The Bathtub Debate – Is a Freestanding or Built-In Bath Best for your Bathroom?

In the hustle and bustle of designing and constructing a new home, deciding on the kind of bath that you want might not be at the forefront of your mind, but it is something that you’ll need to think about eventually. The first decision that you need to make is whether you want a freestanding or built-in bath. To help you decide, we have noted down some of the pros and cons of each below.

Freestanding baths

Pros:

• Freestanding baths allow you more freedom to be creative with the space you have. You can generally be more flexible with the positioning and design of your bathroom. For example, you can create a wet area sectioned off by glass or a tiled wall. If you have the space, we recommend positioning your bath against the back wall and installing a twin shower in front. 

• Freestanding baths come in various different shapes and sizes, allowing you to be selective depending on the size, colour scheme and décor that you have chosen.

Cons:

• Freestanding baths are generally more expensive than built-in ones.

• While they look luxurious, they may not be the most practical choice for a family bathroom. If you have kids, it can be more difficult to lean into a freestanding bath than a built-in one. Also, if your kids tend to splash around, you may have some trouble mopping up the water in the hard-to-reach places around the base of the bath.

Built-in baths

Pros:

• As mentioned above, built-in baths are usually cheaper than freestanding ones.

• Built-in baths can be easier to clean, particularly compared to freestanding baths that tend to have dust and water to collect around their base.

Cons:

• You have less freedom to decide on the positioning of a built-in bath. Often, a built-in bath can only be placed in one or two different areas in your bathroom, and generally corners are the most suitable choice. This will impact on the design and décor of  the rest of your bathroom.

The pros and cons we’ve outlined are just a few things that you should think about when choosing your bath. Ultimately, your decision will depend on a number of factors, including the space you have available, your budget and the overall look that you’re envisioning. If you’re after some more ideas and further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our team.