How to Choose a Freestanding Tub
INSIDE: Learn how to choose a freestanding tub.
We’ll break down all the things you need to consider when choosing a freestanding tub: types, material, size, and price.
You know that scene in Grey’s Anatomy when Meredith tells Derek, “I just want a tub that’s deep enough to cover my boobs and my knees at the same time?” That’s really all that I wanted in a bathtub. After years of soaking in my children’s bathtub with styrofoam letters and plastic boats floating around me, it’s MAMA’S TURN!
Over the last few months, I’ve dived deeper than I ever cared to go into the realm of freestanding tubs. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good bathtub (or else I wouldn’t have spent the time!), but options are overwhelming and, after all, isn’t it just a bathtub? I felt like it was pretty straightforward: boobs and knees, no?
Well, friends, I’m here to break it all down for you. We’ll talk type of tubs, materials, sizes, and budget. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll feel more comfortable making the perfect choice for your bathroom!
TYPES OF TUBS:
Clawfoot, pedestal, slipper, oh my! But… what do they all mean?
CLAWFOOT: Found in traditional historic homes, the clawfoot tub is a timeless choice for any project. Its defining clawed feet give it away.
PEDESTAL: Just as it sounds, the tub sits on top of a pedestal, creating a more tailored and formal look.
SLIPPER: “Slipper” indicates an elevated edge to one or both sides. Perfect for back support!
FREESTANDING: Simple and to-the-point, this tub is sleek and flat-bottomed.
TUB MATERIALS (and price range):
This part is way more important than I’d ever realized. I just figured a tub is a tub, right? Wrong! Here’s why:
ACRYLIC: Acrylic tubs are a great choice as they’re easy to find and have a wide variety of designs to choose from. They’re also lightweight (great when you have a flight of stairs to transverse!) and generally have the most affordable price tag. The biggest cons to acrylic tubs, however, are that they don’t retain heat well (helloooo, cold bath!) and because of their material, they warp over time.
PROS: Easy to find, lots of variety, lightweight, affordable
CONS: Don’t retain heat well, warp over time
PRICE RANGE: $600-$1500, depending on size and brand
SOLID SURFACE: Solid surface tubs are, in my opinion, the perfect “middle of the road” choice when it comes to tubs. They’re made of a solid material (usually resin) and they’re durable, sleek, require little maintenance, and do an excellent job of retaining heat. Most solid surface tubs have a more modern look, which could be either a good or bad thing, depending on your style. Because of their material, solid surface tubs are more expensive than acrylic tubs and are much heavier.
PROS: Durable, sleek, easy to maintain and install, excellent heat retention.
CONS: Pricey, heavy
WORTH NOTING: They come in more modern styles
PRICE RANGE: $1300-$4000, depending on size and brand
CAST IRON: Cast iron is what the old school clawfoot tubs are made of, meaning that they are VERY durable and VERY heavy. So heavy, in fact, that you might consider reinforcing the floors underneath them. Because of their solid material, they also hold heat well, making them ideal for a long soak. For these reasons, cast iron tubs can cost a pretty penny.
PROS: Durable, retain heat very well
CONS: Very heavy, expensive
PRICE RANGE: $1400-$5000, depending on size and brand
SIZE
Size doesn’t matter, right? WRONG. Size matters a lot. Start by measuring your space. Make sure that you can actually fit the tub in the room— and that you have room for plumbing. That’s a start!
Next up is the fun stuff— how big of a tub do I need to cover my boobs and my knees!?
Generally, freestanding tub sizes range from 56-71 inches long. Or, about 4.5 ft - 6ft (ish) if, like me, those are more helpful measurements.
Obviously, the longer and deeper the tub, the better the coverage. Tub shape also affects this.
If you’re tall (like me) you might benefit from a tub on the 71 inch side.
Or, if you’re just not sure— check out your local bath store (Google it— you’d be shocked at how many there are!) and go try them on for size.
So, there you have it! Our guide to choosing a free standing bath tub. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
