CHOOSING THE PERFECT BATHTUB

The bathtub is one of the most distinctive features in any bathroom, so when you decide to move forward with a luxury bathroom renovation, choosing the right tub is crucial. The first thing that you need to decide is if you want to install a freestanding bathtub, or a built-in bathtub. There are pros and cons to each of those options, such as those listed below.

AESTHETICS

Freestanding tubs offer an element of luxury that is hard to match in a built in tub. Also, since they aren’t restricted by the requirement to fit between walls or into tile, their designers have the ability to be much more creative with the shape. While with the right style, a built-in tub can also be beautiful, it usually does not offer the style and elegance that a freestanding tub does.

STORAGE

Freestanding tubs have less alternatives in terms of accessible storage than do built-ins, since they stand alone, and are not surrounded by counters and ledges. You can solve that problem by installing a niche or floating shelves if the tub is against the wall, but if it’s located in the middle of the room, additional storage options can make the room feel a bit more cluttered.

CLEANING

Cleaning can be another practical consideration. When a freestanding tub is placed against a wall, dust will build in the empty space behind it, which can be difficult to reach. Also, the shape and material of a freestanding tub may require extra cleaning, or even special care.

Built-in tubs typically do not have nearly as many fractures and crevices to clean within, so it’s a much simpler process. On top of that, you only have to clean the inside of the tub, instead of the outside and the bottom.

PLUMBING

Whereas plumbing for freestanding tubs can be a little complex and generally requires running brand-new piping, most bathrooms will already have plumbing for built-in tubs set up. Also, pipes for freestanding tubs can be difficult to conceal. With built-in tubs, the pipes are tucked away under the tub itself, and out of sight.

SHOWER

While you can mount a shower to a freestanding tub, it tends to look unsightly, and needs a wrap-around curtain. This can take away from the aesthetic appeal, which is often the primary motivation to install one in the first place. Also, nobody likes to feel claustrophobic in the shower and/or experience friction with shower curtains.

With a built-in tub, you can install sliding shower doors, giving you more space, as well as preventing water from getting onto the floor. If you have enough space, you can have a freestanding tub and a separate shower area, but not every bathroom is able to accommodate that.

Ross Brothers is the premier luxury remodeling contractor in South Florida, working with an exclusive clientele in areas such as Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Lighthouse Point. With over 200 glowing reviews and a 4.9 star rating on Google, we are highly esteemed for providing top quality craftsmanship, as well as a first class client experience. Contact us anytime, and we can help guide you through the many selections available so you can make the ideal choices to help create the bathroom of your dreams.