Clawfoot Vs. Freestanding Bathtubs
Choosing a new bathtub is an extremely important decision. The perfect tub can add more elegance and character to your bathroom, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere. A bathtub is not just a place where you can take a bath. The right bathtub will become the centerpiece of your bathroom. It will revive your bathroom, turning it into a new, stunning, and beautiful space.
When it comes to selecting a bathtub, there are so many options available. But how do you know which type of bathtub would be the best choice for your bathroom? In order to make the right decision, you should analyze the pros and cons of different tubs. After studying this information carefully, you will be able to choose the tub that complements your bathroom design and makes this room the most stylish and attractive room in your house.
Freestanding tubs have become one of the most popular options for modern bathrooms. But, if you prefer a classic bathroom design, installing a clawfoot tub would be a great idea. This tub will make your bathroom look gorgeous.
Do you still have doubts about the type of the bathtub you should select? Let’s dig deeper to find out more about these tubs. Hopefully, this information will help you make a choice that you will never regret. You will be able to enjoy the shiny, and fresh look of your tub for many years to come.
The Pros of Clawfoot Bathtubs
A clawfoot tub is known to be a self-supporting bathtub that comes with four feet. No doubt, one of the most important reasons why people choose to buy a clawfoot tub is its majestic design. Installing this tub in your bathroom will definitely add vintage glamour and luxury to it. Plus, the tub creates more additional space in the bathroom due to the feet that lift it.
It’s worth mentioning that clawfoot tubs come in 4 different styles – double-ended, slipper, double slipper and classic roll rim bathtub. The double-ended clawfoot bathtub has a level edge and rounded ends. The slipper clawfoot tub has one edge that is raised to create a deep basin.
N340BL-CH Clawfoot Bathtub
If you are looking for an interesting bathtub style, you should definitely consider the double slipper clawfoot tub. This bathtub is a successful combination of two previous types – the double-ended and slipper clawfoot type. Both ends of this tub are raised. The double slipper clawfoot tub is deeper at the ends and shallower in the middle.
The classic roll rim clawfoot tub has one flat end and one rounded end.
Knowing all of this, you will be able to choose the clawfoot bathtub that perfectly suits your bathroom design as well as your lifestyle.
The feet of the clawfoot bathtub can have different finishes. Chrome, gold, oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, polished nickel, polished brass are the most popular options. The design of the feet differs as well. The feet will definitely add more depth and romance to your bathroom.
N100CH-CH Clawfoot Bathtub
Clawfoot tubs are bigger and deeper in comparison with standard tubs. That’s why there is more room inside the bathtub to soak in and relax after a long day.
Clawfoot bathtubs can be placed anywhere in your bathroom. Depending on the design and style of the bathroom, a clawfoot tub can even be installed in the middle of the room.
Clawfoot tubs can be made from different materials. Traditionally, these tubs were made from cast iron. But today, they are made from acrylic as well. You can choose the color that will perfectly suit your bathroom and help you create an exquisite design.
Despite the fact that a clawfoot bathtub is a beautiful addition to any bathroom, it still has some disadvantages. Let’s find out what they are.
The Cons of Clawfoot Bathtubs
Cleaning and maintenance is probably the major drawback that clawfoot bathtubs have. As you already know, this tub stands on its own. So, you will have to clean the tub inside and out to maintain its brilliant look. The problem is that cleaning a clawfoot tub is not as easy as you may think.
If you choose to install a clawfoot bathtub, you will have to clean beneath the tub and around the feet. If your tub is placed against the wall, it may be tough to reach that side due to limited space. However, the cleaning process will be much easier if the tub stands further from the wall or even in the center of your bathroom.
The option to install the tub anywhere you want is a great advantage. But it can become a disadvantage at the same time. This can happen in situations where the existing water source and water drain are unsuitable for the clawfoot bathtub you are planning to install. As a result, you will have to move the drainage lines and water supply to the location where the tub will stand. This action will result in extra costs for repair and renovation.
A clawfoot tub made from cast iron is very heavy. If you plan to install this tub in the bathroom located on the second floor, you will have to think about extra floor support in order to place the tub safely and avoid any unexpected situations.
When filled with water, a cast iron clawfoot bathtub can weigh from 500 to 900 pounds. Acrylic tubs are much lighter. The average weight of this tub is about 120 pounds.
As it has been mentioned above, clawfoot bathtubs are longer and wider than standard tubs. So, they may not fit in all bathrooms. A clawfoot tub will not look very attractive in a small bathroom.
A freestanding tub is another popular tub that can often be seen in modern homes. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of this tub to decide whether it would be a better choice for your home.
The Pros of Freestanding Bathtubs
Freestanding tubs have gained huge popularity in recent years due to their fantastic look and the ability to provide an unforgettable bathing experience. A freestanding tub gives you a splendid opportunity to personalize your bathroom style and make it stand out. If you are looking for romance in your bathroom, a freestanding tub can definitely give it to you.
Freestanding tubs look very trendy. They attract attention. So, it’s hard to walk past this tub when you see it in person. Freestanding tubs come in a wide variety of dimensions – width, length and depth. These tubs can fit any bathroom design, adding style and glamour to it.
Freestanding tubs can have almost any shape imaginable – oval, rectangular, square, round and even corner. Plus, these bathtubs come in a variety of materials including cast iron, acrylic, copper, and wood.
Due to their increased depth, freestanding tubs are sometimes called soaking tubs. The depth of a freestanding tub usually ranges from 14 to 25 inches. This tub is an ideal choice for people who really like to soak in enjoying a soothing effect of warm water.
N820-IN-GLD Freestanding Bathtub
Freestanding tubs are easy to install. And the cost of installation is usually lower in comparison with the other tub types.
When it comes to choosing the location for your freestanding tub, you can get even more creative. A freestanding tub can be placed almost everywhere in your bathroom. Even if you want to put it in the middle of the bathroom, you can do it.
In fact, it doesn’t matter whether your bathroom style is classic or modern, you will be able to choose a bathtub color that will reinvigorate the whole room, turning your bathroom into a vibrant and lovely space.
All the advantages that a freestanding tub has make it a great option for your bathroom. However, there are also some drawbacks you should consider before making a final choice.
Cons of Freestanding Bathtubs
The vast majority of freestanding tubs are designed for larger bathrooms. So, if you have limited space in your bathroom, installing a freestanding tub will probably not be the best choice.
If you plan to install a shower in your bathroom, keep in mind that combining a shower with a freestanding tub is very hard. Even if you manage to set up a freestanding tub in your shower, you will have to do something to keep the water off the floor. For that purpose, some homeowners circle the bathtub with curtains and suspend a shower rod. No doubt, it is a practical decision that will prevent water from getting to the floor. But at the same time, the charm and beauty of your bathtub will be lost. You will most likely have to consider another tub that will be more suitable in this situation.
Cleaning a freestanding tub can be hard as well. Due to the fact that the exterior of your tub will be visible, you will have to clean it on a regular basis to maintain its fresh and shiny look. If your freestanding tub is located next to a wall, it can be extremely difficult to clean. Ideally, there has to be a gap between the tub and the wall. It will allow you to clean the tub and wall tiles effectively.
Freestanding tubs cannot offer accessible storage space. So, if you choose this bathtub, you will have to think about the alternative storage options to keep soap and toiletries. Accessing your shampoo bottles and other toiletries will be difficult unless you install a shelf next to your tub.
Freestanding tubs can be extremely heavy and require floor reinforcement. Plus, these tubs can be large and have high sides. The size of the tub can be a problem if you plan to use it for bathing a kid or a pet.
Choosing Between a Clawfoot and a Freestanding Tub
The decision you make largely depends on your personal preferences, your lifestyle, family needs and the space you have. Both tubs are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. You should choose the style of the tub that really complements your bathroom design, adding even more character and beauty to it.
Choosing a bathtub is an essential step. A tub takes a lot of space and attracts the attention of everyone who enters the bathroom. That’s why, you should treat the process of buying a bathtub seriously to be happy with your final choice. Add a luxurious and elegant tub to your bathroom to enjoy its fantastic look and increase the value of your home.
If you’ve set your sights on an acrylic bathtub, check out these other articles we wrote about purchasing an acrylic bathtub as well as maintaining and caring for it:
6 Steps To Choosing The Ideal Acrylic Bathtub For Your Home Quickly
9 Easy Cleaning Tips For Maintaining Acrylic Bathtubs
Check out some more links below to further learn about the key differences between clawfoot and freestanding bathtubs:
Clawfoot Tubs – Pros And Cons For Your Bathroom Remodel
Soaking Tub vs Clawfoot Tub? The Home Features People Want Right Now
