The best freestanding bathtub demand is increasing yearly, which is not surprising, given how cutting-edge they appear and feel. Some examples are sleek and modern and loaded with extra features for comfort, which you won't experience with a standard one. In contrast, others include features that help you relieve potential pressure points, which leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed after each bath.
The best freestanding bathtubs can instantly add a touch of luxury to your home, and since they don't need to be installed on a water wall, they give you the option to remodel and do a bathroom renovation. They are perfect for people who enjoy long baths and can also make for nice decor in any bathroom to give it a spa-like feel.
However, how will you know which freestanding bathtub is best for you?
What is a Freestanding Tub?
Freestanding bathtubs are different from the traditional ones seen in most homes. They are tubs that can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, depending on the free space available or your convenience.
Freestanding tubs can stand alone without needing to be built in or glued because they are finished on all sides. Despite the wide range of bathtub alternatives available today, the best freestanding bathtub typically provides an exceptional and relaxing experience thanks to its design.
Considering the rising demand, picking the best freestanding bathtub could be a tough choice for some. We have provided you with this detailed review to ease the shopping process. Read on!
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1. WOODBRIDGE Modern Bathroom Glossy Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub B-0010: Best for Durability
- DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS: Exterior Dimension: 67" Long x 31...
- NON-SLIP DESIGN: Non-Slip bathtub meet ASTM standards for Slip...
- PREMIUM QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: WOODBRIDGE bathtub is made out of...
- DESIGN INSPIRATION: WOODBRIDGE bathtub is luxury, comfort and...
- ENDURACLEAN: Easy clean, easy maintenance, stain-resistant,...
WOODBRIDGE Modern freestanding tub is my favorite for its durability as it's designed with top-notch sturdy materials like glossy white lucite acrylic, reinforced with Ashland resin and fiberglass on the tub walls. In addition, the acrylic bathtub is double-walled, meaning the water in the tub can hold the heat for long periods.
Although the tub has a 60-gallon capacity, taller users should know that it is only 67 inches long. Although I am quite tall, the length is not too much of an issue because the tub's edges slope to be kind on my neck and back.
Image credit: Woodbridge.com
In addition, the tub has a pre-installed brushed nickel overflow valve and pop-up drain where the drain is meant to prevent odors and backflow, ensuring it won't crack from cold or warm temperatures.
Lastly, the thick walls have a scratch and stain-resistant finish that will easily get wiped down when cleaning the tub. The durable acrylic material is also covered with a one-year warranty which is a great bonus considering it was built with premium materials and came at a high price.
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2. Empava EMPV-FT1503 Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub: Best for Two People
- SPECIFICATIONS: Outer Dimension: 71" Long x 35" Wide x 23" Deep;...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: The Empava's freestanding tub is made out...
- CONTEMPORARY DESIGN：This Empava's Freestanding Bathtub can be...
- ERGONOMICALLY ENGINEERED: Empava Bathtubs are as pleasing to the...
- CERTIFICATION and cUPC Certified; 5-Year Limited. Besides,...
As a couple looking for a freestanding tub to fit both of you, there is no better choice than this. We guarantee you will relax because you will recline thanks to the two ergonomic sides, double slipper, and large design comfortably.
Image Credit: Empava.com
Like other high-quality stand-alone bathtubs, it boasts a double-walled design that keeps your water at an ultimate temperature for long periods. Consequently, the great tub allowed me to soak my aching muscles comfortably in hot water for a while before the water cooled.
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3. American Standard Townsend Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub 2691004.020: Best for Showering
- CONTEMPORARY DESIGN with sleek, clean lines
- FLAT BACK offers flexibility to install flush-to-the-wall or...
- DEEP BATHING WELL for complete soaking comfort
- High-quality seamless acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement
- High-gloss surface is smooth, lustrous and easy to clean
American Standard bathtub is one of the best freestanding tubs if you want to incorporate your showers in bathtubs. We recommend it for showering since you can install the shower head anywhere, thanks to the drain in the middle.
Image Credit: americanstandard-us.com
Another reason we recommend this tub for showering is that it has a smooth surface which is super easy to clean. Hence, cleaning it after I was done with my shower took a short while, and I avoided the tub getting slippery.
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4. Ferdy Bali Acrylic Tub: Best for Smaller Bathrooms
- 🛀 GRACEFUL SHAPE: Our FerdY Bali freestanding bathtub offers...
- 🛀 A PERFECT BATHING EXPERIENCE: With 47-inch length and...
- 🛀 TOP CLASS MATERIAL: 100% glossy white acrylic reinforced...
- 🛀 EASY INSTALLATION: Illustrated guide with step-by-step...
- 🛀 FAST AND EFFICIENT AFTER-SALES EXPERIENCE: We are committed...
We recommend if you are shopping for a product that will fit small bathrooms because you don't have a lot of space. The soaking tub can carry 39 gallons and weighs 75.8 pounds, but it's still enough to get a good soak in thanks to the extra soaking depth than a traditional bathtub.
Image Credit: Ferdybath.com
Ferdy Bali Acrylic Tub is also the best tub if you are looking for an eco-friendly and durable product since it's made of 100% glossy white acrylic reinforced with fiberglass. In addition, it comes at a reasonable price and has an integrated slotted overflow drain making it perfect for small bathrooms.
Thanks to its easy installation process and minimalist design, it is one of my favorites. In addition, it comes with a detailed instruction manual that illustrates a step-by-step guide on implementing the tub into your bathroom.
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5. Vanity Art Modern Soaking Tub: Best for a Long Soak
- Relax and wind down in your pure-scape luxurious freestanding...
- The freestanding bathtub can be paired with any tub filler (not...
- Bathtubs are as pleasing to the eye as they are comfortable to...
- Easy clean, easy maintenance, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant...
- Delivery and return policy: Curbside Delivery Only. We accept...
Vanity Art Modern Soaking Tub is our top choice if you are looking for the best bathtubs with a contemporary design for long soaks without breaking your bank. The tub has an oval shape and a slippered end giving it a contemporary touch. After all, the look echos a modern twist on a slippered clawfoot.
Image Credit: VanityArt.com
I also like the polished chrome on the pop-up drain on the left side, including a similarly finished drain. However, since this Vanity Art model comes at an affordable price, it doesn't include all the features. For instance, it lacks jets and includes a substandard plumbing line that you cannot replace.
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6. Wyndham Collection Soho 72-inch Freestanding Bathtub
- Much deeper than standard tubs for full immersion. Warmer to the...
- Acrylic construction for strength and ease of handling and...
- Cable-driven pop-up drain and waste overflow are included and...
- UPC and cUPC Approved.
- Quality Guaranteed - Comes with a Manufacturer Two Year Limited...
We couldn't finish the list without recommending a freestanding tub that is deep enough to give you enough support while taking your bath. Thanks to its quality construction and material, this acrylic bathtub is more comfortable than casual steel or enamel bathtubs.
Image Credit: Wyndhamcollection.com
I like that the Wyndham Collection Soho freestanding bathtub has a cable-driven pop-up drain and overflow, which come with the product. However, I had to purchase a separate tub filler since this large tub doesn't include one.
Not only is it comfortable, but this bathtub is also durable thanks to its acrylic construction, which makes it sturdy enough for worry-free installation. The installment also carries a two-year warranty to ensure a seamless experience. Plus, it's warmer to the touch compared to traditional bathtubs.
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What are the Main Types of Freestanding Bathtubs?
Freestanding tubs come in different types, which you can choose according to your preference, bathroom style, and the most appealing. Below are the common types you will find in most stores or during online shopping:
1. Single-Slipper
Image Credit: madeinchina.com
Single slipper designs are made in a way that they have one raised end, and the other is at the normal level. We recommend this style if you prefer sitting in the freestanding tub alone, especially for the extra comfort it offers.
Also, thanks to the raised end, you are guaranteed your back will get enough support, allowing you to sit and relax comfortably.
2. Double-Slipper
Image Credit: ingeniovirtual.com
Double slipper designs are styles with slightly lower middles, with both ends raised, making them perfect for couples. For example, if you enjoy taking a bath with your significant other, the tubs allow you to lay your head on each end.
3. Double-Ended
Image Credit: bathcenter.com
As its name suggests, double-ended designs have two rounded ends that allow you to bathe from any side where the bathtub walls are sloped to ensure maximum comfort. The ends are leveled and not raised, allowing you to lay your head on the edges while soaking and relaxing in warm water.
If you wish to take a bath with someone, the bathtub should be big enough for both of you, although these styles can exist in various sizes to suit your demands.
4. Single-Ended
Image Credit: victorianplumbinguk.com
The single-ended freestanding tub style is common in most homes with only one rounded end. This freestanding bath is meant for lounging. Also, the other end can be used for the faucet and drain.
5. Pedestal or Skirted Bathtubs
Image Credit: home-designing.com
Pedestal tubs are freestanding tubs that use a plinth to stand on the floor to make you feel like you are standing on a pedestal, unlike others that use claw feet. They are mostly combined with other styles, such as single-ended, single-slipper, or double-slipper designs.
6. Clawfoot
Clawfoot freestanding tubs are the opposite of pedestal types and have been popular since the 80s. However, like the pedestal style, the clawfoot types can also feature in other bathtub styles.
Clawfoot types are a perfect blend of vintage accents with a modern twist and will be a unique decoration in your bathroom. They are perfect for people who want to replace the old clawfoot tubs but still want to maintain the same traditional, beautiful look.
7. Japanese Soaking
Image Credit: aquaticabath.eu
Japanese soaking tubs are the smallest in length, but they have a bigger soaking depth, and when bathing, you will be submerged in water that will reach your shoulders. These may also come in larger sizes that accommodate two people; some will even add an extra integrated seat.
They are not the best tub style if you prefer a tub that allows you to lie inside as you do in your bed. However, finding Japanese soaking tubs can be difficult; the few available might not be as eye-catching as one would want.
8. Walk-In Freestanding Tub
Image Credit: smooth baths
Walk-in styles are the best freestanding tubs if you have mobility issues. They come with a door-like part that gives access to the inside, meaning you won't have to lift your legs whenever you want to get in.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Freestanding Tub
If you want to figure out the best freestanding tub, there are several factors you should consider before you purchase a product. They include:
1. Construction
Freestanding bathtubs can be manufactured from several materials, much like other tub types. Whatever material you decide on should be resistant to stains and scratches.
The following are popular materials used to make freestanding tubs, including:
a). Copper
Although the copper material is heavy and expensive, freestanding copper tubs have a visual appeal that is unlike any other.
b). Acrylic
The standard for the best freestanding tubs is fiberglass-reinforced acrylic material which is extremely durable, lightweight, and affordable. In addition, a double-walled construction will retain heat better than a single-walled acrylic tub.
c). Cast Iron
This classic tub material is super durable but heavy. Additionally, the tubs are the perfect choice if you like partial to long soaks because they retain heat well.
d). Resin
Resin tubs are quite heavy, so they need to be reinforced on the floor. They also come with a built-in overflow drain system, and the material is beautiful since it has a modern style.
e). Stone
Stone is another freestanding bathtub material used to create elegant yet durable tubs that work well in retaining heat. However, it is super heavy and quite difficult to install safely.
2. Size and Capacity
When shopping for the best freestanding tubs, you must ensure they're large enough to fit you and your partner. Freestanding tubs are not attached to the floor, unlike built-in tubs, but because of their balance and weight, they stay put once positioned.
The size is important because if your freestanding tub is too large, your whole bathroom might need remodeling. However, if it's too small, you might find that it will not only fit you but will not be aesthetically pleasing within the space.
Freestanding tubs come in different sizes, and they start from 55 inches long and can go up to 72 inches or more. Another thing you should note is how deep the tubs are, where deeper tubs are better for soaking, and longer tubs work best for two people.
Opt for tubs with at least 13 inches of soaking depth to allow you to submerge yourself fully.
3. Style
The tub's aesthetic appeal is not an issue to some people. Why should appearance matter when you're only going to use it to clean yourself?
In some situations, it does matter, especially if you're a perfectionist who cares about how everything looks. Fortunately, since they are all so beautiful, freestanding bathtubs are a safe bet. First, however, you must consider a design that complements the surroundings.
Weigh the look you want to create: Is it more classic or contemporary? This assessment should aid in making a decision.
For instance, a vintage slipper bathtub could come together beautifully if you want a classical aesthetic. In contrast, if you desire a trendy look, you should use a metallic finish.
4. Features
Image Credit: forbes.com
When shopping for anything, one with extra features will always have the upper hand over the others.
a). Feet
Freestanding tubs have different features; some have built-in feet, and others come with a simple flat bottom that rests on your floor. Claw feet, a popular choice, are made from metal, but different designs come with different feet types.
Choose adjustable feet as they help when you need to level your tub on an uneven surface to prevent it from rocking.
b). Fixtures
Faucets
While it's rare, there are freestanding tubs that have a faucet and a handheld sprayer included. If you don't find one with a faucet, ensure you check if all the necessary hardware needed for installation is included.
Chrome is the least expensive of the three commonly used faucet materials (bronze, chrome, and nickel), although it exhibits fingerprints and wet spots more readily than the other two.
Acrylic and cast iron tubs might have many faucet options, like inner-wall tub drillings or the rolled rim.
Jets and lights
Although rare, some additions come with the best freestanding tubs, like underwater lighting and air or water jets. These are great additional features to add to your relaxation, even though they will directly affect the cost.
Drains and Pipes
These are necessary elements in the bathtub installation process and operations, and they mostly come with the tub.
c). Edge
Some of the best freestanding tubs come with straight edges, while others feature a curved lip. These edges help to provide a smooth yet elegant appearance, but they will also limit the types of faucets you can install.
d). Overflow
Overflows are common in sinks and bathtubs, where they protect your bathroom against flooding if you forget to turn off the faucet. However, most tubs don't include this feature, and you must purchase the faucet separately, so be cautious while shopping.
Some freestanding tubs will feature a cutout for overflow protection, and others will include ornate materials like a brushed nickel finish.
5. Installation
Installing a freestanding tub is not particularly challenging, but you will need some plumbing experience or a professional. Ensure the tub comes with thorough, step-by-step instructions, preferably with illustrations.
Also, an integrated tub kit with a faucet, drain, and other necessary hardware components will make installation easier.
6. Cost
The price of a freestanding bathtub ranges from about $600 to more than $2,000; the average is between $700 and $900. In addition, these tubs often come with warranties that last a few years to a lifetime.
a). Inexpensive
Simple acrylic freestanding tubs are more portable and more suited for one person. In addition, you can find them at lower prices, between $600 and $700. These bathtubs typically come with minimal accessories and lack many advanced features.
b). Mid-Range
Larger tubs that can accommodate multiple people become available as the price goes up, from $700 to $900. The quality of these accessories improves as the cost increases, including additions like drains and even faucets.
c). Expensive
Peak pricing between $900 and $2,000 and higher is typically reserved for bathtubs made of copper or similar premium material and those with whirlpool jets and lighting components.
Conclusion
Investing in the best freestanding bathtub gives your bathroom an exquisite, contemporary look while providing comfort and relaxation at the end of a long day. With this guide, you should now figure out which kind of freestanding tub best suits your needs.
We have identified the benefits and why they are important by examining the various specifications of particular units. Of course, owning freestanding baths has its benefits and drawbacks, but there is no doubt about how stylish the modern design of these products is.
