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Freestanding vs. Built-In Bathtub: Which One is Best?

The bath is one of those permanent fixtures in every home that sees daily use and should always be reliable. When it comes time to choose a new one, make sure to select the bathtub that is right for your needs, space, and installation requirements. Whether you want a tub & shower for the kids’ bathroom, or a luxurious spa experience for your master bath, choosing the right tub for your needs is important. However, before you choose the style of tub, you will need to figure out what will fit in your bathroom, and what type meets your installation requirements

What Size of Bathtub Do You Need?

The first step is to determine the dimensions of your tub space. You need to know how much room is available and the location of the plumbing dedicated for the tub and shower. Measure for width and length, whether it be from wall to wall, or just the floor space you expect to put the tub.

Once you know the size of the area you have to work with, and the relative placement, you can begin to get an idea of what size tub or shower you can look for. While most sizing in your search will be referred to by the tub length, you will need to consider the tub's length, width, and height (also referred to as depth.) The standard sizing for an alcove or drop in tub is 60" in length, but the sizes range from 50” to over 79” from end to end. Soaking tubs or walk-in tubs can be as narrow as 30” from end to end to fit in a smaller space.

What Type of Bathtub Will You Be Installing?

Drop In: Designed to drop into a cut out area, with a slight overhang on the deck around it.

Undermount: A solid surface, water-resistant deck is built around the tub, which covers the top edges to give a clean, finished look.

Three Wall Alcove: Built with a front-facing finished skirt, these are designed to fit into a three-sided niche.

Freestanding: Designed to be a focal point for a bathroom, freestanding tubs feature eye catching designs.

Corner Tubs: Built into a corner, this diamond-shaped tub has three front-facing sides to help fit a larger tub into a smaller space.

Walk In: Designed for people with mobility problems, walk-in tubs have a door for easy access which provides a waterproof seal once closed.

Clawfoot: Another type of freestanding tub, clawfoot tubs have feet that lift the tub off the floor to provide a very elegant look and feel to your bathroom.

What Type of Bathtub Will You Be Installing?

Soaking: The most common tub type, soaking tubs offer a tranquil experience with no extra hydrotherapy technologies.

Jetted - Whirlpool: Also called a jetted tub, a whirlpool tub has water jets near major muscle groups for a vigorous water massage.

Jetted - Air: An air tub features tiny holes to stream air through, providing a gentle massage with bubbles for a highly relaxing experience.

Combination: The combination tub provides all the features of both whirlpool and air tubs, so you can choose your experience each time you bathe.