A drop-in bathtub is lowered into a separate frame.
A bathtub is a functional and relaxing addition to a bathroom's design. Drop-in and skirted bathtubs are two styles that are available when you incorporate a tub into your room's layout. With a drop-in bathtub, you have flexibility determining where to place it. A skirted bathtub requires a back wall and two parallel side walls for installation. Each one has characteristics and visual appeal that make it a suitable option for a bathroom.
Separate Frame
Install a drop-in bathtub if you want the tub to rest in a separate frame that surrounds it on all sides. The term drop-in refers to lowering or dropping a bathtub into its frame where the bottom section of the tub rests below the frame. Home Building Club states that they can be dangerous because they are easy to get into but very difficult to get out of because of the high step. An elevated frame makes getting out of this tub easier.
No Frame
A skirted tub rests on top of the floor. A vinyl trim or skirt is added to the tub's front part and is secured to the side walls and back wall. The skirting provides a uniform face for the front. The tub's back rests against a solid bathroom wall. Caulk is used to provide a moisture-free barrier between it and the walls. Tile or synthetic inserts are installed on the back and side walls to protect the drywall from moisture.
Finished on All Sides
A drop-in bathtub offers some location options that a skirted tub does not. Since a drop-in is finished on all sides, you can install the tub anywhere in the room that plumbing permits. In a large bathroom with sufficient floor space, a drop-in can be installed in the center of the room. A skirted bathtub must be installed against a solid wall and requires side walls for support and visual appeal.
Shape
Since a skirted bathtub is installed between perpendicular walls, it generally has a uniform rectangular shape. Drop-in bathtubs come in oval, rectangular and round shapes and are available in a variety of sizes. According to Cost Helper, the average cost of purchasing and installing a bathtub is between $2500 and $3500. Depending on the brand name, material composition, supplies and special features like water jets, the cost ranges from $1500 to $5000. Since a skirted tub does not require the construction of a separate custom-designed frame, it is generally less expensive to install than a drop-in bathtub of the same size and quality.
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