Clawfoot Tubs FAQ

Why a "clawfoot"?

The clawfoot motif (or, more accurately, claw-and-ball) did not originate with clawfoot tubs. It's actually of Chinese origin, and originally represented a dragon's foot grasping a pearl. This design was adapted by the seafaring Dutch, and can be seen in many 18th-century Dutch-style chairs.

The clawfoot design began to appear in inventories of American furniture in the mid-18th century (e.g., "crow foot chairs" and "eagle feet and shells"), more than a century before the invention of the clawfoot tub. The claw and ball was a standard feature of the cabriole legs of Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture.

The clawfoot took different forms in England and the U.S.: in England, it was usually an animal claw, while in the U.S. it was usually a bird. The likely reason for this difference is that the lion was the symbol of the British Empire, while the eagle features prominently in America's national iconography.

What do I need to install a clawfoot tub?

In most cases, professional installation is the best option. If you want to take the do-it-yourself route, our Installing a Clawfoot Tub article covers the basics of the installation process.

As for necessary clawfoot tub fixtures, you'll need a faucet with a mounting style that matches your tub drillings (see our Clawfoot Tub Faucets article), and a supply line that matches your rough in and faucet configuration (see Shopping for a Clawfoot Tub and Fixtures). You'll also need a clawfoot tub drain (probably a standard 1 1/2 inch, unless you're installing a vintage tub). If you want to install a shower, then you'll need a faucet with a diverter, and either a handheld shower head and hose or a clawfoot tub shower enclosure.

What's the best way to create a vintage-looking claw foot tub?

Early 20th- century claw foot tubs were made from cast iron with a porcelain enamel finish. Cast iron clawfoot tubs are thus the most traditional choice, but many people prefer acrylic clawfoot tubs because of their lower price and significantly lighter weight.

The "classic" clawfoot style is the roll rim with tub wall mounted faucet. A nickel-finished faucet with crosspoint faucet handles is also a classic choice. A rubber stopper and chain with decorative escutcheon plate is the most traditional style for a claw foot tub drain.

We also carry many modern fixtures for a more up-to-date bathtub style that complements contemporary decor, plus a wide variety of freestanding tubs in acrylic, cast iron, copper, and stone.