Is a Freestanding Tub Right for You? Five Things to Consider Before You Buy

Aug. 19, 2009 - PRLog -- CHARLESTON, S.C.— Freestanding bathtubs are becoming the choice for homeowners who prefer a spa-like bathroom. But are they right for you and your bathroom?

With more than 30 years of experience in the bathtub manufacturing industry, Karl Schuele shares five tips on how to get the right look — and fit — for your space:

1-Use
If you plan to use the tub for therapeutic soaking as well as regular bathing, opt for a soaking tub that provides total body immersion. Is it for one or two? Will your kids use it occasionally? Sit in it to confirm comfort in length and width, as well as support for your head, neck and back. Physically trying it also allows you to check quality, finish, strength and rigidity.

2- Size
A freestanding tub can make a room seem larger, and looks best with space around it. Consider proportions, impact of placement, overall design of the room. Be sure the bath will fit through the door, up a staircase, etc.

A common challenge is achieving a balance between bathroom size and tub dimensions, particularly when space is limited. Freestanding works wonders in these situations by creating a sense of space, revealing more floor and wall area than standard built-ins. Manufacturers are coming out with modern compact designs, such as Victoria & Albert’s 60-inch ios, which is sculptural and comfortable.

3- Positioning
Against a wall or out in the open? Accessibility to plumbing is important, as is placement of faucets. Often the least expensive option is to place the tub against a wall, with wall-mounted faucets. An installation away from the wall requires under-floor water supply lines, which could add up to extra costs.

If you opt for away-from-the-wall and want a clean, streamlined look, consider Victoria & Albert’s Lido Grande faucet stand, which hides all pipework and accommodates up to five pieces of hardware.

4- Material
This depends on several factors: frequency of use, maintenance and budget. Freestanding tubs are available in solid surface materials, cast iron, acrylic, stone, wood, cement, copper and more. Cost-effective choices like acrylic may at first glance look OK, but often lack the durability of other materials. Victoria & Albert’s ENGLISHCAST is a limestone/resin mix that’s hard-wearing and creates a scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean well. Hate the shock of a cold tub? A limestone/resin mix is warm to the touch and highly insulating. Wooden and marble tubs require maintenance. Cast iron and other heavy materials may require the addition of a subfloor or other weight-bearing addition, which could add to cost.

5-Design
Your choices in design abound, too. Want to open up the room? Designs such as the Como, which taper inward and have “legs,” create an illusion of space. Be sure the tub complements other bathroom features, including the sink and commode. Do you prefer a contemporary or traditional look? Some designers advise sticking to one style, while others mix things up. At Victoria & Albert, we carry what I call “transitional” designs, which combine both classic and modern features. The Amalfi, for instance, is a sleek reinvention of the classic slipper tub, and works well in both contemporary and vintage-style settings.

Karl Schuele has more than 30 years of experience working in the bathtub manufacturing industry. He is currently the U.S. sales and marketing manager for Victoria & Albert Bath.

For more information or high-resolution photos, please call  (800) 421-7189 or go to www.vandabaths.com.

About ENGLISHCAST™
Victoria & Albert baths are made from ENGLISHCAST™, a mix of naturally white volcanic limestone and resin. Insulating, stain-resistant and strong, this high-performance material makes it possible to cast a large and complex shape into one flowing, seamless piece. The stone content of ENGLISHCAST™ creates a durable, scratch-resistant bathing well that is easily renewed with a light polish.

About Victoria & Albert®
Victoria & Albert is a global leader in bath innovation and design, creating a versatile range of traditional and contemporary freestanding bathtubs. Known for its durability, every ENGLISHCAST™ bathtub comes with a 25-year manufacturer-backed warranty and is shipped within 48 hours of purchase.

Victoria & Albert products are sold at more than 400 kitchen and bath showrooms across the U.S. and Canada. Established in the U.K. in 1996, Victoria & Albert extended its brand to the U.S. in 2002, and now offers its products in more than 20 countries across the globe.

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Victoria & Albert Bath is a global leader in bath innovation and design, creating a versatile range of traditional and contemporary freestanding bathtubs, each with a 25-year manufacturer-backed warranty. They are sold at showrooms in the U.S. and Canada.