From a purely practical bathroom fixture to a show-stopping centrepiece, bath tubs have come a long way in recent years. A simple search will reveal a multitude of colours, shapes, sizes and styles so it’s easy to be overwhelmed when it comes to choosing one. Inner Bath is Australia’s leaders in bath relining, providing thousands of homes and hotels with a mess-free, cost-effective alternative to bath resurfacing and replacement. We know a thing or two about bathtubs, so let’s take a look at the differences between built-in and freestanding options and the pros and cons of both.
Freestanding Baths
A bold design choice, these baths do not require any wall support and can be placed anywhere in the room. Freestanding baths form a dramatic focal point whilst providing a practical space for a relaxing soak.
The Pros
- A freestanding bath can add visual interest and create sculptural feature in your bathroom
- Available in traditional or contemporary styles, they can immediately add character to the room
- Often seen as a luxury item, these baths can add value to your home
- Many freestanding baths are large in size, providing a comfortable place to relax and unwind
The Cons
- Due to their size and weight, freestanding bathtubs are generally more expensive
- Many are heavy and could require floor reinforcements
- Because they are bigger than built-in tubs, they aren’t suited to smaller bathrooms
- Dust can build up behind the bath and the limited space can make cleaning this area difficult
Built-In Baths
Also known as inset baths, these bathtubs are built into a hob (a frame that holds the bath, and is then tiled). They are often installed next to the shower enclosure or integrated with a shower in smaller bathroom spaces.
The Pros
- A practical and safe choice for families with babies and toddlers as the surrounding ledge makes access easy
- The ledge also provides storage space for soap and shampoo
- With no nooks or open spaces surrounding the bath to gather dust and grime, they are easier to clean
- They can easily be installed into small bathrooms and they also function well as a shower and bath combination
The Cons
- Compared to a freestanding bathtub, there are less materials and designs to choose from, and don’t have the same designer aesthetic as a freestanding tub
- Built-in tubs require sealing, mounting and creation of a hob, which can make the installation more difficult
Choosing a bathtub ultimately comes down to personal preference, and depends on your style, space and budget. If your bath is old or damaged or you simply want to give your bathroom a quick modern makeover, there are alternatives to buying a whole new bath. Bathtub resurfacing with Inner Bath’s relining service, is a chemical free process which takes less than 3 hours to complete. Don’t go to the expense of replacing your bathtub, get in touch with us today for a free quote and see just how easy and affordable it is get your bath looking its best once again.
