Clawfoot bathtubs possess a distinctive classic quality about them, reminiscent of eras such as the the Victorian Period and perhaps as far back as the Medieval Era. Bathing in a clawfoot tub certainly makes feel like you are royalty. The following are a few details that you might want to understand about them.

Clawfoot tubs are generally produced out of one of two materials, cast iron or acrylic. Some are made from other types of materials such as copper or bronze, but you can expect to see a clawfoot tub made from cast iron or acrylic. At a glance, you can't tell the difference between a clawfoot made out of cast iron and a clawfoot made out of acrylic. Both have a white surface.

Cast Iron is the traditional material used in the production of clawfoots. These types of clawfoots have a solid and heavy construction which makes them very sturdy, and therefore less prone to tipping or shifting. They come with a porcelain coating to protect the cast iron, so if owners take care not to chip the porcelain, or recoat the tub whenever it is needed, Because they are heavy, they can be difficult to get into your bathroom to install, especially if you are installing them in an upstairs bathroom. Also, the floor in your upstairs bathroom might not be able to support all the weight of the tub, plus you and the water that you'll be using. So, consider getting the opinion and assistance of a certified professional.

Given the same dimensions, a clawfoot tub made out of acrylic can be as much as 50% lighter than its cast iron counterpart. Being lighter makes them easier to get into your bathroom and install. They are also more suitable for upstairs bathrooms. Because they are void of any metal, they don't rust or deteriorate. They can last as long, if not longer than cast iron clawfoot tubs. Their light and ultra smooth construction can also be a disadvantage in some situations. Acrylic clawfoot tubs installed on glazed tile floors have been known to shift. Some acrylic models can even tip over in certain situations. For better safety, you might want to bolt them down to the floor if possible.

Some clawfoots, such as the European style, do not have a faucet assembly built onto the tub. Instead, they are set next to a wall or floor mounted faucet assembly and drain. Others, such as the American style, do have the faucet assembly built onto them. While European style clawfoots have the advantage of being able to fill with water more and allow for more head or foot space, they do require the home owner to do some demolition if he doesn't already have a wall or floor mount faucet assembly. American clawfoots require minimal installation, but their built in faucet assemblies can often get in the way and make the tub feel cramped.