The Freestanding Bath Buyer’s Guide

What is a Freestanding Bath?

A freestanding bath is a standalone bathtub that doesn’t require any support from a wall or enclosure.

They will normally sit directly on the floor or can be mounted on feet, and are a statement piece that can be the focal point of your bathroom space.

Freestanding baths come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, so you can find one that fits your aesthetic and space.

Choose from narrow and shallow styles or deep soak bath options to enjoy a long relaxing soak whenever you want one.

Buying Your Freestanding Bath

From the bold and contemporary to the elegant and traditional, freestanding baths are available in an array of styles to suit any taste.

But with so many designs to choose from, this can make your choice a little tricky.

So, if you’re considering a freestanding bath for your new bathroom, but not sure where to start, this handy buying guide will help you choose the perfect one.

Choosing a freestanding bath

Freestanding baths are available in a variety of designs and styles ranging from the contemporary to the truly elegant and traditional to enhance any bathroom scheme. A freestanding bath doesn’t require any panels to complete its look. Some freestanding baths, mainly traditional styles, include decorative feet, while modern designs sit directly on the floor.

A freestanding bath is usually positioned in the middle of the bathroom rather than close to the wall. By fitting your bath in the centre of the room, it will be the first thing that catches your eye when you open the door. A large freestanding bath creates a spa-like bathroom and a sense of luxury and indulgence. They are a great option for large bathrooms and are ideal for those who want to make a statement.

If you’re serious about bathing and want the ultimate in luxury, a freestanding bath is well worth the investment. You can even make a real feature of your freestanding bath by raising it up on a platform.

A freestanding bath is also a practical option, as the surrounding space makes it easier to reach into the bath making it very easy to wash the kids before bed.

At BigBathroomShop, we also sell small freestanding baths, which are ideal if your bathroom is more on the compact side. These measure 1500mm in length to make the most of your bathroom space.

What types of Freestanding baths are there?

There are several kinds of freestanding baths to choose from.

The most common of these are –

• Clawfoot freestanding baths – Clawfoot baths have four decorative legs that help to support the bathtub and are often made of cast iron or acrylic.
• Pedestal freestanding baths – Pedestals have a base that helps to support the tub and can be made from acrylic or sometimes, stone.
• Slipper freestanding baths – A slipper bath has one end raised higher than the other to provide a more comfortable position to lay back and enjoy your bath time soak.
• Oval freestanding baths – Oval baths are amongst the most common shape you’ll find for freestanding baths, and come in a range of sizes and materials.
• Rectangular freestanding baths – A more modern take on the freestanding bath design, rectangular baths offer a sleek and contemporary look and feel.

How is a freestanding bath made?

Freestanding baths are manufactured using a unique method of production, which involves two sheets of acrylic that are reinforced and bound together with a polyester casting resin. To improve heat retention, a thermal vacuum is created between the outer and inner acrylic sheets – this process results in a strength and durability that will last many years.

Freestanding roll top baths

The elegant roll top freestanding bath is the ideal option for a traditional bathroom. This style can have a single or double ended design. A double ended design is where the taps have a central position so you can bathe comfortably at either end. Roll top baths include decorative feet in a choice of styles and finishes.

Freestanding slipper baths

A freestanding slipper bath features one end at a higher level than the other – this provides shoulder and back support for a truly relaxing and indulgent soak. Slipper baths incorporate the classic roll top design and stand on decorative feet. They are a great option for adding a vintage feel to your bathroom.

Contemporary freestanding baths

Contemporary freestanding baths are available in various designs from the smooth and curvy to the sleek and geometric. So if your tastes are modern, then this is the choice for you. If you want to add drama to your bathroom, our black freestanding bath by Milano is perfect, or why not opt for a silver finish for the ultimate in luxury?

Freestanding baths – Pros and Cons

If you’re still unsure of whether a freestanding bath is the option for you, we’ve taken the time to create a pros and cons list below that should help you to decide whether or not to make the switch to a new freestanding bath –

Pros of freestanding baths

• Can be placed anywhere in your bathroom. As freestanding baths are suited to being placed anywhere in the bathroom, there really is no limit when it comes to styling and design – allowing you to make the very best of the space you have available and create the perfect bath for you and your family.
• It’s a high-end and luxurious item. Often used in boutique hotels and spas, a freestanding bath is a focal point that turns an ordinary bathroom into a stunning oasis.
• Installation is quick and easy. With no caulking requirements and no need to attach it to a wall, a freetsanding bath is a quick and easy upgrade to make in most bathroom spaces.
• It allows for more freedom in bathroom design. Want to face out of the window while you bathe? Sinple, just place the bath exactly where you want it for the very best view.
• You can always move it. A freestanding bath can be moved around, so if you feel like adjusting the layout of your bathroom, this can be a useful additional extra that you will not get with a standard bath design.

Cons of freestanding baths

• Freestanding baths tend to be a little more expensive than other bathtubs. Even factoring in their easier installation, they are a luxury item and tend to cost more because of that.
• Storage space is reduced a little. That little ledge all around your existing bath is great fro dumping shampoo bottles and shower gel, but wth a freestanding bath this is no longer an option. A bath caddie can help you here, but that is again a little more money to spend for your troubles.
• They tend to be a lot heavier than standard baths. Though most freestanding baths at Big Bathroom Shop aren’t much heavier than built-in baths, you may have to consider reinforcing your bathroom floor to accommodate one.
• Freestanding baths are often bigger. A bigger bath means more room is needed to move it into place in your bathroom, so if you have a small space, you may struggle to get it into it in the first place. And, as they’re usually a little deeper than standard, bathing kids and pets can sometimes be difficult.

Taps for freestanding baths

Due to the various designs of freestanding baths, you’ll need to consider the plumbing requirements for each. Some freestanding baths have pre-drilled tap holes, which means you can choose from a range of deck mounted bath filler or bath shower mixer taps.

Some baths are supplied without pre-drilled tap holes and are not suitable for drilling, this means that you’ll have to choose a freestanding bath tap or a wall mounted tap if the bath is positioned against the wall. Traditional roll top baths require an exposed waste system and standpipes to connect the taps to the water supplies.