How to Choose a Freestanding Bathtub?

Freestanding bathtubs can be extremely comfortable if the proper decisions are made when purchasing freestanding soaking bathtubs in the first place. Here are some things to consider when choosing a freestanding bathtub:

Materials

The materials used in the production process have an impact on the appearance, as well as the convenience of installation and operation of your bathtub. When it comes to selecting the correct material for your bathtub, two aspects come into play: pricing and comfort. Because you will be spending a large amount of time in your bathtub and your comfort is crucial to enjoy it, you should test out which material seems the most comfortable to you. However, the most comfortable material may be quite pricy and a little heavier, so do some research on what your bathroom can handle before purchasing.

• Acrylic: A light, scratch-resistant material with a modern appearance that is easy to maintain and repair. Acrylic is made in the same way as fiberglass is made: a solid sheet of petrochemicals, stabilizers, resin, and appropriate color is heated and molded into a bathtub shape, which is then reinforced with fiberglass. Acrylic is a popular choice for both drop-in and freestanding bathtubs since it is lightweight and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Fiberglass: This fiberglass reinforced plastic is flexible and light, as well as simple to clean and repair. Solid surface: A high-quality material made from resin and pure acrylic that has the beauty and durability of stone without the weight.
• Cast iron: A hefty, sturdy, and long-lasting material that is difficult to scratch and clean. This material, however, is difficult to repair after it has been damaged. A cast iron bathtub has an attractive, vintage appearance.
• Copper and stainless steel: These stylish and low-maintenance materials are both traditional and modern. Because of its heat conducting qualities, water can stay at the same temperature for longer periods of time.
• Cultured Marble: This material, made of crushed limestone and resin, is as classic as Rome. It maintains heat well and is quite durable, with a superb iridescent gloss. However, the inherent cons of this material restrict it from being widely used. Cultured marble is an expensive material, with a starting price of $700, and it is also extremely heavy, adding to the difficulty of installation. Finally, if cultured marble is not properly maintained, it may discolor and stain.
• Porcelain: Porcelain is made by covering cast iron or stamped steel with a layer of porcelain enamel—a powdered glass and substrate mixture heated into a durable coating. As a result, these bathtubs are extremely robust and non-porous, and will not deform or deteriorate with time. The porcelain coating, on the other hand, is rather sensitive to large impacts, so avoid dropping anything on it or you will leave some very visible imperfections on its surface.
• Ceramic: Ceramic bathtubs are made by molding a large number of ceramic tiles together until they harden. The advantage of this type of building is that ceramic is very comparable to clay, which means it comes in more styles and sizes than any other material on the market. The disadvantage is that ceramic must be constantly maintained or it will decay and disintegrate.
• Wood: Wood, like copper, is a rustic and visually beautiful bathtub material. These bathtubs, made of natural wood and treated with water-resistant wax, are also quite expensive, costing over $2,000. The wax will survive for several years, but with constant use, these bathtubs will break down and are not considered a long-term investment when compared to similarly priced copper bathtubs.

Size

One of the most important factors that impact whether or not you'll find a bathtub comfortable is how well you fit inside of it. While humans vary in size, freestanding bathtubs should be accessible in sizes that are comfortable for the majority of people. Freestanding bathtubs are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the majority of individuals. The entire length can range from 48′′ to 72′′, while the width can range from 30′′ and more.

Although the average length of a freestanding bathtub is 67 inches, there is a range of 35 inches to 72 inches. However, with careful design, a freestanding soaker tub may be possible to fit in a small (but not very small) bathroom.

The widths of these tubs range from 20 to 59 inches, with 32 inches being the most common. The soaking depth is measured from the overflow drain to the tub's interior bottom.

The extra depth is what people like about these freestanding bathtubs package. There are freestanding soaking bathtubs with depths ranging from 14 to 25 inches, with 15 inches being the most prevalent. In comparison, a normal freestanding bathtub typically has a soaking depth of 12 inches.

Installation

• Freestanding Installation
  A freestanding bathtub has the added benefit of being able to be positioned practically anyplace in your home as long as you have a working drain and water source. In this case, a freestanding bathtub is self-contained because it does not require adjacent walls or a carved out entry like most other bathtub forms. While these bathtubs are easy to place anywhere, they are also the largest in size and, depending on the material chosen, the heaviest overall. Because of their design, they can contain a big volume of water weight, so make sure your floor can support the extra weight.
• Alcove Installation
  An alcove bathtub, like a drop-in tub, is set against three walls with one finished side. Typically, you'd have an entrance or an alcove space ready to install your bathtub in, following which you'd connect the necessary plumbing and you're done. Also, because of their size, these tubs are easy to install with just 1-2 people.
• Corner Installation
  Corner bathtubs, maybe the most difficult to install on your own, include a few more moving elements than other bathtubs on the market. Because of its wider shape, this type of bathtub will require a greater installation area than other bathtubs, and you may need additional assistance in placing it. Corner bathtubs also have additional water settings that you may need to consult with a professional if you are new with plumbing.

Price

As previously said, the price of a bathtub is decided by the quality of the material utilized as well as your style preference. Smaller freestanding bathtubs are always less expensive than larger ones, but this does not mean that there is a quality difference between the two. The primary concern here is the material.

• Price per Material
  A standard freestanding bathtub costs between $500 and $2,000 on average, depending on the material used. Because fiberglass is the least expensive material, the price range is often between $200 and $500. Acrylic is next, with a more homogenized price range that begins about $500. Porcelain has a broader price range, with some bathtubs starting at $300 and going up to $1500. Fiberglass, acrylic, and porcelain are generally regarded as more affordable materials on the market, with average prices ranging from $300 to $500.
  Cast iron, steel, and copper are examples of higher-end materials. The beginning price for a cast iron tub is roughly $500, but it may rapidly grow to around $2,000. Following cast iron comes steel, which is significantly less expensive with a starting price of $300, however this is primarily due to the material's weight.
  The extra weight usually outweighs the more affordable elements of it, so if your home can manage it, the weight isn't much of a disadvantage, but keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. Copper comes in last, with a price range close to wood, starting around $1500 because these bathtubs are all custom-made. Of course, there are less expensive options available, but they are not as high in quality as their more expensive counterparts.
• Price per Style
  Style also influences your price because each style is priced differently based primarily on its size. Freestanding bathtubs typically cost between $600 and $3000, not including installation. Alcove bathtubs cost between $400 and $800 on average, not counting installation, which is a bit more involved because the 'alcove' space needs to be measured and prepped, which costs an additional $300-400 if you don't do it yourself.
  Drop-ins are less complicated, costing between $300 and $900, and require far less preparation because most of these can be installed yourself. Finally, there is the corner bathtub, which is a bit more expensive because it has extra functions akin to a hot tub. These normally have a starting price of around $700.

Life Style

Another key factor to consider when purchasing a new freestanding bathtub is who will be utilizing it. A strange statement, but you should take into account all of the needs of the people who will be utilizing your bathtub.

For instance, if you select a taller bathtub that allows for longer soak times, it could be difficult for younger kids to enter and exit without help. The elderly is also subject to this rule.

For the elderly, if you want to invest a little more money, many bathtubs may be built with a walk-in door, allowing the user to sit comfortably while bathing while also containing grips to avoid slipping. When choosing a bathtub, keep in mind the user's height and physical limitations, as there are various style options available for disabled or handicapped people.

All in all, choosing the ideal freestanding bathtub for your home comes down to understanding the categories above and how your family fits into that puzzle.

In terms of size, consider the needs of your household's tallest member and determine whether the tub in issue will suit him or her. You should also consider the fact that children develop quickly. Young athletes could benefit greatly from soaking baths on occasion for recovery. Choosing the ideal slope might be difficult. We would suggest not overthinking that point. Consider who will use the tub the most and whether they prefer the lounging or sitting position.

If you're simply looking for a soaking tub, Solid Surface tubs are the finest option. However, if you want extra bells and whistles or are on a tight budget, acrylic is the way to go. If you have the means to purchase the higher end acrylic tubs, it’s a no brainer to add Empava Acrylic freestanding bathtubs as an option.

Now that we’ve laid out how to choose a freestanding bathtub, it’s up to you to take that information and make a decision on what best suits your needs.