Are you curious to learn about the various styles of **clawfoot tubs** and their unique feet designs? Discover the secrets behind these classic fixtures that can add charm and elegance to any bathroom. Explore a world of vintage luxury and timeless beauty. Keep reading to uncover the mysteries of these iconic tubs and feet!
Clawfoot tubs have provided our homes with a comfortable and trendy look for hundreds of years. They were invented long ago but are still liked by most homeowners because of their durability and pleasant look.
They are available in various colors and types, and you can choose from different options depending on the faucet, material, feet, and many more.
Traditional clawfoot tubs were made from aluminum or cast iron. In the modern age, they are made from less costly materials like acrylic coatings and fiberglass, making them cheaper. This article will discuss five types of clawfoot tubs and feet.
Different Types of Clawfoot Tub Feet
1. Ball and Claw Tub
This design came from Holland and became popular due to inspiration from a Chinese theme of a dragon holding a gem. With time, the layout was reduced to only a claw holding the gem.
Different paw designs are available and you can choose what you like. The most well-known choices are bear, lion, eagle, wolf, tiger, and many more. They are available in different finishes, such as gold aluminum, polished brass, and bronze.
They are built from aluminum and heavy cast iron, but some models are made from copper, silver-plate, and stainless steel.
2. Cannonball
The name shows which type of design it is. The sphere-shaped and smooth feet create an image of a cannonball in size and shape. They are made from polished brass, acrylic, cast iron, or other materials.
3. Imperial Feet
This design is similar to ball and claw but a little more decorated. The additional parts look superb and deliver a traditional appearance. They are available in various finishes that can match your other bathroom accessories.
4. Leaf-Shaped Feet
This design is a distinct choice for creating a modern tub with feet. The shape of these feet is like a leaf and is usually made from cast iron. They come in different finishes, such as polished nickel and chrome.
5. Armada
The special thing about this simple design is its distribution of weight. The armada feet deliver a stylish look with their charming and square-like structure.
Like cannonball feet, they have many options according to the material used. Typically, these claw foot tub feet are heavier compared to others.
Types of Clawfoot Tub
1. Classic Clawfoot Tub
The style of these tubs is standard. One side of the tub is flat and is like the shape of a square which can be attached to the wall well. The drain and faucet are on this side, while the opposite side is round.
2. Double Ended
These tubs are identical to the classic-style tub, but their ends are round. They provide two rounded ends.
Most double-ended tubs have a faucet and drain in their center. They do not fit in the corner of the wall but are better fixed in the middle.
3. Single Slipper
A single slipper clawfoot provides comfort while soaking because one side is raised, which works as a backrest. Its shape is like a slipper or a boat. It provides the drain and faucet at the foot.
One end of these tubs is lower than the other, so the lower end provides a deep basin.
4. Double Slipper
Double slipper tubs provide more fun with two raised ends on both sides. The water level is shallow in the middle, and deeper basins are at both ends.
The faucet and drain are located at the center of the tub. So, it provides the backrests at both ends with a comfortable soaking experience for two persons.
5. The Pedestal
This is a feet-less clawfoot bathtub. Instead of feet, there is a solid flattened base like the stand of a cake. They are available in double slipper styles on their edges.
Pedestal bathtubs are considered a universal type. Other clawfoot tubs can be made pedestals by removing their legs, and still relaxing soak can be enjoyed in them.
How Did Clawfoot Tubs Originates?
Clawfoot tub originated in the 1800s, but in 1920, it went out of style. They were made from copper and had an oak rim when they were invented. Its inner side was painted, so peeling and other maintenance problems occurred over time.
At the end of 1800, companies used to manufacture it with cast iron, and it was coated in porcelain to give a smooth finish. Initially, these tubs were manufactured for livestock and farm animal use, and bathing in tubs was not so common then.
When people got knowledge about cleaning bathtubs, they started using them for bathing. Some bathtubs were created with shower attachments and curtains for privacy.
These bathtubs were made of cast iron, so they had the quality to keep water cold or hot for a long time. When these bathtubs went out of style, pedestal bathtubs became famous in 1920.
Factors to Consider Before Getting a Clawfoot Tub
Although clawfoot tubs create an attractive appearance, they are not suitable for every home. Consider a few things before getting it.
It would be best to think about claw foot tub size to decide which type you need. If you belong to a large family, you should purchase a large bathtub.
Clawfoot tub colors must also be considered before getting in. Some homeowners can’t decide whether they should purchase a new tub or refinish the old one. Most people think refinishing is less costly than replacing, but the situation is not always the same.
Clawfoot Tub Cost
The cost of clawfoot tubs depends upon their design and size. Mostly the price ranges from $500 – $1500. Tubs made from cast iron are costly compared to acrylic-made, but they are not so durable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Clawfoot Tub
Pros
- Compared to other tub types, they are deeper and larger
- Easy to maintain and clean
- The space beneath these tubs can be easily cleaned
- Delivers a simple outlook
- It comes with plenty of different styles and finishes
- Old-fashioned tubs can be renovated
Cons
- Its deck and storage space is limited
- Some people find it difficult to climb in and out
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Are Clawfoot Tub Feet Replaceable?
Clawfoot tub feet are not replaceable because all the tub types have different feet. They have many differences, such as height, how they are attached to the tub, and width.
How are Clawfoot Tub Feet Attached to The Tub?
Turn the tub over so that the bottom side is lifted. You will find here mounting lugs that are raised pieces with holes. The tub feet have bolts; slide them into the holes in the lugs. Now thread the nut into the bolts and tighten the bolt using a wrench.
How to Find the Age of My Clawfoot Tub?
Turn your bathtub and look at its underside; you will see the mold number of the tub. If it’s not visible, look around inside the tub, the faucet, and the spigot fixtures. A mold number shows its brand name, and you will guess the date of its manufacturing by its brand.
Is it Possible to Stand in a Clawfoot Tub?
It can be dangerous to stand in a clawfoot tub if the floor is slippery and the bathtub is wet. Getting in and out of the tub is not an easy task.
Does the Clawfoot Tub Increase the Home Value?
Clawfoot tubs increase a home’s value. According to a survey, homes with a clawfoot tub sold 29% more than the asking price.
Final Thoughts
In this article, you have learned about clawfoot tub and feet types. It is a traditional bathtub model, but most homeowners still like it. It is available in attractive and elegant feet designs, and you can choose a specific color according to your bathroom floor or wall shades.
Every tub has special feet, so if any feet get damaged, you will find another rarely. To look for its feet, you can search for the brand that has manufactured it online. I hope this article will be helpful for you.
Leave a Reply