A freestanding bathtub installation can cost somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000, including the bathtub and installation. Premium tub projects that involve significant plumbing and bathroom renovation can reach $9,000 and even more. However, the final cost depends on the tub style, plumbing requirements, fixtures, and any other additional bathroom renovation work.
Many homeowners are opting for a freestanding bathtub since it helps improve the appearance of the bathroom. The open design can make a bathroom feel more spacious and create a stylish centrepiece.
Table of Contents:
- Freestanding Bathtub Cost at a Glance
- How Much Does the Bathtub Itself Cost?
- How Much Does Freestanding Bathtub Installation Cost?
- What Can Increase the Cost of Freestanding Bathtub Installation?
- Three Common Freestanding Installation Scenarios
- How Long Does Freestanding Installation Take?
- How Can You Keep The Freestanding Tub Cost Under Control?
- Hidden Costs Homeowners Forget About
- Example Freestanding Bathtub Installation Cost
- FAQs
- Planning a Freestanding Bathtub Installation?
- Key Takeaway
Freestanding Bathtub Cost at a Glance
| Part of the project | Estimated cost range |
| Freestanding bathtub | $500-$6,000+ |
| Basic installation | $1,000-$2,500+ |
| Plumbing changes | $500-$2,000+ |
| Tub filler/faucet | $200-$1,500+ |
| Flooring or floor repairs | Varies |
| Typical overall project | $3,000-$8,000+ |
| Complex/luxury project | $9,000+ |
Note: These are not the fixed prices. They are just planning ranges; your bathroom’s existing layout and the products you select can affect the total significantly.
How Much Does the Bathtub Itself Cost?
The bathtub can be one of the biggest parts of your renovation budget. A basic acrylic freestanding bathtub can cost you between $500 and $1,500, while mid-range and premium models can cost you several thousand dollars. The price depends on several factors, including material, size, design, brand, and finish.
| Bathtub type | Approx. tub cost |
| Basic acrylic | $500-$1,500 |
| Mid-range acrylic | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Clawfoot | $800-$2,000+ |
| Stone/resin | $1,200-$5,000+ |
Note: These are the approximate costs; the final price can vary depending on the material used and brand.
How Much Does Freestanding Bathtub Installation Cost?
For a freestanding tub installation, you may need a budget between $3,000 and $8,000 or even more, depending on the installation labour and basic plumbing work.
The prices can increase if the installation is not straightforward. For instance, if the existing drain is in the wrong location, plumbing has to be moved before the installation. A floor-mounted faucet may also need a new water supply. That’s why two bathrooms with similar bathtub installations can have very different installation costs.
For homeowners exploring freestanding bathtubs in Windsor or other areas, installation costs will also depend on the existing plumbing and bathroom layout.
What is Included in Freestanding Tub Installations?
- Positioning and levelling the bathtub
- Connecting the tub drain
- Connecting water supply lines
- Installing a tub filler or faucet
- Testing the plumbing
- Sealing the tub where required
- Minor floor preparation
- Finishing around the plumbing
Note: Before accepting a quote, ask your bathroom renovation contractors whether the bathtub faucet, drain kit, plumbing modifications, demolition, flooring repairs, and finishing work are included.
What Can Increase the Cost of Freestanding Bathtub Installation?
Several factors can increase the cost of freestanding tub installation, especially when working with a bathroom renovation company, including:
Moving the drain or water lines: It may involve additional plumbing, floor repairs, access work, and finishing. These factors can significantly increase the overall budget.
Installing a floor-mounted tub filler: A bathtub paired with a floor-mounted faucet helps to create a modern and clean look, but it also means the water supply needs to reach the faucet through the floor. This can add plumbing work if it is not already there.
Flooring replacement or repair: Some problems that might occur during the repair or replacement of the old tub include water damage, damage to the floor, existing or damaged tiles, uneven flooring, and holes created by the old plumbing work. Freestanding bathtubs can make the floor more visible, so the finished flooring needs to look intentional and complete.
Removing an existing bathtub: Demolition and disposal can add to the cost if you are replacing an existing bathtub.
Converting from an alcove bathtub to a freestanding bathtub: Whether you are considering a freestanding bathtub in Lakeshore or Windsor, don’t think that it just involves removing one tub and installing another. You may need to:
- Remove the existing tub
- Remove or modify the surrounding wall materials
- Relocate the drain
- Modify the water supply
- Repair the floor
- Install new tile
- Install the new bathtub and tub filler
- Complete the finishing work
These are usually the biggest cost factors. If your existing plumbing is already in the place where you need it, then you may be able to keep the installation relatively simple. However, if everything needs to be moved, then the budget can increase quickly.
Three Common Freestanding Installation Scenarios
Scenario 1: Existing plumbing is already in the right place
Expected budget: Approximately between $3,000 and $5,000 for a typical tub and installation, depending on the tub and fixtures.
Scenario 2: Some plumbing and finishing work is required
Expected budget: Approximately $4,500-$8,000+
Scenario 3: Full bathroom renovation
Expected budget: $8,000-$9,000+ for the bathtub portion and associated work, with overall bathroom renovation costing more.
How Long Does Freestanding Installation Take?
The exact time to install a freestanding bathtub depends on several factors, including the conditions of your bathroom, the existing plumbing layout, the type of tub being installed, and whether additional renovation work is needed.
A freestanding bathtub installation can often be completed within 1 to 2 days if the plumbing connections are already in the correct location, and no major changes are required. However, a project that involves major construction work can take several days to a few weeks.
Typical Freestanding Bathtub Installation Timeline
| Type of installation | Expected timeline |
| Replacing an existing tub with plumbing already in place | 1-2 days |
| Installing a new freestanding tub with minor plumbing adjustments | 2-5 days |
| Moving drain or water supply lines | Several days to 1-2 weeks |
| Full bathroom renovation with a freestanding bathtub | Several weeks or more |
How Can You Keep The Freestanding Tub Cost Under Control?
These are the simple ways that may help you avoid unnecessary costs.
- Keep the tub close to the existing plumbing, because moving a drain or the water supply can add more cost to the project.
- Choose the tub before the plumbing work begins, because different tubs have different drain and faucet requirements.
- Decide on the faucet early, because a floor-mounted filler requires different planning than a wall-mounted fixture.
- And most importantly, get the installation requirements checked before ordering the tub.
Hidden Costs Homeowners Forget About
- Structural floor inspection
- Moving plumbing access points
- New shut-off valves
- Permit costs (where applicable)
- Bathroom ventilation improvements
- Removing old fixtures
Example Freestanding Bathtub Installation Cost
For example, a typical freestanding tub replacement project with minor plumbing work may include the following costs:
| Item | Estimated cost |
| Acrylic freestanding bathtub | $1,200 |
| Installation labour | $1,500 |
| Floor-mounted tub filler | $600 |
| Plumbing adjustments | $500 |
| Minor floor repairs and finishing | $400 |
| Total project cost | Approximately $4,200 |
In this case, keeping the existing layout has helped to save costs. The final price of your freestanding bathtub installation will depend on your bathroom layout, selected fixtures, plumbing work, and finishing work.
FAQs
How much does it cost to install a freestanding bathtub?
Homeowners should generally budget between $3,000 and $8,000 or even more for a complete freestanding bathtub installation, including the tub and installation. However, simpler projects can even cost less; premium projects can exceed $9,000.
How much does a freestanding bathtub cost without installation?
A freestanding tub can range from around $500 to $6,000+ depending on the material, size, brand, and features.
Does a freestanding bathtub require special plumbing?
The exact plumbing requirements depend on the tub and faucet selected. However, it requires appropriate drains and waste connections.
Is a freestanding bathtub with a shower a good option for a small bathroom?
Yes, a freestanding bathtub with a shower can be a good option for small bathrooms, but the available space, ventilation, waterproofing, and plumbing layout should be considered before installation.
Planning a Freestanding Bathtub Installation?
If you are planning a bathroom renovation and want to add a freestanding bathtub, the bathroom remodeling contractors at MJ Kitchen & Bath Studio can help you plan the bathtub, plumbing, fixtures, and surrounding bathroom layout.
Want to know how much a freestanding bathtub installation can cost you? Contact MJ Kitchen & Bath Studio and discuss your existing layout and renovation plans, and request a project estimate. Serving homeowners in Windsor, Lakeshore, Essex County, LaSalle, Leamington, and Tecumseh, MJ Kitchen & Bath Studio helps with bathroom renovations, bathtub installations, plumbing coordination, and custom bathroom layouts.
If you’re still deciding between the two options, then our guide on freestanding bathtubs vs. built-in tub can help you choose the right style for your bathroom.
Key Takeaway
A freestanding bathtub can cost you from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, but the complete project cost will be determined by much more than the tub price.
You can budget around $3,000-$8,000 as a practical starting budget for a tub and installation. Projects involving extensive plumbing changes, premium fixtures, or additional renovation work can cost $9,000 or more. However, the final prices can change depending on the plumbing, flooring, faucet, etc.
