Apply for a Trade Account
Learn More
A
B
C
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
M
P
R
S
T
V
W
Excellent Service
Secure Payment
Free Delivery on orders over £500*
0113 244 4400Open 8.30am - 5pm
Call 0113 244 4400
Sanctuary Bathrooms Blog
Posted on Friday 14th February 2020 by Des Roberts
Of all the latest trends in bathroom design, the freestanding bath appears to have the greatest appeal. Gone are the days when you needed an acre-sized bathroom and a trust fund to own one. The undeniable beauty and glamour they bring to your bathroom is clear, but when it comes to buying one, you want to make sure you know your stuff.
This freestanding bath buying guide can answer the most frequently asked questions you may have before purchasing:
If you find yourself looking for a little more information before you buy, then this article will provide you with everything you need.
A freestanding bath stands alone in your bathroom without being attached to a supporting wall structure. They usually sit directly on the floor or are mounted on feet, making a great centrepiece for any bathroom design.
You might envisage a freestanding bath to be the focal point of a bathroom with oodles of space all around it. This is true with bathrooms of a certain size, but with a huge variety of sizes and styles now available, space isn’t the issue it used to be. While they do make a stunning showpiece, you’re left with the freedom to dictate how you want it to impact your bathroom design.
Without the restrictions of having to be up against the wall or tucked away in a corner, the structure of your freestanding bath can be whatever suits you and your family best. It can be narrow and shallow for young kids, or deep and wide if you’re someone who likes a long relaxing soak in the tub after work.
Freestanding baths tend to fall within two camps, traditional and contemporary. This isn’t a rigid definition as some baths have elements of both within their design.
Traditional freestanding baths have that classic feel about them and consist of slipper baths and roll top baths. The classic feel is further enhanced by the supporting claw feet, better suited to a traditional bathroom design.
Slipper baths are characterised by their shape, with one end being higher than the other. A more modern take on the slipper bath allows the bath to rest directly onto the floor, creating a seamless structure allowing for a more contemporary feel.
Roll top baths, as the name suggests, feature a curved roll or lip as a design feature at the top of the bath. Unlike the slipper bath, both ends tend to be of equal height.
Contemporary freestanding baths feature outstanding curves, smooth lines and a clean, minimalist design, the kind of bath that you would expect to see in a luxury hotel or spa retreat. The simplicity of the design aids a feeling of tranquillity and relaxation. Rolltop baths with a modern design feature more extravagant shapes and added creativity, a freestanding bath trend increasing in popularity.
You can find out more about the shapes and sizes of freestanding bath in our Understanding Bath Sizes guide here.
Historically, copper and natural stone were the primary popular materials for freestanding baths, now they’re more prominently used for high-end luxury. Today, there are three popular choices: acrylic, composite or steel. There are different advantages to each, but ultimately it comes down to which you feel best fits your dream bathroom design.
Acrylic baths are a common feature in modern bathrooms, and this is for a number of reasons. The material is more affordable than other options, and it’s easily maintained. An added bonus to using acrylic material is that it’s excellent at absorbing and retaining heat – perfect if you’re someone who likes a lengthy relax in the tub, it will also reduce the energy use of taking a bath.
Made from a mixture of resin and ground stone, usually quartz or granite, the composite bath gives you so many styles and designs to choose from. You can opt for a natural look or choose a colour that fits your bathroom design, the outstanding look of a composite freestanding bath is what makes this material unique. As well as a stunning exterior, composite freestanding baths are durable and affordable.
A unique material, QuarryCast™ is made from finely ground Volcanic Limestone™ mixed with resin and is a material unique to Victoria and Albert Freestanding Baths. It retains heat well and the limestone delivers a beautiful natural look. It’s a composite material but deserves a special mention for the glossy look and exceptional strength to weight ratio it provides.
Steel baths are a more contemporary version of the old iron bathtubs. Their thick porcelain enamel coating means they retain the classic look but are lighter in weight making them suitable for installation upstairs. Although they look great, steel isn’t the best at retaining heat. If you like a long bath, another option may be more suited.
If you’re not sure whether a freestanding bath is best for you, here are a list of the pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
If you want to discuss whether a freestanding bath is the right option for you and your bathroom, why not get in touch with our team and they will be more than happy to help you.
It can be difficult to put a shower over a freestanding bath – if you’re set on having a shower as well, a built-in bath might be the route you want to go down. If you really need a shower with your freestanding bath, it can be done, but it may spoil the aesthetics of your new tub. The elegant design of freestanding baths would need to be wrapped in a shower curtain to avoid water spillages. One possible solution is getting a small hand-held shower unit for the end of the freestanding baths for rinsing off.
Another issue to consider before even purchasing a freestanding bath is whether or not the installation of the bath is part of a complete remodel of the bathroom or whether it is a re-fit.
If it is a complete remodel of the bathroom then during the planning stages steps can and should be taken to accommodate the necessary plumbing and waste concerns.
If the freestanding bath is intended to replace a standard bathtub then the implications of moving the waste system has to be given greater consideration. Unlike with a standard bath fitting where the waste system is housed underneath the bath, a freestanding bath installation has the waste system housed below floor level.
Generally freestanding baths cost more than built-in baths – but their price varies depending on the brand, design and material. Our range here at Sanctuary Bathrooms has both affordable and more luxury models. If you’re looking to price up the cost of a new freestanding bath, feel free to take a look.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you’re looking for a stunning new bath and installation isn’t a problem, then a freestanding bath might be best for you. Choosing a freestanding bath gives you more freedom to dictate the style and positioning of your new tub, helping you achieve that dream bathroom design.
Want to know how we can help with your bathroom design? Our Design and Planning Team will be happy to help create your perfect bathroom space. Get in touch today!
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturday: 9am - 4:30pm, Sunday: Closed