Stand Alone Tub? Or Built in?

12 years ago

Here is my current design question, stand alone or built in tub? Does anyone have a stand alone tub that is against a wall? If so, is cleaning an issue?

Our bathroom has space for a stand alone tub, although it will be right next to our shower and against the wall. I don't want cleaning to be an issue.

Stand Alone Tub

Built In that would have tile surround

Featured Answer

feeny

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

I prefer the built in tub with the tile surround only because there are places to perch your shampoo bottles, etc. We have both tub styles in our home, and our free-standing claw foot tub (original to the 1929 house) is right up against a wall--like an inch away. It isn't so much a cleaning problem as a wall splashing problem since the walls in that extra third floor bathroom aren't tiled. So as much as I love the look of our clawfoot tub, and enjoy taking baths in it, I am constantly aware of having no place to put my shampoo and of splashing the wall when I use the hand-held shower attachment. In our deck tub neither is a problem.

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Comments (9)

Jeanine_Owen Anderson
Original Author
12 years ago
Shoot, this 3rd tub was supposed to be option 3. If you vote for this 3rd tub, please just leave a comment saying "3rd". Thanks!!
jofepi
12 years ago
I have about 8" between my stand alone tub and the wall. Cleaning is no problem.
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PRO
Someone's in the Kitchen, Inc.
12 years ago
Hi Jeanine! I vote for option three. It seems, though, that if you have room for a tub in a deck (option 1) with even a little tile around it, that you'd have room for at least a couple inches of air around the stand alone tub. And you'll have to find room to work in your filler faucet and drain, of course.

Option one appears to have more curved sides - not so nice looking right up to a wall.

The free-standing units make the room feel bigger, in part because of their smaller foot-print, leaving more floor for your eye and your feet. Mark
jofepi
12 years ago
I love my tub that is like tub 3 as it doesn't take a great deal of water to fill, is easy to clean and is very comfortable. I have also seen a similar tub built in with tiles surrounded by two walls and a shower. That also functions well, gives you some shelf space and looks very nice. Because the tub is narrower and not very big, it is easy to reach in for a quick clean.
Laurie Crabtree-Boyette
12 years ago
One has to have a place to set a wine glass or two. A tub for one is great. A tub for two is a great time!
PRO
ASVInteriors
12 years ago
I am so agreeing with feeny and oh2livewell! I am currently redesigning three bathrooms, and in all I opted for the built in. While I love the "design and wow" factor, I am too pragmatic. I hear clients wanting to put their shampoos, their drinks, their candles, their books, towels ... all nearby... so I spend the money on marble tablets overlaying the bath rather than on the stand alones.
bellesum
12 years ago
Standalone. Whether 1st or third is better really depends on the surroundings but there is no picture of the space.
Jeanine_Owen Anderson
Original Author
12 years ago
Bellesum, the space is being framed out now. I wish I had a picture. That would help so much.