Pros and Cons of Free-Standing Baths
With the pressures of daily life increasing every day, more and more Aussies are finding ways to de-stress and relax in their homes by converting their bathrooms into a relaxing, spa-like retreat.
Modern technologies such as towel warmers, radiant heat floors, multi-function showerheads and steam showers can make a difference in turning a simple bathroom into a soothing sanctuary. But, if there’s one thing central to most of Perth’s spa-inspired bathrooms, it is a luxurious free-standing bath.
Over the past few years, free-standing baths have steadily replaced spa baths and even standard baths to some degree. Today, free-standing baths in Perth are available in a range of material finishes, designs, and styles, from timeless to modern, to complement any design style.
If you are looking to convert your bathroom into a relaxing spa-like retreat, no doubt you have thought about including a free-standing bath. However, you may also be wondering if they are worth the investment. After all, they are more expensive than any other type of bath or shower space.
To help you decide whether or not to go with a free-standing bath, I thought it would be a good idea to outline their pros and cons.
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.
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.
The Bottom Line
If you think that the benefits of free-standing baths outweigh their disadvantages, then you can go ahead and include one in your bathroom. To purchase high-quality freestanding baths in Perth, look no further than us at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We offer a range of gorgeous free-standing baths for you to choose from.
On the other hand, if you think the disadvantages of free-standing baths outweigh the benefits, then you should choose an insert bath instead. Here, at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we have a massive selection of insert baths in Perth.
Whether you choose a free-standing bath or an insert bath, we have a quality bath that will meet your needs. Our prices are also the most competitive in the market. By purchasing a bath from us, you can count that you’re getting the best value for your money.
Before buying a freestanding bath, read our other comparison article that puts them head-to-head with Back-To-Wall Baths to ensure a free-standing bath is the best option for you.
Conclusion:
If there’s one way to transform any bathroom into a luxurious and relaxing spa-like retreat, it is by including a free-standing bath. Free-standing baths in Perth come in a range of designs and shapes. Regardless of the style you’re looking to create, you can find one to complement your space.
Free-standing baths offer a range of benefits. First of all, they look gorgeous, and they will easily add the ‘wow factor’ to any bathroom. You can also get creative with your tiles and make a style statement in your space by choosing a free-standing bath. Free-standing baths are also very easy to install – you just need to decide where to place them. Moreover, they require very little maintenance, making it very easy to keep them clean. Lastly, they are incredibly easy to replace.
However, on the flip side, free-standing baths also suffer certain disadvantages. Most are designed for larger spaces, and finding one for a mid-sized bathroom can be difficult. They also cost significantly more than insert baths or any other type of bath. They don’t provide anywhere to store soap, shampoo and other toiletries. And lastly, they are cumbersome, and the floor below them may require additional reinforcement to support their weight.
If you think that the benefits offered by free-standing baths outweigh their disadvantages, then go ahead and check out our range of free-standing baths in Perth at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. Alternatively, you can also consider our range of insert baths in Perth, which are significantly cheaper, i.e. $200 as opposed to $1000+.
You can shop for baths in Perth at our online store, and in doing so, you’ll receive free delivery to any Perth Metro address.
