Classic Cast Iron Clawfoot Tubs

Posted on Monday, February 21st, 2011

Iron tubs have a rich history in this country. Their look, known as clawfoot, evokes a sense of nostalgia. By the 1930’s people had enough of clawfoot tubs and for good reason. Though we regard them as beautiful and vintage today, clawfoot tubs’ impracticalities were their demise.

Many of us might think that cast iron tubs have been around since the mid-1800’s, heralding images of the Victorian era, even though many tubs during the era were still made of tin. The more expensive tubs were made of copper. Caring for these materials was difficult since they are easily damaged and tarnished. Copper and tin also carry a smell and feel cold to touch. People desperately wanted an alternative. It wasn’t until the later 1800’s that cast iron, covered in an enamel finish came into fashion.

Clawfoot tubs marked a first in American history when baths were moved indoors and bathing became more customary. While these designs remind us of simpler times, people still had difficulties with cast iron bath tubs. When alternative materials were invented, the market quickly pivoted in another direction.

By 1930, people became tired of the upkeep cast iron clawfoot tubs required. To maintain, people had to clean underneath and within the tubs regularly to prevent stains. The enamel used to cover the cast iron was prone to chipping that created sharp slivers.

Maintenance wasn’t easy, but using the tubs also proved difficult. The American tubs were very large and required much more water than modern bathtubs. Cast iron’s ability to maintain its temperature would mean that hot bathwater would become cold as the tub filled. Sitting in the tub would also feel colder since the iron could maintain room temperature.

Beyond daily usage, the weight of the material was a burden. They were so heavy, it proved difficult for shipping and installation. Floorboards would have to be reinforced to support the weight.

While many agree that the look of clawfoot tubs is classic, bathtub shoppers don’t realize the impracticalities of owning and operating one. Today, they use acrylic coated cast iron tubs in clawfoot style to reduce weight and upkeep, but the plumbing still requires custom parts and installation. It’s a niche market.

Modern acrylic tubs don’t tarnish or damage as easily as the vintage cast iron tubs. Maintenance is much easier. Acrylic’s ability to be custom fitted and easily installed makes it much more desirable in today’s marketplace. Acrylic is the practical choice for bathtubs today for many reasons, but it also feels softer and warmer while bathing.

In every aspect, modern bathtub materials, especially acrylic, have been more successful in providing a comfortable bathing experience. The clawfoot tub will always have a place in American history, but as new materials are created, the marketplace shifts to those that best fulfill the needs of shoppers.

Part 1: A Brief History Into Bathtub Materials

Part 2: Classic Cast Iron Clawfoot Tubs

Part 3: Gelcoat Fiberglass Tubs: A Stepping Stone To Acrylic

Part 4: Acrylic: The Best Bathtub Material History Has To Offer

WE SERVE

• Asheville
• Atlanta
• Birmingham
• Charlotte
• Chattanooga
• Greenville
• Knoxville
• Nashville
• Surfside Beach

SERVICES

• T-Plank Siding™
• Dixie Super Windows™
• IceCOLD™
• Bath Systems
• Soffit and Trim
• Gutters
• Insulation

FROM OUR BLOG

• Preparing for Summer with Dixie
• Bathrooms: How Dixie can Help you go from “Before” to “After”
• Safety Tubs: A Modern Twist on Bathing
• How do you know when it’s right? Contractor Edition

View our Archives