Bathtubs

A freestanding bath stands independently away from the walls, acting as a centrepiece in the bathroom. It can be placed anywhere there is plumbing access and is visible from all sides. A back-to-wall bath is designed to sit flush against one wall, giving a clean built-in appearance while still having a finished exterior on the three exposed sides. Back-to-wall baths are ideal for bathrooms where space is limited or where you want a streamlined look without a fully recessed installation.

The most common bathtub materials available include:

• Acrylic — lightweight, warm to the touch, affordable, and available in many shapes. The most popular choice for residential bathrooms. Acrylic is easy to clean, resistant to chipping, and retains heat well.
• Cast stone (solid surface) — a composite of natural stone and resin. Heavier and more premium than acrylic, with excellent heat retention and a luxurious matte or gloss finish. Cast stone baths feel substantial and create a true designer statement.

For most Australian homes, acrylic offers the best balance of price, durability, and style. Cast stone is the premium upgrade for those wanting a high-end look and feel.

Bathtub sizes in Australia typically range from 1200mm to 1800mm in length. The right size depends on your bathroom dimensions and who will be using it:

• 1200–1400mm — compact baths suited to small bathrooms or ensuites
• 1500–1600mm — the most popular size range, fits standard Australian bathrooms comfortably
• 1700–1800mm — full-length baths for a more luxurious soak, requiring a larger bathroom

Always measure your available floor space and check door clearances before purchasing. Remember to allow room for tapware and any wall clearances specified by the manufacturer.

Yes. A bath waste (also called a bath plug and waste or pop-up waste) is required to connect the bathtub to your drainage system. Some bathtubs include a waste in the box, but many are sold separately so you can choose a finish that matches your tapware. Common types include:

• Pop-up waste — operated by pressing the plug down to open and close
• Overflow and waste combo — includes an overflow outlet to prevent the bath from overfilling

Check whether your bath has an overflow hole when selecting your waste, as this affects which type you need.

Freestanding baths can be paired with several tapware options:

• Freestanding bath mixers — floor-mounted taps that stand beside the bath. These make a bold design statement and are the most popular choice for freestanding baths.
• Wall-mounted mixers — mounted on the wall behind the bath, keeping the bath itself clean and simple
• Bath-mounted mixers — taps that mount directly into holes on the rim of the bath (only on baths with pre-drilled tap holes)

If choosing a floor-mounted freestanding mixer, ensure your plumber can run the water supply through the floor. This should be planned during the rough-in stage of your renovation.

In Australia, the plumbing connection for a bathtub — including the water supply and waste drainage — must be carried out by a licensed plumber. This is a legal requirement under Australian state and territory regulations. While positioning the bath itself is not strictly plumbing work, the connection to hot and cold water lines and the drain must comply with Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3500). Attempting to do your own plumbing can void your home insurance and may result in fines or failed building inspections.

Proper care extends the life and appearance of your bath:

• Acrylic baths — clean with a soft cloth and mild non-abrasive bathroom cleaner. Avoid scouring pads, bleach, or harsh chemicals which can dull or scratch the surface.
• Cast stone baths — wipe down after each use to prevent water marks. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid abrasive products.

For all bath types, rinse the surface after bathing and wipe dry to prevent soap scum and mineral buildup. Avoid leaving standing water in the bath for extended periods.