The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Freestanding Bathtub
Shopping for a freestanding bathtub can be an exciting experience—but also an overwhelming one. With so many sizes, materials, and styles available, narrowing down your choices can feel like a challenge. Whether you're remodeling your bathroom or designing a new one from scratch, this guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right freestanding tub for your space, your needs, and your style.
1. Size: Start with the Space You Have
The very first thing to consider is how much space you’re working with. In most remodeling scenarios, people are replacing a standard 60-inch built-in tub. If that’s your situation, you may be limited to a freestanding tub around 59 inches in length. Fortunately, manufacturers offer a range of sizes, including 59", 63", 65", 67", and even 71" options.
If you have a larger bathroom or are building a new one, consider going bigger. A 67" or 71" freestanding tub can make a bold, luxurious statement. These larger tubs are not only eye-catching but also provide a more comfortable soak—especially if you’re tall or simply want to stretch out and relax.
When measuring your space, don’t forget to account for plumbing, clearance around the tub, and ease of cleaning.
2. Function & Features: Soaking vs. Spa Experience
Not all freestanding tubs are created equal. Beyond appearance, think about how you want to use your tub. Do you simply want a place to soak and unwind, or are you dreaming of a spa-like experience with jets and bubbles?
Here are the main functional types:
Soaking Tubs: These are deep and designed for long, relaxing baths. They have no jets or air systems—just peace and quiet.
Whirlpool Tubs: These tubs use jets to recirculate water, creating a massaging effect. Great for relieving muscle tension.
Air-Jetted Tubs: These use air to create thousands of tiny bubbles, offering a gentle, effervescent massage that feels like a soft, open-handed touch.
Some models even combine features, offering both water and air jets for the ultimate spa bath. Just keep in mind that these types may require more maintenance and access to electricity.
3. Materials: Aesthetics, Durability, and Budget
Freestanding bathtubs come in a variety of materials, each with its own look, feel, and price point. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s right for you:
Acrylic: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to install, acrylic is the most common material for freestanding tubs. It’s warm to the touch, holds heat reasonably well, and comes in many shapes and sizes.
Solid Surface: Made from a blend of natural minerals and resins, this material has a smooth, nonporous finish that's both elegant and hygienic. It’s naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, making it a favorite in luxury homes and high-end hotels. Solid surface tubs can be finished in matte or gloss and offer a refined, silky touch.
Stone: Hand-carved from natural stones like marble, travertine, or granite, these tubs are true statement pieces. They are extremely heavy and may require structural support in your floor, but they provide a one-of-a-kind look and excellent heat retention.
Cast Iron: Durable and timeless, cast iron tubs are coated with a porcelain enamel finish. While they’re great at retaining heat, they’re also very heavy—like stone tubs, they might require reinforcement. Many people now opt for acrylic alternatives that mimic the look of cast iron without the added weight.
Copper: With natural antimicrobial properties and beautiful patina aging over time, copper tubs are both functional and decorative. They retain heat well and resist bacteria, but they’re often on the pricier side.
When choosing a material, consider how it complements your bathroom design, how it feels to the touch, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
Other Things to Consider: Style & Cost
While size, function, and material are the primary considerations, style and cost also play important roles in your decision.
Style: Freestanding tubs come in many shapes, including oval, round, square, rectangular, and clawfoot designs. While the style doesn’t impact the functionality much, it can drastically affect the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Oval tubs are the most common and fit well in both modern and traditional spaces, while clawfoot and pedestal styles lend a more vintage or dramatic look.
Cost: Freestanding tubs range widely in price. Acrylic models can start at just a few hundred dollars, making them budget-friendly and practical. On the other end of the spectrum, high-end stone, solid surface, or copper tubs can cost several thousand dollars. Set a budget early in the process and weigh the long-term benefits of quality materials and comfort.
Choosing a freestanding bathtub is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about finding the perfect combination of size, comfort, functionality, and material that fits your lifestyle and space. With the right information in hand, you can confidently choose a tub that transforms your bathroom into a personal retreat.