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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