Free-Standing Tubs: Are They Still Worth It in Loomis Homes?

Few bathroom features spark as much debate as the freestanding tub. Pinterest boards overflow with images of sculptural soaking tubs centered under chandeliers, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. But behind the aspirational photos lies a practical question every Loomis homeowner considering a master bathroom remodel needs to answer: is a freestanding tub actually worth the investment in your home, for your lifestyle, in this market?

The answer, as with most home improvement questions, is nuanced. After installing hundreds of freestanding tubs across the Sacramento region — and honestly advising many homeowners that a freestanding tub was not the best use of their budget — we have a clear picture of when these stunning fixtures deliver real value and when the money is better spent elsewhere.

The Great Tub Debate in 2025

The bathroom design world is in the middle of a genuine tug-of-war over tubs. On one side, the walk-in shower camp argues that most homeowners rarely use their bathtubs and that a spacious walk-in shower is a better use of space. On the other side, tub enthusiasts point out that soaking tubs are a timeless luxury that add value, relaxation, and a design statement that showers simply cannot match.

Both sides have merit. The data shows that tub usage has declined over the past two decades — a 2024 Houzz survey found that only 35% of homeowners use their master bath tub weekly, while 25% use it less than once a month. Meanwhile, 95% of homeowners use their shower daily. These numbers support the argument for prioritizing shower quality over tub presence.

But usage frequency does not tell the whole story. A freestanding tub serves multiple purposes beyond soaking: it is a design anchor that defines the room's character, a luxury amenity that signals the home's quality level, and for the people who do use it, a genuine wellness feature that reduces stress and improves sleep quality. The question is whether these benefits justify the cost and space requirements in your specific situation.

What the Loomis Real Estate Market Says

Loomis occupies a unique position in the Sacramento real estate market. With a median home price hovering around $800,000–$950,000 and lot sizes typically ranging from half an acre to several acres, Loomis homes are generally larger and more upscale than the regional average. This matters for the freestanding tub question because the value proposition changes at different price points.

In homes priced under $500,000, a freestanding tub is often an over-improvement — the cost does not translate proportionally into increased home value. But in Loomis's price range, buyers expect a certain level of master bathroom luxury. A well-designed master bathroom with a freestanding tub and separate walk-in shower is essentially the gold standard that buyers in the $700,000+ range are looking for.

Loomis neighborhoods like Del Oro Estates, Loomis Hills, and the properties along Horseshoe Bar Road frequently feature master bathrooms in the 120–200 square foot range — large enough to comfortably accommodate both a freestanding tub and a generous walk-in shower. In these larger master baths, a freestanding tub fills the space purposefully and adds the focal point the room needs to avoid feeling empty.

The rural-suburban character of Loomis also plays a role. Many Loomis homes feature views of oak-studded hillsides, horse properties, or natural landscaping. A freestanding tub positioned near a window captures these views and connects the bathroom to the surrounding landscape in a way that an enclosed tub cannot.

Freestanding Tub Types Compared

Not all freestanding tubs are created equal. The shape, size, and design of the tub you choose affects comfort, water usage, visual impact, and cost. Here are the main categories with honest assessments of each.

Oval Soaking Tubs

The most popular freestanding shape and the safest design choice. Oval tubs have a timeless quality that works with every design style from traditional to contemporary. Most are 60–67 inches long and hold 55–70 gallons of water. The curved sides are comfortable for leaning back, and the symmetrical shape means either end can serve as the head position.

Slipper Tubs

One end is raised higher than the other, creating a natural backrest. Single-slipper tubs have one raised end, while double-slipper tubs have both ends raised (with the drain in the center). Slipper tubs are arguably the most comfortable freestanding design for soaking, as the raised end supports your back and neck at a comfortable angle. They tend to be slightly longer (65–72 inches) than standard oval tubs.

Flat-Bottom Modern Tubs

Rectangular or geometric tubs with flat bottoms and angular lines. These are the most architecturally striking options and work best in contemporary or minimalist bathrooms. The flat bottom makes them more practical for bathing children, but less comfortable for adult soaking compared to contoured designs. They tend to use more water due to the boxy shape.

Clawfoot Tubs

The original freestanding tub design, supported by decorative feet (typically ball-and-claw or cabriole legs). Clawfoot tubs are perfect for farmhouse, Victorian, or cottage-style bathrooms and are available in both reproduction and antique restored versions. Most are cast iron with a porcelain enamel interior. The feet allow for easy cleaning underneath, and the elevated position adds drama.

From classic oval soakers to sculptural modern designs, freestanding tubs come in a range of styles to match your Loomis home's aesthetic.

Materials: Acrylic vs. Cast Iron vs. Stone Resin

The material you choose for your freestanding tub affects weight, heat retention, durability, comfort, and cost. Here is an honest comparison of the three main options.

For most Loomis homeowners, we recommend acrylic for budget-conscious projects and stone resin for mid-range to premium projects. Acrylic tubs from brands like Woodbridge, MAAX, and Wyndham Collection offer excellent value — they are lightweight enough for any floor structure, warm to the touch immediately, and available in dozens of shapes. Stone resin tubs from brands like?"Native Trails and Badeloft provide a more luxurious feel with better heat retention and a more substantial, solid presence.

Cast iron is best reserved for clawfoot tub installations or situations where you specifically want the weight and permanence of iron. Be aware that a filled cast iron tub with a bather can exceed 1,000 pounds — your floor structure needs to support this concentrated load. In most Loomis homes with standard 2x10 floor joists on 16-inch centers, this is fine for ground-floor bathrooms but may require engineering verification for second-floor installations.

Space Requirements and Layout Planning

A freestanding tub needs more floor space than a built-in tub because you need clearance around all sides for cleaning, access, and visual breathing room. The tub itself typically occupies a footprint of 60–67 inches long by 28–32 inches wide, but the total dedicated area should be significantly larger.

We recommend a minimum of 6 inches of clearance between the tub and any wall, and 15 inches is ideal. This means a 60-inch tub needs about 72–90 inches of wall-to-wall space in the length direction and 40–60 inches in the width direction. For a tub centered in the room (the most dramatic placement), you need even more space — at least 30 inches of clearance on the approach side for comfortable access.

Best Placement Options for Loomis Master Baths

• Under or near a window: This is the most popular placement and arguably the most compelling. The tub becomes a destination — a place to soak while watching the sunset over Loomis's oak-covered hills. Window privacy can be maintained with frosted glass, plantation shutters, or top-down/bottom-up cellular shades.
• Centered in the room: The most dramatic option, but requires the largest bathroom. The tub becomes a sculptural centerpiece visible from the bedroom through the bathroom doorway. This works best in master baths of 150+ square feet.
• Against a feature wall: Place the tub against a wall with an accent tile feature or shiplap backing. This uses less floor space than a centered placement while still creating a strong visual statement.
• Adjacent to the walk-in shower: Position the tub alongside the walk-in shower to create a cohesive bathing zone. This is the most space-efficient layout for bathrooms that want both features.

Plumbing for Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tub plumbing is different from built-in tub plumbing, and understanding the requirements helps you plan accurately.

The drain connection comes through the floor (or slab) directly below the tub. For homes with crawl space or basement access, this is straightforward — a plumber can route the drain from the tub's center drain position to the existing waste line. For slab-on-grade homes (less common in Loomis but found in some developments), the drain may need to be routed through the slab, which adds cost ($500–$1,000 for slab work).

The water supply has two options: a floor-mounted tub filler or a wall-mounted filler. Floor-mounted fillers are the classic choice — they rise from the floor next to the tub on a tall spout, often with a hand shower attachment. They require supply lines routed through the floor. Wall-mounted fillers are simpler to install if the tub is near a wall, as supply lines run through the wall just like a standard faucet.

Budget $1,000–$3,000 for the tub filler itself (floor-mounted models cost more than wall-mounted), and $500–$1,500 for plumbing rough-in labor. Always hire a licensed plumber — freestanding tub installations require proper venting and drainage slope to prevent slow drains and odor issues.

The ideal Loomis master bathroom layout: a freestanding tub near the window for views and natural light, paired with a generous walk-in shower behind a glass partition.

Honest Pros and Cons of Freestanding Tubs

The Pros

• Stunning visual impact: Nothing else in a bathroom creates the same wow factor. A freestanding tub instantly elevates the perceived quality and luxury of the space.
• Design flexibility: Unlike built-in tubs that are locked to a specific wall and alcove size, freestanding tubs can be positioned anywhere in the room, giving you layout freedom.
• Easy to clean around: No grout lines or caulk joints at the wall junction means easier cleaning and no mold issues in those hard-to-reach tub-wall seams.
• Resale appeal: In Loomis's price range ($700K+), a freestanding tub in the master bath is a selling feature that buyers notice and value.
• Wellness benefits: Regular soaking in warm water reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, and promotes better sleep. For homeowners who will actually use the tub, the health benefits are genuine.

The Cons

• Usage rate drops over time: Many homeowners use a freestanding tub frequently after installation, then taper off. Be honest with yourself about whether you are a "bath person" or not.
• Space consumption: A freestanding tub with proper clearance occupies 35–40 square feet of floor space. In smaller master bathrooms, this space might be better used for a larger shower or double vanity.
• Water usage: A typical freestanding tub holds 55–70 gallons — nearly double what a 10-minute shower uses. In drought-conscious California, this is worth considering.
• No ledge for products: Built-in tubs have a deck for shampoo, soap, and other bath products. Freestanding tubs require a separate bath tray, wall niche, or freestanding caddy.
• Floor splash: Without the wall containment of an alcove tub, water splash around a freestanding tub is more likely. The surrounding floor needs to be water-resistant.

Complete Cost Breakdown

Here is the full cost picture for a freestanding tub installation in a Loomis master bathroom, from budget to premium tiers.

Impact on Resale Value

In Loomis's real estate market, a freestanding tub in the master bathroom is a net positive for resale value — with some important caveats.

The strongest resale impact comes when the freestanding tub is part of a complete master bathroom that also includes a separate walk-in shower. This "tub plus shower" configuration is the gold standard that high-end buyers expect. A freestanding tub without a separate shower (meaning the tub replaces the shower as the only bathing option) can actually hurt resale appeal because most buyers want a daily-use shower.

For Loomis homes in the $800,000–$1,200,000 range, a well-executed freestanding tub installation can add $8,000–$15,000 in perceived home value — a solid return on a $4,000–$8,000 investment. The key word is "perceived" — it is difficult to isolate the exact dollar amount a freestanding tub adds, but real estate agents consistently report that master bathrooms with freestanding tubs photograph better, attract more showing interest, and help homes sell faster.

The bottom line: if your Loomis home has the space and your budget allows, a freestanding tub paired with a separate walk-in shower is one of the best investments you can make in your master bathroom. If space or budget is limited, prioritize the walk-in shower and consider a tub-to-shower conversion instead — you will get more daily value and a strong return on investment without the space requirements of a freestanding tub.

Frequently Asked Questions