Classic and Beautiful – The Freestanding Bathtub
So many people are used to seeing bathtubs anchored to the walls that most have forgotten the charm that can come from a freestanding bathtub. A freestanding bathtub reminds people of the old days of claw-footed bathtubs, but they can also work well with a contemporary design. Freestanding bathtubs are a wonderful option for many people who are interested in adding a unique, eye-catching feature to their bathrooms. If you are remodeling a bathroom, here are three reasons to consider installing a freestanding bath.
First, and primarily, freestanding bathtubs are very visually appealing. These tubs tend to remind people of the days of claw-footed bathtubs. Everyone has seen one in a museum or old picture, but many people have never seen one in real life. The shock and “wow” value of a tub in the middle of the bathroom simply cannot be beat since most people are used to the inset tubs in the corner of the room. Even if put into a corner of your bathroom, a freestanding bath adds a great deal of visual interest to the room. They are interesting to look at and add a unique design element that can’t be found in every suburban cookie cutter house on your block. Like most installations of new plumbing, freestanding bathtubs generally require professional installation, but they are not difficult to maintain once they are in.
How much Does a Freestanding Bathtub Cost?
Many people think that freestanding bathtubs are old fashioned, but the truth is that a freestanding bath can fit in with any décor. In an older house the claw-footed bathtub may be a perfect fit. Generally speaking, these tubs are either made with cast iron or acrylic. Acrylic freestanding tubs seem to be a little more expensive than the iron ones ranging at about $1100 to $1500 from a brief look at a few online shops. Cast iron free standing tubs are very heavy (being made with iron) and seem to be slightly less expensive ranging from about $900 to $1100. Costs of these freestanding tubs can vary of course and if you happen to buy one online, you’ll have to factor in the shipping costs into your purchase. If you are not an online shopper, going to a showroom or hardware store can give you a good idea of the extensive variety of free stand bathtubs that are available as well as the wide range of prices that they will cost you in your local market. The good news is that there is something for every décor and every budget. No matter what the design of your home, a newly installed freestanding bathtub can add visual appeal and a feeling of luxury to your bathroom.
Since many people love the look of freestanding bathtubs, installing one can significantly increase the resale value of your house. Overall, a bathroom remodel is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your house. Going from a small master bathroom to one that contains a luxurious freestanding bath and other higher-end features will make your home more appealing to any buyers who have an eye for quality. Although we highly recommend that these bathtubs be put in by a professional installation, they are a great way to increase the appeal of your house. Besides that, you will get to take advantage of it before you ever decide to sell.
What to Do for A Shower In A Freestanding Bathtub?
Many people have spent years avoiding so-called old-fashioned bathtubs, but like many other things…what is old, is now new again. These bathtubs are more popular than ever before. However, along with the “old world” charm, comes a bit of a modern day problem. Most people don’t have tons of time to soak their cares away in a bathtub vs. a quick shower. How do you handle not having a shower in these bathtubs? Two options come to mind.
First, you have the option of adding a shower adapter unit to your bathtub fixture. These adapters fit onto the bathtub faucet and then have a hose connected to them that allows you to take a shower. Often times you’ll see a freestanding bathtub with a shower ring stand surrounding it where a shower curtain is hanging from it. Also hanging from this shower curtain stand is a hook where the shower adapter/faucet can be placed.
Your second option is to just install a separate shower unit in your bathroom. While its’ easy for us to say this, we realize that this is not an easy option for many people. Therefore, unless you have the space and resources to manage a bathroom makeover, we still think your best bet is option #1.
