A freestanding tub takes bathroom luxury up a notch. If you're investigating this option in a bathroom remodel, you should know what it takes to install one—and whether you're willing to go the extra mile to seal the deal on spa luxury in your own home. The process involves choosing a style and material and ensuring your bathroom floor can handle the weight and accommodate the plumbing.
Spa Luxury
The primary advantage to using a freestanding tub is that you aren't limited to a beside-the-wall installation. Because the tub is visible from all sides, it's much nicer looking. It makes a visual impact when you enter the room, too.
Just because the tub is different than a standard tub doesn't mean you're limited in choice of style either. Today, manufacturers make all sorts of freestanding tubs, including clawfoot tubs that look vintage, modern styles, and grand soaker tubs. It's also possible to choose a tub constructed from cast iron, metal, stone, acrylic, or even wood.
Installation Tips
As a homeowner, you should know what it takes to successfully install a solitary tub. Instead of being tucked neatly away in a corner, freestanding tubs often take center stage—and more room. Make sure you have the space for it and the necessary clearance around it. The plumbing for the tub needs to come from the ground—not the wall. If you have existing plumbing you want to use and you're switching out a standard tub for a standing one, the installer/plumber will have to make adjustments to run the plumbing under the floor and patch the wall where the existing plumbing supplied water to the old tub.
Another important consideration is that these tubs are often heavier than standard tubs. Your contractor will need to evaluate whether your floor can withstand its weight. If it can't, include the costs to reinforce the floor in the project's total cost. Keep in mind that you won't be able to shower in the tub. You should either include installing a standing shower alongside the tub in the project's total price or be willing to do away with showers in the space altogether. Finally, most freestanding tubs don't have edges or ledges where you can store shampoo and soap. Instead, you'll have to make other accommodations available nearby, such as a shelf or small dresser.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
Image source: Flickr
