Tub and Faucet Glossary

Acrylic: acrylic is a thermoplastic, and one of the two materials most often used to construct clawfoot tubs. An acrylic tub is about 60% lighter than a cast iron one, and though it's easier to scratch than the porcelain enamel of cast iron clawfoot tubs, it's also easier to repair. Acrylic is a good thermal insulator; acrylic clawfoot tubs warm quickly.

Cast iron: traditional clawfoot tubs are made from cast iron with a porcelain enamel finish. They're harder, heavier, and more durable and scratch-resistant than acrylic. If you're a traditionalist who values authenticity, you'll likely prefer the vintage-y presence of a cast iron clawfoot tub. Clawfoot: the name of the clawfoot tub derives from its freestanding tub design. Clawfoot tub feet are traditionally very decorative, and culminate in the shape of a claw holding a ball. In addition to the ball-and-claw style, clawfoot tubs might also feature paw-, cannonball-, and armada-style feet. Crosspoint: crosspoint faucet handles are often what people have in mind when they refer to old-fashioned clawfoot tub faucets. Crosspoint faucets feature four or five small handles radiating out, starfish-like, from the center.

Deck mount/rim mount: a clawfoot tub faucet is mounted via drill holes. Deck mount, a.k.a., rim mount, is one of the three primary mounting options. In this case, the small faucet holes are drilled into the rim or protruding lip of the tub, either on the end or in the middle on one side.

Diverter: a faucet diverter is necessary if you wish to install a shower riser or hand-held shower head in your clawfoot tub. The diverter is a valve that directs water to the shower outlet; it's usually operated via a third faucet handle or a spout button.

Double ended: double ended clawfoot tubs (or freestanding tubs) have a rounded end on each side. A side deck-mount (and center drain) is common with this style, allowing a bather to rest against either end unhindered by the faucet.

Double slipper: double slipper clawfoot tubs feature a rounded end and high back on each side (and, like the double ended, usually a center drain and side deck mount). This is a luxurious claw foot tub style, and perfect for dual bathing.

Enclosure: an enclosure provides the ability to convert a clawfoot tub to a curtained shower space via a shower riser and round or rectangular tubing on which to hang a shower curtain or screen. A clawfoot bathtub shower enclosure kit provides all the necessary items for conversion.

Freestanding: freestanding refers to tubs that have neither back and side supports nor a drop-in frame. Not all freestanding tubs are footed or clawfoot tubs, e.g., a freestanding tub might also rest on a pedestal. Freestanding can also refer to freestanding faucets that aren't attached to the tub, eliminating the need for faucet drillings.

Lever: lever handles are the type most often found on a contemporary clawfoot tub faucet, usually bearing the words hot, cold, or shower. A single lever made from porcelain and/or metal is rotated, versus the turning of a crosspoint handle.

Porcelain enamel/vitreous enamel: porcelain enamel, a.k.a., vitreous enamel, is the finishing material used with classic cast iron clawfoot tubs. It's not actually porcelain, but a powdered glass that's bonded to the metal with high heat. It's very hard and scratch-resistant, and highly resistant to wear or staining; if scratched, it's much more difficult to repair than acrylic.

Roll rim/roll top: roll rim clawfoot tubs are the most common of all clawfoot styles. They're distinguished by a protruding edge that's rounded at the tub's end and flat at its front, i.e., faucet end.

Slipper: slipper clawfoot tubs are super soakers. The back or non-faucet end features a raised and curving back that's comfortable for lounging and resting one's head. In double slippers, the front/faucet end has a similar back, and the faucet is mounted on the side.

Supply lines: clawfoot tub supply line refers to the metal tubing that connects to the clawfoot tub faucet and provides water for bathing. Clawfoot tub supply lines are available in four primary types: single offset, double offset, pressure balance, and freestanding.

Tub drain: traditional clawfoot tub drains often feature a drain plug connected via a chain to a decorative escutcheon plate which conceals the overflow pipe.

Wall mount: wall mount is the term for tubs that require faucet mounting on the inner wall of the tub. These tubs can be distinguished by the two faucet holes drilled just above the overflow hole on the tub's front end. Double ended and double slipper tubs can't use wall-mount faucets.