Peter West

What to Look for in Free Standing Bathtubs

An overview of how to choose a free standing bathtub based on size, material, and style, including some of the choices available in these categories.

With so many styles of free standing bathtubs to choose from, you may have a hard time narrowing it down. There are an abundance of shapes and sizes, materials, and styles available today. Out of these options, you may find yourself drawn to several styles and materials and be unsure about what will work best for your needs and wants. This article will overview a few things to consider when buying a free standing tub.

Considerations for Free Standing Bathtubs

Shape and Size

Free standing bathtubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Make sure to measure the space available in your bathroom carefully before getting your heart set on a certain style. Some shapes and styles require more room than others. Round bathtubs, for instance, are often designed to be a centerpiece and will only work in a larger bathroom. On the other hand, corner bathtubs are sometimes crafted with space-saving in mind. Don't forget to measure openings and hallways as well to ensure the tub can make the trip from the front door to the bathroom. If you're purchasing a walk-in style bathtub, allow for room to open the access door as well.

Material

Whether you want a traditional material or something more exotic, you'll find free standing bathtubs that are made from it. From long-lasting and traditional materials like cast iron, copper, and acrylic, to more cutting edge materials like concrete, stone, and stainless steel, to alternative traditional materials like wood, you can have almost anything you want. In making a decision, you'll want to think about durability and maintenance as well as appearance. Some materials, including stone, require more caretaking than ones like acrylic. Consider how often the tub will be used and who will be using it to help you make a good choice.

Style

Modern or traditional? Avant-garde or classic? No doubt you may have an easy time figuring out what style works for you. Classic clawfoot and pedestal tubs work for a more traditional bathroom but modern renovations of these standard styles may surprise modern homeowners. Sleek circular bathtubs stand out from the rest but may require more room. Some corner bathtub styles, however, are a perfect fit for a small bathroom. A walk-in bath tub freestanding provides added accessibility and flexibility. If you want whirlpool jets, your style choices will be more limited but no doubt you'll consider it a small tradeoff. And Japanese or soaking tubs are perfect for bathing enthusiasts.

Reviewing these three considerations in terms of you and your bathroom will help you filter through the choices. Size may play an important role if you're working with limited space; depending on the needs of you and your family the material may need to be easy to care for or you may be able to splurge and go for something exotic; and your style choice will mostly depend on the style of your bathroom and your personal preferences. Combining the answers to these three queries will lead you to perfection in free standing bathtubs.

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