
The freestanding tub minimum distance from the wall should be at least 15 inches. The maximum distance should be around 18-20 inches depending on the size of the bathroom. Some people even prefer keeping a 1-foot room around a freestanding tub.
How much space do you need around a freestanding Bath?
Ideally, you want a minimum of 500mm space around the freestanding bath for access. If this can’t be achieved, then a back to wall freestanding bath may be your better option. The head and foot of the bath are the only sides you need to consider for an accessible gap.
How far should a Tub Be from the wall?
Freestanding Tub Distance from Wall: The Exact Numbers How far should a freestanding tub be from the wall? The freestanding tub minimum distance from the wall should be at least 15 inches. The maximum distance should be around 18-20 inches depending on the size of the bathroom.
What is the difference between a traditional and a freestanding Bath?
Traditional baths are built to attach to a bathroom wall, exposing one or two tub sides within an enclosure. Freestanding baths are placed at a distance from the walls. This means that the bath may be placed in any comfortably fitting space in the room. This adaptability offers users huge advantages regarding the size and type of bath they may use.
What is a back to wall freestanding Bath?
A back to wall freestanding bath is a great option if you’re limited for space around your bath. This style of bath is best suited in confined bathrooms as it butts back to the wall, allowing extra space in the bathroom.
What is a freestanding bath?
What do I need to think about before fitting a freestanding bath?
Do I have enough space for a freestanding bath?
Do freestanding baths have pipework?
Can you reroute a bath pipe?
Can you seal a bath if it doesn't fit flush?
See 3 more
About this website

Can a freestanding tub be against a wall?
I've worked with new freestanding-like bathtubs called “back-to-wall” tubs that are designed to be installed against a wall. This design may fit smaller spaces and allows for back of tub access for an easier install.
How much space should be around a freestanding tub?
A freestanding bath should have no less than 6 inches of space surrounding all angles of the tub. By following that guideline, you can ensure your freestanding bath has a comfortable access point, and won't appear cramped in your bathroom regardless of its design.
How much space should be between bathtub and wall?
Guideline: Plan a clear floor space of at least 30” from the front edge of all fixtures (i.e., lavatory, toilet, bidet, tub, and shower) to any opposite bath fixture, wall or obstacle. Building Code Requirement: A minimum space of at least 21" must be planned in front of lavatory, toilet, bidet, and tub. (IRC R 307.1)
How much clearance does a bathtub need?
While there are no code requirements for tub size, minimum clear floor space alongside a bathtub should be at least 60 inches long (the length of a standard tub) and 30 inches wide. Always allow clear space for access to plumbing and/or whirlpool motors.
Do you have to tile the wall behind a freestanding tub?
While it's not necessary to tile around a freestanding tub, if the freestanding tub is against a wall, you'll need to protect the wall from water damage. Tile is not the only option. Alternatives include wainscot, glass brick, and mildew-resistant paint. Wainscoting on wall behind freestanding tub.
Where should a freestanding bath be placed?
The majority of freestanding baths should be placed as close to the centre of the room as possible so you can get around it. This makes it much easier to get in and out of the bath but also to clean.
What do you do with a gap between a bath and a wall?
If your gap is smaller than 1/8 inch in width, use regular caulk; fill gaps larger than 1/8 inch with a sanded caulk. Make sure the gap is clean and dry, then squeeze a thin, even bead of caulk into the space. To get the best coverage, cut the tip of the caulk tube so the bead that emerges completely fills the gap.
How much space should be between basin and wall?
Bathroom Sink Distance From the Wall Place bathroom sinks 20 inches from the back wall, recommended. The bare minimum is 15 inches. This is measured from the sink's center point to the wall.
How much space should be between ceramic tile and wall?
What is this? Standard practice for grout lines is 3-5 millimeters for floor tiles and 2-3 millimeters for wall tiles.
Is a freestanding tub worth it?
This one might be arguable, depending on your personal aesthetic, but freestanding tubs win hands down on most occasions for the striking visual impact they offer! They don't require additional framework to be built in which saves on time and costs. They also don't require tiling of a hob around them like inset baths.
Can you have a freestanding bath in a small bathroom?
Yes. In addition to helping to visually extend the bathroom the sculptural silhouette and taps of the freestanding bath can become a designer feature.
How far past the bathtub should you tile?
Plan to extend the tile 2 or 3 in. beyond the tub and to leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. Don't stop tile even with the end of the tub. This leaves the walls along the front of the tub vulnerable to water damage, and doesn't look as finished as tile extending to the floor.
Does freestanding tub take up more space?
A freestanding tub takes up more space because there needs to be sufficient empty space around it to showcase the design. In some cases, you may have to give up something else to fit in a freestanding tub. Cleaning can be another practical consideration.
Can I put a freestanding tub in a corner?
Basically any freestanding tub can be placed in the corner if that's the desired configuration. Some models have symmetrical shapes which allows them to look natural in corners, especially if the rest of the décor follows the same line.
How much space is needed for a shower and freestanding tub?
For a shower, to be installed, at least 30-36 square feet is required. For a full bath consisting of both a shower and a bathtub, you will need at least 40 square feet.
How far should clawfoot tub be from wall?
Clawfoot tubs can be positioned closer to walls and other fixtures than some other freestanding designs, but they still need a minimum of three to six inches of clearance on all sides.
can anyone advise how to fit stand pipes for a free ... - MyBuilder
Hi, you have to tile the floor to just after where the taps will sit. Then drill the tiles at the correct centers, fit the pipework to the taps then pop the pipes through the holes and fix the stand pipes down. lift the next floor board and connect the pipes in the floor to the system, carry the tiling on.
How long is a time span?
The time span is something like 5 or 7 years.
What is a certificate of occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy certifies that a home can be lived in. It is a requirement of most local government councils that an occupancy certificate be issued prior to the purchaser of a home taking occupation.
Can a builder change a shower to a bath?
If they show a separate shower to a bath that is what you thought you were buying. A builder can't change from having a shower and a bath to having a shower over a bath without contacting the buyers. Get your solicitors advice if the builder has made this change without going through the proper channels.
Can you run silicone bead around a lipped bath?
To replace it with the right, lipped bath will be a lot of work. If you are lucky he may offer to run a silicone bead around the gap between the bath and the tiles, but this is not a guaranteed, long term solution, and defeats the purpose of paying the extra money for a free-standing bath.
Can waterproof membrane leak under tile?
If the tiling and waterproof membrane is continuous under the wall tiles and floor files it is not going to leak, but just be impossible to clean. If your builder made the selection then he is a lazy builder, and has cut-corners with the poor selection. To replace it with the right, lipped bath will be a lot of work.
Is it wrong to have a raised lip on a bath?
Yes, so wrong. It was a poor choice of bath for the location. Baths that are designed to be hard up against a wall should have a raised tiling lip around the perimeter, and are recessed slightly into the wall, so that the tiles can overlap the lip slightly and minimise any risk of water damage to the wall under the tiles.
Is slight change ok?
The builder probably will say.. a slight change is ok.
Do you have a freestanding bath in your bathroom? Do you find it hard to clean around the bath?
We were unable to load Disqus Recommendations. If you are a moderator please see our troubleshooting guide.
What is a back to wall freestanding bath?
A back to wall freestanding bath is a great option if you’re limited for space around your bath. This style of bath is best suited in confined bathrooms as it butts back to the wall, allowing extra space in the bathroom.
Why does soapy water go green?
Soapy water left on tiles promotes mould and will go a lovey shade of green if it isn’t cleaned. I know this because my daughters constantly splash about in the bath and even though my bath has been fitted in, the water makes its way under my floating vanity. If I don’t clean it, the water accumulates dust and will go a shade of green within a few days.
Who is Bec Senyard?
Bec Senyard is a licensed plumber QBCC Licence No 28905 and freelance writer. While no longer on the tools, she loves to share what she knows to help others make the best decisions with their plumbing and interiors. She is married to Jacob and is mum to Esther, Maggie and Phoebe.
How deep is a bathroom tub?
Keep in mind that code requirements typically ask for a minimum of 34" wide and 21" deep access area for the tub (as shown to the left of the vanity). So the 12" of the 6/12 rule applies only to partial space restirctions. Within this 12" allotment, it is generally advised to place more room at the front versus the back of the tub.
What is the 6/12 rule?
The "6" of the 6/12 rule is simply what we explained earlier; you'll want a minimum of 6" of combined additional space on the left and right side of the tub. The "12" therefore applies to the minimum total negative space you'll want for the front and back of the tub as you work around other objects in your bathroom.
What is the second rule of thumb?
The second rule-of-thumb that we can share is the front-to-back spacing that you 'll need. In this example, we're using a freestanding tub with center-back drain, however the same applies for any stand-alone tub configuration.
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 baths 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 bath to suit homes of all styles.
What do I need to think about before fitting a freestanding bath?
Freestanding baths make a fantastic style statement in a bathroom. While they aren’t particularly difficult to fit, there are a few things worth considering before you invest in one. After all, there would be nothing worse than having your dream bath delivered to find that it won’t fit or your flooring isn’t suitable.
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 space to accommodate a freestanding bath. It’s also worth checking that your stairs are wide enough and you have enough room to carry the bath through the house without damaging it or your house. As you can imagine, freestanding baths are often very heavy, so make sure you have enough people lined up to help you, too!
Do freestanding baths have pipework?
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 don’t 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.
Can you reroute a bath pipe?
If your bath is being fitted in a new part of a bathroom to your old bath – where the pipework previously came directly out of the wall – 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 you’ve opted for freestanding taps, double check that they will comfortably clear the edge of the bath, giving you enough room for cleaning, too.
Can you seal a bath if it doesn't fit flush?
If it’s not level, this will spoil the aesthetics of your stunning new freestanding bath. It also makes it impossible to seal if your bath doesn’t fit flush to the floor. So now’s the time to get the floor properly prepared.