bathtubs have platforms and steps that provide solid footing for entry alongside usually being adjacent to walls so they can provide additional grip. Freestanding bathtubs do not have these features and the standard freestanding bathtub is not very friendly towards the disabled or elderly with much of their surfaces being very smooth, leading to increased risk of falling or injury. This can be amended by adding extra grips and handholds on the side of your bathtub for increased support.

Freestanding bathtubs and built-in bathtubs both have their positives and negatives, but no one can understate their importance and attractiveness in any bathroom. Regardless of which you bathtub is right for you, either style will make your bathroom feel like home.

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.