With the increasing pressures of life, many people have been finding different ways of de-stressing and relaxing in their homes. They are doing this by converting their bathrooms into a relaxing spa-like retreat.
Modern technologies like towel warmers, radiant heat floors, and steam showers can make a difference. They can easily turn a simple bathroom into a soothing sanctuary. But if there’s one thing that’s commonly used is the modern freestanding bathtub.
Freestanding tubs have steadily replaced baths to some degree over the past few years. Today, these bathtubs can be found in various material finishes, designs, and styles. They range from timeless to modern, making it easy to complement any design style. Here are examples of modern freestanding tubs that can be found in the market:
- Lorane resin freestanding tub
- Fortson resin freestanding tub
- Madrid resin freestanding tub
- Bellaire cast iron skirted bateau tubs
- Asher acrylic rectangular freestanding tub with installation
If you have thought of converting your bathroom into a relaxing spa, there’s no doubt that some of the best freestanding bathtubs have come to mind. You may have also questioned whether they are worth your investment. That’s considering that these tubs are more expensive than other bathtubs.
Pros of Freestanding Tubs
Freestanding tubs are traditionally considered expensive and extravagant purchases compared to traditional bathtubs. However, the past few years have seen an increase in the popularity of these tubs. Below, we dive into why these tubs are growing in popularity and why they are becoming the primary bathtubs of choice in homes.
- Material Diversity
The materials used in the manufacturing of deck mounted freestanding tubs are of high quality. That’s considering that the tubs are expected to be durable enough to survive the heating process. Some of the popular materials for modern freestanding tubs include:
- Copper
- Marble
- Granite
- Porcelain
- Stone resin
Every material comes with its advantages and disadvantages. This can change your freestanding tub with deck mount’s overall feel, giving consumers more diversity in what they consider ideal. The diversity in material also means that freestanding tubs are more affordable and can fit in any bathroom.
- Colors
Many bathtubs are traditionally available in classic whites, with the white ones offering a clean aesthetic. This makes it easy to pair your favorite acrylic freestanding bathtub with any color scheme.
Deck mounted freestanding tubs come in various colors, with the most popular colors being black, gray, and white. For cast iron freestanding tubs, they can be finished and clad in virtually any color. The striking options with this particular tub are mirrored stainless steel and custom colors.
A large variety of colors helps to change the atmosphere in the bathroom. They can also change the tone of the bathroom with white bathtubs matching well with bright colors like blue, yellow, and green.
For the darker tones, they go well with grays and black bathtubs. Include the natural colors of various materials, and you’ll realize that large freestanding tubs have wide flexibility in various color choices.
- Ease of Maintenance
Modern freestanding tubs are made of one large piece rather than two fused pieces. This makes cleaning easier as freestanding tubs don’t have multiple cracks that can trap debris or mold.
Compared to traditional tubs, freestanding tubs are the easiest to clean and maintain as they can easily move to clean all surfaces.
Considering that freestanding tubs are manufactured using high-quality materials, these materials are resistant to stains and water damage. This means that cleaning and maintenance require little effort.
- Ease and Cost of Installation
The installation of freestanding tubs with deck mount is straightforward. It doesn’t require a drop-in recess and can be placed virtually anywhere in the bathroom.
Considering that these bathtubs are made of one large piece, you can simply lift and place it where it needs to be. All you need to do is ensure that the plumbing aligns with the tub and the installation is complete. You must, however, note that based on the material used to make your freestanding tub for two, you may need additional assistance, as it can get heavier.
When it comes to the cost of installation, freestanding tubs cost less if you were to compare them to built-in tubs. But if your floor isn’t reinforced or you intend to place the tub on a deck, you’ll need to add floor support, which increases the cost. You may have to rip up the floor to put in the freestanding tub filler. As for the wall-mounted or deck-mounted tub faucet, they will not need this.
Cons of Freestanding Bathtubs
Freestanding tubs are unique statement pieces that fit any décor style and are more comfortable. But despite their uniqueness and numerous benefits, these tubs also come with a fair share of disadvantages. Let’s discuss some of them.
- They Require Complex Plumbing
The installation of any type of bathtub will require some basic plumbing. That’s considering that you’ll need a source of water, a drainage system, and an overflow. The overflow will help to preclude flooding in case you forget to turn off the water.
But when it comes to the installation of your freestanding rectangular bathtub, you will need extra pipes to come up through the floor. And if you prefer to buy a footed model, you’ll need to consult a plumber.
They will be the ones to determine whether your current plumbing and drainage system allows for such a project. It could be that the drainage system requires a reroute before you can splash in a stylish extra-large freestanding tub.
- They Bring an Extra Hassle in Sloping Floors
Modern freestanding tubs are all about the “wow factor.” They command attention and effortlessly become the bathroom’s focal point. But a freestanding tub would bring an extra headache in homes with sloping floors.
Some wet-rooms have sloped flooring that helps with drainage. While attaching a tub to the wall can perfectly fit uneven floors, a rectangular freestanding tub will need extra, expertly done and manipulations to be installed on sloping flooring. That is what will ensure that the easy drainage isn’t compromised.
- They Aren’t the Perfect Option for Shower-Lovers
It’s technically possible to equip a freestanding tub with a shower. Only that you’ll need a curtain or an enclosure. The problem with this is that it contradicts the purpose of freestanding tubs.
If your bathroom is not adequately heated, you may want to surround your freestanding porcelain tub with a curtain to keep it warm. In any case, nobody wants to soak in a cold bath.
A curtain rod mounted to the ceiling and the showerhead can unobtrusively make the trick. But you must keep the enclosure open for the bathtub to continue rendering its timeless impact. Still, a built-in tub will provide more flexibility for an easy and mess-free shower experience. That’s something to note if you prefer showering to bathing.
Conclusion
If there’s any way to give your bathroom a luxurious and relaxing spa-like retreat, it’s by installing a 2 person freestanding tub. These modern bathtubs come in a range of designs and shapes. No matter your style, you’ll find one that will complement your space.
Freestanding tubs have various advantages that make them popular. To begin with, they are gorgeous and will easily add the “wow factor” to your bathroom. They are also easy to install, and you can place them anywhere in your bathroom. Freestanding tubs are easy to clean and require little maintenance.
On the flip side, these popular bathtubs also suffer some disadvantages. Their installation will give you an extra hassle if you have sloping floors. They are also a bad idea if you prefer showering to bathing. They’re also significantly more costly and heavy, meaning the floor underneath them will need additional reinforcement to support their weight.
If you think the benefits of freestanding tubs outweigh the disadvantages, go ahead and check out a range of freestanding tubs at MagnusHomeProducts.