ᐅ Freestanding Bathtub – Pros and Cons

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have experience with a freestanding bathtub?
It looks nice in inspiration photos, and my wife really wants to have one 🙂
The approximate floor plan is attached, about 12sqm (130sq ft).
Possible downsides might be:
- Are there really that many issues with dirt and cleaning, even if a sufficient distance from the wall is maintained?
- How does it look visually in a 12sqm (130sq ft) bathroom? Just as nice or rather inappropriate?
- How much more expensive is it compared to the standard built-in version? I understand the costs can vary widely, but for orientation: double, triple, ten times as expensive? Considering the installation of pipes and wiring under the screed, etc.

Thanks a lot for your opinions!
Best regards
NilsHolgersson

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

- Are there really that many problems with dirt and cleaning, even if a sufficient distance from the wall is maintained?

No.

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

- How does it look visually in a 12m² (130 sq ft) bathroom? Equally nice or rather inappropriate?

About as if a person weighing 147kg (324 lbs) thinks they still fit into a size M extra slim ;-) I would consider at least a 1-meter (3 ft) clearance from the walls as an absolute minimum and plan for a 25m² (270 sq ft) bathroom.

NilsHolgersson schrieb:

- How much more expensive is it compared to the standard option? I understand the costs can vary widely, but for orientation: twice, three times, ten times as expensive? Taking into account the installation of pipes and conduits under the screed, etc.

Not that much more expensive, as you only need one bathtub that stands on the floor. All the other work required for a recessed bathtub niche is eliminated. Also, the piping doesn’t care whether it ends at the bathtub or inside the wall. Bathtub fittings are significantly more expensive.

I don’t see any room for a freestanding bathtub in your bathroom...

Sorry.

Hello, it certainly looks very modern and stylish, but in a 12m² (130ft²) room it takes up quite a lot of space. However, with the space to the wall, there should be no issues with cleaning. Good luck

musktia schrieb:

Hello, it of course looks super modern and stylish, but in a 12m² (130ft²) room it takes up quite a lot of space. However, with the space to the wall, cleaning shouldn’t be a problem.
Good luck

Which space to the wall?
Do you mean the 10–15cm (4–6 inches) clearance given around the bathtub here?
Cleaning behind it will be difficult with such a tight fit.

I find freestanding bathtubs visually very appealing—if there is enough space. For me, the cleaning aspect speaks against them. No one would choose a floor-mounted toilet anymore because dirt tends to accumulate there, making it difficult to clean. Of course, it might be different if you don’t do the cleaning yourself 😉

I have no experience with this because we consciously decided against it. I think it comes down to whether you prefer to feel enclosed in the bathtub, like being in a kind of shell, or if you need open space all around. Regardless of trends, it might simply be a personal preference.

Freestanding bathtubs look very stylish and impressive—I also admire them—but I’m not sure if you really feel comfortable and relaxed in one. For myself, I answered that question with “no.” It’s hard not to be influenced by a beautiful appearance.

Cleaning wouldn’t be an issue for me if I really liked the tub.