When shopping for a bathtub, you have two options: built-in or freestanding. While built-in bathtubs are seen as a more affordable option, freestanding bathtubs are not without their own charms. Today we will discuss why freestanding bathtubs are more expensive compared to other bathtubs on the market.
1. What Quality Makes Them More Expensive
Freestanding tubs are more expensive than other tubs due to materials, design, and maintenance. Materials are usually the bulk of the price, as premium materials demand a higher price tag. In terms of design, freestanding bathtubs are generally relatively large in size, which will inevitably increase their price. Finally, a tub this size requires maintenance, considering water bills and the general care a freestanding tub requires.
1) Material
As with all bathtubs, most of their price comes from the materials used. Each material has its pros and cons, but in general, the more expensive the material, the better the tub. Acrylic, cast iron, and porcelain make up mid-range tub materials that are very affordable and last another 10-20 years. Further up we have materials like Stone Resin and Copper which are slightly more expensive but can easily last a lifetime if cared for properly so the price goes up.
2) Design
While materials take up most of the tub’s expense, the design includes the rest of the price tag. Since freestanding bathtubs can be placed anywhere in your bathroom, this allows for unlimited design possibilities. With a freestanding tub, you can make almost any size or design you want, which of course adds to their price, but it gives you the more creative freedom to have the tub you want in your home, rather than being satisfied with a more commercial design.
Freestanding tubs also have a classic yet modern feel—something often missing from traditional built-in tubs, giving your home a unique feel.
3) Maintain
Freestanding bathtubs are a bit more complicated to maintain than other bathtubs on the market. Since freestanding bathtubs tend to be much larger, they require some extra manual work to clean and maintain. That said, higher-quality materials like stone resin and copper don’t need to be cleaned as often as acrylic or porcelain.
4) Lasting
The biggest benefit of a freestanding bathtub is its longevity. A freestanding tub can last 15-29 years as long as the tub is properly cared for and cleaned. Although this number will depend on the material used. Acrylic lasts 10-15 years, wood about 30 years, and copper and stone resin can both last 50+ years, depending on the treatment.
5) Popularity
While they’re more expensive than traditional built-in tubs, freestanding tubs are actually quite popular. Despite the initial drawbacks, a freestanding bathtub is a worthwhile investment that will last you a considerable amount of time and provide your home with a unique item that will help increase its value. The freedom they have to install is also a big positive for them, as a freestanding tub can be installed in almost any space in your home, as opposed to a recessed tub that needs to be carved out to install it.
2. Can a Freestanding Bathtub Help Increase the Value of Your Home?
Freestanding bathtubs help increase the value of your home. The practical answer is that the higher the quality of the bathtub, the more value it will add to your home. If it’s a popular model/material then obviously it will help increase the value of your home. But if it’s not an ideal model, then it won’t add to the value of your home.
Freestanding bathtubs are expensive investments. But there they are investments. Its unique design, comfortable materials, and longevity are unrivaled compared to other bathtubs on the market. So think about it the next time you’re in the market for a new bathtub.