Bathroom Renovations
Do you go with the affordable built-in or the elegant freestanding? To help you out with your choice, here are the pros and cons of both bathtubs.
Choosing a bathtub is one of the most important decisions for you to make during a bathroom renovation. But its importance doesn’t make the decision any easier. Do you go with the affordable built-in or the elegant freestanding? To help you out with your choice, here are the pros and cons of the two main types of bathtubs.
Stay cosy in a built-in bathtub
Pros
Cost – The biggest advantage of getting a built-in bathtub is that you can get one without breaking the bank. If you only have a small budget, go with a good-quality built-in instead of the cheapest free-standing tub. Fixtures and fittings for built-in tubs are also much cheaper than those for free-standing ones.
Practicality – Despite the growing fondness for free-standing baths, built-in tubs can still be found in most Australian homes. This is probably because built-in bathtubs are just more practical. They can take up minimal space, they’re easier to clean up, they’re perfect for those who want a bath and shower combo, and many more. The sides of built-in tubs also act as easy-access storage for your shampoos, soaps, and other bathing supplies.
Easy cleanup – Since you only need to clean the interior of a built-in, the upkeep for this type of bathtub is much simpler. If you go for a bath and shower combo, cleaning up is still much easier with a built-in bath. Even though a free-standing tub can avoid too much water splash with a shower curtain, built-ins are still the best choice for a combo.
Cons
You have several choices with built-in bathtubs, including alcove, drop-in, or corner baths. They have their own classic, cosy appeal, but if you really want a stylish or unique bathroom, you’ll be happier with the range of free-standing tubs available. Built-in baths are also more labour-intensive when it comes to installation and replacement since you’ll also have to worry about frames, waterproofing, and tiling.
Make a statement with a free-standing bathtub
Pros
Choices – There’s just a much bigger selection for free-standing bathtubs. You can get one in virtually any colour, shape, or material. From vintage claw-foot tubs to sleek pedestal tubs, antique copper tubs to earthy stone tubs, it’s very easy to achieve any look with a free-standing bath.
Appeal – A free-standing tub is basically a luxury bathroom staple. Just snoop around the Internet for the most expensive bathtubs in the world. Although various websites list down different tubs, all of those bathtubs have one thing in common: they’re all free-standing. You don’t have to spend thousands or millions* of dollars for your bathtub, though there are lots of stunning tubs that have a reasonable price tag.
Installation – There are two very important issues when you’re installing a free-standing tub: plumbing and floor support. A professional plumber can hide your plumbing properly so that it doesn’t cramp the style of your bathroom. Free-standing tubs are heavier than built-in ones, so you also have to ensure that your floor can support its weight.
Cons
Free-standing tubs and taps that are suited for them are generally more expensive than built-in ones. They also take up much more space. Even if you can fit a free-standing tub in one part of your bathroom, this would make it hard for you to clean up its exterior. For families with kids who love splashing around during bath time, mopping up spills all over the place can be a problem.
Now that you know more about these two main types of bathtubs, it’s time to push through with your bathroom remodel project. Compare quotes from expert bathroom renovators now.