A question of form and function: freestanding vs. built-in bath tubs

This article provides a comparison of the two versions, i.e. freestanding versus built-in bath tubs. We explain the pros and cons of each model, which bathrooms they are suitable for and how complicated they are to install. But before all that, we kick off with a very basic question:

What is the difference between a freestanding and a built-in bath tub?

Please don’t laugh as this question isn’t as superfluous as it may sound. It goes without saying that one bath tub stands freely in the room while the other is attached to the wall, but as bathroom professionals, we want to go into further detail:

When your built-in bath tub is delivered, it comes with all sorts of accessories: feet or a bath tub carrier for positioning and correctly balancing the tub, a bath tub sealing strip for preventing water retention and sound transmission, and, of course, silicone for sealing the edges of the built-in bath tub. Your tiler will hopefully have remembered to set a few tiles aside as the finished design still needs to be clad.

Accordingly, built-in bath tubs are usually positioned in a corner of your bathroom, with two sides against the walls. The second short side is often connected to the shower cabin while the second long side remains free.

Freestanding bath tubs, on the other hand, are largely delivered ready to use: if you were to insert the plug and get out your garden hose, you could instantly fill them and take a cold bath. In the bathroom itself, all you need to do is place the freestanding model in position, anchor it to the floor and connect it to the water supply and drain. There is no time-consuming installation work and no need to seal large joints.

Freestanding vs. built-in bath tubs: pros and cons

In a nutshell, freestanding bath tubs can be positioned almost anywhere in a bathroom providing they have access to a water connection. Built-in bath tubs, on the other hand, generally sit in an alcove. But these are not the only differences. Our overview provides a comparison of the most important features of both versions:

Aesthetics and design

Freestanding bath tubs act as a central design feature in bathrooms. They can be a visual highlight – for example, imagine a bright red tub in the middle of a crisp, white bathroom landscape – or stylishly understated. But whether classically elegant or modern, a freestanding model is always an eye-catching feature that guests are sure to mention whenever they see the bathroom.

Built-in bath tubs, on the other hand, are somewhat less conspicuous. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use a built-in model to create visual highlights: whether comfortably shaped hand rests, contrasting colours, elegant taps or an ergonomically adapted surface for lying on, the possibilities are almost endless. All you need to create surprising effects with a built-in bath tub is to dare to be different. 

Freestanding bath tubs offer maximum flexibility with regard to their positioning. When planning your bathroom, all you need to do is ensure that the water supply and drain connections are in the right place. Whether you want to position your bath tub in the middle of the room or subtly and discreetly to one side is irrelevant.

Built-in bath tubs are usually located in the corner of a bathroom for structural reasons. This means that you generally have a maximum of four options when it comes to positioning them. This may be somewhat less flexible but it does simplify the planning process and makes it easier to design bathrooms in line with your wishes as the water connection is rarely far away.

Installation

Contrary to appearances, a freestanding bath tub is extremely easy to install. Simply anchor it to the floor, connect the taps and drain, seal the area where the base meets the floor and enjoy your first bath. The entire process usually takes a few hours at most.

Fitting a built-in bath tub, on the other hand, tends to take somewhat longer, in part simply because the tub body still has to be clad once it has been installed. Then, of course, there is the sealing work, which must be carefully conducted to prevent the otherwise inevitable water damage. However, it still shouldn’t take experienced tradespeople long to install your bath tub.

Access

A freestanding bath tub can be accessible from all sides. This is not only visually impressive but often also a major advantage during everyday life. For example with regard to accessibility: the fact that it is much easier to get in and out of the tub makes it far simpler to assist people with physical impairments. Or perhaps you simply want to bathe your four-legged friend? It’s far easier to hold dogs and cats in a bath tub if two owners can fit around it at the same time.

In contrast, a built-in bath tub can usually only be accessed from one of the two long sides. This can quickly cause problems when getting in and out of the tub. From washing pets to having bath-time fun with children, many activities that require direct access to the bath tub can also only be performed by one person, which is often not enough.

We now come to the first real disadvantage of a freestanding bath tub: it requires plenty of space in your bathroom to truly come into its own. We recommend a minimum all-round clearance of 55 cm. Any less and your freestanding model no longer looks like an inviting feel-good feature, but crammed in and misplaced. As a general rule of thumb, the more space you can give the tub, the more impressive it looks.

Built-in bath tubs, on the other hand, require relatively little space: 175 by 75 cm for a conventional tub in a corner of the room plus at least 50 cm clearance on the long side of the bath. Such models are less about visual impact and more about an intelligent use of space.

Shelf space

It’s often said that freestanding bath tubs don’t offer any shelf space for shampoo, scrubbing brushes or (waterproof) tablets. Although this is true with regard to the tub itself, visually appealing shelf space can be easily added, for example in the form of wooden or metal sideboards that are simply hung on the bath tub rim or shelves that lie straight across the bath tub and often even come with a practical book stand.

Built-in bath tubs, on the other hand, usually feature a rim that is wide enough to hold bottles of bubble bath or similar. This is naturally convenient but also bears the risk of mould forming under items that are rarely moved. When cleaning, you should therefore always take care to lift up rubber ducks, shampoo bottles and the like, and clean under them.

Cleaning

Speaking of cleaning, we often hear that freestanding bath tubs are arduous to clean. We find quite the opposite: the fact that you have direct access to the entire surface of a freestanding bath tub makes it particularly easy to clean.

After taking a bath, simply give the tub a brief wipe with a towel. To clean the tub more thoroughly, we recommend using a cleaning spray and a damp cloth. The only time cleaning is a little more complex is in the case of freestanding bath tubs with individual feet as the area under the tub can only be reached by bending and/or using a flexible mop.

Of course, built-in bath tubs are also easy to clean. As with freestanding models, after taking a bath simply use a towel to remove the residual moisture. For a more thorough clean, use cleaning agent and a cloth. You should also regularly check that the silicone joints are still fully intact as mould damage that is tricky to remove can otherwise quickly build up behind your bath tub.

Wellbeing

In principle, any bath tub is of huge benefit for greater everyday wellbeing. Simply lie back in the water and notice how its warmth relaxes your muscles. Feel the sense of weightlessness and the gentle caress of the bubbles. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and switch off for a few moments.

Price

The second disadvantage of freestanding bath tubs is that they tend to be more expensive than their built-in counterparts. Although entry-level models are available from around €500, the average price is usually nearer €2,000 or even more in the case of luxury models. Built-in bath tubs, on the other hand, start at a mere €150 in the case of clearance stock or cost an average of €500 to €1,000 in general. Premium models can set you back €3,000 or more. Of course, both freestanding and built-in bath tubs also incur installation costs. These can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the job and the renovation work involved.

But what if your bathroom isn’t big enough for a freestanding bath tub but still has enough room for something special? What if a freestanding model would only create a dark corner but you still want something a little different? Then we’ve got a great idea:

Semi-freestanding bath tubs and corner bath tubs as alternatives

Unlike freestanding models, semi-freestanding bath tubs have one of their sides installed against a wall. This is usually one of the long sides although models are also available where the short side is connected to the wall. At the same time, and unlike built-in bath tubs, it is not always necessary to clad a semi-freestanding bath tub. Numerous models are designed to simply sit in place like a freestanding bath tub. 

This essentially gives you the best of two worlds: the space-saving functionality of a built-in bath tub and the design possibilities of a freestanding one. What’s more, although perhaps not quite as striking as a completely freestanding bath tub, semi-freestanding models still have a far greater visual impact than conventional built-in ones. And then, there are naturally also corner bath tubs. These models again tend to be delivered ready for use, meaning they don’t need any additional cladding. However, as the name infers, they are positioned in the corner of a bathroom.

Corner bath tubs are particularly ideal for medium-size bathrooms where freestanding models wouldn’t really come into their own but that still offer enough space to create luxurious bathing experiences and an atmosphere of wellbeing. This is because corner bath tubs are often far larger than off-the-shelf models. In some cases, they look more like a jacuzzi from a spa (with some models even offering a whirlpool function) and can fit two people.

The smallest corner bath tub models, on the other hand, also fit in less spacious bathrooms. They are particularly ideal as sitz baths and an ingenious alternative for all those who still want to enjoy relaxing baths despite having to fit their tub into a small area.

This is because corner bath tubs are often far larger than off-the-shelf models. In some cases, they look more like a jacuzzi from a spa (with some models even offering a whirlpool function) and can fit two people.

Your next step: our bathroom Inspirator tool

In summary, bath tubs come in freestanding and built-in versions. Both enrich your bathroom and are perfect for relaxation, although freestanding models allow you to realise far more exciting design ideas for your feel-good environment. For freestanding bath tubs to truly come into their own they need one thing above all else: space. This means that they are not suitable for all bathrooms.

However, a small bathroom does not mean that you have to compromise on comfort, convenience, an inspirational ambience or your dream look. On the contrary, with sufficient know-how, even the smallest of bathrooms can become your personal oasis.