What is the best material for a freestanding bath?

18th June 2021

Freestanding bathtubs have been the epitome of luxury bathing since the mid eighteenth century. Their popularity increased as bathing became more fashionable – at least amongst the aristocracy. A relaxing and luxuriously long soak was unheard of for the mortals lower down in society’s hierarchy.

Roll forward three hundred years and freestanding baths are an affordable luxury. With thanks to advances in bathroom design and technology, the options available to consumers are plentiful – freestanding baths for small bathrooms, freestanding baths to fit against the wall, deep freestanding baths, slim freestanding baths, and the list goes on. No matter the space you have available, there is a design to suit.

But what is the best material for a freestanding bath?

Cast iron freestanding bath

Cast iron is the ideal material for the purists amongst us seeking an authentic vintage bathroom design. When you think of a freestanding bath, you most likely visualise a gloriously traditional double ended cast iron bath with clawed feet. The process of casting means there are limited shapes available, and the finish is typically not entirely flawless, but this only adds to their classic charm.

Cast iron is easy to keep clean, highly durable and sturdy, but this comes at a cost; it is incredibly heavy so you may need additional support for your floor. The greatest drawback of these stunning traditional freestanding baths is the high price.

Natural stone freestanding bath

Natural stone freestanding baths are high up on the list for those pursuing a high end luxury bathroom design and often made from marble, granite, or travertine. Timeless and beautiful, stone freestanding bath tubs are hand-carved so each is unique and typically devilishly expensive. Carrying the colour and markings of the natural stone – from pale greys, off-whites, browns and subtle pinks – the natural characteristics and qualities of these materials justify the high cost.

They are solid, comfortable, and warm to the touch instantly creating a statement of pure sanctuary and luxe. To keep natural stone baths in pristine condition, regular specialist maintenance and attention is required.

However, it is not only the price of natural stone freestanding baths that limit their abundance in our homes, but the sheer weight of them also makes them an unattainable option for many.

Geokarst natural stone resin freestanding bath

Geokarst is a natural stone resin developed to combine the best characteristics of natural stone with new technologies to create a lightweight but strong, durable and versatile non-porous material that retains heat. Luxury bath designers using Geokarst have the ultimate in ergonomic design freedom; the material’s strength provides an opportunity for unparalleled creativity. Refined design fused with ergonomic comfort – a beautiful partnership.

Using only the purest of white limestone in the manufacturing process, the quality and colour of the white stone freestanding baths is consistent and guaranteed. There is no discolouration or degradation over time and the natural stone resin is resistant to damage from heavy use and stains and is low maintenance. Geokarst provides an equally luxurious but more practical and less expensive alternative to its 100% natural stone cousin.

Acrylic freestanding bath

Acrylic has been at the heart of many bathroom transformations over the years and for very good reasons. It’s inexpensive, easy to maintain, lightweight and warm to the touch which makes it a popular material for bathroom products. Acrylic is versatile and gives bath designers the capacity to introduce simple form contours, silhouettes, and colours.

However, acrylic freestanding baths do have several disadvantages. Acrylic is prone to scratching, staining and discolouration and can even deform in boiling water and strong detergents. A freestanding bath design oozes luxury and opulence, yet acrylic versions can feel almost hollow – a little too lightweight.

A freestanding bathtub is the signature of pure and unadulterated bathroom luxury. As the key element of any high end bathroom renovation, it commands your attention, which is why researching the best material for your bath is so important. Think about costs for reinforcing floors, installation, and repair; think about your lifestyle – do you have time for specialist maintenance? Do you have time to wait for the bath to heat?

But, the main consideration is how will your freestanding bath make you feel? The Luxury Bath Company creates stunning bathroom products to provoke a sense of opulent sanctuary, relaxation, and restoration – a place of contemplation, joy and haven – each and every time you enter your bathroom. And, that is priceless.

If you need any advice or guidance about how our products can be used in your own bathroom design, please get in touch on (+44) 0203 44 15751 or click here to message directly.