Should i get a clawfoot tub

CON : You should give a lot of thought to what material you choose. Cast iron tubs like this Retro Tub can often be painted to match your bathroom and are more traditional, but can be difficult to clean.

They hold heat for much longer than acrylic tubs, but start out very cold and require hotter water to get the same temperature bath. PRO : Clawfoot tubs that include a hand shower are much easier to clean than a traditional tub because the flexible shower hose allows you to target water to wash and rinse any part of the tub easily. It also allows you to wash or rinse big things — like, say, a dog — more easily than you could in a traditional bathtub. The raised feet brings whatever you happen to be washing in the tub to a more comfortable level as well, though the higher walls may make it more difficult to get, say, a large animal especially a wet one in and out.

CON : One of the biggest drawbacks of clawfoot tubs and one of the main reasons they went out of vogue in the first place is that they can be quite difficult to clean around. As well, porcelain tubs are highly susceptible to staining, scratching, and chipping, which means they require very gentle care, while owners of authentic antique tubs need to be especially cautious of their finishes.

This cost is higher for a cast-iron tub than an acrylic tub because more labor is required to move the tub. While a cast-iron tub costs significantly more to install and finish, it will not necessarily cost more than the same tub size, shape, and configuration in acrylic.

Both fall into a similar range of costs depending on the style for the tub itself, influenced by style, size, shape, and in the case of acrylic tubs, color. The style and finish of the feet you choose for the tub will also impact the final cost. While clawfoot tubs are generally used for soaking, they can also be fitted with a shower.

The plumbing typically comes through the floor, and then the pipes extend to the ceiling where a ring holds the heat and shower curtain. Support rods hold it steady by connecting to either the ceiling or a nearby wall. This plumbing can be heavy, however.

Cast-iron tubs are strong and durable enough to support the pipes without concern. Acrylic tubs may bend or warp over time if a shower is installed with them, which means that the tub will not last as long. If you plan to install a shower with the clawfoot tub, cast-iron is generally the preferred way to go.

Acrylic and cast-iron tubs are both fairly low-maintenance. Acrylic tubs, however, are slightly porous and can scratch or stain. Hair color, for example, will stain an acrylic tub and abrasives may scratch the surface. Any potentially staining spills should be wiped or rinsed out of the tub quickly, and use soft cloths and non-abrasive cleansers to clean the tub.

If necessary, stains can be bleached out. Cast-iron tubs are coated with a thin layer of porcelain on the interior. This porcelain finish is non-porous and unlikely to stain or scratch. Therefore, it may require less maintenance long-term. You can clean the tub with any cleanser or cleaning materials because the finish will not scratch. In a cast-iron tub, the exterior finish is painted on.

Over time, you may wish to refresh this color with a new coat of paint. Some acrylic tubs can also be painted, but most have a factory finish that does not need any regular maintenance or repainting to maintain.

While cast-iron is an extremely strong and long-lasting material, the porcelain finish on the interior of the tub can chip if given a hard knock. When chipped, you will see the cast-iron below. Because the iron is now exposed, it may begin to show rust. This can be refinished, if desired, usually with a spray-on coat of porcelain. Acrylic tubs have a finish that goes straight through. Therefore, the finish will never crack or chip.

It can stain and scratch, however. It may also warp slightly with long-term use. Cast-iron tubs last much longer than acrylic tubs, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Cast-iron tubs are designed to last. They are also more authentic, being made in the same way that tubs were built years ago. For that reason, they are considered an asset to high-end bathroom designs and add value to the home. Acrylic tubs help provide the same style but do not add value the way a cast-iron tub will.

Added a section on top picks with three recommendations for each type of clawfoot tub - best overall, best value, and also consider. FIXR provides cost guides, comparisons, and term cheat sheets for hundreds of remodeling, installation and repair projects. Log In. Loading, please wait Password Recovery. Get Local Cost. Find Pros. Appearance Clawfoot tubs come in two general styles: slipper and roll-top.

Installation Once the tub is in the room you intend to install it in, the installation process between the two materials is similar. Shower While clawfoot tubs are generally used for soaking, they can also be fitted with a shower. Durability While cast-iron is an extremely strong and long-lasting material, the porcelain finish on the interior of the tub can chip if given a hard knock.

Was this guide helpful to you? Yes No. Feedback Send. Thanks for your feedback! Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know. See full cheat sheet. How much does it cost to install an acrylic or cast iron clawfoot tub in my city?

Related comparison guides. Comfort Height vs Standard Toilet. Elongated vs Round Toilet. Freestanding vs Built-in Tub. They're expensive. At least that's what you're likely to pay for a new clawfoot tub, whether it's cast iron or acrylic.

However, if you're able to find a refurbished or ready-to-be refurbished antique clawfoot tub, you're going to save a large chunk of change. That said, as with all highly valued antiques, it can require some hunting to find one in good enough shape to invest in. And with something that weighs as much as a clawfoot tub does, you'll certainly want to consider how far from home you're willing to look. Experts and DIY bloggers alike agree that if you can find a tub that only needs a serious deep cleaning, and maybe refinishing or painting of the tub's exterior, you've found a winner.

If the tub's porcelain interior has been compromised, you're looking at a professional-level fix. Other costs to think about in addition to the actual tub and any refurbishing costs are transportation and installation pounds, remember , new faucets and hardware, and configuring the plumbing in your bathroom for a freestanding tub.

It's possible a new tub could be a more logical purchase in the end.