Claw foot bath tubs have captivated bathrooms for centuries. Information about claw foot bath tubs including history, care and maintenance, styles and manufacturing materials will show you why.

Whether you just want to know about claw foot tubs or are looking to purchase one, this fact sheet is designed to give you what you want to know. Everything from the origin of clawfoot bath tubs to the materials they are made of has been included for you. The list is separated by category for ease of use.

History

Evidence of the shape and design of claw foot bath tubs has been found to date back as far as 3000 years. Claw foot bath tubs came in to popular use by the masses in the late 1880’s.

Materials

Material options for clawfoot bath tubs include acrylic, cast iron, Americlast, fiberglass, and an acrylic/fiberglass mixture. Characteristics of each material are as follows:

• Americlast – Americlast is a material made exclusively by the American Standard Company. Enamel is applied over a metal alloy (instead of cast iron) and then backed with an injection molded compound for strength. The result is a material that is 50% lighter than cast iron; but with all the durability of cast iron.
• Acrylic – Acrylic is very versatile and allows for the molding of dramatic designs and colors in claw foot bath tubs. The colors do not fade over time and when cared for properly are durable and long lasting. Acrylic is much less durable than cast iron, but is also a great deal lighter. Acrylic is prone to cracking and chipping, which is why an acrylic/fiberglass mixture is a better choice for clawfoot bath tubs.
• Fiberglass – Very light and durable, however claw foot bath tubs made of fiberglass may need resurfaced over time due to the epoxy that coats the fiberglass wears off. The wearing will lead to a prickly surface that is extremely uncomfortable and can cause skin irritations.
• Acrylic/Fiberglass Mixture – Easy to maintain and keep clean; this combination makes the tub lighter and is more durable.
• Cast iron – Very durable and long lasting, but heavier than all the others. Your floor may need reinforcement in order to carry the weight load of a cast iron cast iron clawfoot bath tubs.

Manufacturers

Reputable manufacturers with good warranties on their clawfoot bath tubs include:

• American Bath Factory
• Elizabethan Classics
• American Standard
• Kohler

Types

Types of clawfoot bath tubs are:

• Classic (one end is round, the other straight)
• Double ended (both ends are round)
• Slipper (one end is elevated)
• Double Slipper (both ends are elevated)
• Pedestal (the tub rests on a pedestal platform instead of feet)

Tubs range in length from 48 inches to 70 inches; with some models allowing for two bathers to be in the tub simultaneously.

Care and Use

Care and maintenance of clawfoot bath tubs is relatively easy. You simply clean them with a nonabrasive cleanser and a soft cloth to avoid scratching. A dryer sheet can be rubbed over the tub surface to prevent soap and dirt build up. Claw foot bath tubs can be used in the same manner as a standard bath tub.