Design Guide for Freestanding Stone Tubs

Where to put the tub how much space it needs around it and how the outside finish changes the way the room reads.

Space around the tub

A freestanding stone tub needs room to be read as a sculpture. Leave enough space to walk around at least two sides and to reach the tap. If the room is tight an oval tub against a wall reads better than a rectangle stranded in the middle.

Inside and outside finish

The inside is normally polished because that is what the body touches. The outside is where the decision is made. Polished outsides reflect the room and suit marble. Honed or fine picked outsides absorb light and suit sandstone travertine and limestone. Chiselled or natural faces suit granite and river boulder especially outdoors.

Matching the rest of the room

Basins vanity tops and shower trays can be cut from the same block run so the bathroom reads as one material. Say so at quotation stage because the block has to be reserved.

Taps and drains

Floor mounted or wall mounted taps keep the tub rim clean. Confirm the drain position early because it is carved not drilled on site. Overflow position is agreed at the same time.

Lighting

Stone changes completely under different light. Onyx can be backlit which turns the tub into a light source. For marble and travertine a grazing light across the surface shows the veining better than a downlight directly above.

Colour across many rooms

Natural stone varies. If the project has many rooms reserve one block run and approve a prototype. That is how the rooms end up matching.

How multi room supply is organised