A freestanding bathtub makes a beautiful statement in a bathroom and adds elegance to a home. The cost and viability of installing a freestanding tub may not suit your residence, however. Consider materials, weight, logistics, costs, the anticipated experience the tub will deliver, and the impact it may have on your home’s value when determining which kind of freestanding tub to purchase, or whether to buy one at all. Additionally, conducting a freestanding tub cost analysis will help you assess not only the purchase price but also installation expenses and potential maintenance costs over time. Be sure to factor in any necessary plumbing adjustments or structural reinforcements that may arise depending on your home’s existing setup. Ultimately, the right tub can enhance your bathing experience and serve as a stunning centerpiece, provided it aligns with your budget and lifestyle needs.
MATERIALS MATTER IN FREESTANDING TUBS
Fiberglass tubs are an affordable option. Fiberglass boasts great flexibility in design, and its lighter weight enables units to be installed where heavier materials would be prohibitive. However, fiberglass is prone to scratching, fading, and cracking. Acrylic is another material that’s friendly to a wide variety of shapes and designs, but it, too, can crack and yellow over time.
Cast iron leads the pack in heat retention, but its heavyweight can take it out of the running for homes lacking the structural integrity to support such a weight. Copper and brass also conduct heat well and are lighter than cast iron, but these metals require a great deal of attention to keep them looking good.
Freestanding tubs formed from stone and even wood materials elevate the look to a more refined presentation. The maintenance required for the upkeep of such materials, though, can result in more time caring for a tub than relaxing in it.
A stone resin composite material blends the flexibility of design options found in fiberglass and acrylic with the desirable heat retention factor of metal tubs. This material is easy to clean–a simple swipe with a soft cloth is usually all that’s needed–making maintenance almost as pleasant as a soak in the tub. Stone resin tubs do tend toward the higher end of the pricing scale, though. For more information on freestanding bathtub materials, click here.
INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE
As with any home improvement, it’s important to assess how much a luxury bathtub will boost a home’s overall value. A large freestanding tub of any material may seem expensive at first blush, but if it’s included with an overall bathroom makeover, the room’s entire transformation may help to more than pay back the investment by increasing the home’s resale value.
A freestanding bathtub might be the right choice for your home. Consider the overall investment, from costs and installation to everyday use and care of the tub. Imagine, too, the years of joy to be cherished when sinking into a luxurious soak at the end of each day. That’s a value that won’t show up on any balance sheet.