By Timothy Dale | Updated Sep 28, 2023 9:25 AM
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Sure, a shower provides an efficient, refreshing way to get clean, but when it comes to real relaxation, it’s hard to beat a warm soak in a freestanding tub. Any tub is nice, but a freestanding tub is typically spacious and can serve as a bathroom focal point that’s as striking to look at as it is comfortable to loll in.
In this context, the term “freestanding” refers to stand-alone tubs that needn’t be attached to a wall; they sit on the floor and are finished on all four sides. The tubs come in different shapes, sizes, and styles to suit a host of bathroom decor preferences. Shoppers can find a freestanding soaking tub with shower fixtures as well as spa-worthy whirlpool jets. Read on for the features to consider when shopping for one of these beautiful bath upgrades as well as our lineup of the best freestanding tubs.
The best bathtubs offer a touch of luxury and relaxation as well as practicality. In this guide, we feature the best freestanding bathtubs for a variety of lifestyles, focusing on key factors like dimensions, weight, style, material construction, and special features. Size was a key consideration, since even folks with small bathrooms might want a freestanding tub, while those with ample square footage may go with a supersize soaker that allows couples to bathe together.
Any roundup of the best whirlpool tubs, soaker tubs, and standard freestanding tubs should consider the material and style of each model. This guide includes options for reclining and sitting comfortably. Beneficial bells and whistles like massage jets, bubblers, and built-in overflow systems were certainly a plus. We also sought to find tubs for all budgets.
Consider these top freestanding tubs selected from a range of options for their size, style, material construction, faucet compatibility, and overall value.
Update the bathroom with this attractive double-slipper freestanding tub by Empava. The acrylic construction is lightweight yet durable, so bathers can enjoy years of relaxing soaks. It features a built-in overflow system, a pop-up drain for easy filling and emptying, and double-walled fiberglass reinforcement to retain water temperature. All of these features and the smooth, luxurious design and finish come at a fairly affordable price.
The tub measures 67 inches long by 29.5 inches wide by 26.5 inches tall, with a soaking depth of 15 inches for full-body immersion. Installing this tub requires a freestanding or wall-mounted faucet since the tub does not have a tap deck for faucet installation.
Get the Empava 67-inch freestanding tub at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
The luxury of a freestanding bathtub needn’t break the bank. This nicely priced tub by Home Decorators Collection is made of acrylic with layered fiberglass reinforcement to help retain bathwater temperature. It measures 70 inches long by 34.3 inches wide by 30 inches tall, with a maximum soaking depth of 15.35 inches.
The single-slipper design suits bathers who prefer to sit back in the tub rather than fully recline. The tub comes with adjustable-leveling feet, a reversible drain, and a built-in overflow system. There’s a limited amount of tap deck space, so buyers must either find a faucet or filler less than 2 inches wide or opt for a freestanding or wall-mounted faucet.
Get the Home Decorators Collection freestanding tub at The Home Depot.
This luxuriousjetted tub features six adjustable body-massage jets and 10 bubbler jets to enhance bather comfort, soothe muscle aches, and relieve joint pain. This double-slipper tub is made of lightweight acrylic reinforced with fiberglass to improve heat retention and increase durability.
The freestanding bathtub has a stain-resistant exterior that is easy to keep clean with regular maintenance and care. Bathers can control the bubbler jets, massage jets, and the underwater chromotherapy light with the controls on the side of the tub. Just keep in mind that this tub does require a freestanding or wall-mounted faucet or filler.
Get the Woodbridge Venezia freestanding tub at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Woodbridge Bath.
Composed of rugged man-made stone, this freestanding soaker is as durable as it is indulgent. The tub measures 75.5 inches long by 40.5 inches wide by 23 inches tall and has a 15.5-inch soaking depth, allowing two bathers to immerse completely. The high-end material is resistant to discoloration and staining.
The freestanding bathtub doesn’t have a tap deck, so you’ll want to invest in a freestanding or wall-mounted faucet or filler. Additionally, the tub weighs 363 pounds empty, so with water and two bathers added to the equation, it’s very heavy—reinforcing the bathroom floor before installation is recommended.
Get the Anzzi freestanding tub at Wayfair or Luxe Bathroom Vanities.
The FerdY Tamago freestanding bathtub is crafted for comfort with its ergonomic, egg-shaped design. This 55.1-inch-long tub, with its 15.4-inch soaking depth, is crafted to support the user’s body, allowing for a rejuvenating and deep soak. The sloped lumbar support is a clever addition that makes this tub more ergonomic than others on the market.
In terms of practical features, an overflow system allows you to fill the tub more, while the toe-tap drain is particularly convenient. It’s made from durable white acrylic reinforced with fiberglass, which is easy to clean and resistant to common household chemicals.
Get the FerdY freestanding tub at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ferdy Bath.
Claw-foot tubs exude a sense of timeless luxury, and this model from AKDY makes a perfect addition when adding a touch of glam to a space. Constructed from acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass, it promises durability along with its appealing aesthetics. The tub features an ergonomic backrest for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.
The tub’s glossy finish and chrome-finished claw feet add an opulent touch, while its double-walled structure retains warmth. Designed for easy maintenance, its surface resists regular wear and tear like chipping and discoloration. It’s ready for seamless integration with most tub fillers.
Get the AKDY freestanding tub at Lowe’s or The Home Depot.
Smaller bathrooms can have the pleasure and presence of a stand-alone tub with this acrylic model from Woodbridge. The compact bathtub measures just 54 inches long by 28.4 inches wide by 28.8 inches tall. Its single-slipper design is ideal for bathers who prefer to sit against the raised wall as they soak.
The tub requires a freestanding or wall-mounted faucet because it lacks a tap deck. It has a built-in overflow system and a pop-up drain available in brushed nickel, brushed gold, chrome, matte black, or oil-rubbed bronze to suit other bathroom fixtures.
Get the Woodbridge 54-inch freestanding tub at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Woodbridge Bath.
Those looking for a large freestanding tub that they can really lounge in will appreciate the size of this model from Woodbridge. Measuring 71 inches long, it allows you to stretch out, and its shape complements the body’s natural curves for added comfort. A stainless steel bracket at the base supports up to 1,000 pounds, making it one of the sturdiest options on the market.
The tub boasts a slip-resistant bottom, adhering to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards and ensures no discoloration, maintaining its pristine look over time. Complete with essential drain assembly and overflow drain, this model offers plenty of features in a large soaking tub.
Get the Woodbridge B1701 freestanding tub at Wayfair or Woodbridge.
This Empava 59.05-inch tub has a natural oval shape that comfortably cradles a bather’s body, while its smooth lines make it a decidedly attractive addition. It measures a moderate 59.05 inches long by 31.5 inches wide by 22.83 inches tall—a suitable option for an average-size bathroom—though it does require a freestanding or wall-mounted faucet or filler.
The acrylic tub has a double-wall design reinforced with fiberglass to help retain ideal water temperature. There’s also an adjustable base for accurate leveling and increased stability, as well as a built-in polished chrome overflow and pop-up drain.
Get the Empava 59-inch freestanding tub at Amazon, Walmart, or Wayfair.
The rectangular shape of this freestanding soaking tub by Vanity Art is an appealing option to give a bathroom a modern update. The acrylic material is reinforced with fiberglass to help maintain bathwater temperature. Nonporous acrylic is also resistant to mold, mildew, stains, and discoloration.
The tub measures just 59 inches long by 29.5 inches wide by 23.6 inches tall, making it a good choice for average-size bathrooms. It features an integrated pop-up drain and overflow assembly system but lacks a tap deck for faucet installation; a freestanding or wall-mounted faucet must be purchased separately.
Get the Vanity Art freestanding tub at The Home Depot or Wayfair.
Top-rated freestanding tubs typically require a substantial investment, so it’s smart to understand what you’re paying for! Key product factors to keep in mind include size, style, and material. It’s also wise to become aware of the best freestanding tub brands before choosing a soaker for a renovation project.
Bigger can be better when it comes to the best large soaking tubs—as long as the chosen model will fit in the bathroom. Shoppers will want to take precise measurements of the bathroom’s square footage and the area they hope to allocate to the new stand-alone tub.
Then, once you start sizing up tubs, comfort should be a priority. You’ll want to consider the length, width, and depth of the tub as well as your body size and weight to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy the soak fully. Couples should note that freestanding tubs are also available in sizes for two people to bathe together. Some folks find that a flat-bottom tub doesn’t feel as good as one with a contoured bottom.
While assessing sizes to choose a bathtub, remember that the larger the tub, the more water it will take to fill it. If shoppers are trying to conserve water and keep bills low, then a somewhat smaller, shallower version of the best freestanding tubs might be a good compromise.
There are several styles of freestanding bathtubs, including single-ended, single-slipper, double-ended, double-slipper, pedestal, claw-foot, and Japanese soaking tubs.
The best material for freestanding tub construction is typically acrylic because it’s lightweight, affordable, and easy to find. However, stand-alone tubs made of cast iron, resin, copper, stainless steel, or stone are also available. A cast-iron tub is incredibly durable, but it may require buyers to reinforce flooring in an upstairs bathroom because they are extremely heavy.
Resin tubs are heavier than acrylic but not as weighty as cast iron. Copper, stainless steel, and stone tubs offer a unique look, but shoppers will pay a premium price for such a high-end model. Another uncommon option is wood, typically oak or cedar, which gives the bathroom a natural look and is an environmentally friendly choice.
When shoppers are considering which freestanding tub is right for their bathroom, they’ll want to factor in where the faucet or filler will be installed. Bathtubs with a rolled rim or rolled top do not typically have faucet drillings, so it’s necessary to find the best freestanding tub faucet or wall-mounted tub faucet for a given bathroom aesthetic that is compatible with the tub.
The best freestanding tub filler options are typically installed to one side of the tub, close enough for the faucet to hang over the edge. Deck-mounted tub faucets require the bathtub to have a tap deck where the faucet can be secured. There are tubs with predrilled tap decks, but in many models, the holes must be drilled by the owner or a professional plumber in order to install a deck-mounted faucet.
Freestanding tub manufacturers all compete to make the best bathtubs for their clientele, but when products are relatively similar, additional features help entice shoppers. These bells and whistles include tub caddies, foot coasters, bubblers, and whirlpool massage systems.
Installing a freestanding tub can be a project for a DIYer with some plumbing experience. The first step is taking precise measurements of the area where the tub will be installed. Make sure the tub of choice will fit in the space available. Cast-iron, stone, and metal freestanding tubs can be quite heavy, so if installing one on an upper floor, note the weight of the model and consider reinforcing the floor.
Unless the new tub can fit exactly over the location of the drain used for the removed tub, shoppers will need to install a new drain line through the floor that lines up with the drain in the tub. Slide the tub into position and use a pencil or another erasable writing tool to trace the outline; this can help you visualize the exact position of the bathtub when installing the drain.
Finish the installation by applying silicone tub and tile caulking to the feet on a claw-foot tub or to the base on a pedestal tub. This bead of silicone helps to prevent the tub from shifting or moving on the floor.
Those who want more info about freestanding bathtubs may find it here among the answers to commonly asked questions.
The first factor to consider is the size of the tub compared to the bathers and to the square footage of the bathroom. Factor in the overall weight of the tub in case the floor requires reinforcement. You’ll also want to consider style, material, and faucet installation.
The most popular material for a freestanding bathtub is acrylic because it’s lightweight, easy to maintain, and relatively inexpensive. However, a cast-iron tub has superior durability and longevity.
The general rule is to allow for 6 inches around the tub, though a tub with a rolled rim or rolled top will also need enough space to install a freestanding faucet or filler.
A freestanding tub will not tip over unless someone is actively trying to tip it. However, the tub may shift or move, especially if it sits on an uneven surface. Those concerned about a shifting tub will want to ensure that the floor is level before installation. Once the tub is in place, you can apply a bead of silicone to the bottom of the feet or to the base to help prevent it from moving.
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