If the bathroom is already prepared and the plumbing is at the right location, then a freestanding bathtub installation can often be completed in one or two days. On the other hand, if the installation requires new plumbing, drain relocation, floor preparation, or other bathroom changes, the timeline can be longer.
That is the major reason why two homeowners choosing a similar freestanding tub have completely different installation timelines.
Table of Contents:
- How Long Does It Take to Install a Freestanding Bathtub?
- What Can Make a Freestanding Bathtub Installation Take Longer?
- What Does a Typical Freestanding Bathtub Installation Look Like?
- Can a Freestanding Bathtub Be Installed in One Day?
- What About a Freestanding Tub With a Shower?
- How to Avoid Delays During Free-Standing Bathtub Installation
- Should You Hire a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor for a Freestanding Bathtub?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
How Long Does It Take to Install a Freestanding Bathtub?
The professional installation may take one to two days for a straightforward replacement. However, it may take longer if the project requires additional bathroom work (plumbing, drain relocation, floor preparation, etc.).
A simple installation generally involves:
- Preparing the bathroom floor
- Confirming the tub and drain position
- Connecting the drain
- Connecting the water supply
- Installing the faucet or tub filler
- Leveling and securing the tub
- Testing the plumbing for leaks
What Can Make a Freestanding Bathtub Installation Take Longer?
When planning a freestanding bathtub installation, one common mistake that homeowners often make is focusing only on the bathtub installation. However, it may look simple, but the plumbing and floor preparation still need to be planned carefully.
The existing plumbing location: If your drain needs to be moved or water lines need to be relocated, then additional plumbing may be required. Repairing the affected area before the bathtub can be installed may increase the timeline of your project.
Floor preparation: A freestanding bathtub needs to sit on a suitable, level surface. Before installing the tub, the contractor has to confirm whether the tub can sit securely and drain correctly.
Faucet and tub filler installation: The faucet location needs to be planned before the installation.
Depending on your bathroom design, you can choose from:
- A floor-mounted tub filler
- A wall-mounted faucet
- A deck-mounted faucet where the tub allows it.
A floor-mounted filler may require more plumbing work; that’s why it is important to plan its location before positioning the tub.
Replacing more than the tub: If a freestanding bathtub is just one part of your bathroom renovation, and you also want to replace:
- Bathroom flooring
- Walls or finishes
- Tile
- Plumbing fixtures
- Lighting
- Storage
- Vanity
- Shower
In such a case, bathtub installation itself may take only a day or two, but the overall bathroom project will naturally take longer.
What Does a Typical Freestanding Bathtub Installation Look Like?
Step 1: Measure and plan
The bathroom is measured to confirm whether the tub can fit comfortably.
Step 2: Check the plumbing
Then the drain and water supply locations are checked against the tub and faucet specifications.
Step 3: Prepare the floor
Then your bathroom’s floor will be checked for level and prepared for bathtub installation.
Step 4: Install the plumbing
Depending on the scope of the work, required drain, water supply, or faucet modifications are completed.
Step 5: Position the bathtub
Then the tub will be carefully moved to the suitable position and leveled.
Step 6: Connect and test
The drain and water connections are completed, and the system is tested for leaks
Step 7: Finish the bathroom
Any remaining flooring, trim, or finishing work is completed.
Can a Freestanding Bathtub Be Installed in One Day?
Yes, sometimes it is possible to install a freestanding bathtub in one day. But this is generally only possible when the plumbing and drainage are already in the right location. However, do not assume that every installation project takes one day.
If your project requires new rough-in plumbing, the floor needs repairs, or other bathroom work is involved, then you can expect additional time.
The better question is not simply, How long does the bathtub take to install?
It is:
How much preparation does my bathroom need before the bathtub can be installed?
What About a Freestanding Tub With a Shower?
A freestanding tub with a shower requires more planning as compared to a standard soaking tub. You need to consider:
- Where the showerhead will be positioned.
- How the water supply will reach the shower
- Whether a shower enclosure or curtain is needed
- How water will be contained
- Whether the bathroom floor and walls are properly waterproofed
- How the tub and shower work together within the available space.
If you are planning a freestanding tub and shower, then it is recommended to install them together rather than installing a tub first and a shower later.
How to Avoid Delays During Free-Standing Bathtub Installation
A little planning can help you prevent unnecessary delays.
Choose the bathtub early: Having the exact tub model and dimensions will help to avoid delays.
Confirm the drain location: This will help to plan the plumbing around the actual tub rather than assumptions.
Plan the faucet at the same time: Before the rough-in work begins, plan whether you want a floor-mounted, wall-mounted, or other compatible faucet.
Check the floor: Make sure that the floor is suitable for the type of bathtub that you are planning to install.
Think about the entire bathroom: If you are also planning to change the shower, vanity, tile, or flooring, then try to coordinate all of the work into one renovation project.
Taking care of these details before installation begins can help reduce delays and keep the project on schedule.
Should You Hire a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor for a Freestanding Bathtub?
A freestanding tub installation may look simple, but installation involves plumbing, floor preparation, and careful positioning.
Whether you are planning a freestanding bathtub in Windsor or elsewhere, the right bathroom renovation contractor can help you make the whole process smoother and easier. Before installation, a professional contractor will assess your existing bathroom and identify the potential problems that could affect the installation timeline.
That can be especially useful if you are renovating an older bathroom or changing the bathtub location. If you are planning a freestanding bathtub installation, then MJ Kitchen & Bath Studio can help you with the bathtub as part of the overall bathroom design, renovation, and installation process.
FAQs
How long does a freestanding bathtub installation take?
A straightforward professional installation can take one to two days. However, the timeline can be extended based on the plumbing changes, floor preparation, and additional renovation work.
Can a freestanding bathtub be installed in one day?
Yes, a simple installation may be completed in one day, but only if the floor and plumbing are already prepared.
Does a freestanding bathtub require new plumbing?
No, a freestanding bathtub does not always require new plumbing. If the existing drain and water supply locations work with the new tub, extensive plumbing may not always be required.
Final Thoughts
A freestanding bathtub installation can often be completed within one or two days when the plumbing, flooring, and bathroom layout are already prepared. Moving plumbing, preparing the floor, or combining the tub installation with a larger bathroom renovation can add time to the project.
If you are planning a freestanding bathtub in Lakeshore or nearby suburbs, then having a layout and plumbing assessed before the installation can help to avoid unexpected delays. MJ Kitchen & Bath Studio can help you plan an installation, from initial layout and preparation to the final finishing touches.
If you are also planning your budget, you can learn more in our guide, How Much Does Freestanding Bathtub Installation Cost?
