Steph & Phil's Reimagined Victorian All this week we're talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley's recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! There’s just something about soaking in a huge, luxurious tub to melt away all the stress of the day. When remodeling, the question is what kind of tub should you get: built-in or freestanding? Roger & Chris' Bold, Eclectic & Vivacious 160-Year-Old Victorian (Image credit: Chris Stout-Hazard) We’ve all seen them: pictures of large, sunny bathrooms featuring a beautiful clawfoot tub just begging you to pop some bubbly and draw a bath. There’s just no getting around it, freestanding tubs are beautiful. And sometimes they even look like their very own room - exactly what you need when you’re escaping to a bath to relax. Since you’re not using your tub daily to shower, you don’t need to have a shower curtain hung around your tub and you don’t need to clean your tub before taking that relaxing bath in it.

Additionally, the fact that these tubs can take any design or material you want (within reason), they can become a focal point of your bathroom. Truly, these tubs can become sculptural works of art. Karen & Gawie's Artistic Home in South Africa (Image credit: Lana Kenney) Both good and bad news: freestanding tubs are larger than standard tubs. While that can be awesome and luxurious, it can be a problem if your bathroom doesn’t have the space to accommodate that beautiful clawfoot tub.Baby Cot Bed Bedding Sets Uk Because of the variety of design materials, freestanding tubs are sometimes heavier than built-ins: you can get a concrete tub, a marble tub, and so on. Candy Anthony Wedding Dresses For SaleThese materials may require extra reinforcement that could end up costing more.How To Fix Bathtub Push Drain Stopper

→ How To Move & Refinish a Clawfoot Tub (And Live To Tell The Tale) One solution: Try an Ofuro tub. The precursor to tubs as we now know them, these Japanese tubs are small but deep. Historically made of wood, they also add a cool twist to your bathroom. Personally, I think these are great because I prefer to sit and not lay in a tub — all the better for enjoying a nice view out of your window while you soak! Robbie & Dan's Rustic, Historic Brooklyn Rental (& Backyard!) (Image credit: Lauren Kolyn) While not a guarantee, a built-in tub can be more space efficient, simply for the fact that they’re built into the walls of your bathroom. They also function very well as a shower and bathtub combination if you’re dealing with space constraints. To maintain openness with this option that you would normally get from a freestanding tub, just choose a glass encasing as opposed to a shower curtain. Jill & Dan's Colorful Portland Home (Image credit: Heather Keeling)

If you pimp out your built-in tub too much, it could end up taking up as much room as a freestanding tub. Built-in tubs can be outfitted with jets, LED lights, and sound systems. If you have the room and this is up your alley, then the built-in could be the tub for you! If not, you can still benefit from the potential to add more storage around the tub. While not as sculpturally pleasing, a built-in tub is a good option for the practical-minded renovator. Built-in tubs being used as a shower and bathtub combination can also be a bit harder to keep clean, something to consider when thinking of efficiency. Marc-Andre & Alex's Touch of Bling (Image credit: Marie-Lyne Quirion) Built in tubs can actually mean three different styles, either undermount, drop-in, or an apron tub: Undermount: An undermount tub can be installed to be able to accommodate draining water from a shower above, since the tub actually sits underneath a horizontal surface of either stone or tile, but the installation can sometimes get tricky.

It may end up being a bit more expensive since you'd likely be buying a slab of stone of some sort to have for the deck, though tile is also an option. Drop-In: A drop-in tub can be more cost-efficient because of install and materials, these tubs are often acrylic and not cast iron. Because it sits atop the horizontal deck, it comes with a lip that sits atop the horizontal surface to prevent water from overflowing - though some people don’t like this look. A shower over a drop-in tub would not be ideal, since the tub lip blocks the water on the deck from draining into the tub. Apron: If you’re looking for something in between, you can always count on apron tubs. These are the tubs that are in most homes, with tiled walls on three sides and the tub material continuing down to the floor — like an apron. Since these tubs have a finished wall, they strike a good balance between the architectural beauty of a freestanding tub and the practicality of a built-in tub. Apron tubs are also more affordable.

Since the whole tub is one unit, there’s no need to install a surface over the tub or in front, which is good for your budget. No matter what you choose, make sure you strike a healthy balance between luxury, durability, and budget. Hopefully this will be a tub you use and love for decades to come!Read previous post:The Irresistible Charm Of AntiquesI love antiques. I can spend hours in antique shops and flea markets. I enjoy the touch and feel of...Before you commit yourself to that big bathroom renovation, there is a critical question you’re going to need to deal with: freestanding or built-in? We’re talking, of course, about bathtubs. Let’s face it, freestanding bathtubs are more lustworthy, whether you like modern or vintage design. They’ve been really popular in recent years because not only are they gorgeous, but most are actually designed for people who want to enjoy a bath. They make a strong design statement in a room and they come in an incredible variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to customize your bathroom’s style to a tee.

On the other hand, there are some practical advantages to built-in bathtubs, especially in the smaller spaces so many of us are now living in. They just fit better in most bathrooms and they are often easier to use and clean. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both choices. Here at Laurysen, we’re fans of both styles, as they both have advantages and disadvantages. But each is not for everyone, and not for every bathroom. It’s important to consider your space and think about what will fit the best. Our guide will give you everything you need to know to make the right decision. Ah, the delicious freestanding tub. It’s hard to get past it--these tubs look so very chic. They attract attention, instantly grabbing your eye when you enter the bathroom. They can be a little impractical in some cases, but fans of freestanding tubs will forgive all else just for the look.A freestanding tub can fit any style. From the classic claw-foot to a modern egg shape, there is no limit to the variability of freestanding tubs.

They aren’t limited by the need to fit between walls or into tile, so their designers are able to be more creative with the shape.Most people who pick a freestanding tub do so because of the look. It’s unique, and it makes a statement that is often associated with luxury--most high-end spas will utilize freestanding tubs.Compared to a built-in tub, a freestanding tub is painless to install. Instead of a decorator and a contractor, you’ll likely just need a plumber.Freestanding tubs allow you to use your space more creatively. Want a tub directly under a skylight in the middle of the room? While built-in tubs may need two or more walls for their install, with freestanding tubs anything goes!Freestanding tubs are generally more expensive than built-in tubs, even when installation is considered. This is because they are more complex to build and have more design flourishes.Freestanding tubs can be extremely heavy, often requiring a reinforced floor. It’s true that you can buy fibreglass models, but these are less common and can be more expensive.

They are also generally larger, and that means they weigh more when full of water.If you want to combine a shower with a tub, a built-in tub is the way to go. It is possible to mount a shower to a freestanding tub, but it tends to look ungainly and requires a wrap-around curtain. Some come with a small hand-held unit for rinsing off, so if you’re content with that you’ll be OK.Freestanding tubs have fewer options in terms of accessible storage than do built-ins. There is simply no ledge on a freestanding tub to put your shampoo or your candles. However, this problem can be mitigated through the purchase of a rolling caddie.You might have difficulty getting in an out of some of the swimming-pool sized beauties we’ve seen. Plus, some are also way too tall to lean over the edge, which is a problem whether you’re cleaning or giving a child or pet a bath. The old reliable - but for good reason! The built-in tub continues to be a favourite of many due to its practicality and sensibility.

We’re not knocking its looks either: with the right design, a built-in tub can have every bit as much beauty as a freestanding tub.Despite the increased availability of cheaper freestanding tubs, built-in tubs are generally going to be the more affordable option. This, of course, depends on the cost of the surround, if your built-in tub requires it.Built-in tubs are going to be more space-economical. They sit flush with a wall, so they’re usually tucked out of the way. Freestanding tubs will generally require space around them, so they tend to use space a little less efficiently. If you have a small bathroom, you may want to go with a built-in tub.Because built-in tubs are mounted flush with walls, they will offer many more options in terms of storage. For example, shelves can be mounted on the walls beside built-in tubs for bath and shower products. Furthermore, if you have a sizable surround, you’ll be able to use the edge of the tub itself for storage.Plumbing for freestanding tubs can be a little complex and usually requires running new piping, whereas many bathrooms will already have plumbing for built-in tubs installed.

In addition, plumbing for freestanding tubs is difficult to conceal and can be somewhat unsightly. With built-in tubs, the plumbing is tucked away under the tub itself and out of sight.Built in tubs are smaller, and they usually don’t have as many cracks and crevices to clean within. Plus, you only have to clean the inside of the tub, rather than the outside and the bottom.Of course, placement isn’t as flexible as it is with freestanding tubs. Built-in tubs are going to be relegated to the sides of the room, and many will need to be placed in a corner.There simply are not as many options for built-in tubs. This means that built-in tubs must rely on their surround for their style, their unique look. Though there is some creativity in the built-in tub space, there is far less than with freestanding tubs.Despite the possible need for new plumbing, freestanding tubs still make for an easier installation than do built-ins. Built-in tubs require sealing, mounting, and often the creation of a surround.

Freestanding tubs require none of those things.While it comes really comes down to personal taste, there is something about a freestanding tub that outshines even the most stylish of built-ins. There is nothing in the built-in tub space that compares to the design statement that freestanding tubs can make. Ultimately the choice is personal. If you have the space and like the look of a freestanding tub, you’ll be willing to overlook the disadvantages and go for the more stylish option. If you want the practicality and simplicity of a built-in tub, don’t despair. There is a lot of variety out there and you can find something that will work for the look you’re going for. If you’re trying to determine what will add the most value to your home, it’s a tough call. Our advice is to make sure the bathtub fits you well so you can use it. A bathroom that works well together is going to have the most value. We hope that the list above has at least given you something to think about, but the choice is ultimately yours to make.