Nothing Beats The Classic Style Of Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot tubs have a distinctive style. You've seen them - they look old-fashioned with smooth rolled rims, resting on four legs with the "feet" resembling claws. We will examine these tubs, related styles such as pedestal bathtubs and the major brands making them.

* The original clawfoot tubs, made of cast iron with a porcelain finish, started becoming popular in the mid 1800's. The European and American styles of mounting hardware, such as faucets, differ in that the former mounts it on the wall, while the latter mounts it on the bathtub itself.
* Traditionally, these tubs were made of cast iron, which is solid, but also heavy. Many clawfoot tubs are now of materials like acrylic which are light and provide for easy maintenance.
* Some styles have a slanting back, allowing you to lie back and relax in comfort.
* On the other hand, a slipper bathtub has a high back.
* Pedestal tubs have the same features, except that they rest on a pedestal, or platform, instead of feet. They have a very elegant look indeed.
* These are free standing styles of tubs, providing for easy installation, since masonry and carpentry are avoided, and the pipes are exposed, allowing for easy maintenance access.

Top makers of these bathtub styles include:

* Barclay Products designs Victorian style clawfoot tubs made from both cast iron and acrylic, but with very modern accessories. Barclay combines the best of the old and the new in their products.
* Cheviot bathtubs is another top maker of clawfoot and pedestal bathtubs, with styles like the Traditional Roll Top and Slipper Bath Tubs.
* When shopping online, your best choice is Vintage Tub & Bath, a vendor who specializes in reproductions of these styles.

Do yourself a favor and dress up your bathroom with an classically-styled clawfoot or pedestal tub.

Rob Barnes writes for Bathtubs For You, a consumer guide to helping you select, buy and maintain bathtubs, covering styles such as clawfoot tubs and pedestal bathtubs, and brands such as Barclay Tubs.