Pros and Cons of Free-Standing Baths

If you’re renovating your bathroom and considering a free-standing bath, you’re not alone. Free-standing baths are a popular choice for homeowners looking to elevate their space, and for good reason—they offer unmatched elegance and flexibility. Having worked closely with customers at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, I’ve seen how our free-standing baths can transform a bathroom, adding that coveted “wow factor” with ease.

While they’re undeniably beautiful and can create a luxury feel, free-standing baths come with specific considerations. For instance, they make a striking centrepiece and allow creative freedom with tile and colour choices, but they’re often better suited to larger bathrooms. For those with limited space or a tighter budget, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make an informed decision.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key benefits and potential drawbacks of free-standing baths, from practical features like ease of installation and cleaning to factors such as cost, space, and maintenance. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what to expect, helping you decide if a free-standing bath is the right choice for your renovation.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Free-Standing Baths

Let’s explore the details of free-standing baths to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of Free-Standing Baths

Without any doubt, free-standing baths are the epitome of designing any luxury bathroom. As far as aesthetics go, nothing comes close to the visual impact that they create.

They will certainly add the ‘wow factor’ to your bathroom, and they also allow you to get more creative with your tiles. Whether you want to match your floor and wall tiles to create a uniform and seamless-looking space or whether you want to create a feature wall as the backdrop, either option will look all the more impressive when assisted by a free-standing bath.

Many people think that free-standing baths serve aesthetic purposes more than practical ones. However, this isn’t entirely true.

As quoted by a homeowner on Houzz, “We remodelled our master bath two years ago and got rid of the large jacuzzi tub that the previous owner had sunk in the floor. It looked cool but was rarely used because it was so awkward to get in and out of, and it took up a lot of space. We installed a modest-sized freestanding tub and my 5’4″ significant other likes it a lot more, finding it much easier to get in and out of. And it’s deeper than a lot of regular tubs, so it’s more conducive to soaking if that’s your thing. It’s also much easier to clean around than previous tubs we had that had a tile surround and were up against a wall or two. As far as safety, it’s really easy to grasp the side if you need to as you’re getting in since it’s about the right height, and is close to you as you’re stepping over. It looks nice, but we chose it mainly for practical reasons, not aesthetic ones.”

It is also incredibly easy to install a freestanding bath in any bathroom. This is because they do not require any additional framework or support, nor do they require additional tiling or grouting. You can place a free-standing bath and a free-standing mixer tap anywhere in your bathroom, and you’re done – that’s how easy the installation will be for you. You will certainly save on installation costs and time by choosing a freestanding bath.

Free-standing baths are also incredibly easy to clean and maintain. Because they are not framed and tiled into a wall like standard baths, you avoid having to clean and maintain the surrounding elements such as glass, tiles and grout. You’ll discover that it is very easy to keep free-standing baths looking sparkling clean at all times!

Another significant advantage of free-standing baths is that they are effortless to replace. Because there is no dismantling or reframing when replacing a freestanding bath, you won’t have to make any structural changes to your bathroom. So, if you ever need to update your freestanding bath or replace it, you’ll find it a very simple affair.

Before buying a free-standing bath, read our back-to-wall vs. freestanding baths and insert baths vs. freestanding baths comparison articles to ensure a free-standing bath is the best option for you.

Discover more benefits of freestanding baths.

Cons of Free-Standing Baths

While free-standing baths certainly offer a range of benefits, like all things, they do suffer from some disadvantages. First of all, most free-standing baths are designed for larger-sized bathrooms. If you’re looking for free-standing baths in Perth for a mid-sized bathroom, you’ll find that your options are much more limited. Nevertheless, at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer some mid-sized free-standing baths in Perth that may work out for your bathroom.

As I mentioned earlier, the cost of free-standing baths in Perth is another reason why some homeowners decide against them. They can easily cost thousands of dollars. Installing any other type of bath is significantly cheaper. So, if budget is a constraint for you, you may not want to go with a free-standing bath.

With a freestanding bath, you won’t have any space around them to store your soap, shampoo bottles and other toiletries. Without installing a shelf close to your bath, accessing your toiletries can be inconvenient with a free-standing bath. This is, however, easily fixed by purchasing an affordable bath caddy, which is just $15 at Kmart.

As quoted by an expert designer on Houzz, “[Free-standing baths] take up more space because you need room around to clean and place tub fillers and hand held sprays. Some require long legs to get in. Many don’t have options for drop-ins such as water heaters, bubbler functions etc. Biggest con overall they cost more in general. You have to add in the cost of built-in surround and tiling to compare the total cost of ownership.”

Also, free-standing baths are incredibly heavy and cannot be moved once installed (obviously). So, you have to be sure where you’re placing it because once installed, there’s no way you’ll be able to move it without professional help. Because of their weight, you may also need to reinforce the floor underneath to ensure that it sustains the added weight of the bath.

Free-Standing Baths in Perth

If you’re ready to embrace the beauty of a free-standing bath, Ross’s Discount Home Centre is your go-to source in Perth. We offer a stunning selection of high-quality free-standing baths in a range of styles to suit any design. These baths bring a touch of luxury to your bathroom, creating a beautiful focal point.

Consider our alternative options if you decide that a free-standing bath isn’t the best fit. We also carry an extensive selection of insert baths and back-to-wall baths, which are ideal if you prioritise space efficiency and convenience.

Whether you opt for a free-standing, insert, or back-to-wall bath, you’ll find quality products at competitive prices here at Ross’s. Our commitment to value means you’re getting top-notch craftsmanship without breaking the bank. With us, you can trust that you’re making a wise investment for your home.

Conclusion

A free-standing bath is a fantastic way to transform any bathroom into a luxurious, spa-like retreat. Available in a variety of shapes and styles, these baths can make a stunning focal point in both classic and contemporary spaces. Not only do free-standing baths deliver that coveted “wow factor,” but they also allow flexibility with tile designs and layout choices, bringing added style and personality to your bathroom.

The benefits of free-standing baths are undeniable. They’re visually striking, easy to install, and low-maintenance, making them a great choice for those looking to combine beauty with functionality. Additionally, free-standing baths are easy to replace, allowing for future updates without major renovations.

That said, they also come with some considerations. Free-standing baths are typically best suited for larger bathrooms, and they tend to be more costly than insert baths. They also lack built-in storage for toiletries, and their weight may require floor reinforcement to support them securely.

If you decide the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, Ross’s Discount Home Centre offers a beautiful range of free-standing baths in Perth. For those seeking a more space-saving option, our selection of back-to-wall and corner baths provides the perfect solution. Browse our online store for a wide range of options and enjoy convenient, $100 delivery across the Perth Metro area.

Freestanding baths offer both style and function, but they come with their own set of advantages and considerations. If you’re weighing the decision to include a freestanding bath in your bathroom, these related articles can help you make an informed choice:

• The Ultimate Free Standing Bath Buying Guide
• Revamp Your Bathroom with the Elegance of Freestanding Baths in Perth
• How to Incorporate a Freestanding Bath in a Small Bathroom