When planning a bathroom remodel, one of the key decisions you face is choosing between a freestanding or built-in bathtub. Both styles have their merits and potential drawbacks, so it’s important to carefully consider your needs, preferences, and space constraints before making a selection. As Boston’s premier bathroom remodeling experts, Bath Planet is here to help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Freestanding Bathtubs
Pros:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Freestanding tubs are often considered the more visually striking option. They serve as a focal point in the bathroom, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the space. From classic clawfoot designs to sleek modern shapes, freestanding tubs come in a wide variety of styles to suit any décor.
- Flexibility in Placement: Unlike built-in tubs, freestanding models can be placed anywhere in the bathroom where plumbing allows. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous in larger bathrooms or unique layouts.
- Easier Installation: In many cases, freestanding tubs are easier and quicker to install than built-in models, potentially reducing labor costs and minimizing disruption during your remodel.
- Illusion of Space: By allowing visibility of the floor beneath and around them, freestanding tubs can make a bathroom appear more spacious.
Cons:
- Limited Storage: Freestanding tubs lack the built-in surrounds that often provide valuable storage space for toiletries and bath products.
- Cleaning Challenges: The space between the tub and the wall or floor can be difficult to clean and may accumulate dust and grime over time.
- Potential for Water Damage: Without a sealed connection to the wall, there’s a higher risk of water splashing or leaking onto the floor, potentially causing damage if not properly managed.
- Cost: High-end freestanding tubs, especially those made from premium materials like copper or stone, can be significantly more expensive than standard built-in models.
Built-In Bathtubs
Pros:
- Practical Storage: The surround of a built-in tub provides ample space for built-in shelving, niches, or ledges to store bath products, candles, and other accessories.
- Easy Cleaning: With sealed edges against the wall and floor, built-in tubs are generally easier to clean and maintain.
- Water Containment: The design of built-in tubs, often incorporating a shower, helps contain water splashes more effectively, reducing the risk of water damage to the bathroom floor.
- Cost-Effective: Standard built-in tubs are usually more affordable than their freestanding counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option for many homeowners.
- Versatility: Built-in tubs can easily incorporate shower functionality, offering the best of both worlds for those who enjoy both baths and showers.
Cons:
- Less Visual Impact: While built-in tubs can certainly be attractive, they generally don’t serve as a striking design feature in the same way freestanding tubs do.
- Limited Placement Options: Built-in tubs typically need to be installed against at least one wall, limiting your layout options.
- More Complex Installation: Installing a built-in tub often requires more extensive work, including tiling and potentially adjusting the room’s structure, which can increase installation time and costs.
- Permanence: Once installed, built-in tubs are more difficult and expensive to replace or remove if you decide to change your bathroom design in the future.
Considerations for Boston Area Homeowners
When making your decision, it’s important to consider some factors specific to homes in the greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts area:
- Space Constraints: Many older homes in Boston have smaller bathrooms, which might make a space-saving built-in tub a more practical choice. However, if you have a larger bathroom or are expanding as part of your remodel, a freestanding tub could be a luxurious option.
- Home Style: Consider the architectural style of your home. A Victorian in Beacon Hill might be perfectly suited to a classic clawfoot tub, while a modern condo in the Seaport District could be complemented by a sleek, contemporary freestanding design. For more traditional Colonial or Cape Cod style homes common in the suburbs, a built-in tub might be the most harmonious choice.
- Resale Value: If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, consider what potential buyers might prefer. In many cases, a versatile built-in tub with shower functionality appeals to a broader range of buyers.
- Energy Efficiency: New England winters can be harsh, so consider the insulation properties of your chosen tub. Some high-quality freestanding tubs offer excellent heat retention, but built-in tubs can be installed with additional insulation to keep your bath water warmer for longer, potentially saving on heating costs.
- Accessibility: For aging-in-place considerations or homes with elderly family members, built-in tubs often offer more stability and can more easily incorporate safety features like grab bars.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the choice between a freestanding and built-in bathtub comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle needs, and the specific characteristics of your bathroom space. At Bath Planet, we’re committed to helping you navigate this decision and find the perfect bathtub solution for your Boston area home.
Our experienced design consultants can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation, helping you weigh factors like your bathroom’s size and layout, your design preferences, and your budget. Whether you choose the elegant luxury of a freestanding tub or the practical versatility of a built-in model, Bath Planet has the expertise to bring your bathroom vision to life. Contact us today at (617) 202-3422 to start planning your perfect bathroom remodel!
