Do your homework before you purchase a cast iron claw foot tub by reading these descriptions of shapes, advantages and disadvantages and what to look for in a tub.

The cast iron claw foot tub is made by taking cast iron and coating it with enamel. The enameling process was introduced in the late eighteen hundreds and instantly made the cast iron claw foot tub a success. Previously, people used wash tubs and horse troughs for bathing purposes. The enameling on the cast iron clawfoot tub made it easy to clean and very durable. It also made the tub very comfortable to the skin.

A cast iron clawfoot tub is made basically the same today. The enameling process has improved some over the years; making the surface slip and crack resistant. You can also get your cast iron claw foot tub in many different colors and shapes today. Originally the cast iron clawfoot tub was only available in white and one classic shape. Of course if this is your desire, you can still purchase a classic white cast iron clawfoot tub.

Modern Styles of Cast Iron Claw Foot Tub

There are several styles of cast iron claw foot tub on the market. These include:

• Classic Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub
• Pedestal Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub
• Slipper Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub
• Double Slipper Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub
• Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub “Double Sided”

The Advantages to a Cast Iron Claw Foot Tub

Using cast iron to construct a claw foot tub has some advantages. The main advantage is durability. Many of the original classic clawfoot tubs are still in use or could be used if they were refinished. When the modern and contemporary decor of this century took hold in the 1950’s; many people tossed their old cast iron clawfoot tub out and installed one of the light weight (and colored) bath tubs of the age.

This left many a cast iron claw foot tub in junkyards and cattle fields (using the tub once again for a watering trough). Even though some of these tubs are in need of enameling, the cast iron has withstood the elements. Another advantage of a cast iron claw foot tub is the heat holding property of the cast iron. Once a cast iron tub is filled; it absorbs heat and slowly release it back in to the water making your bath water stay warm longer. This is very nice if you like to soak for long periods of time in the tub.

Disadvantages to a Cast Iron Claw Foot Tub

A distinct disadvantage of a cast iron clawfoot tub is that they are extremely heavy. You will need several people to assist with moving a cast iron tub. If you need to refinish the enamel on a cast iron clawfoot tub; it is a considerably more detailed process than refinishing other materials such as acrylic and fiberglass. Light colored enamel surfaces (such as beige or white) can stain as well.

If a cast iron claw foot tub does not appeal to you; you can find similar shapes of clawfoot tub in other materials. The American Standard Company manufactures clawfoot tubs in a material called Americlast. This material is part cast iron and part fiberglass. The result is a cast iron claw foot tub that is half the weight of traditional ones. The material also allows for more flexibility with shaping the tub during manufacturing. The material you choose is ultimately up to you and your taste.