A freestanding tub is a tub that does not touch the walls – it’s freestanding. It has taller sides for soaking and has room for more water.

An alcove tub is butted up against 2 or 3 walls. It’s generally used where you want both a tub and a shower function in the same space.

Many traditional claw foot tubs in vintage bathrooms are made from cast iron. Cast iron tubs are made from thick steel plates which are covered with porcelain. These tubs work well with traditional decors. The negative is they’re heavy (which may require more floor support), expensive, can be cold when you get in and the porcelain surface is more prone to crack and chip.

Solid surface soaking tubs (also called engineered stone tubs) are a composite of resin and stone and are made in multiple colors. They’re durable and solid, but very pricey and heavy (and can require additional floor support).

Acrylic soaking tubs are lighter than cast iron and solid surface, more cost-effective, and easier to repair. Due to their weight, they’re simpler to install than cast iron or solid surface. They fit well in modern, contemporary, or transitional homes – but aren’t as good a fit in traditional or vintage style bathrooms. They’re made with white colored acrylic.  

Soaking tubs are simpler, less expensive (usually about 1/2 the price), yet still provide the unique design look to make a bathroom special. Jetted tubs on the other hand, while mechanically more involved, can provide air or jetted streams of water to soothe your body.

Most budget acrylic soaking tubs are made in 2 pieces because it saves manufacturing costs. However, the one-piece design is better because the tub is structurally stronger and has no visual seems.

One of the things to look at for a comfortable soaking experience is a larger size of ‘bathing well’ (this is the area inside the tub) and the shape of the tub. Generally, tubs with round designs or curved edges will be more comfortable than a rectangular design (which is very cool for a modern design look, but not as comfortable). Deeper tubs (or those with higher backs) also are more comfortable.

Tub fillers can be as much of a décor statement as they can serve as a required water source to fill your tub. And what’s nice about a floor-mounted tub filler is it allows larger spaces inside the bathing well for your body and water. The disadvantage of floor mount tub fillers (vs. deck mount faucets) is they’re more expensive.

An advantage of the deck mount faucets is it allows room on the edge of the tub for soap, shampoo etc. and the installation is simpler (and less costly). The disadvantage is the space inside a deck-mounted faucet tub is smaller with less space in the ‘bathing well.’

If you’re looking for a 2-person tub, a larger unit which is 67-68” long will provide more room. You’ll also want a tub with a slope on two ends (called a double-ended tub) so it’s comfortable for both people.

Freestanding soaking tubs are deeper and more comfortable for a relaxed soaking experience after a long day along with a glass of wine. On the other hand, freestanding tubs are taller and more difficult to get into. This can be more challenging if you’re bathing a small child in the tub or a family member who has mobility issues.

Alcove tubs are smart where you want to have the ability to take a shower – and have a tub function – in the same space.

In addition, with a built-in alcove tub, you have the additional costs of framing, building, and waterproofing the walls which surround the tub.

Freestanding tubs make a bathroom look bigger (popular for contemporary open, style bathrooms)– because you can see more of the floor and edges of the tubs. They’re aesthetically more appealing – and can be more cost effective to install because you don’t have to frame the side walls.

Yes, they can but you want to make sure you can fit them into your space. First look for small freestanding tubs (generally in the 55” to 59” width) and 31” to 32” deep. Then ask for a free ‘tub template’ so you can see how well the unit will work for you. Standalone tubs are used in small bathrooms in single-family homes, urban lofts, and apartments.

Don’t assume by simply clicking on the first stylish-looking freestanding tub you see on the Internet it’ll be right for your home.

Work with an expert who will help you to find the right material selection (acrylic, cast iron, copper, or solid surface are a few choices), the right style (which will compliment your décor), and the right size which will not only fit in the door but will be thoughtfully installed and properly supported underneath.

Some factors in the selection of the individual tub will include its length, depth, and design of the ‘bathing well’ (this is the inside of the tub). Pay attention to whether it’s a single or double-ended design (if you want one or two people to use it at a time) and how it looks (traditional, contemporary, transitional etc.).

The bathroom design specialists at Innovate Building Solutions can help.

Stay away from clawfoot tubs – which are notorious for gathering dust underneath the tub. Tubs that sit flat on to the floor eliminate this problem.

Also, be thoughtful about the height of the tub. The taller the tub, the harder it will be to clean.

For bigger people, you’ll want a large freestanding soaking tub with taller backs and side walls. Yes – this tub will be harder to clean, but it’ll be more comfortable for these family members to use.

There are all sorts of fun accessories on the Internet for freestanding tubs. Some examples include:

• Soap, shampoo, oversized recessed niches, and tub caddies.
• Reading racks which fit over the tub for your favorite book or wine glass holder.
• Shower conversion kits which allow your tub to double as a shower.

Curved curtain rods.

• Innovate has experience bathroom products experts who can guide you to the right tub for your job. We’re not some ‘Internet site’ just selling products. Innovate has people who work daily with homeowners (and installing contractors) with shower bases, wall panels, glass shower doors, and freestanding tubs. Bottom line – we know bath and shower products.
• Innovate stocks complimentary lines of grout-free shower wall panels and offers a wide range of low profile shower pans to compliment your bath remodel.
  
  
  
  
• Innovate has worked with over 190,000 customers since 1977 and is a debt-free company. We’ll be here to honor your warranty.
• Outstanding reviews. Check them out on Google.

Leverage Innovate’s dealer network of professional installers across the country if you don’t have the time (or expertise) to DIY your job.