A Comparative Discussion Between Alcove Bathtubs & Freestanding Bathtubs

Whether you are making a new bathroom or remodelling your old one, doing a bathroom renovation can be extremely complicated. If you’re remodelling your bathroom, you may struggle to discover the following:

Should I go for a bathtub, shower or both?
If I determine to opt for a bathtub, which tub should I choose? A freestanding tub or alcove tub?
Would it be better to select an alcove tub that is neatly tucked into the walls?
What are the pros and cons of freestanding tubs?
Which tub would serve the needs of my family the best?

The answer to all the above-mentioned questions is the specific requirements of your home or office. Yes, it may sound a little odd that there is no such parameter that can determine one ideal bathtub for your needs. It is the requirement of your home, functionality and the stylish look of the bathtub that would decide which type of tub is ideal for you.

The goal of this article is simple which is nothing but to create a comparative discussion between freestanding bathtubs and alcove bathtubs. This is to help you understand the best bathtub for your needs. Contact a reputed seller to get effective bathtub repair in Dubai.

Difference Between Freestanding Bathtub & Alcove Bathtub

When it comes to the matter of baths, there are two basic types, alcove bathtubs and freestanding bathtubs. Alcove bathtubs are covered on three sides whereas a freestanding bathtub offers more flexibility. One of the most popular freestanding bathtub options is a claw foot tub which stands on four feet. This claw foot tub opposed the idea of modern freestanding bathtubs which sit flush on the pedestal or the ground.

Conventionally, claw-foot bathtubs possess a claw design and Victorian-style ball, but nowadays any tub that possesses a tub is often called a claw-foot tub. Both freestanding and alcove bathtubs are available with a wide range of variety designs, lengths, widths, depths and sizes. So it is always suggested to test-drive numerous tubs in the showroom.

Cost is a factor that makes differences between two bathtubs. The cost of the bathtubs entirely relies on the design, faucet, materials and sizes of the bathtubs. In the past years, free-standing bathtubs are used to be highly expensive. But in recent times, they also become cheaper.
In comparison with freestanding bathtubs, alcove bathtubs can be expensive because of the surroundings. Alcove bathtubs need surrounding fixtures that expand the cost of these bathtubs. But freestanding bathtubs don’t need additional fixtures. This is why, they are more affordable than alcove tubs. For the same reason, plumbing is more difficult with freestanding tubs.
The next factor that creates differences between these bathtubs is the space. And when it is a matter of space, freestanding bathtubs are more space-consuming than the alcove or built-in tubs. This is because an alcove bathtub needs space for the bathtub itself and the faucet constraints. Floor-mounted faucets are more likely to consume space than the deck-mounted faucets.
The next difference between a built-in tub and a freestanding tub is the shower capacity. Freestanding tubs generally possess pull-off showers whereas the other hand, whereas alcove bathtubs often include wall-mounted showers.
If you are looking forward to having a bathtub that is highly flexible in placement, then a freestanding bathtub would win hands down. Free-standing bathtubs can be placed anywhere even in the middle of a bathroom but alcove bathtubs are fixed to a corner or alcove of a bathroom.
If we talk about decorative impact, freestanding bathtubs are always prone to offer more trendy, aesthetic beauty to your bathroom. That doesn’t mean alcove bathtubs are not beautiful. We are just saying freestanding bathtubs have the inherent capacity to create a strong, modern, vintage, sculptural and excellent visual beauty in your bathroom.
Though freestanding bathtubs are extremely flexible in terms of beauty and flexibility, alcove bathtubs have more capacity for storage options. You can use bathtub trays to make this demerit of freestanding bathtubs into merits. Buy generally alcove tubs in this category.
Installation of any bathtub is a tough job as it includes a lot of endeavours and considerable aspects. Freestanding bathtubs are made up of cast iron which makes them extremely heavy. This is why you may need reinforced flooring to install these tubs. There are lighter options for freestanding bathtubs available in the market made up of fibreglass which are cheaper and easy to install too.
Plumbing placement can be an issue with freestanding bathtubs but built-in tubs come with their own installation and construction constraints. This is why they are easy to install.
Oftentimes, the elderly people in our houses face numerous issues with freestanding bathtubs. But with built-in tubs, there would be no such issues as they can be easily transferred into a walk-in tub which is a crucial feature for the elderly bathers.
Built-in bathtubs are more prone to customization in comparison to freestanding tubs. Though freestanding tubs are available in numerous styles, sizes, shapes and colours, built-in tubs can be customised with multiple styles and materials.
Freestanding tubs can offer a spa-like feeling because they have a pampering vibe. For this reason, they are called soaking tubs. But alcove tubs are more luxurious in their surroundings, fully decorated with candles, loofahs, and other bathing accessories.

So both freestanding and alcove tubs have their own merits and demerits which make them appropriate for different uses. Always buy any of these tubs from a reputed seller or get effective water pump repair in Dubai. So what do you think about which type of tub is ideal for your needs?