A clawfoot tub is a freestanding bathtub that stands on four decorative feet instead of sitting in an alcove or on a solid base. Most run 54 to 70 inches long, and the big decisions are style (slipper, double slipper or roll top), material (acrylic or cast iron), and how you will plumb a tub whose drain and supply lines are on display. Acrylic models in our catalog weigh roughly 73 to 128 pounds empty, while a cast iron clawfoot can weigh over 400 pounds before you add water. This guide covers each choice using real listings.
Clawfoot tub styles: roll top, slipper and double slipper
Signature Hardware’s freestanding tub buying guide notes that clawfoot tubs have been made since the 1800s and come in single ended, single slipper, double ended and double slipper shapes, usually 48 to 72 inches long.
Classic roll top (single ended)
One end is sloped for leaning back and the other end holds the drain and faucet. The rolled rim is the traditional look. The plumbing end can sit near the wall where supply lines come out.
Slipper clawfoot
A slipper clawfoot raises one end higher than the other, giving more back support for long soaks. The Clawfoot Series 67 in. slipper tub is a good example: a high back, a reversible drain, and steel claw feet with built in levelers.
Double slipper and double ended
Both ends are raised (double slipper) or both ends are sloped with a level rim (double ended). The drain and faucet move to the middle, so either person can recline. That puts the supply lines and drain mid tub, not at one end.
Pedestal vs clawfoot
A pedestal (or skirted) tub has the same traditional shapes but rests on a solid plinth instead of feet. It hides the underside and some drain piping, but loses the open look. If you like the shape but not the feet, compare pedestal models in our freestanding bathtub buying guide.
Clawfoot tubs we carry: size, material, weight and price
Figures come from our listings and can change. Confirm weights on the spec sheet before planning a lift.
| Tub | Style | Length | Material | Weight | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WoodBridge 54 in. slipper | Slipper | 53 7/8 in. | Acrylic | 112 lbs | 50 gal | $947 |
| WoodBridge 59 in. slipper | Slipper | 59 in. | Acrylic | 128 lbs | 55 gal | $959 |
| WoodBridge BTA1540 59 in. | Double slipper | 59 in. | Acrylic | 103 lbs | 55 gal | $1,254 |
| WoodBridge 67 in. slipper | Slipper | 67 in. | Acrylic | 73 lbs | 60 gal | $983 |
| Clawfoot Series 67 in. | Slipper | 67.32 in. | Acrylic | Not listed | 40 gal | $973.99 |
| Clawfoot Series 69 in. | Double slipper | 69.29 in. | Acrylic | Not listed | 40 gal | $598.89 |
| ANZZI Falco 5.8 ft. | Classic, 2 person | 69.68 in. | Acrylic, fiberglass reinforced | 88 lbs | Not listed | $799.99 |
For more acrylic slipper and roll top options, browse the WoodBridge brand page.
Cast iron clawfoot tub vs acrylic clawfoot tub
Cast iron clawfoot tub
Cast iron is the original material: iron coated in porcelain enamel. Signature Hardware describes it as very durable, hard to scratch, easy to clean and good at holding heat, but also very heavy. As one example, the Signature Hardware product page for its 66 inch Goodwin cast iron slipper clawfoot lists a tub weight of 413 pounds and a 38 gallon capacity. Water weighs a little over 8 pounds per gallon, so a full tub plus a bather can put well over 800 pounds on four small feet.
Acrylic clawfoot tub
Acrylic tubs are lighter, easier to carry up stairs and usually less expensive. The ANZZI Falco above lists 88 pounds, and the WoodBridge listings describe fiberglass reinforced acrylic with a stainless steel bottom bracket.
Floor loading: get a structural opinion
Signature Hardware’s guide warns that a heavy tub may need extra reinforcement under the finished floor if the floor was not built for cast iron or resin. Because a clawfoot concentrates its load on four feet, a cast iron model on an upper floor or an older joist system should be checked by a structural engineer or experienced contractor before you buy.
Sizes: what fits your bathroom
Clawfoot tubs in our catalog run from about 54 inches (a good fit for small or older bathrooms) to almost 70 inches for taller bathers and two person soaking. Signature Hardware suggests planning at least 4 inches between the tub and walls for plumbing access and cleaning. Check the inside seating length too: the Clawfoot Series tubs list a 42.52 inch sitting area even though the outside is 67 to 69 inches, because rolled rims and sloped ends take up room. For standard alcove and freestanding dimensions, see our standard bathtub size guide.
Clawfoot tub faucet options: rim mount or freestanding filler
A clawfoot tub faucet either mounts on the tub (rim or tub wall) or stands on the floor beside it. Rim mounting needs a tub with a flat tap deck or factory holes; Signature Hardware explains that standard deck drillings use 7 inch centers, and many roll top tubs come with no drillings at all. If your tub has no holes, a floor mounted freestanding filler is the usual answer. The ANZZI Sens freestanding claw foot tub faucet ($374) lists a 36 inch spout height, 8 inch reach and 0.5 inch supply connection. The ANZZI Union ($549.99) is floor mounted with a 60 inch hand shower hose and 1.8 gpm flow rate. We compare every mount type in our freestanding tub faucet types guide, including rim and tub wall claw foot faucets.
Drain and supply lines: plan for exposed plumbing
With a clawfoot tub, the drain, overflow and supply lines are visible, so pick a matching finish. Most of our acrylic models include a drain and overflow (WoodBridge lists brass in polished chrome). The drain usually drops through the floor under the tub, and a floor mounted filler needs supply lines brought up through the floor as well. That often means opening the floor or ceiling below, which is why a licensed plumber should lay out the rough in. Your local plumbing code and inspector have the final word on drain size, venting and valves.
Installing clawfoot tub feet
Signature Hardware’s cast iron feet guide and acrylic feet guide describe a similar process:
- Lay the tub upside down on towels or a blanket.
- Match each foot to its mounting point. On cast iron, the feet must go in the right spots so water drains properly.
- Attach with the supplied bolts, flat washers and lock washers. Do not overtighten; it can strip the bolt or crack an acrylic tub.
- Flip the tub upright, lifting by the rim only, never by the feet.
- Level it with the built in foot levelers or plastic shims.
Cleaning and care
Enameled cast iron and gloss acrylic both clean easily with a soft cloth and a mild, nonabrasive cleaner. Avoid scouring pads and harsh powders, which can dull acrylic. Several of our listings link a manufacturer care guide; follow it to protect your warranty.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cast iron clawfoot tub weigh?
Often several hundred pounds empty. One 66 inch cast iron slipper model from Signature Hardware lists 413 pounds. The acrylic clawfoot tubs in our table list 73 to 128 pounds.
Is an acrylic clawfoot tub as good as cast iron?
Acrylic is lighter, easier to install upstairs and usually cheaper. Cast iron holds heat better and has a very hard enamel surface, but may need floor reinforcement.
What size is a slipper clawfoot tub?
Slipper clawfoot tubs in our catalog run from 53 7/8 to 67 inches long. Signature Hardware lists single slipper tubs in general at 43 to 73 inches.
Do I need a special clawfoot tub faucet?
You need one that matches your tub: a rim or tub wall faucet if the tub has drillings, or a floor mounted filler if it does not. Measure spout height and reach against your tub’s rim height.
Find the right clawfoot tub
Need help matching a tub, faucet and drain kit? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight shipping; orders below that ship for a flat $200. See our return and refund policy before you order.
