Think Twice About Buying A Clawfoot Tub For Your Bathroom

Clawfoot bathtubs are synonymous with luxury since they enhance a bathroom's look and feel. These freestanding rectangular tubs allow you to decompress after a tiring day and take long baths while enjoying a glass of champagne and your favorite podcast or current audiobook. Even though the tubs with feet were popular in the Victorian era, they are making a swift comeback, dominating Instagram and Pinterest feeds, and capturing the hearts of homeowners. However, there are several reasons why you should think twice before buying a clawfoot tub for your bathroom.

The biggest concern is its high cost. Purchasing a new clawfoot unit isn't cheap. Even if you manage to snag a refurbished piece in fairly good condition, you'll have to shell out around $300 and spend a considerable amount of time and effort (and sometimes more money) to restore it to its former glory. Moreover, other concerns include cleaning and maintaining such a vessel, trying hard to avoid splashing water outside, and ensuring your floors can support the weight.

Clawfoot bathtubs are available in various styles and sizes, including slippers, classic or roll tops, double slippers, and double-ended roll tops. Depending on the style you choose and the tub's material, length, and depth, you can expect to pay anywhere between $650 to $9,000 for the unit only. For instance, a vintage slipper-like tub will set you back $650 to $5,500, but if rolled edges and flat rims are more your speed, the price will range between $800 and $4,500. Further, if you want the tub to accommodate two individuals at once without careful maneuvering, the double slipper or double-ended tub will cost between $1,000 and $6,000 and $1,050 and $9,000, respectively.

However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, you can bid goodbye to the cast iron, copper, and marble tubs and choose affordable materials like fiberglass and acrylic. Once you've got the unit, it's time to contact professionals to install the tub the right way. On average, you might incur between $315 and $2,000 in installation costs for a clawfoot tub. As mentioned, even if you invest in a refurbished piece, the restoration and transportation costs add up quickly.

Besides the high unit price and installation costs, clawfoot tubs come with a lot of baggage. To illustrate, an empty freestanding cast iron tub weighs close to 200 to 400 pounds. Add water and body weight to the mix, and you'll have to consider if your floors are sturdy enough to support the heavy fixture. As such, you might have to reinforce the flooring and install load-bearing joists, increasing the overall costs associated with such vintage tubs. You'll also have to factor in its weight if you'd like to get it installed in an upstairs bathroom. A clawfoot tub is approximately 23 inches high and can be a challenge for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to get in and out of the vessel.

Moreover, cleaning such high-maintenance vessels is a labor- and time-intensive process. You won't just have to scrub the accumulated soap scum; you'll also have to clean the grime and dust hiding beneath the tub. Further, plumbing is an issue with this type of freestanding tub. You'll either have to press them tightly against the wall (which will make cleaning difficult) or bring them up through the floor. These tubs aren't suitable for small bathrooms as they commandeer more space than an alcove tub. Additionally, the lack of a ledge for storing bathroom products will have you constantly getting out and reaching for them. Finally, it's not easy to combine it with a shower.