Shopping for a Clawfoot Tub and Fixtures

A man or woman does not bathe by tub alone - it also takes fixtures such as drains and supply lines and faucets to create a luxurious evening bath. As you shop for clawfoot tubs, don't forget about all of the extra items that work together to fill and decorate your bathtub.

Clawfoot tub

Before we get to the clawfoot tub accessories, a quick word on the actual tubs. If you're shopping for an upper-story bathroom, one of our acrylic clawfoot tubs may be best. Acrylic tubs are much lighter than cast iron, which makes them easier to move and install (and safer in the long term, if you're worried about floor support).

Cast iron clawfoot tubs give you more options with regard to shower enclosures. For example, cast iron is capable of supporting a shower enclosure mounted through holes in the tub wall.

More information on acrylic vs. cast iron (and different tub styles) can be found in our Clawfoot Tub Buying Guide.

Clawfoot tub faucets

There are both practical and aesthetic considerations to keep in mind when shopping for clawfoot tub faucets. The faucet holes on clawfoot bathtubs have different sizes and locations; you'll need to match the faucets with the tub, so keep that in mind when selecting a tub.

The traditional roll top tub uses wall mounted (i.e., inside tub) faucets with 3 3/8-inch centers. This faucet type is most common, and would give you the greatest number of shopping choices. If the faucet holes are drilled in the rim of the tub, then you'll need deck mount faucets (a.k.a., rim mount), usually with 3 3/8-inch, 7-inch, or 8-inch centers. If your tub lacks faucet holes, then you'll need floor mount clawfoot tub faucets (a.k.a., freestanding) or faucets that can be mounted on the bathroom wall. Handheld shower faucets are also available.

Clawfoot tub faucet finish options include chrome, brass, bronze, and nickel. If you wish to authentically recreate the appearance of a vintage clawfoot tub, then polished nickel would be the most traditional choice.

Clawfoot tub fixtures

Caddies: Though not essential clawfoot tub fixtures, clawfoot tub caddies make bathing easier by providing a rack or shelf that can hold soap, shampoo, and other bathing accessories.

Drains: Clawfoot tub drains are available in two primary styles: rubber stopper and chain, and lift and turn. Of the two, the rubber stopper with chain was the clawfoot tub drain most often found in early tubs. Modern drain lines measure 1 1/2 inches; traditional clawfoot tub drain lines measured 1 3/8 inch.

Shower enclosures/shower heads: If you want to take a shower in your clawfoot tub, you have two options: a hand-held shower head and flexible hose, or clawfoot tub shower enclosures that come in an all-inclusive installation kit. You'll also need a shower-capable faucet, i.e., one with a diverter.

Supply lines: Clawfoot tub supply lines are the (usually exposed) pipes that extend from the "rough in" on the floor to the tub faucet. A clawfoot tub supply line must match both the spread of the rough in and the faucet configuration. Here's a brief list for general reference:

• Straight supply lines, a.k.a., single offset, are used with deck mount or rim mount faucets if the rough in spread aligns with the tub faucet holes (usually 3 3/8 inches).
• Double offset supply lines (i.e., angled or bent) are the most common; they're used for a rough in with 8-inch centers and wall mount faucets with 3 3/8-inch centers.
• Freestanding supply lines are made from heavier tubing in order to support the weight of the faucet; centers depend on the faucet spread, but 7 inches is typical.