Claw Foot Bathtubs

These kinds of tubs are made up of either cast iron or acrylic and stand on four legs or feet that are referred to as “claw”, hence the term claw foot. Clawfoot tubs possess a particular rustic aura or ambiance about them; this in turn suggests eras as far back as the Medieval times or even connoting the Victorian Age. Presently, bathing in a bath tub like the claw foot will definitely make you feel like you are a royalty taking her most precious bath.  

    

Claw foot tubs are traditionally categorized into two: a slipper tub, and a toll top tub. Before you consider buying any of these, take into consideration the following things about them: 

A slipper tub will have a high back rest on one or both ends; this is for the bather to rest against. This style is usually more comfortable if the bather sits there for a long period of time. However, it is important to remember that the water depth in this style of tub, since the back rest will frequently rise much higher than the water level, therefore leaving a taller bather half out of the water. 

A roll top, on the other hand, is one that is typically one height all the way around, with a rolled rim, or edge bringing the interior of the tub up and over the top to become part of the exterior. These tubs can come in multiple lengths and depths, and the good news is that it can accommodate two bathers at the same time.  

These tubs are generally produced out of one or two materials, namely cast iron or acrylic. Still some are made from other types of materials such as the copper or bronze, but then always expect to see a clawfoot made from cast iron or acrylic. Well, at a glance one can’t tell the difference between a tub made out of cast iron and a tub made out of acrylic, because both have a white surface. 

The cast iron is the traditional material that is used in the productions of clawfoots. These types have a solid and a heavy construction which definitely make them very sturdy and less prone to tipping or shifting. To protect the cast iron, they usually come with a porcelain coating. They are heavy and this makes it difficult to install in a bathroom which is located at the second or third floor of the house. You need to have also a very solid and firm in order to support the weight of the tub. 

The acrylic clawfoot, on the other hand, can be as much as 50% lighter than its counterpart. So they are easily carried into the bathroom, wherever in the house it may be. And they are more fitted for an upstairs bathroom; and since they don’t have any metal part in it, they are safe from rusting or deteriorating. They have the ability to last loner than the cast iron ones. But on the side, this light and soft part of acrylic can also have its advantage. When they are installed in glazed tiles, they can shift and some acrylic can even tip over in certain situations, so it is wise to have them bolt down the floor, as long as possible. 

The foot style of the tub will vary according from manufacturer to manufacturer. Although there are some basic styles to consider too. The ball and claw style, which is one of the most traditional styles, is comprised of a clawed foot resting n and gripping a metal ball which sits on the floor. Another style is the lion’s paw; this consists of a foot with four distinct toes directly pointing on the ground. 

Whatever style of clawfoot bath tub you would like to decide on, considering these guidelines will make the choice easier and narrower.