What You Will Get Here
- Why you should trust us
- Freestanding tub - A comprehensive buying guide
- How did we pick these products?
- Our Top 10 Best Freestanding Tubs
- Top Pick: Empava 67 inch Luxury
- Runner-Up: WOODBRIDGE B-0012/BTA-1506
- Top Antique Design: Sinkology TBT-6631CL
- A list of 7 other products we reviewed
- A list of other products we tested
- Freestanding bathtub care
Why you should trust us
The Toilets Guide team banded together sharing a common interest and experience in the field of interior designing and fittings. Our professional commitment opened up opportunities for us to accomplish household interior renovation projects all over 50 states. Our team relentlessly hunts down top-of-the line bathroom fittings, fixtures and accessories ensuring impressive solutions. We launched this platform to share original research-backed reviews on different fittings and bathroom accessories so our readers will be able to get well equipped before making a purchase.
Furthermore, we practice an all-inclusive product analysis method that does not miss out o a single important detail of the reviewed item. We run field-testing sessions from our end to monitor their performance in simulated environments. The objective is to release a comprehensive buying guide.
We are also not patronized by any manufacturer. In fact, our published reviews enjoy the prestige of becoming reference points for market experts.
Freestanding tub - A comprehensive buying guide
Finding a mesmerizing centerpiece for the bathroom that impresses you as well as your guests is not so easy. Here are the things you have to keep in mind to make a choice that you can proudly show off.
1. Style & Design
Freestanding or stand alone tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They will also come in different styles, specifically classic or contemporary. Choose a tub that will fit the look of your bathroom well, so that they will be in sync aesthetically. You wouldn’t want to purchase a classically designed tub if it will throw off the overall style of your bathroom and vice-versa. Choose a color that matches your bathroom interior. Some popular color scheme includes pearl white, black, cream, cyan, green, red, blue, grey, vintage brass, and gold.
The sizes of these tubs also vary. The most common sizes are 48 inches (4 ft), 50 inches, 54 inches, 57 inches, 60 inches (5 foot), 67 inches, 70 inches, 72 ( 6 foot) inches, . You can also have custom made extra large or oversized tubs if you want.
The design will also affect how many people can use the tub. Curved sides will usually tell you where you can place your head, and having the faucet and drain placed at the center of the tub will generally tell you if the tub that you are looking at is good for one person or more. Units with a round design are easier to fit. However, rectangular and square designs are sleek and modern in appeal while the oval shape is very common.
2. Type
The type of freestanding tub pertains to how it stands on the floor. There are two basic types - clawfoot and pedestal.
Clawfoot tubs are more of classic design and serve the purpose similar to table legs as they provide a narrow space between the tub and the floor.
The pedestal type, on the other hand, is when there is a base that supports the entire weight of the tub. This is typically used for more modern designed tubs.
There are double ended tubs housing the water source in the middle that allows two people to enjoy bathing together.
3. Material
Materials used in most modern freestanding tubs are made of fiberglass-reinforced polyester, enameled steel or stainless steelstone, porcelain enameled cast iron, thermoformed acrylic, resin and porcelain, while classic ones can be composed of copper and cast iron. There are also composite models using different building materials. Regardless, best freestanding tubs are usually made of durable material and they even provide warranties should they break during regular use.
4. Installation
Installation of freestanding tubs should be easy. They must be adequately sized to comfortably fit in your bathroom, wet room or garden, and there must be weight considerations as well, especially when installing on a higher floor. Ensure that pipe layouts are included or are at least easy to acquire and install as well. Make sure you take professional help when installing the heater.
5. Capacity & Overflow
Capacity and overflow are very important as this will determine how deep the water level would be. This is critical especially for larger people as you would not want to purchase a tub and find out that the water level does not cover you entirely. If you have a small bathroom, and users are basically children, better opt for tiny sizes.
6. Personalization
Customization of some freestanding tubs is possible, and these include the installation of racks, shower faucets, shower curtains, and even air jets in order to make your tub sessions more enjoyable. If you own an air tub with installed air jets, there are options for controlling the airflow. It is important to make sure that the tub you want to buy can be personalized for an enhanced experience.
7. Tub faucet
Many types of tub faucets are available, with many differing in style and the number of functions they have. Their main purpose, however, is the same all throughout. The inexpensive models may have poorer quality faucets, while some are made of more durable materials. Take into consideration where the tub faucet is placed in your tub, and if any drilling and complicated installation procedures are necessary.
8. Weight
As previously mentioned, weight plays a very important part when choosing the best stand-alone tubs for your home. Your upper floors must be able to hold the weight of the tub itself as well as when it is full. Heavier tubs would also mean that more people may be needed for transport and installation.
9. Extras
Some of the high-end models may offer built-in features such as those with lighting. Some may also provide Bluetooth speakers so that you can listen to music will taking a bath. There are also tubs that are designed specifically for people with disabilities. For some, these features can be considered as luxuries, but many people will also consider these options when looking for the best free standing bath tub.
10. Budget
Of course, the price will always play a factor when choosing which freestanding tub to purchase. While there are many cheaper options, consider quality at all times. On the other side, don’t blindly get the most expensive tub that you can find as you won’t enjoy soaking in your tub if you’re worried about how to pay it. A good balance between budget and desire is necessary so that you will be able to but a freestanding tub with total peace of mind.
How did we pick these products?
We created our review through a very rigorous process which involved a ton of research as well as interviews from people whose opinions actually mattered for the purpose of this study. Here, we will discuss how we were able to prepare this list.
First, we scoured the market for the most popular freestanding tubs which came from reputable brands from all over. For that purpose, we spend over 30 hours of online research for singling out the specs heavy freestanding tubs. We took their specifications and ran a series of field-tests by laying them side by side so we could compare what each of them had to offer. It took us about a week of testings to the core of what we were looking for.
The next thing that we did was documenting the user experience of actual buyers by going through original consumer reports. We made a comparison probe among the selected units that covered all their features. That helped us rank and group our candidates for the final-10 list based on certain criteria.
We did not stop there. Our team contacted the industry experts in our locality to have a look at our final list and received their valuable insights, which finally led us to conclude our ultimate top-10 list.
You may agree or disagree with our recommendations based on your personal opinions, but this review only serves as a guide so you are well-informed should you decide to purchase a freestanding tub of your own.
Our Top 10 Best Freestanding Tubs
Based on our research, interviews, and tests, we have come up with this buying guide detailing on top-rated freestanding tubs. We have listed down specifications, pros, cons, as well as a detailed review of each product. With this, we would like to present to you our list of the best freestanding tubs available today. So, what is the best freestanding tub? Let's find out!
