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KBSA Consumer Guide
Our FREE guide contains practical advice for consumers who are considering buying a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or home office.
Freestanding baths
Choosing a freestanding bath used to be a luxury reserved for those with a sumptuous, large bathroom, but not any more. Modern material technology means that a wide range of designs and sizes are now available, allowing many more people the opportunity to incorporate a freestanding bath into their dream bathroom design.
With space no longer an issue freestanding baths can be built into one wall, included in an ensuite, used with showers over, or even built into a corner.
Traditional freestanding baths were made from cast iron, which is a very heavy material making the bath difficult to fit, however modern freestanding baths are made from acrylic which provides many benefits over cast iron and these are now much more popular.
Acrylic baths can be moulded from a single sheet of acrylic and then reinforced for strength and rigidity. The acrylic will vary in thickness, typically 4mm, 5mm or 8mm. A better option is a double-skinned acrylic freestanding bath which is stronger than a normal acrylic bath and lighter than cast iron.
The main advantages of acrylic as a bath material are that it is warm to the touch and retains water temperature longer than baths made from other materials. Acrylic is also lighter and therefore easier to transport and install. Acrylic also offers a wide range of colour options, allowing the more individual option of colour co-ordinating a bath to match a bathroom.
Another important advantage is that with acrylic the design is not limited. Any size or shape bath can be designed and manufactured and this has led to a wide range of designs, both traditional and contemporary.
Traditional freestanding baths, such as the slipper-style bath of Victorian times is one option for a period home. This style of bath offers the option of different feet and taps – so that you can make it the perfect fit for your bathroom. Another traditional style is that of the boat-style bath which has a wonderfully elegant to-the-floor design.
For an ultra cool, contemporary bathroom you could choose a much more angular shaped bath, or a modern style slipper bath that has the same shaped tub but can be a to-the-floor model or have a wooden cradle.
A freestanding bath can create a stunning focal point if placed in the centre of a bathroom, so if you are lucky enough to have a large bathroom, then you should opt for a large freestanding bath in the centre of the room.
Modern shapes can make a real design statement when used in this way. These baths are also often large enough for two people.
You also need to consider what you want from your bath. There are now freestanding baths available that can give you the Spa experience. A jet spray which can be relaxing or invigorating, with controls that are not only easy to operate but inherently safe and will enhance your bathing experience.
Finally, the details make a big difference to an interior. Don’t scrimp and make sure you choose the right feet and taps to finish off your fantastic new bath properly.
