Clawfoot tubs: styles, materials and fillers

A clawfoot tub is the classic New England soak. The style works in farmhouse, Victorian and modern-traditional baths alike.

Styles

• Roll-top: the classic rounded rim.
• Slipper: one raised end to lean back on.
• Double-ended: both ends sloped, drain in the middle, great for two.
• Double slipper: both ends raised for a dramatic look.

Browse clawfoot tubs.

Cast iron or acrylic

Cast iron holds heat and feels solid, but it is very heavy. Acrylic is far lighter, warm to the touch and easier for upstairs baths. We check floor framing before any heavy tub goes in.

Feet and finish

Match the feet to the faucet and hardware: chrome, polished nickel, brushed brass, oil-rubbed bronze or matte black. See faucet finishes compared.

Fillers and faucets

Options include a floor-mount filler, a faucet on the tub rim, or a wall-mount faucet. Floor-mount fillers need the supply lines run up through the floor, which is easiest during a remodel. See tub fillers.

Showering in a clawfoot

A riser pipe with a shower head and a ring curtain turns a clawfoot into a tub-shower, though many people pair it with a separate walk-in shower. Compare in freestanding vs alcove tubs.

Common questions

Is a cast iron clawfoot tub too heavy for my floor?

It can be on some floors, especially upstairs. We check the floor framing before installing a heavy tub.

Can you shower in a clawfoot tub?

Yes, with a riser shower kit and a ring curtain, though many people add a separate shower.

Cast iron or acrylic clawfoot?

Cast iron holds heat and feels solid; acrylic is much lighter and easier to install upstairs.