About Claw Foot Bath Tubs

The following guide features information on the history of claw foot bath tubs, details on different styles available, and information on the materials they can be manufactured from.

These claw foot bath tubs are available in an extensive range of beautiful styles and sizes.
These Claw Foot Bathtubs were invented during the Victoria era that extended from 1835 - 1903. The original claw foot bath tubs were manufactured with a white porcelain coating, and got their shape from the cast iron base. To obtain a hard slippery surface molten porcelain was poured into the tub.

THE DIFFERENT STYLES:
The two basic types of claw foot bath tubs are the European and American styles.
European styles tend to have no drilling for faucets (as they are an external feature on this design of tub, and are either wall or floor mounted). Thus the water level is deeper. There are however holes for the drain and overflow.

The American styles featured holes drilled for the faucets, overflow and the drain.

Within these two types, there are a range of different styles. They include the Classic design, Slipper style, Doubled-ended, and Pedestal types.

MATERIALS:
Usually there are two choices when it comes to claw foot bath tubs. Acrylic, which is fast gaining popularity and Cast iron, which is the traditional material that is used.

The main benefits of cast iron is that they are as exact to as original as you will get. The look is the same, as is the weight. They also feel like an authentic vintage claw foot tub should: pleasingly smooth with a subtle textured finish and some minor surface irregularities.

The benefits of acrylic claw foot bath tubs is that they maintain the look and integrity of a traditional cast iron tub but is about 40% lighter, is warm and smooth to the touch, and will not rust or crack over time. Additionally, they are not cold to the touch, as porcelain on cast iron tubs is. Typically an acrylic tub is crafted from a mixture of high-grade sanitary acrylics, ceramic powders, polyester resins, and fiberglass. Acrylic claw foot bath tubs are easier to clean than cast iron tubs, and also their lighter weight makes moving them around an easier effort. Finally, they are available in a range of different lengths.

INSTALLATION:
It is highly recommended that you get a reputable plumber to install your new claw foot bath tub. Before you arrange this though, ensure that you have all the following items on-hand: a tub, a drain, a faucet or shower enclosure, and a set of water supply lines.

The Faucets are available in an extensive range, from classic wall-mounted faucets through to more elegant English Telephone Handshower faucets. There are all freestanding sets that are supported by their own supply lines.

Shower Enclosures are there to allow you to use your claw foot bath tub as a shower. It features a shower ring enclosure, shower head, faucet, along with other necessary installation hardware.

The Drain and overflow allow you to drain your tub of water and prevent it overflowing if the water level gets too high.

The supply lines provides the method of getting water into your bath. These are generally available in four different styles: straight, single offset, double offset, and freestanding. Straight supply lines are used with deck-mounted faucets. Single-offset and double-offset lines are used with most tub fillers, handshower faucets as well as most shower enclosures.

VintageTub have further information on claw foot bath tubs and bathroom accessories.