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Stand-alone tubs are hugely popular and demand equally stylish freestanding tub faucets. However, appearance is just one aspect of creating the perfect bathing experience. Materials, performance, and functionality are all vital aspects to consider when choosing the right bathroom fixtures and fittings.
We spoke to Lisa Welch, a Los Angeles-based architect and interior designer at Welch Design Studio, to get the low-down on what makes a quality tub filler. She advises opting for a corrosion-free faucet that’s an appropriate height for your tub. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice looks. “Don’t be afraid to choose a bold, eye-catching design. A freestanding faucet can be the centerpiece of the bathroom and add a unique touch to the space,” she says.
With these considerations in mind, our top pick is the Wowkk Waterfall Tub Filler since it meets so many needs at an affordable price. It features a stable base, comes in five colors, has a 360-degree swivel, and a detachable hand shower. It’s not the only good choice, though. Read below for more selections and to learn about the features that separate the best freestanding tub faucets from those that should be avoided.
- BEST OVERALL: Wowkk Waterfall Tub Filler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Senlesen Waterfall Spout Bathtub Faucet
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SPLURGE: Delta Faucet Trinsic Floor Mount Tub Filler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DESIGN: Gotonovo Freestanding Bathtub Faucet
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FLOW RATE: LLGG Freestanding Tub Faucet
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CONTROLS: Artiqua Freestanding Tub Filler
↓ Jump to Review - BEST REACH: Kingston Brass Freestanding Tub Faucet
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
The following freestanding bathtub faucet types satisfy a diverse range of needs in terms of taste, performance, and budget. Shoppers should be able to quickly find the right model for any freestanding bathtub.
Best Overall
Wowkk Waterfall Tub Filler
What We Like
- Contemporary design with multiple finishes
- High-quality brass body with stainless steel hose
- Faucet valve uses a ceramic cartridge for reliability
What We Don’t Like
- A few users report leaking water lines
Product Specs
- Spout style: Modern waterfall
- Finish: Black, brushed gold, brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze
- Flow rate: 6 GPM (tub spout); 2.5 GPM (shower)
While there’s not one best freestanding tub faucet for everyone—as personal taste has a major impact—the Wowkk Waterfall faucet offers a variety of features that can satisfy a wide range of needs.
The underlying material is heavy-duty brass, which then has one of five finishes applied, offering solutions for a variety of decor. It also has an attractive waterfall spout that swivels 360 degrees for just-right positioning.
At 35 inches tall, this bathtub faucet set offers 34 inches of tub spout height above tub, letting the water flow easily into any freestanding tub. Its flow rate is 6 gallons per minute (GPM), with 2.5 GPM for the shower head. We like that a simple button lets you switch between the two, and a single lever controls temperature and flow.
Get the Wowkk freestanding tub faucet at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Senlesen Waterfall Spout Bathtub Faucet
What We Like
- Lower cost than comparable products
- Features a slim 360-degree spout
- Corrosion-free, solid-brass construction
What We Don’t Like
- Some reports of issues with the finish
Product Specs
- Spout style: Modern
- Finish: Black, brushed gold, gold, brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze
- Flow rate: 6 GPM (tub spout); 2.5 GPM (shower)
The Senlesen tub-filler design reflects a modern aesthetic. The 360-degree spout looks particularly elegant and offers a 6 GPM flow rate, while the shower head is rated at 2.5 GPM. Construction is brass, and six finishes are offered. A sleek single lever controls temperature and flow along with an easy-to-use water-diverter knob. The cartridge is a reliable ceramic model.
With a spout exit height of 31.5 inches, this bathtub faucet coordinates best with shallower tubs. Finishes are applied using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, which produces a protective layer much like electroplating but without harmful chemicals.
On the downside, there have been occasional problems with the handle or knob breaking, but the manufacturer appears to be aware of the issue and is willing to rectify it for customers.
Get the Senlesen freestanding tub faucet at Amazon.
Best Splurge
Delta Faucet Trinsic Floor Mount Tub Filler
What We Like
- Classic design suits contemporary and traditional bathroom styles
- Shower hose reach of 60 to 82 inches
- Ease of use underlined by ADA compliance
What We Don’t Like
- Necessary rough-in valve kit is not included
Product Specs
- Spout style: Modern arc
- Finish: Champagne bronze, chrome, matte black, stainless, Venetian bronze
- Flow rate: 10 GPM (tub spout); 1.75 GPM (shower)
When it comes to high-quality freestanding bathroom faucets, few brands have a reputation that can rival Delta. This Trinsic tub faucet with hand shower is a fine example. Although components are imported, each is assembled in the U.S. with great attention to detail.
The high-arc design provides a tub faucet height with clearance for even the tallest tubs. The flow rate of the faucet itself is an impressive 10 GPM. We also like that the shower head meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense criteria at just 1.75 GPM. WaterSense shower heads use no more than 2.0 GPM and are certified to use at least 20 percent less water than other models.
The extending hose can stretch to 82 inches for all-around access. The overall ease of use helps this tub filler meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards.
Get the Delta freestanding tub faucet at The Home Depot, Amazon, or Wayfair.
Best Vintage
Gotonovo Freestanding Bathtub Faucet
What We Like
- Ideal for claw-foot and other types of bathtubs
- Features double-cross knobs
- Modern ceramic cartridges ensure smooth, reliable performance
What We Don’t Like
- Low flow rate unsuitable for large tubs
Product Specs
- Spout style: Traditional
- Finish: Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome
- Flow rate: 1.41 GPM (tub spout); shower GPM not listed
Those who have chosen a traditional claw-foot, lion’s paw, or ball-and-claw bathtub will certainly want to consider something like this vintage stand-alone tub faucet from Gotonovo. The “telephone cradle” for the shower head is a delightful touch, as are the white inserts in the knobs.
Although this model has classic elegance, it’s all modern manufacturing below the surface to ensure smooth operation and long-term durability. Solid brass is used for construction with a hard-wearing finish in a choice of three colors. The double-cross knobs have ceramic cartridges for smooth operation and easy temperature control.
A flow rate of just 1.41 GPM is lower than would normally be expected, but claw-foot and similar tubs are usually of modest size, so it should be adequate for the purpose.
Get the Gotonovo freestanding tub faucet at Amazon.
Best Flow Rate
LLGG Freestanding Tub Faucet
What We Like
- Outstanding flow rate fills tubs quickly
- Corrosion-resistant brass construction combined with wear-resistant electroplated finishes
- Clear markings on the diverter
What We Don’t Like
- Some users report leaks
Product Specs
- Spout style: Transitional arc
- Finish: Black, brushed gold, brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze
- Flow rate: 11.9 GPM (tub spout); 2.5 GPM (shower)
For some people, the key to relaxation is a large tub full of piping-hot water. In these cases, a faucet with a high flow rate is a necessity; otherwise, there’s a danger the water will cool faster than the tub can be filled. With an impressive 11.9 GPM, the LLGG stand-alone tub faucet meets this requirement with ease. The shower head meets legal requirements with a flow rate of 2.5 GPM.
As expected, the main construction is brass. There is a choice of five hard-wearing electroplated finishes. A single lever controls flow and temperature with a clearly marked diverter and the faucet cartridge is a reliable ceramic unit. There have been a few reports of leaks, though faulty installation could be to blame.
Get the LLGG freestanding tub faucet at Amazon.
Best Controls
Artiqua Freestanding Tub Filler
What We Like
- Long levers provide easy control
- Forty-two inch spout height suitable for deep tubs
- Features a smooth-action ceramic cartridge and high-quality aerator
What We Don’t Like
- Some user reports that the base isn’t stable
Product Specs
- Spout style: Modern arc
- Finish: Black, brushed gold, brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze
- Flow rate: 6 GPM (tub spout); 2.5 GPM (shower)
The majority of freestanding tub faucets have a single-lever design and a diverter to switch between the faucet and shower head. Many find these easy to use, but if the diverter is left in the shower position, it can result in water being sprayed all over the bathroom floor. Some diverter knobs are also quite small, and those with limited dexterity may struggle to operate them.
The sleek, modern Artiqua bathtub faucet with sprayer is unusual because it has independent controls for both the faucet and shower head. Extended handles make them easy to use, and it’s always clear where the water is coming from. The main construction is brass, and four popular finishes are available. We like that the 360-degree high-arc spout sits 41.73 inches above the floor, accommodating even the deepest soaking tubs.
Get the Artiqua freestanding tub faucet at Amazon.
Best Reach
Kingston Brass Freestanding Tub Faucet
What We Like
- Nine-inch spout reach for tubs with sloping sides
- Forty-two inch spout height suitable for deep tubs
- Features a smooth-action ceramic cartridge and high-quality aerator
What We Don’t Like
- Some user reports that the base isn’t stable
Product Specs
- Spout style: Traditional
- Finish: Brushed nickel, polished nickel, polished chrome, brushed brass, vintage brass, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black
- Flow rate: 7 GPM (tub spout); 1.8 GPM (shower)
Some tubs, particularly claw-foot and similar models, have sides that slope quite steeply. This can be a problem with freestanding tub faucets that don’t have sufficient reach for water to fall normally. A short spout can also be jarring visually.
The five-handle Kingston Brass tub faucet overcomes this with a reach of over 9 inches. The highly decorative design perfectly complements traditional tubs. The brand is known for its high production standards, and the solid-brass construction is offered in eight different finishes. Its flow rate is also excellent at 7 GPM, and it has an eco-friendly 1.8-GPM shower head.
In the unlikely event that there are leaks above floor level, stop valves allow repairs to be made without lifting the base or floor. However, this feature and the two-hole configuration make initial installation a little more complicated than most.
Get the Kingston Brass freestanding tub faucet at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Freestanding Tub Faucets
The choice of faucets suitable for use with a freestanding bathtub is vast, and we spent many hours researching different manufacturers and retailers to ensure we had a clear picture not only of the range available but also of how they are made and perform.
Style is a key element, and our picks offer something for every bathroom decor. They include traditional taps, more modern levers, and shower heads. We sought top examples of each. Cost is always important, but while we looked at several affordable freestanding tub faucets, our main focus was on quality and reliability.
What to Consider When Choosing a Freestanding Tub Faucet
Physical appearance and finish draw most people to a particular freestanding tub faucet for different types of bathtubs. However, a number of issues should be checked before making a final purchase. Each of the following affects durability, performance, ease of use, and overall cost. When added together, they have a major impact on how satisfying the freestanding tub with faucet is to live with every day.
Material and Finish
In most cases, brass is the main material used for the body of freestanding bathroom tub faucets. It doesn’t rust, is easy to form into a variety of shapes, and is a good base for most finishes. Stainless steel, which is also highly corrosion-resistant and stronger than brass, is often used for hoses.
Finishes are usually electroplated. This method produces a coating that is resistant to wear or staining and is easy to clean. A freestanding tub faucet in brushed nickel is a popular finish option, as are brushed gold and chrome. Those looking for something more subtle might prefer oil-rubbed bronze or matte black. An increasingly popular finishing process is PVD (physical vapor deposition), which also creates a wear-resistant coating but uses a vacuum process that doesn’t require hazardous chemicals and, thus, is more environmentally friendly.
Water Flow Rate
The flow rate of freestanding tub faucets is often overlooked yet has a tremendous impact on performance. Figures are provided in gallons per minute (GPM), which is how fast a particular model will fill a tub. Many freestanding tubs are quite deep, so a soaking tub faucet, for example, needs to have a strong flow rate or the water will begin to cool before the tub is full enough to enjoy.
A flow rate of 6 GPM is common for most quality freestanding tub faucets. This would fill a standard 42-gallon tub in around 7 minutes. The best flow rate among our top picks is 11.9 GPM, thus capable of filling that same tub in a very rapid 3.5 minutes.
The flow rate of shower heads is restricted by federal law to a maximum of 2.5 GPM, though some eco-friendly models aimed at maximum water conservation are lower than this.
Handles
To turn on and control the flow of water, a floor-mount tub filler typically comes with either a pair of traditional “double-cross” handles or a single mixer lever. The first type is used to individually control the hot and cold feeds. The second controls both the strength of the flow and the temperature at the same time. A stand-alone tub faucet with a shower head fitted usually has a simple two-way diverter to change the flow from the faucet to the shower head. It may have a separate mixer lever, though these are less common.
No one type of handle is better than the other; it’s a matter of personal preference. However, those with dexterity issues or reduced strength may find levers easier to move.
Ease of Installation
To provide adequate stability, freestanding bathtub faucet sets must be bolted to the floor. The most common type of mount is tripod-shaped. Three bolts need to be inserted in the floor to hold this. For concrete floors, this is not a problem. However, wood floorboards may not be thick enough to accommodate these, so a beam needs to be located. The tripod is then dropped over these bolts, and nuts are used to secure it. It is also necessary to connect hot and cold water supplies at this point. These are then hidden by a decorative cover or base.
While none of the work is particularly complex, it’s unlikely that existing pipework will coincide with the desired freestanding tub faucet placement. People who are not confident of their DIY abilities may want to call in a plumber for the job.
Tips for Installing a Freestanding Tub Faucet
It’s a good idea to decide on the type of tub before choosing the standing bathtub faucet. The height of the tub, the angle of the sides, and the thickness of the rim will impact the faucet height and the spout reach that are necessary. According to Welch, not considering height is a mistake many homeowners make. “Proper placement is another important factor. It needs to be positioned where it’s easily accessible but not obstructive,” she says.
Installation instructions are usually provided but may be unclear depending on the country of manufacture. The following general tips should help avoid problems:
- Dimensions of some components may vary slightly from those published. As a result, most manufacturers recommend not starting work until the actual faucet has been received.
- Allow all day. Make sure all the required tools are at hand. Plan each step before starting. Work slowly and carefully, double-checking measurements before drilling or cutting the floor. Trying to rush the task may lead to leaks that are difficult to locate later on.
- Do a dry run of the faucet assembly without fully tightening the connections. It is usually better to install water pipes in the top of the faucet first rather than in the pipes under the floor.
- Where possible, test all of the faucet functions and check pipework for leaks before reinstalling the flooring.
FAQs
If you’re considering purchasing a stand-alone tub faucet, you may still have a few questions about what type to buy and what materials to look for. Below are answers to these questions.rs a wide variety of home and garden subjects and is known for providing information that is thorough yet easy to understand.
It may be possible, but generally, it is not recommended. The way a sink faucet sits on the sink is not usually the same as on a tub, and the mounting screws or brackets may be different. The flow rate of a kitchen faucet is unlikely to exceed 2.5 GPM, which is too slow for many tubs. Given the huge variety of bathtub faucets available, many at very reasonable prices, trying to use a sink faucet doesn’t seem worth the problems that are likely to be encountered.
Plastic faucets are usually the cheapest option. Like brass and stainless steel, they don’t corrode, but durability is the big issue. Plastic faucets simply aren’t very strong and are normally used for utility areas or outdoors—not for a tub. However, many good-quality tub faucets do have plastic components inside, often used as part of valve mechanisms and to hold ceramic cartridges. These are perfectly acceptable.
It may be possible to fit a wall-mount tub faucet or a deck-mount faucet for freestanding tub use, but things like tub construction and whether or not it can be placed close enough to a wall will have a major impact. A freestanding tub faucet’s big advantage over other faucet types, such as wall-mounted tub faucets, is that they can be fitted in the optimal position for the tub and overall bathroom layout without compromise.
Freestanding tubs come in many shapes and sizes. Stand-alone soaking tubs that are deep, wide, and long allow plenty of space to relax. Tubs with angled back slopes are particularly conducive to bathtime comfort.
Freestanding tub faucets require 4-6 inches of space between the tub and the faucet to prevent splashing. While you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, most stand-alone tub faucets should be placed 3-6 inches above the tub’s rim.
Stand-alone tubs cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Acrylic tubs are the least expensive, while cast iron and copper cost considerably more. You should spend whatever is comfortable for your budget. Also, consider the associated costs of removing the bathtub you currently have and installing the new one.
The material of a freestanding bathtub will affect its lifespan. For example, well-cared-for acrylic tubs can last up to 15 years, porcelain enameled steel tubs have a lifespan of about 20 years, while stone and cast iron tubs can last a lifetime.
Well-designed bathrooms add value to a home, and a freestanding tub can play a critical role in a bathroom’s aesthetics and functionality, thus increasing a home’s resale value.
Freestanding tubs are held in place by a bead of plumber’s caulk applied around the base of the tub where it meets the floor. The caulk keeps the tub from shifting and creates a watertight seal so that water doesn’t penetrate the areas underneath it.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Researcher and product specialist Bob Beacham has been writing consumer-advice articles for national publications for more than a decade. He covers a wide variety of home and garden subjects and is known for providing information that is thorough yet easy to understand.
