Should You Choose a Built-in or Freestanding Bathtub?

Bathroom renovations in Scarborough give you the opportunity to reinvent one of the most intimate spaces in the home, to really make it your own. One way that you can accomplish this is by choosing a new bathtub. You have the option of either a built-in tub or a freestanding one. Built-in tubs are more common, but freestanding tubs have recently been increasing in popularity. Each has its own pros and cons.

Built-in Bathtub

A built-in bathtub is one that is installed against at least one of the walls of your bathroom. For decades, the built-in bathtub has been regarded as the more sensible and practical choice of the two, especially when combined with a shower because its installation against the walls helps it to contain water more effectively.

Built-in tubs are more economical in terms of both space and price. They save space because they can be tucked away in an alcove and also provide storage options such as shelves installed into the wall around it. A built-in tub is generally more affordable than a freestanding tub. This may be because the parts of a built-in tub that are flush against the wall do not need to be finished, while a freestanding tub has to look beautiful on all sides. If a built-in tub has a surround, this can increase its price, but even then, it is usually less expensive than a freestanding tub.

It may depend on the freestanding tub’s design, but a built-in tub is generally easier to clean. Freestanding tubs tend to have more ornamentation, which can provide places for dust to collect. On the other hand, the lack of ornamentation could also be a disadvantage of a built-in tub. Though built-in tubs come in different styles, there tends to be a spartan, utilitarian look about them. Because built-in tubs have to be installed along the wall, they are less flexible in where they can go, restricting your choices. Installing a built-in tub is complicated because of the need for mounting and sealing.

Freestanding Bathtubs

A freestanding bathtub is one that does not have to install along the bathroom walls. It may be near the walls, but it does not have to be. Freestanding bathtubs give you more options as to where to place them, and the installation is much easier.

Freestanding tubs are available in a wide range of styles, from the traditional to the modern. This helps them incorporate into almost any design style. Freestanding tubs are often chosen for aesthetics; they make an attractive centrepiece for a bathroom. They add a sense of luxury because they are the style often used in high-end spas. They are also often more comfortable to soak in because they are usually deeper than built-in tubs.

The size of a freestanding tub can also be a disadvantage. You may have trouble getting in and out or bathing a child or pet in a freestanding tub. Freestanding tubs tend to be more expensive than built-in tubs, though there are more affordable options available. It is possible to combine a shower with a freestanding tub, but it requires a wraparound curtain that may disrupt the aesthetic effect you want to achieve. A freestanding tub tends to be heavier than a built-in tub, both because of the materials from which it is made and because it holds more water. In many cases, the tub is so heavy that you have to reinforce the floor to support it.

Call Handyman Connection for Bathroom Renovations in Scarborough

Regardless of what kind of bathtub you eventually choose, our trained technicians can install it for you. Find out more about the plumbing services we offer.