Freestanding or built in bath

[pashmina696]

Dear wisdom of Mumsnet - I am planning my main bathroom as part of a renovation and with some tweaking we can now fit a bath and a separate shower into the new bathroom and I love the look of a freestanding bath but the bathroom shops are convincing me a built in bath will be more comfortable and easier to keep clean - the bath will be against / near a wall - anyone got a comfortable free standing bath?? Thanks!

Our builders totally recommended against it unless it's well off the wall on all sides. You have to be able to get to the back to clean, maintenance, in case of leaks etc. Instead we've done a lovely alcove one with separate shower cubicle.

I’ve had both, I’ve got built in now. My free standing cast iron bath looked beautiful but it WAS uncomfortable and a sod to clean.

We have cast iron slipper baths and they are wonderful. You can get "freestanding" ball and claw feet baths which have 2 sides to go up against a wall. Do a search on back to wall freestanding baths.

We have a free standing bath but I hate getting out of it, it seems a lot higher than a normal bath. It's looks beautiful but I wouldn't have another one if I was refitting another bathroom.

Thank you - I did wonder if back to wall would be a good compromise I will see if I can find one to see in person ... you are all agreeing with the showroom though on the built in being better. I have lived with such uncomfortably small baths for years I am so looking forward to having a good one and don't want to get this part wrong!

I suppose it depends on the size of the bath you can install as to how comfortable they are. I have tbh, I can happily snooze in our slipper baths whilst having a soak. I did go an look in showrooms and spend time sitting and lying down in the baths, may have got strange looks but at least I didn't make a mistake!

I hate my freestanding bath, cleaning the floor all around its feet (how/why are bathrooms such fluff/dust magnets) plus my DC can slosh water over all the sides (great.)
I also have an irrational fear I will knock myself out on the Tim one day getting out of a wet slippery bath, so sodding solid.
I didn't put it in and I want to move anyway - I'd go Japanese tub everyday if the week if I had the choice.

Tim? Not Tim. Rim

We have a back to wall roll top, I love it.
Hoover and one of those flash mops gets right under it no problem. We went for the longer length and it's very deep, DH is 6' 4 and said he's never had a bath he fits in properly before! You can also choose the feet etc, we have the simpler white ones but it depends on the style of your bathroom.

www.sanctuary-bathrooms.co.uk/burlington-hampton-1500-freestanding-shower-bath-left-hand

Oh that is a disappointment. I had assumed Tim to be BF or DH and was just starting to conjured up all sorts of things...😟

I have a built in Bath that doesn't look like much, and my mum has an absolutely beautiful claw footed free standing one. Her bathroom appears the picture of relaxation but honestly mines way more comfortable. The full laying comfort is the dream. With freestanding ones I always feel like I'm sat too upright and can't really sink down!

That looks lovely!

I am intrigued by the Japanese ones as well - have you tried one? looks like you need to build a step as well into it - not sure how much the kids would like it though!

I have a Trident roll top bath from the Albion Bath Company. It's flush with the wall in two sides but has the style and claw feet of a freestanding slipper bath. Had it about 18 years now and it's so comfortable, water stays warm and nothing would make me change it

I think I need to do that! The showroom I am going to on Monday have most of their baths in the windows which has put me off to this point so far!

I have a free standing claw foot bath and love it, it's nice and deep so you can fully cover yourself in the water, I'm only short but can lie down without having to bend my knees and be fully submersed. I just need to remember to go to the tap end to step out otherwise it's too high!

We have a modern freestanding bath - looks beautiful as it’s in a bay window, but it’s the most uncomfortable bath ever. A proper built in bath is probably better.

Oh no!

I spent a long time researching and thinking about baths during our renovation. I’ve got an incredibly comfy built in one that’s sunk into a tiled surround. It looks great! It’s also reinforced/ extra thick so it retains the head really well. I love it!

Sounds great - do you know the make and model at all please?

This one https://www.carronbathrooms.com/public/bath-range/halcyon-d/halcyon-oval-inset/
Make sure you get the 'carronite' finish as that's the thicker, reinforced acrylic that keeps the heat in

I really wanted a Kaldewei or Bette one, both of whom do a similar shape/ size bath in steel. But it was out of budget. I'm really pleased with the Carron one though. Made in Britain, too!

@HippyKayYay thank you!