Dear Eric Spurt: Can you give me some information on built-in tubs. Money is tight right now but we do have some savings that we would like to use to remodel our master bathroom. What’s the difference between a built-in tub and a sunken tub? Which one would you suggest for a bath renovation, a built-in tub or a free standing tub? Chad Billie, Belleville, IL

Hi Chad, thanks for the questions. Well, first of all to begin with I believe that you are in luck because built-in bath tubs are very popular these days and for good reason. The main reason the trend is towards built-in tubs is that they are less expensive than comparable freestanding tubs and because they can be customized, they use space more efficiently. If you think about it, they cost less because they’re only finished on the panel sides that show as compared to a freestanding tub that that has to be finished three hundred and sixty degrees all the way around.

Another benefit of a built-in tub is when space is at a premium. Since your built-in bath rest up against at least one wall you will have more space to move around, also this creates more efficient traffic patterns. The most effective placement of your built-in tub would have to be in a corner against two walls. Not to mention you can create some very elegant and contemporary layouts such as setting your built-in tub against a wide window to make it appear like you’re floating on a sea of tranquility.

Drop-in tubs are set into raised platforms or decks and are typically designed for tub-mounted faucets. Another type of tub that you may be interested in looking into is an Alcove tub. These built-in tubs are surrounded by three walls and are great for installing convenient rails and grab bars. Alcove tubs usually have wall mounted faucets and many models are tub and shower combinations which include a customized moulded surround enclosure.

Sunken tubs are also a type of built-in tub. The great thing about sunken tubs is that they give your bathing area a glamorous romantic feel and can transform your mundane master bath into an elegant spa like retreat. Unfortunately they can also be quite pricey because of the reconstruction and reinforcement of your bathroom floor that is usually necessary when remodelling. Plan carefully and hire a qualified contractor or architect because this bath renovation requires specialized skills to be pulled off properly.

All in all Chad, a built-in tub offers more design freedom and creative options than a free standing tub, it can save you space, is in most cases a cheaper remodeling choice and let us not forget how it aids in the effective flow of tasks and traffic throughout your bathroom. In my books, the built-in tub is the best solution. Hope this answers your question and best of luck reaching bathroom nirvana with your master bathroom reno.

Here is a related article on jetted tubs that you may find interesting

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