Choosing the Right Clawfoot Design
Opting for an Old World look in the bathroom is not only stylish, but can build equity in the home as well. Once the decision has been made as to the specifics of the design for the bathroom, the choice for the focal point which can be one of the many styles of clawfoot tubs available today, can be made. There are many things to keep in mind during this process, however.
o Cast iron or acrylic – This is one of the biggest decisions to be made. A reclaimed cast iron model that may be damaged a little bit is much cheaper and can be refinished saving you some money on the front-end, but you have to remember that these tubs weigh 250 to 400 pounds on average and need a specially reinforced floor. If you have a 2nd floor bathroom this may not be the best choice as it is not only difficult to move into the space, but may need the help of specialists to ensure the floor can support the weight. However, although they take longer to warm up they do stay warmer than their acrylic counterparts. Acrylic replicas are lightweight, look just like the original, and can even be fitted with a whirlpool feature if desired. However, repairing a damaged one is less successful in most cases.
o Choose a professional finish – Although clawfoot tubs can be repaired with a kit, for really professional looks opt for electrostatic painting which utilizes an adherent, non-slip paint that produces superior results. It costs around $300 and does not hold up well to strong abrasives or chemical cleaners so these factors would have to be taken into consideration before selecting this option.
o Keeping it clean – Although many choose to utilize one of the daily tub and tile cleaners for ensuring sanitation in the bathroom, an inexpensive option is equal parts of vinegar and water. Simply spritz it on and wipe it off. Additionally, there are not harsh chemicals that might damage the finishes of clawfoot tubs.
o Pick a style – There are several styles of clawfoot tubs which help bathtubs fit into any décor. Slipper, double-slipper, and Roman are the most common and all stand on beautifully cast feet. The flared ends are perfect for supporting the neck and they average 60″ in length to fit many body types. Hot, molten iron was originally poured into a mold which gave the tubs their hard surface. Then porcelain was added it was found they were quite durable. A similar method is still used today.
o Where to find them – The original clawfoot tubs can still be found in a variety of places from estate sales, to eBay, to flee markets so don’t hesitate to look in unusual places. In many areas of the country they can be picked up for a very reasonable price if you can transport them, but in some areas they can cost into the thousands of dollars. Therefore, if you don’t feel like searching high and low for the perfect clawfoot tub and have the resources, don’t worry because they’re becoming very popular again so are becoming easier to find.
o Get what you want the first time – Newer clawfoot tubs come with a variety of amenities. If you want a shower head, telephone, or a special style of knob for turning the water on and off just make sure you get what you want the first time as it’s difficult to change it later without changing the whole system.
o Watch for design elements that can’t be changed – Some features lock you into a specific style that can’t be changed. For example, if you opt for the American version of clawfoot tubs, you’ll find holes in the tub, in the end or center depending on personal preference, where the faucets are placed. On the European model all plumbing is on the outside of the tub. Therefore, an American tub can never become European since it’s impossible to completely seal the holes made for plumbing. However, a European tub can be turned into an American version by drilling holes. Just be sure that the option you choose is one you can live with for a long time.
Clawfoot tubs make bathrooms unique, can be economical, and are definitely chic by today’s standards. It provides a one-of-a-kind feeling that cannot be replicated with any other style of bathtub. If you want to find a way to rejuvenate and reenergize yourself on a daily basis then consider the purchase of one of the many clawfoot tubs on the market today as it should be at the top of your list of must-sees.
Did you know that you don’t have to settle for the same old standard bathtub? When someone walks into your bathroom, the bathtub is usually the focal point. Transition your bathroom from standard to more modern with one of the different vintage tub styles.
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$10,304.00
The Herbeau Cast Iron Marie Louise Clawfoot Bath Tub – FREE Inside Delivery! is made of cast iron and the bath tub capacity is 50 gallons. The drain can be installed either left or right side and the Clawfoot Bath Tub come in variety of finish options. The Herbeau Cast Iron Marie Louise Clawfoot Bath Tub – FREE Inside Delivery! s image is shown with faucets. We will bring your Clawfoot Bath Tub Inside! We won\’t leave it curbside like the other guys.
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The Herbeau 5.5 ft Cast Iron Retro Clawfoot Bath Tub – FREE Inside Delivery! is constructed of cast iron and the drain can be installed either left or right side. The Clawfoot Bath Tub features charm and gracious living of the past, which merges with the technology and convenience of the present. Choose from a variety of finishes. The Herbeau 5.5 ft Cast Iron Retro Clawfoot Bath Tub – FREE Inside Delivery! s image is shown with faucets. We will bring your Clawfoot Bath Tub Inside! We won\’t leave it curbside like the other guys.
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The St Thomas Creations Celebration Grande Clawfoot Bath Tub – FREE Inside Delivery! is made of Lucite XL acrylic, features roll top, freestanding center drain. The water capacity is 65 gallons and the Clawfoot Bath Tub comes in variety of colors and claw feet finish options. We will bring your Clawfoot Bath Tub Inside! We won\’t leave it curbside like the other guys.
Choosing the Right Faucet for Your Clawfoot Tub
In deciding to change one’s décor in a house, a good place to start is in the bathroom. This room is one of the most important rooms in the house, used by both the family and friends, and one wishes it to be attractive and show the beauty of the home. In choosing the décor for the room an interesting concept is the Victorian or antique era. The main focal point of such a bathroom would be a claw foot tub. These tubs come in two styles, American and European. The American style has holes drilled directly into the tub which leaves room for a claw foot tub faucet while the European style usually has faucets mounted outside the tub.
In choosing a claw foot tub it is important to choose one which will fit the faucet style you desire. If, for instance, when purchasing a used European style tub it is important to notice where the holes are drilled and make sure they are suited for the faucets you are installing as unneeded holes are almost impossible to fill in. The claw foot tub comes with several varieties of faucets. For example, some are on the outside of the tub with the faucet itself forming a large curved hook to dispense the water. Some are on the side of the tub and some have the standard two-hole insert at the head of the tub. The space in the bathroom makes a great deal of difference in the type of faucet used, so measurements should carefully be taken.
In choosing a faucet one has many choices. There are three main types – free standing, located on the outside of a tub in their own structure; tub wall, built on the inside of the tub and rim mounted which are placed on the top lip or edge of the tub. When replacing faucets (as in buying a used one) it is advisable to replace them with the same type previously used.
A claw foot tub faucet is available in several materials including, but not limited to, brass, chrome, antique bronze, copper, and polished chrome. It is important to check the quality of your choice to be assured that it will last a long time and remain in its attractive finish. Faucets in a claw tub are usually completely exposed and not concealed as in more modern tubs.
In addition to the usual hot and cold faucets, it is possible to have a hose spray attachment. This allows one to rinse the hair or body before leaving the tub. This attachment is usually mounted on a telephone like cradle above the location of the hot and cold faucet. In addition, an antique shower is always attractive as well as a practical piece. It is formed by a round ring over the tub supported by a pipe which contains the hot and cold water. A circular shower curtain goes around the ring. This is a very handy addition when one wants a quick shower and not a long bath.
The faucets come in many attractive styles including some large curved faucets, similar to a swan’s neck. Most people choose a plumber who has had some experience in installing these types of tubs and faucets as they have some unique details one does not find everyday. When finished with the project it will express your skills as a designer in developing an unusual and attractive place for all to admire.
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$501.56
The Kohler Clearflo Decorative Adjustable Pop-up Clawfoot Tub Drain – Fast is adjustable trip lever pop-up drain works perfectly with a revival 5 feet bath or whirlpool. It is a solid brass construction for durability and reliability, and finishes resist corrosion and tarnishing, exceeding industry durability standards over two times. The Clawfoot Tub Accessory is designed for exposed drain installations. It is offered in a variety of finishes.
The Focal Point of Your Bathroom-Clawfoot Tub
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There are times when one wishes to bring a new look to their home. One of the rooms, easy to start in, is the bathroom. The entire family and guests, at one time or another, enter this room. To create a different appearance which will be pleasing and unique, installing a claw foot bathtub is a way to begin. With this bathtub the entire room can be designed with a Victorian era or other era motif.
The two styles of claw foot bathtubs are American and European. The American tubs usually have the faucets install directly into the tub while the European ones have the faucets on the outside of the tub. These faucets are mounted outside the tub and, usually hang over the edge of the tub. A spray hose can be attached on these faucets and rests on a telephone like stand. There are no faucet holes in these tubs; however, holes can be drilled if standard faucets are desired. In choosing a used European tub one needs to look carefully to see what holes are in the tub as, if they do not meet your plans, it is almost impossible to fill them in once they’ve been drilled. The American tubs incorporate the faucets directly into the tub. The American tubs come in many sizes so can fit almost any bathroom.
The claw foot bathtub can be purchased in iron, with an enamel finish, or in acrylic. The iron tub is very heavy to lift while the acrylic tub is lightweight and can be moved easily. Many colors are available to fit any color scheme as well. To follow the era’s design a shower can be installed which is composed of a large metal ring over the tub to provide an enclosing shower curtain. This is very handy when one does not wish to take the time for a full bath.
Claw foot bathtubs come in several styles. Roman, the slipper, the double slipper, and free standing are just a few of the most popular. There are other antique looking tubs, but they do not have the claw feet. Some designers choose the antique tub with gold feet and follow through with the design on other fixtures in the room such as a pedestal wash basin. Used iron tubs are available, but one should be careful to note how the faucets are to be installed to make sure it will fit in with your overall design plans.
Fitting for the claw foot bathtub faucets and connecting to the water source usually requires an experienced plumber for installation so it is important to contact one familiar with this type of installation. A little imagination and research can produce a room that will be a pleasure to all and show the decoration ability of the homeowner. In addition, it will add to the value of the home in case of a resale.
CLAW FOOT BATH TUB
The most prominent thing in any bathroom is the bathtub. For several years homes had bathtubs that were square and flush with the floor and wall. However, in the past few years designers have found that the claw foot bathtub has added considerably to the bathroom’s décor when carrying through a Victorian design.
It is interesting to note that the original claw foot bathtub was built from a horse trough with legs added on in the 1880’s. Today finds the tubs far beyond this original concept. There are basic styles as well as shapes and various colors of claw foot bathtubs. Pedestal, classic, slipper and double-ended are the basic shapes that most people are familiar with. Styles come in cast iron and acrylic. The acrylic tub includes polyester resins, fiberglass, acrylics, and ceramic powders. The cast iron tub is made of iron and is coated with high grade enamel. The iron tub is very heavy while the acrylic tub is lightweight and easier to clean.
In decorating the bathroom in the Victorian style one might wish to also include a washbasin with claw feet and other appropriate décor. To go all out it might fit in to have an old style toilet with the water tank holding water above the toilet rather than directly attached to the toilet.
There is also claw foot hardware to fit each of the bathroom fixtures.
Some of the faucets of the claw foot tub stand free, on the outside of the tub, with the only tub opening being the drain hole. 
These faucets usually have their own enclosure and blend in nicely with the surroundings. Others have the faucets on the edge of the tub or affixed to the inside. If using a previously owned claw foot tub it is recommended that the same style of faucet be used to avoid having to drill holes in the tub. If the tub previously had faucets on the tub interior then they should be replaced in the same manner as it is virtually impossible to completely seal a previous opening in the tub. The faucets used in claw foot tubs can vary a great deal.
Some claw foot bathtubs have a spray type hose attached to a pipe rising above the faucets. At the end of this pipe is a cradle that holds a sprayer. This is very convenient for rinsing soap from the hair or body.
Claw foot bathtub accessories come in many beautiful designs. The entire faucet and water dispenser may be fashioned like a beautiful bird or some other outstanding design. This theme can be carried over to the other items in the bathroom such as the washbasin, curtains, etc. These designs can be of almost any color or material desired. Brass, copper, chrome, and other metals are available to complete the decorating scheme and add a great deal of appeal. Some designers choose a tub with gold feet which makes a white tub really outstanding and truly representative of the Victorian era. With imagination and reviewing books of this era, a beautiful bathroom can be designed for all to appreciate.