Freestanding Bathtub vs. Built-In Tub: Which Is Better?

Installing a new bathtub in your home comes with a surprising number of choices, including deciding between a freestanding bathtub versus a built-in bathtub. Both have advantages, but each type of tub has a few drawbacks to consider before jumping in. Here’s how freestanding and built-in tubs stack up against each other.

Freestanding Bathtub vs. Built-In Bathtub: Key Differences

If you need a relaxing soak, freestanding and built-in bathtubs can both do the job, but there are key differences to consider before choosing the right one for your bathroom. Freestanding bathtubs are separate from any surrounding support structure in the bathroom, while built-in tubs are installed alongside walls or in a custom-built surround.

Freestanding bathtubs are deeper than built-in tubs, offering a more luxurious bathing experience. They’re also available in various materials, including natural stone and copper, whereas most built-in bathtubs are available in acrylic, fiberglass, or enameled steel. A bathtub installer can recommend the best type of bathtub and materials for your bathroom.

What Is a Freestanding Bathtub?

A freestanding bathtub is a stand-alone tub that doesn’t include a shower and can be placed anywhere in the bathroom with adequate plumbing and floor support. They’re available in a range of materials, including fiberglass and acrylic, but you can also find them in natural stone, cast iron, solid surface, and copper.

Best for: 

• Budgets with room for a specialized installation 

• Larger bathrooms with enough space 

• Unique bathroom designs that would benefit from a one-of-a-kind tub

Pros of a Freestanding Bathtub

Freestanding bathtubs are popular with those who want a spa-like experience in their homes. They come in a wide variety of shapes and materials that allow for more customization than a built-in bathtub. These tubs serve as a focal point in beautiful design statements and serve a functional purpose.

Cons of a Freestanding Bathtub

Freestanding bathtubs are more expensive than standard built-in bathtubs. While they’re a beautiful focal point, they don’t have a wide ledge for storage or support like a built-in tub. They also don’t include a shower, meaning you’ll need to install a separate shower or add a shower conversion kit to the freestanding tub. 

This bathtub style works better in larger bathrooms, but with the right configuration, they can also work in smaller bathrooms, especially if the room doesn’t include a shower. Installation is more challenging for freestanding versus built-in tubs because you’ll need to reroute the plumbing through the floor and potentially the wall, depending on where the fixtures are located. This can add additional expenses to your bathtub replacement costs.

What Is a Built-In Bathtub?

A built-in bathtub comes standard in most homes and is either surrounded by walls on three sides or set into a dedicated structure. Built-in bathtubs commonly include a shower, offering versatility in a space-saving design. 

Best for: 

• Replacing an existing built-in bathtub

• Smaller remodeling budgets

• More accessibility for older adults and children 

Pros of a Built-In Bathtub

Built-in bathtubs are the standard in many homes and can be either an alcove style or a drop-in tub. Some of these tubs include a shower for versatility and come in a variety of materials, including acrylic, fiberglass, or enameled steel. Acrylic or fiberglass built-in tubs are lightweight, making installation easier, particularly with the help of a bathtub installation pro near you.

Cons of a Built-In Bathtub

Installing or replacing a built-in bathtub requires measuring correctly to ensure the tub will fit into the bathroom’s design. Built-in tubs must also be sealed around the edges to protect the surrounding areas from water damage. This style of tub does offer some customization options, but it doesn’t match the range of materials and styles available for freestanding tubs. 

Freestanding Bathtubs vs. Built-In Tubs

Freestanding bathtubs and built-in bathtubs both achieve the goal of providing a place to bathe but offer different advantages. In some categories, one pulls ahead of the other. 

Appearance: Freestanding

In terms of appearance, freestanding tubs offer a unique style that adds a touch of luxury to a bathroom. They come in various styles and act as a centerpiece for a bathroom. A built-in tub can be styled to enhance the look of a bathroom, but it doesn’t bring the character and one-of-a-kind style that a freestanding tub does. 

Options and Customizations: Freestanding 

Freestanding bathtubs come in a variety of common bathtub materials like fiberglass and acrylic, but you can also choose between natural stone, marble, cast iron, and solid surface. Some models offer a sleek and modern appearance, and others bring a bit of nostalgia with claw-foot versions.

While built-in bathtubs mostly come in rectangular or oval shapes, their appearance doesn’t vary as much. For freestanding tubs, however, homeowners can choose between different shapes because the tubs aren’t enclosed by a structure or surround. Designers are free to create curved edges or irregularly shaped tubs that fit homeowners’ unique design needs. 

If you want a freestanding tub and a shower, you can get the best of both worlds by installing a shower conversion kit on your freestanding tub and hanging a shower curtain around the entire tub.

Price: Built-In

Built-in bathtubs are more affordable than freestanding tubs, with standard tubs costing between $200 and $1,000, depending on factors like size, material, faucets, labor for installation, plumbing work, and subfloor preparation. Highly customized freestanding tubs—or those made from natural stone, copper, or wood—start at around $2,000 and go up to $9,000 or more.

Ease of Installation: Tie

Since many homes already have a built-in bathtub, it’s relatively easy to replace the existing tub to keep installation costs low, but you might need to build a surround if you’re installing a new drop-in tub. You’ll also need to seal the tub properly to prevent water leaks.

Freestanding tubs are stand-alone units that don't meet a wall, ledge, or other area that would need to be sealed. However, installation is more complicated if you need to reroute the plumbing, in which case you need to hire a licensed plumber who installs bathtubs. If you already have a freestanding tub, purchasing a new one that fits the existing plumbing will make the installation easier.