Freestanding Tub vs Built-In Tub — Pros & Cons

Many bathroom renovations are sparked by the desire for a luxurious new bathtub. There are two main classes of tubs on the market, and it helps to discuss the merits of a freestanding tub vs a built-in during your planning process. 

Selecting the perfect bathtub does not start and end with personal preferences. It is also crucial to consider the bathroom layout, available space, as well as the unique requirements of the users. 

To assist you in making the right choice, let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of the various styles of freestanding and built-in bath fixtures. 

Look through Hansel Stone's collection of lavish resin stone bathtubs to find an unforgettable focal point for your bathroom.

Freestanding vs Built-In Bathtub Options 

The first bathtub of the modern era, the cast iron claw foot bath, appeared in 1883. From there, tubs gradually became popular before having a major surge after World War II. Well into the 21st century, baths remain beloved by many homeowners. 

A study found that residents in major cities across the US and Canada still prefer a soak over a shower. This trend might be attributed to the perception of showers as a mundane task, while baths offer a more intentional, relaxing experience. 

While the decision to have a tub is straightforward, deciding between freestanding or built-in bathtubs can be complicated. Here are the key features of freestanding and built-in tub fixtures to consider for your next luxury bathware purchase.             

Freestanding Tubs

Also called stand-alone bathtubs or soaker tubs, freestanding tubs are not attached to a wall. The old romance of the original clawfoot cast iron tubs has been reimagined in a new generation of freestanding baths. 

For a better understanding of this essential fixture, we break down the two main categories of freestanding tubs.

Contemporary Freestanding Tubs

Modern freestanding tubs are crafted from high-quality materials such as stone, ceramic, and acrylic. From curvy shapes to elegant egg-like designs, freestanding bathtubs offer designers ample freedom to innovate. 

Unlike traditional cast iron tubs, some modern models feature flat bottoms that sit flush on the bathroom floor, enhancing their contemporary appeal.          

Clawfoot Tubs

Modern clawfoot tubs retain the classic allure of cast iron bathtubs while incorporating modern elements for a fresh look. Hansel Stone’s clawfoot bathtub features silver feet and is made from a durable white composite stone, ensuring it won't crack, chip, or fade over time.

These are some of the pros and cons of both freestanding tub categories.   

Pros of Freestanding Baths 

1. Flexible placement: Unlike a built-in tub or walk-in tub, freestanding tubs are flexible when it comes to placement. A freestanding model can be placed virtually anywhere, which makes for interesting bathroom design possibilities. 

2. Aesthetic appeal: With their striking designs, freestanding bathtubs are exquisite centerpieces in a designated space.  

3. Simplified installation: Typically, a freestanding bathtub can be installed easily since its design eliminates the need for wall surrounds or complicated, niche additions. This can lead to you saving time and costs during your building or renovation projects.  

4. Easy to clean: The design of many freestanding tubs minimises tight corners and crevices that make cleaning complicated. 

5. Ideal for relaxation: These tubs are valued for the luxurious bathing experiences they afford. Perfect for extended soaks, they are a great choice for sheer relaxation and enhanced self-care. 

6. Mobility: A major advantage of a freestanding tub is its portability. These tubs can be easily relocated if you decide to do a bathroom remodel. 

7. Easy maintenance: Freestanding bathtubs often feature external plumbing. This setup makes it easier to manage cold and hot water faucets and other fixtures, simplifying overall upkeep.   

8. Convenient plumbing: The practicality of an external plumbing setup also allows for easier access to connections, like the faucet. This design simplifies the potential repairs or adjustments of a freestanding tub.         

Cons of Freestanding Bathtubs    

1. Space considerations: Typically, freestanding tubs require more space than built-in tub options. This can be a dealbreaker for smaller bathrooms.  

2. Cost: As with any high-design product made from premium materials, a freestanding bathtub is typically a larger initial expense. 

3. Weight: Freestanding bathtubs are usually heavier than other bathware. Before installation, floor reinforcement could be necessary, depending on the specifications of your bathroom. 

4. Storage limitations: The absence of a built-in ledge in the freestanding tub design can make it difficult to store daily bath accessories. However, with creative storage solutions, this can be overcome easily. 

5. Shower setup issues: It can be tricky to install a wrap-around curtain to create a more functional and casual shower space with stand-alone tubs. A shower curtain may take away from the fixture’s magnificent visual appeal.    

Built-In Bathtubs 

The defining characteristic of a built-in bathtub is that it sits flush against at least one bathroom wall. There are three primary built-in bath styles, each suited to different needs.

Alcove Tubs

The most common model is an alcove tub which fits snugly between three walls. An integral part of a bathroom’s architecture is proper planning is needed to account for space efficiency. 

Undermount Bath

An undermount tub is intended to be installed beneath a deck, allowing shower water to drain directly into the tub. 

Drop-In Tubs

These built-in tubs rest on a horizontal deck and are secured by a raised lip that helps to anchor them in place. When comparing drop-in tub vs freestanding design options, both models present limitations in terms of accessibility, particularly in compact spaces. 

In addition to their unique characteristics, all three built-in bathtub styles share several pros and cons. 

Pros of Built-In Bathtubs 

1. Efficient use of space: Built-in bathtubs are designed to fit snugly against walls or in alcoves, making them a great choice for compact bathrooms. They often effectively maximize how much space is available while maintaining their functionality. 

2. Additional features: Many built-in tubs come with useful amenities such as built-in shelves, armrests, or even air jets, which enhance comfort and provide extra convenience during bathing. 

3. Budget-friendly option: When considering the built-in tub vs freestanding debate, one key factor is the budget-friendly nature of built-in bathtubs.  

4. Easy shower additions: Many bathrooms do not have available space for a separate shower and tub. It can be cost-effective and easy to install a shower fitting in a built-in bath.  

Cons of Built-In Tubs 

1. Design limitations: Built-in models can be restricted by the surrounding walls, limiting creativity and flexibility in the broader bathroom layout. 

2. Installation complexity: Built-in bathtubs often require more complex installation, including plumbing and extra construction materials. This scale of plumbing demands a professional plumber and maybe a tiler, adding to the overall installation costs.  

3. Regular maintenance: If not installed correctly, built-in tubs can be vulnerable to water damage. Frequent upkeep is needed to prevent leaks and mold issues. 

4. Placement restrictions: Unlike freestanding tubs that can be placed almost anywhere, built-in tubs must be installed against walls.  

5. Limited variety: There are typically fewer design choices available for built-in tubs, which may restrict your creative possibilities for your bathroom's style. 

6. Challenging removal: Updating the layout of a bathroom can be difficult with built-in tubs, as their removal can be complicated.

Freestanding Freedom or Built-in Brilliance?

Regardless of whether you decide on a freestanding or built-in bath, both choices offer great value for you and your family home. Armed with the pros and cons of each model, you can select the bathroom fixture that works best in your rooms design. 

That said, when it comes to freestanding and built-in models, one has an edge over the other. The space efficiency of built-in tubs works well in smaller bathrooms, and they are generally more affordable. 

On the other hand, for luxe renovation projects, stand-alone tubs offer unparalleled style and flexibility. They are an excellent way to make a statement in all bathrooms. Hansel Stone’s freestanding baths are meticulously designed to provide a luxurious bathing experience.

Hansel Stone: Masterful Resin Stone Freestanding Tubs Crafted With Passion

Hansel Stone is a luxury bathware manufacturer and supplier. We have the rights to an exclusive mineral composite sourced from Europe, which marries beauty with practicality magnificently.

Our freestanding tub range is available in various sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your room that aligns with your personal taste. 

Choose a luxurious freestanding bath — the clear winner in the debate between a freestanding tub vs a built-in bathtub. At Hansel Stone, we provide European-designed fixtures. Explore our bathtub collection online now.