Soak in Style: Freestanding Baths Make a Splash

Fancy a home rebuild? Thinking of giving your bathroom a refreshing makeover? As small as bathrooms are, they can be difficult and expensive to renovate. So many things go into even the simplest of spaces. Walls, floors, ceilings, lighting, plumbing and of course, fixtures and fittings.

Among the bits and pieces you're expected to pick out and install is, of course, the tub. No bathroom is complete without one. Imagine filling up that empty space with a beautiful, freestanding bath like you always dreamed. You can practically hear the water running even now. Who's stopping you from making your bathroom dreams come true?

Can You Put a Freestanding Bath in Every Bathroom?

People often associate buying a bath in freestanding style with luxurious living. They imagine huge bathrooms with his and hers vanities, a separate shower and a freestanding clawfoot tub in the middle of the room. But that's not always the case. You can have a freestanding model even in the most modest of bathrooms.

This is mainly because of the sheer versatility and variety of freestanding baths on the market today. They can be as decorative or as subtle as you want them to be. Some have feet, some don't. Some are long and sleek, others short and stubby. No matter what the rest of your décor looks like, you're bound to find a freestanding bathtub that will perfectly fit the bill.

Image credit: @joelaitkenplumbingandbathrooms⁠ has created a lush and tranquil bathroom design. Filled with clean, crisp whites, soft curves and a striking touch of brushed brass, this design has a calming atmosphere to relax in.⁠ ⁠

What Materials Are Freestanding Baths Made Of?

The material of choice is often based on looks and durability. You want something that will not only look good but also last a long time. And since it'll be in constant contact with water, you'll want something that won't get damaged by moisture.

Acrylic

This material is composed of a lightweight plastic that is easy to mould into different shapes. Thanks to its flexibility, it's one of the most popular materials used in bathtub manufacturing. It's also relatively inexpensive and can be found in a wide range of colours and designs.

Despite it being a cheaper option, it's still quite durable. It won't give in to wear and tear as easily as other materials might. But it's not completely resistant to scratches and other forms of damage.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is very heavy and difficult to manoeuvre but it's also very sturdy and long-lasting. With its enamelled coating, it's also resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion.

Plus, it has an incredible ability to retain heat. So if you like your baths long and relaxing, this material is definitely worth considering. Your water will stay hot for much longer than it would in a tub made from any other material.

Copper

Though traditionally used for plumbing, copper is slowly but surely making its way into the world of bathtubs. It's a very stylish material that will give your bathroom an instant facelift. And like cast iron, it's also great at retaining heat, which is always a bonus.

Another big plus is that it's antimicrobial. This means that it's resistant to mould, mildew and bacteria. So if you're looking for a material that's both stylish and practical, copper is definitely one to consider.

Stainless Steel

A more modern take on the traditional bathtub, stainless steel is an elegant and trendy material that can definitely make a statement. With its sleek lines and shiny surface, it's the perfect addition to any modern bathroom.

It's also very easy to clean and maintain. A few quick swipes with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep it looking like new. This is particularly convenient if you have small children or pets that are bound to make a mess.

Composite

Composite is a mixture of different materials, usually steel, porcelain and enamel. Porcelain helps to give it an even and glossy surface, while steel reinforces its structure and makes it more resilient. Enamel is added for extra durability and to give it a smooth finish.

This material is gradually reaching a wider audience as of late. And it's not hard to see why. Its smooth surface is very easy to clean and it's also resistant to chipping and fading.

Above: @zephyr_and_stone's Coral House featuring the gentle curves and smooth edges of the ROTONDO Freestanding Bath by Highgrove Bathrooms

How to Choose a Freestanding Bath?

Once you've decided on a material, it's time to start thinking about the other factors that will influence your decision. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Available Space

As much as a bath in freestanding design can be an alluring centrepiece, you'll need to make sure that you have enough space for it. These tubs are usually larger than your standard built-in models. As such, they also require a bit more space around them so that you can move freely.

So before you start shopping, take measurements of your bathroom and see what you're working with. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a tub that's the right size for your home.

Strength of Your Floor

The construction of your floor will play a big role in determining which tub you can get. Freestanding baths are very heavy and require a sturdy foundation to support them. If your floor isn't strong enough, the weight of the tub could cause it to collapse.

Consult with a professional to see if your floor can handle the weight of that kind of a tub. If not, you might have to look into other options, such as built-in tubs or those that sit on top of a platform.

Plumbing

Tubes and pipes need to be properly installed and connected in order for your bathtub to function properly. After all, you'll need to be able to fill it up with water somehow and drain it when you're done.

If you're not confident in your DIY skills, it's best to leave the plumbing to a professional. They'll be able to install everything correctly so that you don't have to worry about any leaks or other problems down the road.

Budget

Last but not least, you'll need to think about how much you're willing to spend on this new addition to your bathroom. Some models can be quite pricey, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it.

Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices. You might be surprised at how much you can save by doing a bit of research.