Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Clawfoot Bathtubs - Many Styles

The claw foot bathtubs made an appearance on the markets in 1883. The Process of enameling cast iron was developed by Standard Manufacturing. This led to the design of the cast iron claw foot bathtub. This is the tub we all think of with the rolled over rims. The company has become know as American Standard Brands. Still a major producer of not only bathtubs, which they still produce, but the plumbing business as a whole has benefited from the technologies and developments of American Standard Manufacturing. It has been stated that three out of five of the houses built in the United States has some type of their products in the house.

With basically four different types of claw foot bathtubs, this gives a wide variety to choose from. The classic claw foot tub is probably what most people think of first. This design has one end rounded so when a bather is in the tub his or her back can be rested in the curved portion while taking a nice long relaxing soaking. The end where the feet would be is more squared with faucets and a drain. The next design will be the slipper tub. This is very close to the classic except for the curved back is extended higher and can also be used more as a headrest also.

Then the double ended and the double slipper tub add to the choices of design of the bathtubs. Each of these tubs have two rounded ends. The slipper tub will be more of a "U" or banana shape. Both of the ends are raised so either end can be used or the tub may be shared with another bather. The rounded ends will require the faucet holes to be drilled in the side of the tub.

And just to make things a little more interesting all four of these designs can be purchased without the faucet holes drilled anywhere. And all of the designs could have the faucet holes drilled on the rolled rim. This may seem a little confusing at first, but when the antique claw foot tubs was designed, not all houses had running water. Then as the water supply was introduced to the houses, some would be from the wall or the floors. All the tubs can still be fit with which ever type of claw foot bathtub faucet you may need. The tub wall mount will fit the tubs that have faucet holes drilled in the tubs. The deck mounted will fit the design of the holes drilled in the rim, and will make the faucet look as if it is sitting on the rolled over edge. The free standing will allow for the water supply to come out of the floor. There is the bathroom wall mount for the water supply to come out of the wall, but in some situations, this one can also be used for the tub wall mount.

For a modern update on the vintage look of the claw foot tub, check into the acrylic claw foot bathtub. This technology has allowed for a lighter weight design, and the touch of the tub is warmer then the cast iron. But a whirlpool or the jet air can be installed and it is not unusual for either of these to have a remote control. Another great upgrade for either the cast iron or the acrylic is to install the claw foot shower tub. This is the shower, and the curtain rod that is usually hung from the ceiling, so you can still have a stand up shower if you like. This rod will require two or three regular shower curtains, but more good news. There is also a claw foot shower curtain that is quite a bit larger then a regular shower curtain, so you can enjoy the shower without worry of making a mess on the floor where the water goes out between the seams and the cold air will come in.

With the decision the either remodel are to built a new house, consider the use of the vintage style clawfoot bathtub The cast iron clawfoot bathtub bring a feel of warmth and will certainly become the focal point of the bathroom. If you want a modern, up to date performance from the tub, the acrylic clawfoot bathtub can come equipped with a remote controlled whirlpool or jet air.

House Foundation Books
Feng Shui Books

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