Materials Used to Make Clawfoot Tubs
There are two main types of materials from which clawfoot bath tubs are made, cast iron and acrylic. Acrylic tubs are becoming popular for use in modern homes, while cast iron tubs are typically more traditional and used in both new homes and older restored homes.
• Cast iron tubs: Cast iron clawfoot tubs are heavier and are often an accurate reproduction of actual antique tubs. Antique clawfoot tubs were made of extremely heavy cast iron, and are coated with beautiful white porcelain that is cool to the touch. Cast iron tubs make good choices for bath areas that call for shower enclosures. The cast iron walls easily support a shower enclosure mounted through faucet holes in the tub wall or tub rim.
• Acrylic tubs: Acrylic tubs come in many modern styles, and are typically lighter weight. Manufacturers are now producing new acrylic versions of classic style clawfoot tubs that retain the charm of the old tubs without their heavy weight. Acrylic material is a good thermal insulator, which can help water stay warm longer. Since acrylic tubs weigh less than cast iron tubs, they are easier to maneuver up stairs for second story bathrooms.
Adding a Faucet to Your Clawfoot Tub
There are several faucet options when adding a clawfoot tub faucet to your bathtub. You can choose to mount it on the tub wall, on the tub deck or rim, or you can choose to have a freestanding tub filler. Many tubs are available with all of these drilling options.
• Tubs with wall mounted faucets have two small holes on the wall of the clawfoot tub above the drain. Most holes will measure 3-3/8” on centers.
• Tubs with deck mount faucets have holes on the rim of the bathtub, on either the side or the end of the clawfoot tub. Most holes will measure 7" or 3-3/8" on centers. Some tub rim mount tub faucets are available with faucet couplers, making the faucet adaptable to various center measurements.
• Tubs with freestanding tub fillers have no faucet holes, and sometimes have a continuous rolled rim. This allows you to position the faucet anywhere you like in relation to your tub.
Clawfoot bath tubs typically require no more maintenance than a standard drop-in tub. Both cast iron tubs and acrylic clawfoot baths are easy to clean, and are stain-resistant when properly cared for. Keeping these things in mind while buying a clawfoot bathtub will help you make a decision based on your own requirements and tastes. Whether you are going for traditional Victorian style, or a modern, updated look, a freestanding or clawfoot bathtub is an easy and affordable solution for remodeling your bathroom.
Signature Hardware is a direct merchant of kitchen and bath, hardware, lighting, and home and garden products. We sell quality items such as pedestal sinks, apron sinks, copper sinks, apron clawfoot tubs, shower rods and rings, bathroom vanities, bath lighting, door hardware, floor registers, house numbers, mailboxes, farmhouse sinks and many more.
