Every bathroom in the world is different. There are big bathrooms that can accommodate a number of fixtures, from sinks to tubs. There are small bathrooms that must make do with Space-saving elements. But does this mean that small bathrooms can’t enjoy beauty as well as luxury? No, it doesn’t. Contrary to popular belief, small bathrooms can still have the best of both worlds—that is, it can be both functional and stylish. The trick is to know which fixtures to have and what types to consider.
When people talk about bathrooms, one thing usually comes to mind: the bathtub. A tub is probably the best thing any self-respecting bathroom can have. With a tub, you can indulge yourself in a nice, warm bath—a fitting reward for a hard day’s work. You can spend several minutes or even hours on end simply relieving stress and enjoying precious moments of utter relaxation and bliss. For these reasons and more, you need to invest in a good bathtub. For a decision you won’t regret, turn to freestanding bathtubs.
A freestanding bathtub can be the very highlight of your bathroom. Imagine what having an amazing fixture can do to your space. It can spark the interest of guests and engage you in interesting conversation. It can lend that hint of style you’ve always wanted. It can light up the entire room! But a freestanding tub is not just eye candy. Aside from providing your bathroom with a lift, aesthetically speaking, it can also make things easier for you. For instance, when it comes to the installation process, you won’t have to sweat it too much since freestanding bathtubs don’t have to be cemented in. And because you won’t need cement and other installation materials, installing any of the wide range of freestanding bathtubs will let you save on expenses. All you’re going to have to save up on is the tub itself. Now this is definitely good news, especially these days when prices of bathroom renovations can be incredibly steep.
Types of Freestanding Bathtubs
Clawfoot Bathtubs – When most people think of freestanding bathtubs they have this one in mind. These tubs are usually large and deep making them ideal for soaking in, they also have four individual claw styled feet that the tub lays on to keep it stable, hence the name clawfoot bathtubs. These claw feet also add a very appealing vintage style to the tub making it very popular for luxurious bathroom makeovers. Clawfoot bathtubs do come in various sizes and are mostly made out of cast iron.
Pedestal Bathtub – Very similar to the clawfoot bathtub, the only difference is that the pedestal bathtub does not have the individual claw feet like the clawfoot tub, instead it has a pedestal onto which the long freestanding bathtub is placed. These are very well suited in modern classical themed bathrooms. These tubs can be found in materials such as acrylic, fibreglass and porcelain.
Slipper Freestanding Bathtubs – Slipper tubs have the option of being a clawfoot bathtub or a pedestal bathtub, the main difference is the shape of the slipper bathtub. These freestanding bathtubs have a extended or elongated back end which makes the lying down position in these bathtubs very comfortable. The elongated design of these tubs offers great support for your head and neck area which improves your relaxation experience.
Japanese Soaking Tubs – These tubs are usually round in shape with the exception of the Japanese Ofuro bathtubs which are rectangular. These freestanding bathtubs are mainly used for soaking in, and in Japan one full tub can be used for the whole family, as you would wash yourself before you took a soak in the tub. Japanese bathtubs are large and deep and you would be in a sitting position with the water level up to your neck. Traditional Japanese tubs are made out of wood but they can be found in more modern materials today.
Whirlpool or Circular Freestanding Bathtubs – These bathtubs are large in size and will need to be placed in a larger than average bathroom or separate room used for bathing. The great advantage of these larger round tubs is that they can be placed in the center of the bathroom making them a great design element in your bathroom. Many of these bathtubs come with an air jetted or water jetted system which is preferred by most people as it has great health benefits. The hydro-massage therapy is great for old injuries and blood circulation. Whirlpool tubs are mostly made of high grade acrylics for superior strength.
Pros and Cons of Freestanding bathtubs
- Easy installation, as you only need to install the plumbing pipes.
- Great for stress relief and muscle therapy especially in air or water jetted freestanding tubs.
- Clawfoot bathtubs are very luxurious and have great aesthetic appeal.
- They are easy to clean because of their versatility of access.
- You can also add additional features such as shower faucets giving your tub many functions.
- Freestanding bathtubs are usually more expensive especially for bronze freestanding tubs.
- These tubs are also very heavy making them hard to move around when being installed.
- Tubs made from cast iron and porcelain can be hard to clean.
Freestanding Tub Materials
Freestanding bathtubs are becoming more and more popular these days. Because of this, manufacturers of bathtubs are introducing more varieties for customers to choose from. There are different colors, shapes, and sizes. Some even come in packages, complete with a sink and a faucet for that themed or pulled-together look. Whatever your personality is and whatever your budget is, you can be sure there’s a freestanding tub waiting for you. But before you make a purchase, make sure the freestanding tub you buy is a perfect fit for the space you’re allotting for it. Measure the tub area and write down the dimensions so you can have a solid reference when you’re at the store. Free standing tubs are often positioned in the center of the bathroom so you can work around them, adding other fixtures here and there. They can also be placed against the wall, making plumbing activities easier to achieve and hide. Here are some of the materials that freestanding tubs are available in:
- Copper
- Wood
- Marble
- Concrete
- Acrylic
- Fibreglass
- Porcelain
- Stone
- Cast Iron
How to install a freestanding Clawfoot Bathtub
Step 1 – Finding the position – First thing you need to do is to decide on the positioning of the clawfoot bathtub, you can place the tub next to the wall of your bathroom or in a more center position. Once you have found the correct placing you can place your bathtub in position.
Step 2 – Raising the tub – Now you need to find something to place underneath your bathtub to keep it raised above the ground, a sturdy wooden box usually works well in this case. Your bathtub needs to be raised in order for you to address the plumbing and other fixtures such as the claw feet. Some clawfoot tubs come with removable feet, others are permanently fixed. The tub should only be raised slightly off the ground.
Step 3 – Attaching the bolts – You can start by bolting the two feet of the drain side of your tub down to the floor first, then the other two feet. Once you have bolted the tub down you can remove your supports, if the tub has a wobble you can add washers to the opposing foot to level it out.
Antique Freestanding Bathtubs
Any type of antique furniture seems to add instant character to a room or house. Many people feel no differently about an antique freestanding tub. Clawfoot bathtubs are one of the more popular styles. They date back to the Elizabethan period and hold a charm unique from any other antique style tub. Other classic tub models include pedestal tubs and slipper tubs (combined with clawfoot and pedestal tubs). We’ll explore more than one way to get a vintage bathtub.
Methods for Acquiring Antique Freestanding Bathtubs
Buying a new tub: This seems like an obvious fix if you want an antique freestanding tub. But as with most things there are choices within choices. Most people would probably say the optimum way to buy an antique bathtub is to find one in pristine condition. While this is ideal, it’s also difficult and costly. Finding such a rare valuable may cost you tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t have the inclination to search or the available cash to buy such a gem, there are alternatives.
Refinishing an old tub: One way around this problem is to purchase an antique freestanding tub that is not in mint condition and have it refinished by a professional (or perhaps learn how to do this yourself). Refinishing can also become costly (in the $1,000s) depending on the amount of work that has to be done. Minor damage such as scratches and stains are not a big deal. However, you’ll want to check any tub carefully to ensure that the actual material is still intact. If this has cracked, the tub is ruined and won’t hold water. Damage to the outer porcelain coating, however, is repairable. You can also search for Freestanding Acrylic Tubs. The Internet is a great resource for antique bathtubs that need refinishing; but do your homework to find a reputable source and to ensure the tub is actually salvageable.
Outsourcing the refinishing: If you’d prefer not to do the refinishing of your antique freestanding tub yourself, there are companies that sell or specialize in refinished antique bathtubs. The styles of antique bathtubs and the time period they come from will vary. You’ll also find a host of prices since it’s a limited quantity business. Some refinished antique bathtubs are relatively affordable, costing little more than a new standard American tub. On the other hand, the more unique the tub, the more expensive it will be. If you have a specific type of tub in mind and you only want an original, you may have to hunt and/or wait for one to appear. If it is something special, you can also expect to pay more.
For any type of freestanding bathtub, whether an original in perfect condition, a salvage yard find you plan to refinish, or an already refinished original, research the style of tub you want. Find out what features it should have and what condition it must be in to be used as a bathtub. Your effort and research will ensure you have a functional and attractive antique freestanding bathtub that looks and works like new.