Our Guide to Fitting a Freestanding Bath

Whether your bathroom design is traditional or modern, one thing is for sure a freestanding bath will make an impressive, luxury statement. Standing alone, rather than against a wall like a traditional bath, fitting a freestanding bath is a slightly different process to installing a bath connected to the wall, but that doesn't mean it's any different to plumbing and fitting an ordinary bath. Carry on reading to discover our top tips for fitting a freestanding tub.

What you'll need:

• Freestanding bath and taps
• Bath waste, trap and pipework
• Drill
• Adjustable spanner
• Adjustable wrench
• Silicone sealant
• Stanley knife
• Spirit level
• Screwdriver
• Pencil
• Tape measure

What is a freestanding bath?

Rather than nestling against a wall in your bathroom, a freestanding bath is set slightly away from the wall or sits in the middle of a room to give your bathroom the wow-factor. From classic cast iron roll top tubs with claw feet and elegant slipper baths to ultra-contemporary stone freestanding baths, the choice of shapes, sizes, finishes, colours and styles is vast. There really is a freestanding bathtub to suit homes of all styles and sizes.

What do I need to think about before fitting a freestanding bath?

Freestanding baths not only make a stunning style statement in your bathroom but also offer a sense of luxury and comfort. When choosing a freestanding bath, size becomes a crucial factor to consider. While they aren't overly challenging to install, there are a few essential points to keep in mind before making your investment. After all, envision receiving your dream bath, only to discover it doesn't fit seamlessly or isn't proportionate to your space. Therefore, taking the time to carefully evaluate dimensions and ensure compatibility with your flooring is imperative. Your ideal bathroom retreat should be perfect in every aspect, and considering the size and area will help you avoid any potential disappointments upon delivery.

Do I have enough space for a freestanding bath?

You may be happy that your bathroom dimensions are sufficient and that you have the floor room to accommodate a freestanding bathtub. But whether you have a smaller bathroom or a narrow staircase, it's always worth checking that you have enough space to room to get it up your stairs without damaging it or your house and position your tub in place. With that in mind, the minimum end-to-end (length) additional room you'll need for your freestanding tub to slot perfectly in place is 6 inches. This ensures your tub complements your bathroom, without making it look cramped in the corner.

Is my floor strong enough for a freestanding bath?

Freestanding baths are heavier than standard baths, so you need to check the maximum weight that your floor can take. Donít forget, you will need to calculate the weight of the bath when full of water (one litre of water weighs one kilogram). Make a note of the capacity of the bath youíve chosen to calculate its total weight.

If you identify any loose or rotten floorboards, these should be mended or replaced at this point to prevent future problems. Itís much easier to remedy this now than once your bath is in position.

Is my bathroom floor level enough for a freestanding bath?

Once youíre happy that you have sufficient space and a strong enough base to stand your bath on, youíll need to check that your floor is level. If itís not level, this will spoil the aesthetics of your stunning new freestanding bath. It also makes it impossible to seal if your bath doesnít fit flush to the floor. So nowís the time to get the floor properly prepared.

How to fit a freestanding bath

Step 1: Stop your water

When youíre ready to plumb in your new freestanding bath, the first step should always be to turn your water off at the stopcock.

Top tip: We recommend unpacking your freestanding bath fully once youíve got it, as itís always best to spot any damage or faults now rather than halfway through installation.

Step 2: Attach the feet

If your freestanding bath has feet, this is the point where you need to fit them and make sure theyíre level. Turn your bath upside down and attach the feet while making sure your bath is fully supported.

Top tip: Resting the bath on clean, doubled-over dust sheets or a blanket is a great way to protect the rim or roll top from scratches or damage.

Step 3: Preparing for the pipework.

If your bath is being fitted in a new part of a bathroom to your old bath ñ where the pipework previously came directly out of the wall ñ your pipes will need to be re-routed. Next, mark out the position on your floorboards before you drill the hole and lift your floorboards. If youíve opted for freestanding taps, double check that they will comfortably clear the edge of the bath, giving you enough room for cleaning, too.

Top tip: Freestanding baths often make this part of the job easier. As they sit away from the wall, the pipework often becomes a design feature so you donít have to worry about boxing it in or hiding it away. There are a range of freestanding taps available, too, which are a perfect complement to standalone baths.

Step 4: Test for leaks and connect the pipes

Re-activate the water supply and check your pipes are free of leaks before you re-lay the floor. This will save a great deal of stress once your bath is in place. Now, connect the pipes and install the bath waste and trap. You may need to involve a plumber in this stage to make sure everything is properly connected and ready to go.

Step 5: Seal it!

If your freestanding bath fits flush to the floor, like this Pure Freestanding Bath, you will need to use silicone sealant to create a waterproof seal. This will protect your bath and the floor underneath it. Remember to leave this sealant for 24 hours before filling your bath to make sure itís set properly.

Step 6: Clean up

Now all that stands between you and a luxurious soak in your new freestanding bath is giving it a good clean to remove any dust or dirt. Make sure you refer to the instructions for your particular bath. Also use the correct cleaning solutions and cloth to avoid scratching the surface.

Step 7: Fill it up!

Congratulations! Now youíve completed the fitting of your freestanding bath. All that remains is for you to choose which bubble bath youíre going to use.