Freestanding vs Built In Bath – Which Is Best?

When designing a bathroom renovation, your decisions will come down to two major factors. You have to consider the function, and you need to think about the aesthetics. A freestanding bath can provide a stunning focal point in a bathroom renovation. But, if you prefer showers over baths, a built-in might be a more suitable option from a functionality standpoint. 

What Is A Freestanding Bath? 

A freestanding bath is just that – a bath that stands on its own. You can use it stylistically as a focal point for your new look bathroom. As they don’t require any wall support, they can be placed anywhere, with the centre being the most dramatic option. They come in all shapes and sizes, as well as different materials. You can allow the overall style, and feel of your renovation to guide the bath material choice. If you have young children, pressed steel or acrylic may be more suitable. If not, an organic matte feel could be perfect. A freestanding bath is a good choice for people who love baths and take baths more often than they do showers. It is also a good choice if you have a large space to work with. 

What Is A Built-In Bath 

A built-in bath is perfect for people who have a smaller space to work with and tend to shower more often than take a bath. A built-in bath is built into an area that holds the bath itself, with tiling or wet wall finishing the look. It’s usually integrated with a shower. There is usually a surrounding ledge, which makes it easier for parents to bathe small children. It also makes it easy for older children to get in and out. The ledge also provides additional storage space and is easy to clean. 

Pros & Cons 

When dealing with bathroom renovations, there are a lot of decisions to make. To give you a better idea of which option is right for you, consider the pros and cons.

Freestanding Bath Pros 

•       It’s a scene-stealing focal point.
•       They come in a variety of styles, so you are sure to find one that meets your aesthetic.
•       It is a simple installation, assuming there is no need to reroute plumbing lines.

Freestanding Bath Cons 

•       100mm clearance on all sides of a freestanding bath is necessary to ensure proper cleaning.
•       They are the more expensive option.
•       They tend to carry extra weight and may require reinforced flooring.

Built-In Bath Pros 

•       They are the more affordable option.
•       They are better for both storage and space purposes.
•       Not only are they easier to clean, but the plumbing is also less complicated, which makes them simpler all around.

Built-In Bath Cons 

•       There aren’t as many style options for built-in bathtubs, and you don’t have much flexibility with regards to placement.
•       Built-in baths require extra installation steps, such as sealing and mounting. It’s a more time-consuming and delicate process.
•       It’s difficult to capture the same statement with a built-in tub as you can with a freestanding tub.

How Crystal Bathrooms Can Help You Choose The Right Bath 

We are happy to meet with you to discuss your ideas about bathroom renovation in Sydney. You can describe your ideal look to us, and from there, we would be happy to advise you on your options. We can provide advice on which fixtures and fittings are suitable for commercial bathrooms and which options are better for residential renovations. Before we start renovating bathrooms, we will confirm a design with you. We want you to have the function and the design of your dreams. At Crystal Bathrooms, we specialise in bathroom renovations of all sizes, whether it’s your home or a commercial bathroom remodel. Get in touch with us for your free quote now.