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Freestanding Tubs vs Built-in Bathtubs: Which is Better?

If you’re in the planning stages of your bathroom renovation, you may be considering whether to add a built-in alcove tub or freestanding tub. A traditional built-in tub is great for space-saving efficiency, and a freestanding tub is a luxurious tub that aligns with contemporary and traditional interior design. Which tub fits your vision, budget, and floorplan? Let’s examine the pros and cons of each.

Main Differences Between Freestanding Tubs and Alcove Tubs

A freestanding tub is finished on all four sides which stands independently on the bathroom floor, without the need for wall support. Freestanding tubs can be placed anywhere in a room, their only dependency is the plumbing connection.

An alcove bathtub aka a built-in tub or traditional bathtub is built into the bathroom architecture, usually supported by walls on three sides, the fourth side being where people enter the tub.

Freestanding Tub Characteristics

  • Footprint: Varies by size of tub, can be up to 72 inches in length
  • Plumbing: Exposed risers or wall fillers, may require additional plumbing work
  • Flooring Preparation: Subfloor must be tiled beforehand, Cast iron will require floor reinforcement
  • Shower Integration: Usually not practical, would require custom glass
  • Materials: Acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, stone resin, or copper
  • Heat Retention: Good to excellent
  • Styles: Clawfoot, Egg-shaped, oval-shaped, classic double-slipper, rectangular
  • Aesthetics: Classic elegance for a wide variety of bathroom styles
  • Basin Size: Between 15 and 24 inches high, large freestanding tubs can hold 60 to 100 gallons

Built-in Tub Characteristics

  • Footprint: Usually no more than 60 inches in length, fits cleanly into most alcoves
  • Plumbing: Concealed in-wall framing, usually ready in existing houses
  • Flooring Preparation: Flooring stops at edge of tub apron, no floor reinforcement required in most cases
  • Shower Integration: Seamless with shower surround or enclosure
  • Materials: Ceramic or porcelain
  • Heat Retention: Average to good
  • Styles: Most are rectangular shaped
  • Aesthetics: Standard tub you see in most homes
  • Basin Size: Between 15 and 20 inches high, most built-in tubs hit overflow drain at 14 inches or less

Pros of Freestanding Tubs

  • Tons of Style Choices. With freestanding tubs, there are tons of choices of materials, finishes, styles, and shapes, meaning you can have a wide selection for your bathroom renovation. 
  • Layout Flexibility. Freestanding tubs do not require a supporting wall, so they can be placed nearly anywhere in the bathroom, so long as the plumbing lines can reach the tub.
  • Bigger Basins. Generally, freestanding tubs have a larger depth and higher tub walls, allowing you to bathe luxuriously, relax for long periods of time, and the bathwater stays warm longer than in an alcove tub. 
  • Timeless Style. The classic look of freestanding tubs is extremely popular again, with many homeowners choosing this for practical reasons, and an elegant visual statement in their bathroom.  
  • Separate from the Shower: You don’t have to bathe in a combined alcove tub and shower. The freestanding tub it’s own area. Some homeowners find this preferable for cleaning purposes.

Cons of Freestanding Tubs

  • No Storage for Toiletries. The clean profile lacks built-in ledges, often requiring an additional floor stand, side basket, or over-tub tray to hold personal items.
  • Larger Footprint. You must allow for at least one foot of clearance room between the tub base and surrounding walls to clean the exterior surfaces easily.
  • Potential Plumbing Complexity. Built-in tubs generally have the plumbing built next to the alcove in many bathrooms. For a freestanding tub, the plumbing lines must extend to wherever the tub is placed, which may require extra labor. 
  • Higher Initial Cost. The upfront cost of freestanding tubs is usually higher, due to the materials and manufacturing. The installation cost can vary in comparison to traditional alcove tubs, depending on where the plumbing is installed. If the plumbing needs to be moved to reach the freestanding tub, it can add more cost, but otherwise, installation cost may be comparable.

Pros of Built-in Tubs

  • Built-in Shower Capability. Adding a shower fixture to a built-in tub is standard procedure. This makes it easy to combine a shower and a tub in the very same footprint.
  • Lower upfront costs. Built-in tubs are generally cheaper than freestanding tubs. The final price may depend on your surround if your built-in tub requires it.
  • May Take Up Less Space. Alcove tubs fit neatly into their designated area, and may have the shower included. Compare that to a freestanding tub, which requires clearance room for plumbing fixtures, and if you want to add a shower, that’s extra space which is required.
  • Extra Storage Space. Built-in tubs have the entire edge of the tub and the adjacent walls to store soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries. If you add a shower fixture, you can even hang a bathroom caddy off the shower pipe.
  • Potential for Easier Cleaning. Alcove tubs will need to be scrubbed out regularly, and the surrounding tile or backsplash will also need to be wiped down. This can be easier than cleaning under a clawfoot freestanding tub.

Cona of Built-in Alcove Tubs

  • Possible Higher Installation Cost. Depending on the placement of the tub, an alcove may need to be built, plumbing may need to be moved, and bathroom tile may need to be added around the tub to complete the finishing. There is a potential for the overall installation cost to be higher for an alcove tub, but it depends on the project and existing layout of the bathroom.
  • Limited Flexibility. Built-in tubs require three walls to hold the tub in place. This can limit the place the tub may fit into the bathroom layout.
  • More Mundane Aesthetics. A built-in tub is quite utilitarian and practical, but lacks the aesthetic character that makes a freestanding tub a focal point of the bathroom.
  • Lack of Options. Because built-in tubs are meant to be more functional than aesthetically glamorous, there is a lack of options for different styles, limited material choices, and limited colors.

Compare Different Tubs in Person

If you want to visually compare freestanding tubs next to traditional alcove tub models, you can do so by stopping by our Sacramento kitchen and bath showroom, the largest in the Sacramento area. You can see many different models of tubs and bathroom fixtures. Our team is always happy to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Built-in Tubs or Freestanding Tubs – Which is Better?

Your bathroom design, aesthetic taste, functionality requirements, and renovation budget will determine what tub is best for your bathroom. Whatever your choice, balancing form, function, style, and family preferences will help you make the best choice between freestanding tubs and alcove tubs. 

Work With Sacramento’s Top Bathroom Remodeling Company

When you’re ready to renovate your bathroom or add a bathroom to your Sacramento home, call JC Construction & Remodeling. We’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners in the Sacramento-Roseville-Elk Grove area, and pride ourselves on our quality workmanship and attention to detail. To schedule a free consultation, fill out this form, or call us at (916) 644-7810. We look forward to helping you create the home of your dreams.

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Whether you’re looking to renovate your entire home or simply need a few repairs, our team is equipped with the expertise and resources to exceed your expectations. At JC Construction & Remodeling, quality is not just a goal; it’s a standard we uphold in every aspect of our work. Specializing in general home improvement and remodeling, we take immense pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines our projects.

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