Acrylic, Clawfoot or Cast Iron? The Best Freestanding Bathtub by Size, Weight and Drain Kit

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The best freestanding bathtub is the one that fits your room, your floor and your plumbing, not just your eye. A stand-alone soaking tub looks simple, but the details vary a lot: length runs from about 55 to 72 inches, empty weight from 62 pounds to more than 500, and some tubs ship with a drain and overflow while others list only part of the kit.

We compared six freestanding tubs, all in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store: four modern acrylic soakers, an acrylic slipper clawfoot and a cast iron clawfoot. For each, we quote the size, weight, drain and overflow details, certification and warranty exactly as the listing gives them, and we flag where a listing contradicts itself or leaves a field empty.

Two things come before any order: a contractor’s check that your floor can carry a filled tub, and a licensed plumber to set it, connect the drain and install the filler.

Our Top Freestanding Bathtub Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. Empava 67-Inch Acrylic Soaking Tub: Best Overall

Empava’s 67-inch freestanding bathtub is a glossy white oval soaker built from double-wall acrylic. It stands on its own anywhere the drain can reach, and the listing pairs it with an externally installed faucet, so a floor-mount or wall-mount filler supplies the water.

Empava gives the numbers that matter for planning a bath: a 15-inch soaking depth, ergonomic back support and a 50-gallon capacity, with a footprint of 66.9 by 29.5 inches. The brand describes it as designed to give one bather generous room to stretch out, so couples looking for a two-person soak should read that line carefully.

Day to day, the double-wall construction is pitched to hold bathwater heat for a longer soak, and a textured anti-slip bottom adds traction getting in and out. A center drain and overflow come with the tub, and built-in adjustable feet help the installer level it so water runs toward the center waste outlet. Cleaning is a soft cloth with neutral detergent or soapy water. The listing says the tub is cUPC certified and describes a 10-year bathtub warranty with a 5-year accessory warranty.

It suits a primary bathroom remodel where the tub is the centerpiece and one person does most of the soaking. At a listed 77.2 pounds empty, it is manageable to carry upstairs, though the filled weight is a different matter.

Why we like it

• Stated depth and capacity
• Drain and overflow in the box
• Anti-slip textured bottom

Watch out for

The warranty field and the bullets disagree on terms, so confirm the warranty in writing with Empava before you buy.

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2. Maxsa 59-Inch Double-Ended Acrylic Tub: Best Double-Ended Soaker

Maxsa Innovations sells this 59-inch double-ended soaking tub through Amazon.com. Double-ended means both ends slope for reclining, so the drain sits in the middle and either end works as a backrest.

The listing describes 100% high-gloss acrylic with additional support that gives the tub a load capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, and a tilted lumbar support for a comfortable soak in a wide, deep basin. It also says the tub meets ASTM non-slip standards and is cUPC certified, and that the surface resists stains and scratches.

Installation is described as straightforward with step-by-step instructions, and the tub comes with a matte silver drain and overflow. The overflow and drain are integrated, per the listing, which keeps the outside of the tub clean-looking. The specs list the tub at 59 by 30 by 28 inches and 100.53 pounds, though one bullet says the tub measures 67 inches in length. Treat the 59-inch title and specs as the working figure, and confirm the length with the seller before planning a tight alcove or window wall.

It suits a bathroom where the tub will sit in the middle of the floor or along a wall with room at both ends, and a household that likes the idea of two people facing each other or one person choosing either end.

Why we like it

• Recline at either end
• Stated 1,000-pound load capacity
• Non-slip claim tied to ASTM

Watch out for

The listing gives two different lengths, 59 and 67 inches, so measure your space for the larger figure or confirm with the seller.

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3. Vanity Art 71-Inch Freestanding Tub (VA6517-PC): Best Long Tub

At 71 inches, Vanity Art’s VA6517-PC is a full-length freestanding tub for people who want to stretch out. The specs list it at 70.5 by 31.5 by 28.3 inches and 93 pounds, and it ships from Vanity Art’s own Amazon storefront.

Vanity Art builds it from acrylic with reinforced fiberglass and describes gentle sloping lines that follow the natural curves of the body. The title names an overflow and a pop-up drain with UPC certification, and the listing says the tubs are MA (Massachusetts) approved, so they can ship into a state with its own plumbing approval rules.

For everyday care, the listing describes a stain- and scratch-resistant surface. Installation hardware is in the box: Vanity Art says all mounting hardware is included, along with a user manual that shows the steps for assembling and mounting the tub to the floor. Because the tub is freestanding, the listing points out it can be placed in multiple spots in the bathroom, as long as your plumber can bring the drain and filler to it.

It suits large primary bathrooms and tall bathers who find a 59- or 60-inch tub cramped. Measure doorways and stair turns too, since a tub this long has to get into the room before it can be installed, and confirm the drain location with your plumber before the tub arrives.

Why we like it

• Full 71-inch length
• Pop-up drain and overflow named in the title
• Floor-mounting hardware included

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t give a soak depth, gallon capacity or warranty term, so ask Vanity Art before you plan the filler and floor.

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4. WOODBRIDGE 59-Inch Slipper Clawfoot Tub (BTA1522-BN): Best Acrylic Clawfoot

WOODBRIDGE’s BTA1522-BN is a 59-inch slipper clawfoot tub: one end rises high for a reclined soak, and the tub stands on four feet rather than a solid base. Instead of the traditional cast iron, it is made of acrylic, which keeps the listed weight to 62 pounds.

The brand says the shell is 100% high-gloss white LUCITE acrylic reinforced with ASHLAND resin and fiberglass, and that a stainless steel bracket on the bottom gives it a bearing capacity of up to 1,000 pounds. A double-walled design is pitched for insulation, to keep bathwater at temperature longer. The exterior dimensions are 59 inches long, 28 7/8 inches wide and 30 1/4 inches deep.

In the box are the tub, brushed nickel feet, a brass drain and overflow in brushed nickel, and a user manual. WOODBRIDGE describes its EnduraClean surface as stain- and scratch-resistant and says the product meets US and Canada standards and the Massachusetts Plumbing and Gas Code. The listing also mentions a very firm carton for shipping.

It suits older homes and cottage-style bathrooms where a clawfoot looks right, and second-floor bathrooms where a cast iron tub would be a structural project. Plan the filler early: clawfoot tubs often pair with floor-mount or wall-mount fillers, and any supply lines left in view should be in a finish that matches the brushed nickel feet.

Why we like it

• Clawfoot look at 62 pounds
• Matching feet and drain kit
• Stated 1,000-pound bearing capacity

Watch out for

No warranty term appears anywhere on the listing, so ask WOODBRIDGE what coverage applies before you order.

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5. FerdY Tahiti 55-Inch Oval Tub: Best for Small Bathrooms

FerdY’s Tahiti is an oval acrylic soaking tub sold in 55-, 59- and 67-inch lengths; the version we link is the 55-inch model, listed at 55.31 by 30.91 by 23.43 inches and 72.84 pounds. FerdY sells it through its own Amazon store.

The construction is 100% acrylic cast resin with double-walled fiberglass insulation, which FerdY pitches for longer warm baths. An ergonomic, sloped lumbar support sits at one end, and the brand lists a 14-inch water depth across the size range.

Day to day, a toe-tap drain lets you open and close the drain with your foot. The tub arrives with a brushed nickel drain pre-installed and an integrated, slotted overflow; the bullets say other drain finishes are sold separately. FerdY also lists adjustable leveling feet, a brass drainpipe, a PVC drainpipe and an illustrated step-by-step guide in the box, along with cUPC certification and a 6-year manufacturer warranty.

It suits smaller bathrooms, guest baths and condo remodels where a 59- or 67-inch tub would crowd the room. FerdY’s line about fitting one or two people describes its most spacious model, so expect the 55-inch size to be a one-person soak. If you have room for more length, the same tub is sold in 59- and 67-inch versions, so you can keep the look and size up.

Why we like it

• Compact 55-inch footprint
• Toe-tap drain
• Stated 6-year warranty

Watch out for

Some marketing lines describe the whole Tahiti range, so read size-specific claims against the 55-inch dimensions.

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6. Vintage Tub & Bath Charlotte 72-Inch Cast Iron Slipper Tub: Best Cast Iron Clawfoot

Vintage Tub & Bath’s Charlotte is a 72-inch slipper clawfoot tub made the traditional way: class A porcelain enamel over cast iron. It is sold as a tub package, and the listing’s color field reads “White / Chrome Feet & Fixtures.”

The brand calls cast iron one of the most popular and durable tub materials and says it has unparalleled heat retention. The slipper profile raises one end for reclining, and the 72-inch length, listed at 72 by 30 by 30 inches, gives plenty of room to stretch out.

Daily life with a cast iron tub is about the bath itself: the heavy shell holds warmth, and the enamel surface is the classic finish many people picture when they think of a clawfoot. Getting it into the room is the hard part. The listing gives a weight of 538 pounds before any water goes in, so delivery, carrying and setting it is a job for several people, and your floor framing needs a professional check first. The listing is thin on detail beyond two feature bullets, so ask the seller exactly what the package includes and how it ships.

It suits restoration projects and ground-floor or well-framed bathrooms where a true cast iron centerpiece is the goal and the budget covers the extra labor.

Why we like it

• Real cast iron with porcelain enamel
• Lifetime limited warranty field
• Full 72-inch length

Watch out for

At 538 pounds empty, plan the delivery crew and a structural check before you order, not after the tub arrives.

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How We Chose the Best Freestanding Bathtubs

We limited our picks to tubs that were in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store, then compared what each listing actually says:

• Size: listed length, width and height, from about 55 to 72 inches long.
• Weight: the listed empty weight, plus stated capacity or load figures where a listing gives them.
• Drain and overflow: whether the kit is included, pre-installed or sold separately.
• Material and certification: acrylic, fiberglass-reinforced acrylic or cast iron, and any cUPC, UPC or Massachusetts approval named.
• Warranty, seller and popularity: the warranty field and bullets, the seller, and Amazon sales rank.

Freestanding Bathtub Buying Guide

Best Bathtub Size: 55, 59, 67 or 72 Inches?

Our picks run from the FerdY Tahiti at 55.31 inches to the Vanity Art at 70.5 inches and the Charlotte at 72. A 55-inch tub suits small baths and one bather, 59 inches is a common middle size (the Maxsa and WOODBRIDGE), and 67 inches and up gives a taller person room to stretch out. Leave clearance around a freestanding tub for cleaning and for the filler, and measure doorways, hallways and stair turns, because the tub has to fit through them on the way in.

Weight Empty and Full: Check Your Floor

Empty weights on these listings range from 62 pounds (WOODBRIDGE acrylic) to 538 pounds (Charlotte cast iron). Water adds far more. Empava is the only listing here that states a capacity, 50 gallons; at about 8.34 pounds per gallon, that is roughly 417 pounds of water by our math, or close to 500 pounds with the 77.2-pound tub, before anyone gets in. Maxsa and WOODBRIDGE each list a load or bearing capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, but that describes the tub, not your floor. Have a contractor or structural professional check the floor framing before you buy, especially for an upstairs bathroom or an older home.

Drain and Overflow: Included or Not?

Five of the six listings name a drain, and the details differ. Empava includes a center drain and overflow; Maxsa includes a matte silver drain and overflow; Vanity Art names an overflow and pop-up drain; WOODBRIDGE includes a brass drain and overflow in brushed nickel; FerdY pre-installs a brushed nickel drain with an integrated slotted overflow; and the Charlotte’s color field mentions chrome fixtures without itemizing them. If you want a different finish or a replacement later, our best bathtub drain guide covers drain stoppers and kits.

Tub Filler Compatibility

None of these listings mentions faucet holes; Empava says plainly that its tub is designed for use with an externally installed faucet. That means a floor-mount filler beside the tub or a wall-mount spout, and the supply lines have to be planned before the floor is finished. Our best tub filler guide compares floor, wall and deck mounts and what each needs from your plumber.

Best Affordable Bathtubs vs. Premium Materials

The acrylic picks here are the affordable end of the freestanding market: light to carry and built with double-wall or fiberglass reinforcement, according to their listings. The Maxsa is the lowest-priced pick at the time we checked. Cast iron costs several times as much and weighs several times as much, and the Charlotte’s listing pitches its heat retention and durability in return. Choose acrylic if weight and budget matter most, cast iron if you want the classic material and can handle the logistics.

Best Rated Bathtub Signals: Certification and Warranty

We don’t use star ratings, so we look at what a listing commits to. Empava, Maxsa and FerdY state cUPC certification, Vanity Art names UPC certification for the drain in its title, and Vanity Art and WOODBRIDGE mention Massachusetts approval. Warranty terms are uneven: FerdY states 6 years, Empava’s bullets say 10 years on the tub, the Charlotte’s warranty field says lifetime limited, and Maxsa, Vanity Art and WOODBRIDGE don’t state a term. Get the warranty in writing before you order.

Delivery: Freight and Curbside

None of these listings spells out the delivery method. Large tubs often travel by freight, and freight carriers may deliver only to the curb or the end of the driveway, so ask the seller how the tub ships and who carries it inside. Inspect the carton and the tub for damage before you sign for it, and keep the packaging until the tub is checked and set.

Installation and Scald Safety

A freestanding tub needs a drain in exactly the right spot under the floor, supply lines for the filler and a level setting. Have a licensed plumber do the rough-in and connections, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and check whether your town requires a permit. After it’s set, seal where needed with a bath-rated sealant; our best bathtub caulk guide covers mildew-resistant options. For bath time itself, the CPSC’s Avoiding Tap Water Scalds alert urges lowering water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and advises always hand-testing water before using it, especially when bathing infants and young children.

Water Damage and Your Homeowners Insurance

A big soaking tub holds a lot of water above your floor. A drain connection that drips, an overflow that isn’t sealed or a filler line that loosens can soak a subfloor or the ceiling below before anyone notices. Check the drain and supply connections in the first weeks after installation, and know where your shutoff valves are. Homeowners policies often treat sudden, accidental water damage differently from slow leaks, so it helps to know what yours covers. Our Ohio homeowners insurance guide explains the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best freestanding bathtub for most bathrooms?

The Empava 67-inch acrylic tub is our top pick. It has the best category rank among our picks (#39 in Freestanding Bathtubs), states a 15-inch soak depth and 50-gallon capacity, includes the drain and overflow, and is sold by Amazon.com.

How much does a freestanding tub weigh when full?

Add the water to the empty weight. Empava lists 50 gallons and 77.2 pounds, which comes to roughly 500 pounds by our math before a bather gets in. A cast iron tub like the 538-pound Charlotte weighs far more filled. Have a contractor check the floor first.

Do freestanding bathtubs come with a drain?

Most do, but check the details. Empava, Maxsa and WOODBRIDGE include a drain and overflow, Vanity Art names an overflow and pop-up drain, FerdY pre-installs a drain with a slotted overflow, and the Charlotte’s listing mentions chrome fixtures without itemizing them.

What are the best affordable bathtubs in the freestanding style?

Acrylic tubs are the affordable option. The Maxsa 59-inch double-ended tub was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, and the Empava, Vanity Art and FerdY tubs sit in a similar range. Cast iron, like the Charlotte, costs several times more.

Can I install a freestanding tub myself?

The listings include instructions, but a freestanding tub needs a precisely placed floor drain, supply lines for a separate filler and a check of the floor structure. Hire a licensed plumber, and have a contractor confirm the floor can carry the filled tub.

The Bottom Line

For most remodels, the Empava 67-inch is the best freestanding bathtub to start with: stated depth and capacity, drain and overflow included and the best category rank here. The Maxsa offers a double-ended soak at the lowest price, the Vanity Art 71-inch gives tall bathers room, and the FerdY Tahiti fits a 55-inch space. For a vintage look, the WOODBRIDGE clawfoot keeps the weight to 62 pounds, while the Charlotte delivers real cast iron for anyone ready to plan around 538 pounds. Whichever you choose, check the floor and hire a licensed plumber.

Adding a soaking tub and wondering how your policy handles water damage? Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or get a free coverage review.