Clawfoot Bathtub Tips

Should I choose a cast iron clawfoot tub or an acrylic clawfoot tub?

Perhaps the most important decision you will make regarding your choice of claw foot tub is the material from which the tub is manufactured. There are two basic options: cast iron or acrylic. For some, project requirements or preferences will make the choice obvious. For others, this can be a difficult decision. The following comparison should help you with your decision.

What should I know about faucet holes?

The placement of faucet holes, or lack thereof, is an important point to consider when selecting a clawfoot tub. Your choice of tub style or placement of faucet holes may limit your choices.

Wall Holes	Classic American style roll top claw foot tubs have faucet holes drilled on 3 3/8" centers in the wall of the bathtub. This style of tub provides the widest and usually most economical selection of faucets and shower enclosures.
Rim Holes	Larger tubs and acrylic clawfoot tubs often have faucet holes drilled in the rim of the tub (7" and 8" centers are common). The holes can be at the end of the tub or on the side of the tub. By mounting the faucet on the rim, more space is made available inside the tub walls. These tubs also frequently provide deeper water levels. Deck mounted faucets and shower enclosures are available but tend to be more expensive and more limited in selection.
No Holes	European style clawfoot tubs are available without faucet holes. The faucet is usually mounted on freestanding supplies or on a bathroom wall. Like clawfoot tubs with rim holes, these tubs offer more space and deeper water levels. This type of tub is the most restrictive in terms of faucet and shower enclosure options.

How do I clean my tub?

Never use abrasive cleaners that will scratch the tub surface. Never use chlorine bleach, C.L.R., or other cleaners containing acid. These chemicals can leave a permanent discoloration. Always use mild detergents (e.g., Soft Scrub, 409, Dow Bath & Tile Cleaner) for normal cleaning. For tougher stains, we recommend Zud or Barkeepers Friend. Both of these products can be found at most grocery and hardware stores. Do not allow the cleaning material to soak on the tub surface. Rinse and immediately wipe with a soft damp sponge or cloth. Always test the cleaning material in an inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface. Most importantly, follow the instructions and read the warning label before you begin.

What should I know about tub delivery?

Your tub will be delivered by LTL motor freight. The carrier will call the number you provide in your customer registration to make arrangements for delivery when the tub reaches your local service terminal. Typically freight companies use semis (18 wheelers) for delivery of tubs. If the delivery location is not accessible to tractor-trailers, please email customerservice@shop4classics.com for assistance prior to placing your order. It may be necessary for you to make alternate arrangements if the freight company cannot deliver the tub to your home.

Tub prices include crating, residential delivery, and liftgate service. The carrier will remove the tub from the truck, however, they will not take the tub into your home. Please have help available to move the tub from the curb/sidewalk.

The freight carrier will require a signature to confirm delivery. Inspect all packages and their contents prior to signing the delivery receipt. See Receiving Freight Deliveries for more information.

Where can I find help with tub faucets and shower enclosures?

Shop 4 Classics offers an comprehensive list of faucet and shower enclosure options. For help in selecting the perfect fixture for your tub, see our clawfoot tub faucet tips or shower enclosure tips.

Where can I find help with supply lines?

There are many options for supply lines. The appropriate choice will depend on your project requirements and the type of faucet you select. Please see Clawfoot Tub Supply Line Tips for help with selecting and installing leg tub supply lines. For help selecting and installing leg tub drains, please see Leg Tub Drain Tips.

Who invented the clawfoot tub?

No one knows for certain when the bathtub was invented; however, today’s tubs probably descended from large pottery bowls. The earliest known bathtub was found in the ruins of a palace on the island of Crete. The tub is almost 4,000 years old and originally belonged to the queen. Even after its invention though, bathtubs did not immediately catch on. In fact some considered bathing to be unhealthy and immoral. Fortunately, sanitary conditions improved and bathing became widely accepted.

Claw foot tubs, as we know them today, came about many years after that first tub in Crete. These freestanding leg tubs were made of cast iron. The cast iron was coated with porcelain enamel to provide a smooth attractive finish. The J. L. Mott Iron Works company is generally credited with producing the first cast iron tub with an enamel interior in 1873. Although the design has changed some, cast iron clawfoot tubs are still a popular choice today.