Many people with smaller washrooms often wonder if they can install a freestanding tub in their bathroom. Good news is that they can! Smaller versions of freestanding tubs are available in the market and they can be added to separate the bath area from the rest of the bathroom.
Freestanding tubs are useful when you want to separate the tub and shower enclosure but don’t have the space to get away with it. Ideally, freestanding tubs are meant to be walked on all four sides and should have ample space on all four sides to walk around and clean it. However, in smaller bathrooms, freestanding tubs are usually located against at least one wall. To save more space, you can have the taps on the wall, so the tub area won’t be cluttered. The only thing you have to be careful about is to check the dimensions of the bathroom and the bath carefully before installing the tub. As a general rule of thumb, you will need around 6 inches of additional space around the freestanding tub for the clawfoot and pedestal. This additional space will give a spacious look and your bathroom will not look cramped.
If you have more space available and want to utilize a corner for the freestanding bath, then you can snugly fit it between 2 walls. Most baths measure 170cm by 70 cm which will easily fit from wall to wall in a small bathroom. If your bath is even smaller, then a compact bath tub measuring 150cm by 70cm will still be able to fit in.
When you incorporate a freestanding bath in your bathroom, make sure that you tile under the freestanding tub. It is generally easier to clean under and around if you leave space between the tub and the walls. The tub does not need to be fixed to the floor, as gravity will take care of the moving issue. Also, just keep in mind that due to the space available around the tub, you don’t want anyone to sit on the edge of the tub as it might tip over.
Another good thing about freestanding tubs is their ease of installation. Despite new plumbing and tiling requirements, freestanding tubs are easier to install as compared to built-in ones. This is because they do not require mounting, or sealing, or creation of a surround around it, as you would in case of a built-in tub.
The only drawback of a freestanding tub is that the bathwater in the tub might cool faster as it is surrounded by air. It you want long hot baths, then built-in tubs would be a better option.
