Freestanding Vs Integrated Bathtub: Which Is Better?

If you are getting your bathroom renovated, it's the perfect opportunity to revamp that old bathtub and pamper yourself with a new one. But the biggest question is, which one should you get— a free-standing bathtub or an integrated bathtub? Before you hit a bath shop Perth and look for cheap bathtubs for sale, let's look at which of these two bathtub styles is a better fit for your home.

 

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Freestanding vs Integrated Bathtub: Which Is Better?

To help you make the right choice, here is a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of both these bathtub designs.

Free standing Bathtub

Free-standing bathtubs for modern bathrooms are a great choice considering the chic and elegant look it brings along. Here’s how it can benefit you:

1. Movable

The biggest benefit of a freestanding bathtub is that it's movable. This means if you plan to shift to a new place, you can take these bathtubs with you instead of investing in a new one. Being movable, it's also easier to maintain the floor underneath and prevent irreversible damage from years of neglect.

 

Also, since it's movable, you can change the position whenever you like. For example, if you have installed a new skylight in your bathroom, you can reposition the bathtub to sit right under it.

2. Installation

Freestanding bathtubs are much easier to install compared to a built-in bathtub. When the bath shops Perth delivers it, you can have it moved to the bathroom and then call the plumber to connect it to the main water line of your house.

 

Unlike built-in bathtubs, you don't need to hire any home renovation crew or construction team. The installation job is much faster and cleaner with a freestanding bathtub.

 

 

3. Variety

The amount of variety in terms of design and style that you get with freestanding bathtubs is unimaginable. For starters, you can choose between round, rectangular or oval-shaped tubs. Some brands might even consider custom shapes such as a heart or egg-shaped.

 

Also, you can either get a regular freestanding bathtub or a claw-footed bathtub to add a vintage feel to your bathroom. And since all four of its sides are exposed, you have more opportunity to experiment with colours and finishing texture. The best part is, despite all these benefits, freestanding bathtub prices are quite reasonable.

Integrated Bath Tubs

If you are buying a second-hand or pre-designed house and it comes with an integrated bathtub, don’t be disheartened already. Here are some benefits of a built-in bathtub:

1. Space Efficient

The biggest advantage of having a built-in bathtub is space efficiency. These tubs are pushed against the wall so you can have more floor area for other bathroom accessories, such as cabinets and vanity units.

 

Also, built-in bathtubs often come with a surround, basically like a concrete case enveloping the tub. The primary purpose of the surround is to protect the walls from moisture-related damage and add a decorative touch to your bathroom, but it can also double up as a storage unit for toiletries. You can use them to store shampoos, conditioners, soaps and all kinds of products that you’ll be using during the shower.

 

This way, it’ll be much easier for you to reach your products, and you’ll save money and space on bathroom cabinets.

 

2. Easier to Clean

Since built-in bathtubs have less exposed sides compared to freestanding bathtubs, it's much easier to clean. After all, cleaning up tiled surrounds is much easier than a white ceramic tub. With a built-in tub, you only have to scrub hard the inside, whereas the exterior can be wiped clean with simple soap and water.

 

If you don't want the hassle of frequent cleaning, you can also get darker tiles for the surround.

 

In short, while freestanding baths for modern bathrooms are great picks for bigger homes with hired help, built-in bathtubs are more suitable for bachelors or young couples who don’t want to spend their weekends scrubbing the tub.

3. Cleaner Look

While freestanding bathtub prices are certainly reasonable, its biggest disadvantage is sometimes the plumbing lines, and installations are visible— giving it a messy look.

 

Built-in tubs on the hand that sit in a concrete encasing usually have all their plumbing lines concealed within the surround, giving your bathroom a much cleaner and more elegant look.

Bottom Line

The ultimate choice of bathtub also depends on the kind of look you are trying to create for your bathroom, but these additional factors are equally important. Before you start looking for “cheap bathtubs for sale” or “bathtubs near me for sale”, ensure you have the image of your dream bathroom ready in your head— only then can you make the right choice.