Appearance

Clawfoot tubs come in two general styles: slipper and roll-top. A slipper tub has a high, raised end for supporting the bather. A double slipper has two raised ends. Roll-top tubs are level across the top but have a rolled or rounded rim. Both acrylic and cast-iron tubs come in slipper and roll-top and are available in single or double configurations. They may also have a drain at one end or in the center, allowing for different installation positions.

Traditionally, only the interior of a clawfoot tub is finished because the exterior is designed to be painted. With an acrylic tub, this is usually done at the factory, so your tub arrives with a smooth, finished surface. Cast-iron tubs, however, are unfinished on the exterior when they arrive. You must have the tub finished, usually painted, after installation. An interior house painter can do the painting at a rate of $20 to $35 an hour. Expect a minimum of two to three hours for completion.

The feet on both types of tubs come in several styles and finishes. In most cases, an acrylic tub will have acrylic feet, and the finishes and styles are slightly more limited.

Cast-iron tubs have removable feet, so they may be made of a variety of metals and have several styles. The feet are screwed onto the tub during installation and leveled.

From a casual glance, it is often difficult to tell the difference between the two materials. However, an acrylic tub will be smoother all over with a plastic sheen. A cast-iron tub will have a smooth, porcelain interior but a rough, painted exterior finish.

Installation

Once the tub is in the room you intend to install it in, the installation process between the two materials is similar. The tub is moved or positioned to where you want it. If the feet are not already attached, this will be screwed into place and leveled. The plumbing is brought up through the floor or a nearby wall and secured to the wall of the tub. The drain and overflow valve are hooked up and brought down through the floor. If a shower is desired, this is hooked up at the same time. Once the installation is complete, the tub can be given a painted exterior if desired.

The main difference between the two is getting it to the bathroom where it will be installed. Cast-iron tubs are very heavy, requiring four men to carry it to the bathroom. Acrylic tubs are lighter, requiring only two people.

The subfloor ¹ and floor joists beneath the tub must be inspected before installation and strengthened if necessary. A cast-iron tub is heavy on its own, but it also must support the weight of the water when full as well as the weight of the bather. Therefore, the floor may need to support over 1,000 pounds in one area. For this reason, first-floor bathrooms are usually the place to have a cast-iron tub installed.

For either tub, the process is carried out by a plumber for the installation. Most plumbers charge between $45 and $65 an hour. This cost is higher for a cast-iron tub than an acrylic tub because more labor is required to move the tub. Therefore, expect to pay around $500 for an acrylic tub installation and closer to $1,100 for a cast-iron one.

If the floor joists need to be reinforced, include an additional cost of $100 to $300 per joist.

Shower

While clawfoot tubs are generally used for soaking, they can also be fitted with a shower. The plumbing typically comes through the floor, and then the pipes extend to the ceiling where a ring holds the heat and shower curtain. Support rods hold it steady by connecting to either the ceiling or a nearby wall.

This plumbing can be heavy, however. Cast-iron tubs are strong and durable enough to support the pipes without concern. Acrylic tubs may bend or warp over time if a shower is installed with them, which means that the tub will not last as long. If you plan to install a shower with the clawfoot tub, cast-iron is generally the preferred way to go.

Durability

While cast-iron is an extremely strong and long-lasting material, the porcelain finish on the interior of the tub can chip if given a hard knock. When chipped, you will see the cast-iron below. Because the iron is now exposed, it may begin to show rust. This can be refinished, if desired, usually with a spray-on coat of porcelain. The cost of refinishing a tub is around $500, which is significantly less than it would cost to replace the entire tub.

Acrylic tubs have a finish that goes straight through. Therefore, the finish will never crack or chip. It can stain and scratch, however. It may also warp slightly with long-term use. Cast-iron tubs last much longer than acrylic tubs, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.