Freestanding bathtub: pros or cons

For a modern city apartment, a free-standing bathtub is usually a luxury item, as it requires a large bathroom area and special preparation. Many people, out of habit, place a bathtub in the corner, without thinking that there are other layout options. Like any interior solution, a design with a free-standing bathtub has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of a Freestanding Bathtub
The main argument in favor is the magnificent appearance of such a bathtub in the interior. She can radically transform a bathroom and turn it from standard to luxurious and exclusive. Free-standing models come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Unlike built-in bathtubs, which are all rectangular in shape and differ only in the type of covering, freestanding bathtubs can be custom-made to suit any wishes.
Free-standing bathtubs in the interior have other advantages:

     Convenient access from all sides;
     It is easy to monitor the status of communications;
     The separate location makes cleaning easier - cleaning the floor under the bathroom will not be difficult;
     Exclusivity - manufacturers can make a bathtub of any color and size to order

Bathing in a separate bath will bring a lot of pleasure compared to the standard arrangement. A bathtub located in the middle of the room creates a feeling of large space and psychological comfort.

Arguments against a free-standing bathtub
Most of the disadvantages that a separate bath has are related to the complexity of connecting communications. Therefore, you should carefully study this issue before purchasing. Otherwise, it may turn out that connecting a bathtub in the house does not have the technical capabilities or requires a serious investment of money. Other disadvantages include:

     Connection cost. With the standard version, the pipes and drain are already built into the wall and are ready for connection. For a separate bath, they will have to be supplied additionally. Particularly difficult in this regard are free-standing bathtubs with legs - you will have to try hard to hide the siphon and drain pipe;

     Instability. This is especially true for bathtubs with legs - they swing easily and can tip over if handled carelessly. But even if the bathtub does not turn over, any small shift leads to damage to communications and the appearance of leaks. To eliminate this drawback, it is worth paying attention to the reliable fastening of the bath during installation;

     Water splashing. There are no special blinds or curtains for a separate bath, so you need to either wash carefully or be prepared to constantly clean up puddles;

     Fast cooling. It is not possible to insulate the bathtub, and due to free access of air to all its surfaces, hot water cools faster;

     Special requirements for flooring. Models with legs require a coating that can withstand heavy loads. When installing such a bathtub, it is necessary to prepare a floor made of stone or tiles. When finishing the floor with laminate, it is better to give preference to a bathtub with a flat base, where the load is evenly distributed over the entire area

     Another disadvantage is the high price compared to traditional options.

Most of the shortcomings are completely removable with a competent approach to installation and selection. Despite all the disadvantages, a luxurious and exclusive free-standing bathtub is in steady demand. Manufacturers offer bathtubs not only from the usual cast iron and acrylic, but also unique models made from steel, artificial stone, copper and other unusual materials. This allows you to make the bathtub not only a place for washing, but also a real decoration of the interior.