Clawfoot Bathtub Buying Guide
Shop for Clawfoot Bathtubs
What is a Clawfoot Bathtub?
A clawfoot bathtubs, also called a free standing bathtub, is a tub that is elevated from the floor and typically supports itself with feet. Quite different from the traditional drop-in bathtub, the clawfoot bathtub comes in many shapes, styles, colors and configurations.The most common and familiar clawfoot tub is the traditional roll rim bath. Rolled rim tubs are based on the original cast iron tubs which were made by the millions between 1890 and 1940. The typical vintage roll rim bathtub measures 5' long – just big enough to fit into the standard post-World War I American bathroom. Standard clawfoot bathtub sizes are 4', 4.5', 5', and 5.5', lengths to fit all sizes of people and spaces.
There are three basic styles of clawfoot bathtubs:
Traditional clawfoot bathtubs follow the style of the original clawfoot bathtubs and usually have a flat top. Typically with a rounded seating area at one end and the faucet and drain on the other.Slipper clawfoot bathtubs are distinguished by their high-back construction which provides a more comfortable seating position. If you prefer to lounge in the tub with a place to rest your head, the slipper bathtub gives you all the support you’ll need.
Double-ended clawfoot bathtubs have each side rounded for your choice of bathing positions. These bath tubs typically have a center drain configuration and side-mounting faucet. The double-ended slipper tub offers both ends with high-back construction.
Pedestal bathtubs sometimes called free standing bathtubs mimic the art-deco style tubs that appeared in the 1920s and 1930s. Instead of clawfeet, the pedestal tub sits on a base. Pedestal bathtubs have many of the same styles and configurations as clawfoot bathtubs.
Selecting a Clawfoot Bathtub
Clawfoot Bathtub Material
Clawfoot bathtubs are typically made of either cast iron or acrylic. Cast iron clawfoot bathtubs are typically made with a layer of cast iron overlaid with porcelain and painted on the opposite side. Acrylic clawfoot bathtubs are made in a variety of different ways and combinations of materials. Acrylic clawfoot bathtubs are lighter, easier to install, and safer on the 2nd floor than cast iron clawfoot bathtubs. An example is American Bath Factory's clawfoot bathtubs which are vacuum formed from two ¼" sheets of high-quality cast acrylic, laminated together with their patented crushed stone/resin compound to give the bathtubs thickness, strength, and weight. The cast acrylic sheet has a second layer of ABS behind it which gives their bathtubs unmatched strength. This multi-layered proprietary material is patented and called Acrastone.Clawfoot Bathtub Feet Type and Finish
Clawfoot bathtubs have varying choices when it comes to bathtub feet and finishes. The most common clawfoot bathtub feet types are Ball & Claw, Paw, Cannonball, & Armada. The most common finish colors are White, Polished Brass, Chrome, Satin Nickel, Old World Bronze, and Old World Copper.
Clawfoot Bathtub Faucets
Clawfoot bathtub faucets can be found with a variety of colors, styles and functionalities. Clawfoot bathtubs can be purchased with no faucets holes, 3-3/8” deck mount faucet holes, 7” deck mount faucet holes, and 3-3/8” inside mount faucet holes to accommodate whatever type of Clawfoot bathtub faucet is being installed with the tub.
Clawfoot Bathtub Colors
Clawfoot bathtubs can be found in many different colors. With white or bisque being the most common colors there are some manufacturers that offer clawfoot bathtubs in a variety of colors and might also have color match programs or custom painting services.
