What Is A Clawfoot Tub Made Of

Modern technology has contributed to a drop in the price of clawfoot tubs which may now be made of fiberglass acrylic or other modern materials.

What is a clawfoot tub made of.

The clawfoot tub or claw foot tub was considered a luxury item in the late 19th century originally made from cast iron and lined with porcelain. The traditional clawfoot tub is made of cast iron and finished in porcelain but today the options are more varied. The tub will look smooth and brand new again but will not last nearly as long as a new cast iron clawfoot tub. Clawfoot tub buying guide.

The pedestal tub is usually either a double ended or double slipper style clawfoot tub with the feet removed and placed on a solid pedestal base. It was made of heavy sturdy cast iron and covered in a hard enamel surface which made it easier to clean. In fact a refinished clawfoot tub has to be treated much more gently than a new tub so if you plan on using it on a regular basis it would be much more economical to purchase a new clawfoot bathtub. Tubs made of acrylic or fiberglass are lighter weight than cast iron but do not retain heat as well as cast iron.

When freestanding clawfoot tubs originated in the 19th century they were made out of cast iron and lined with porcelain which made them perfect for long soaks the iron retains heat really well but also very heavy like upwards of 400 pounds. The cast iron is exposed on the outside and bottom of the tub and although it may have been painted the manufacturer s stamp if there is one is often clearly visible. Modern clawfoot tubs may be made of acrylic or fiberglass but the original ones were cast iron coated with porcelain enamel. Aren t all clawfoot tubs made from cast iron and porcelain.

In the late 1800s american standard produced the first clawfoot tub. As the twentieth century progressed the freestanding clawfoot tub fell out of fashion replaced by one piece units. A classic staple of luxury since its creation in the late 19th century the clawfoot tub draws the eye like no other bathtub in existence. When clawfoot tubs were always cast iron.