Put your feet on these

I received this email from a visitor recently:

I am wondering if I have to worry about my acrylic tub moving on the tile floor. We have two children who can be a little rowdy, so I’m worried that they will jar it and damage the plumbing. Is there protocall for installation to prevent sliding?

Here is my response:

I’ve not heard back from him yet but when I do I will be sure to let you know the outcome.

I got this message recently from a http://www.clawfoottubshowers.com visitor:

Hi, I have bath in house in Vermont. I want to add shower to original clawfoot tub. I want to do exactly what you have done on your picture for a clawfoot shower converstion with the blue round rug in the picture. How do you attach the shower head on the side? I want to avoid the big pole from the center faucet and do not have money or time this summer to move pipes to the side. It looks like you used some type of hand held with a long hose and a mount on the d-ring shower ring. Please let me know what products you used! Your site is so awesome! Thank you!

Here is my first response:

Glad you’ve found the site useful. The shower picture you see is not mine but I understand where you’re coming from and have a few ideas.

Before I make a recommendation though I’d like to know what type of faucet mounting you have now.

Wall mounted:  http://www.clawfoottubshowers.com/tub-wall-mounted-clawfoot-tub-faucet/

Deck mounted:  http://www.clawfoottubshowers.com/rim-or-deck-mounted-clawfoot-tub-faucets/

or Freestanding:  http://www.clawfoottubshowers.com/freestanding-clawfoot-tub-faucets/

Thanks,

JB

Clawfoot Tub Bathroom

And then her response back (and her image)

Thank you for your prompt reply! I will try to add a picture of the current bathroom. Thank you for your help! I believe the faucet is attached to the wall of the tub. The pipes come through the floor behind the tub. Because the bathroom is so small and narrow, I do not want to have the pipe for the shower to stick up in the middle of the room. I do not want to spend the money this summer to move the pipes, so the off set hand held shower head attached to the shower curtain support is ideal. The ceiling lamp will be moved to the wall above the mirror on the right wall.

Thank you again for your help!

Then I provided my final recommendation:

I’ve provided a few options. I couldn’t tell if your faucet has a diverter.. which means you can use the faucet as an actual faucet and then turn/switch the diverter and make it a shower.. you know, like most tubs.

I’ve included a diverter faucet just in case that I think would go well in your nice bathroom.

Hope this helps. Vintage Tub has a great reputation so you can order from them in confidence and if you have questions about installation or more details they have a number with a knowledgeable staff.

Please send me a picture when it’s all done!!

http://www.vintagetub.com/asp/product_detail.asp?item_no=RM403-CP

http://www.vintagetub.com/merchandising.aspx?RefID=00-000-WQNM&Group=&txtSearch=&keywords=p0144ac&x=0&y=0

http://www.vintagetub.com/asp/product_detail.asp?item_no=ECONSHOWER1

I’ll be sure to post an update when it’s all done.

Here at clawfoot tub shower I get a fair number of questions about how to do a clawfoot tub shower conversion. So I felt like I should devote a post to the question and just point people to this post going forward.

One of the first things that you should think about is the location of the tub today. If you have a clawfoot tub that is an open area for the most part you will have a few more options that someone who has their but in the corner or against a wall. For those of you who have your tub mounted near a wall it will be necessary that you are cognizant of the types of shower curtain rods you are looking at. For example many tubs in a corner will require a D shaped shower rod. A good thing about these rods is that they have a have two good wall attachments as well as a ceiling attachment giving it one of the most stable configurations of all clawfoot tub shower conversion options.

Clawfoot tub shower enclosure types
This is a decision that really needs to be made in tandem with the type of faucet you’re purchasing but I will outline the there are three primary types of enclosures and here is a link to my clawfoot tub enclosure post as well.

Clawfoot Tub Shower Conversion

There is also the tub wall mounted shower enclosure and deck or rim mounted shower enclosure. Each of these will work in much the same way for your clawfoot tub shower conversion as both of these faucet types are attached to the tub. The benefits of one over the other is small but I prefer a deck mounted faucet as it will give you more room when you are choosing to soak in the tub as opposed to using it as a shower. The primary thing to consider when doing a shower conversion with these types of faucets is making sure that your drillings match the type of faucet you buy.

The bottom line for anyone wanting to do a clawfoot tub shower conversion is that planning is of the utmost importance. You will not have the luxury that new installations have of being able to have an idea and work straight from there. You will have constraints but often times working within constraints can result in the most dramatic and impressive changes.

When you’re clawfoot tub shower conversion is complete please don’t hesitate to send me a picture!

There are two things to take into consideration when looking for your clawfoot tub shower rod; the shape and the mounting style.  I will include images at the bottom of this so that you can have some examples.

Clawfoot tub shower rods come in many shapes and sizes but unlike ordinary shower rods their size is not as easily adjusted. If you order the wrong size, you will either have to cut the rod down to size with a hack saw (yikes!) or return it, so let’s make sure we get this right.

First, let’s go over the different shapes available:

• Rectangular rods – These are perfect for a tub that is right next to a wall.
• D shaped rods – Again, these are great for tubs that are against a wall.
• Oval rods – Oval is by far my favorite shower rod shape.  It will provide a much more roomy feel inside your clawfoot tub shower.
• Round rods – If you have any fear of tight spaces forget this one. Only those who are committed enough to recreating a period would even consider one of these.  You can still find them but I wouldn’t suggest it.

There are also different types of mounts:

• Ceiling mounts – This mounting type is usually attached at the foot and head of the tub but sometimes there are 3 mounting points.  I think that additional mounting point makes a big difference in stability so I suggest trying to find one that offers this.  It’s also worth noting that ceiling mounted shower rods are manufactured at 36 inches long so if you have a high ceiling… take that into consideration.
• Wall mounts - Perfect for those tubs that are right up against a wall.  You will usually find a secondary less substantial mounting point on the opposite side.
• A combination of both – This is what you will see most of on the market today as it is the most versatile. If you can find one similar to the picture on the bottom right then go for it as that additional bar will add more stability.

Oval Ceiling Mount Clawfoot Tub Shower Rod

Oval Wall Mount Clawfoot Tub Shower Rod

D-Shape Wall Mount Clawfoot Tub Shower Rod

Rectangle Combination Mount Clawfoot Tub Shower Rod

Shower Curtain of Doom

It's enough to make anyone want to scream!

Clawfoot Tub Shower Curtain

Splish splash I was takin’ a bath… when all of the sudden I thought, man I’d really rather be taking a shower. This is what happens to a lot of clawfoot tub owners and when that time comes it’s pretty easy to find all of the information required to add the shower but the clawfoot tub shower curtain remains a stumbling block for a lot of people. So I’m going to attempt to lay it all out here, quick, easy and simple. When you finish reading this you should know everything you need to know about selecting a clawfoot tub shower curtain.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that
There are 3 components to the clawfoot tub shower curtain.

• Clawfoot Tub Shower Liner
• Clawfoot Tub Shower Curtain
• Clawfoot Tub Curtain Rod

I will discuss the curtain and liner in this article. The clawfoot tub shower rod definitely deserves a post all it’s own and I will be writing that one next.  I’ll put a link here when it’s finished.

How long is your rod?
Yes, how long is your shower curtain rod? If it’s a standard clawfoot tub shower enclosure rod then you’re going to need 180 inches of curtain to make it around the bathtub. Unlike standard showers, clawfoot tubs need to have a curtain and liner draped on all sides. Also, the standard height measurment is 70 inches. You will need to take this into consideration when you’re attaching the shower rod to the ceiling and walls.

While these 180 inch curtains can sometimes be a bit pricey, don’t try to skimp here and buy two less expensive 6ft shower curtains.  You will forever be battling puddles on your bathroom floor and certainly enjoying your shower less.  Take my word on this one.

Don’t be so touchy
One thing that clawfoot tub shower users who haven’t done their research often complain about is that their shower curtain liner can be a bit too affectionate. They complain about the curtain attacking their thighs, buttocks and shoulders. Well, I’m about to let you in on a secret that will help. Magnets. Along the bottoms of the better liners you will find a row of magnets that will cling to the wall of your cast iron clawfoot tub. I should also say, while I’m on the topic that you should make sure that you purchase a shower liner of at least .15mm thickness. That’s heavy vinyl which again will keep your curtain from getting frisky with you.

If your clawfoot tub is acrylic you’re not completely out of luck. Using a combination of a heavy vinyl curtain liner that is weighted at the bottom with either magnets or weights you can halt much of the shower curtain boogie that bothers so many others.

Rings and things
There are a number of options on the market today to hand your clawfoot tub shower curtain but far and above all others are the roller ball shower curtain rings. When you end up spending your hard earned money on a high quality shower curtain rod, the last thing that you want to have happen is the finish removed from the rings sliding over it day after day.  This is where the roller ball shower curtain rings come in.  The rings roll easily and smoothly along the top of the shower curtain rod, allowing the curtain to move more easily as well as maintaining the shower curtain rod’s finish.

One final note about rings is that most clawfoot tub shower curtains will have up to 36 gromets so make sure you have enough when you place your order!

Now you know – Here are a few recommendations

Now that you know everything that I know about what kind of clawfoot tub shower curtain to get for your tub, head on over to HERE and see what we have to offer. You can also learn a lot about clawfoot tub shower rods over here if you’re looking for this as well.

All American Bath Factory Fixtures, Claw Foot Tub, Tub shower with hand held, shower surround. Image Credit: DreamworksRemodeling.com

Adding a shower to your clawfoot tub not only adds and entirely new facet of functionality to your bathroom but it will also add a fantastic visual appeal as well.  Most of the faucet and tub manufacturers have put together packages for consumers who are interested in adding a shower to their clawfoot tub so you will likely be able to find any style or finish to match what you already have in your bathroom.

If you’re somewhat familiar with plumbing and all of the pieces that are required to complete one of these systems you could buy the pieces separately and have a fully customized system.  For the rest of us though I’d suggest purchasing a package that includes everything.  I will go over the different types available below.

Most enclosures come complete with a tub faucet, riser pipe, shower head, shower ring, ceiling and wall supports.

1. Tub Wall Mounted Shower Enclosure
The Clawfoot Tub Wall Shower Enclosure is the most common type of clawfoot tub faucet mounting.  Just as you may guess from the name, these enclosures will attach to the wall of your clawfoot bathtub.

Before you order, you will need to know what the measurements are.  The best way to do this is to get take a ruler and measure from the right side of a faucet hole on the right over to the right side of the faucet hole on the left.  The most common measurement found is 3 3/8 inches.  You may also on occasion find distances of 5 to 6 inches so it’s best to measure before ordering.

You can read a bit more about clawfoot tub wall mounted faucets here.

2. Deck or Rim Mounted Shower Enclosure
Rim mounted shower enclosures will mount along the top edge of your tub.  Rim mountings are usually found at the end of the tub but are also sometimes seen on the side.  These two types are known as End Mount and Side Mount.  It will be important when you are shopping for your clawfoot tub shower enclosure that you specify which type your are looking for since the shower enclosure attaches in different ways.

One of the biggest benefits of having a rim mounted clawfoot tub shower enclosure is that the faucet doesn’t protrude into the shower.  This will allow you more room to move in the shower.  One of the biggest complaints about a clawfoot tub shower is that they are claustrophobic so every inch counts.

You can learn more about deck mounted clawfoot tub faucets here.

3. Free Standing Clawfoot Tub Enclosure
This is the enclosure that you will see the least of out in the world.  The white elephant.  They’re more pricey than all of the other enclosures but I have to admit they are my favorite.  One of the greatest benefits of this style is that it will really show off your finish.  Also, like the deck mounted shower enclosures the freestanding clawfoot tub shower enclosure will give you a little more room in your tub.  If you have a tub that doesn’t have holes drilled yet, I suggest that you see what’s available with this style.  I’m sure that you will be impressed.

I’ve also written a post about freestanding clawfoot tub faucets over here.  Much of the information is transferable.

If you have any questions about any of this information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Here are 9 fantastic tubs to serve as inspiration for your clawfoot tub shower project.  You’ll see all different kids of finishes, enclosures and faucets.  When you get your project finished be sure to send me a photo so I can include it here!  Enjoy!!

Clawfoot Tub with a Shower Curtain - Photo by Coco at http://www.cococozy.com

#1 – What an amazing bathroom (and photo). Don’t you like the way the tile has been done in front of the tub? Great choice on the brass faucet also. Found picture at cococozy.com

Clawfoot Tub Shower with calming colors - From: Country Living - Photo Credit: John Coolidge

#2 – Notice the detail work on the outside of the tub!  Nice.  Really the whole bathroom has such a peaceful look about it. Great choice on the natural colors. Found picture at:  Country Living

Clawfoot Tub Shower - Credit: Design Sponge - Lynda

#3 – Great material choice for the shower curtain and what an overall fantastically clean design. Found picture at: Design Sponge

Clawfoot Tub with Shower - From: Country Living - Photo Credit Stacy Bradford

#4 – Another calming color pallet. I like the placement of the riser mounted shower caddy.  Found picture at:  Country Living

From: Habitually Chic - http://habituallychic.blogspot.com

#5 – I love this tub. I found the picture at http://habituallychic.blogspot.com .  Love brass faucet and dark colors.

Amazing Yellow - From: http://www.designspongeonline.com

#6 – Have you ever seen a shower curtain like this before??!!  How amazing!!  Bold choice of color and it works so well. Found it over at http://www.designspongeonline.com

Beautiful Blue - Photo Credit: William P. Steele

#7 – Brave design. Check out the chunky legs on this tub!  Cool!  I like what they did with the wall mounted faucet as well… understated and functional.   Found picture at: Country Living

Bright Blue - Photo Credit: Keith Scot Morton

#8 – There are a lot of great things about this bathroom don’t you think?  I love the shiny blue walls, the terry cloth shower curtain and the weathered wall cabinet… and hardwoods in the bathroom!!  Guess they don’t have kids.  Photo from: Country Living

The Great Wide Open Bathroom

#9 – Fantastic spacious bathroom here.  This is how a clawfoot tub shower curtain enclosure should be done.  One attachment at the riser and another in the back.  This way you can use two full curtains rather than the 3 or 4 that you’ll often see.  Great Stuff!!!  Photo from: elisalou.com

You can find some additional images over at CalFinder – Home Remodeling Contractors

Here’s my first video as The Clawfoot Hunter. I will be making more informative videos going forward. If there’s anything that you’re itching to learn about just let me know and I’ll do my best to get out in the field and get it on camera.

So you’ve seen a few clawfoot tubs and have began appreciating this kind of classic vintage look and believe that including one of these beauties in your bathroom redesign is a great idea. Hey I’m with you; I think they’re awesome so let’s talk about some of the considerations and how to make this happen.

If you’re like most people reading this you probably have limited floor space in your bathroom. So a bath and a separate shower are out of the question. Well, thanks to a lot of innovation faucet design and plumbing over the last 20 years adding a clawfoot tub shower is easier that you may believe.

A traditional Eurpean Bathroom with a Clawfoot Tub Shower

Measurements and Size does matter
Before getting started there are a few things you should think about. First, take measurements of the space your tub is going to occupy. Take that number and start shopping for the largest tub that space can handle. The most common measurements for clawfoot tubs are 48”, 54”, 60”, 66” and 72”. You may chance upon larger tubs and quite possibly smaller ones as well but take my advice (and the advice of countless others) on this important point. Acquire the largest tub your budget and space can afford. The main reason is that tubs on the small end of the scale can make showers claustrophobic once the shower curtain is added. Also don’t forget that along with being a clawfoot tub shower, this is a LUXURY SOAKING TUB and stretching out in a 66” tub is nothing like soaking in a 48” or smaller.

Clawfoot Bling
Now that you’ve picked your clawfoot tub it’s time to really make it shine by picking amazing faucets and plumbing. Many American tubs will come with pre-drilled faucet holes. European tubs usually don’t which is why you will see more bathroom wall mounted faucets and showers there. For tubs that already have holes drilled you have a few different options for mounting the faucets: Deck Mounted Faucets which are usually installed at the end of the tub but in the case of double slipper tubs are sometimes mounted on the site. The other option for pre-drilled tubs is to have the faucet mounted on the wall of the tub.

If you have a tub without holes for a faucet then you’re going to have a lot of fun… seriously.  I think freestanding faucets are THE most beautiful option available.  You can read more about freestanding clawfoot tub shower faucets here.  You may not have as many options available but with this style faucet it’s difficult to go wrong.

Since this is going to be a clawfoot tub shower you are also going to need to purchase a riser (that’s the pipe that carries water to the shower head). Additionally you will need to get a showerhead as well as making sure that the faucet you pick has a diverter which will allow you to change over from the tub filler to the showerhead… just like a regular shower bathtub combo. All of that may sound daunting but don’t worry, you can often buy all of these items in a package. If you still want to do your own thing and have questions feel free to drop me a line or just contact the company you’re purchasing from.

Let’s keep it clean – Clawfoot Tub Shower Enclosures

So now that you have everything you need to make your clawfoot tub shower work you’re going to need to make sure that as you’re showering you don’t soak the bathroom in the process.

There are so many great clawfoot tub shower enclosures out there and the good news is that most of them have been manufactured by the same companies that make clawfoot tub faucets so the finishes will match exactly.

There are a few different shapes of enclosures.

Many owners with clawfoot tub showers that have a long side against the wall go with a D shaped enclosure. If you have a little more room on each side though I’d suggest going with an oval shaped enclosure. It’s going to provide a much roomier feel as well as adding a greater degree of overall elegance.

Clawfoot Tub Shower Curtains
Traditional shower curtains and clawfoot tub shower curtains are similar in all of the ways that you would expect such as material choice, mildew and water resistance with there being one BIG difference. Rather than closing off one side of a tub these curtains will need to close off all sides. Think long and hard on this one since this curtain will often times hang as the backdrop to showcase your beautiful clawfoot tub and faucet choices. Many people go with a high contrast color so that all of the hardware stands out. That’s my choice but you many people also go with complimentary colors while attempting to reproduce a vintage look or time period. It seems like I say this on everything but it’s also true with your clawfoot tub shower curtain… do it all the way! This curtain is going to be like a canvas for everything else you’ve done with your clawfoot tub shower. It will be worth it.

Be Bold
I’m sure that after reading all of this you’re ready to get started working on your ideas well get to it!! Just remember to take whatever you see out there, take the time to make it your own and BE BOLD!

I got the following message from a gentleman in Canada a few days ago:

A friend has offered to sell me a used 6 foot long clawfoot tub for $100 but it doesn’t have any feet. Any suggestions on where to find some and how to install them?
Thanks!

Here is my response:

If the tub is missing feet I would venture to guess that it will probably need a lot more work. The first thing I’d do would be to make sure there’s not a leak in the tub as that can be a costly repair… easily more trouble and time than you would invest in a new tub without these types of problems.

If you are set on this tub though as a 6 ft tub is somewhat unusual you may be able to work with a set of clawfoot like this:
Clawfoot Tubs Black Cast Aluminum, Clawfoot Tub Feet Aluminum Black set of 4

Clawfoot Tub Feet - Photo Credit: OmegaSalvage.blogspot.com

Well, the next think I know, I received a notification from a blog that I follow covering a cool group of folks that save and restore architectural materials.  They had this to say on the subject:

Unfortunately, finding a set of feet to fit a vintage claw-foot tub is going to be difficult. There are literally dozens of different designs for mounting feet to tubs. While we normally do have some loose feet, it is rare that we have a matching set of four. And even more rare that those would be the exact match to your footless tub.  – you can read the rest of the post here.

So it appears my northern friend’s $100 tub could end up being even a bigger hassle than I’d originally thought.  Hope this helps someone out there.

It’s not an impossible task to find a new set of feet for your clawfoot tub but it’s also not going to be easy.

The most common type of faucet for clawfoot tub reproductions as well as restored clawfoot tubs is the wall mounted faucet. Just as the name implies, these faucets attach directly to the inside wall of the tub.

Options
Just as with the other mounting styles of clawfoot tub faucets you will still find many options available.  You will find all of the standard finishes from antiqued brass or nickel to acrylic enamels in various colors available.   You will also find many of the same styles such as gooseneck, traditional (as shown below) and wall mounted faucets can be found to accommodate a clawfoot tub shower or with a handshowers such as the one shown over to the right.

Tub wall mounted clawfoot tub faucet with a handshower attachment

One style that you find in the tub wall mounted faucets that you will not see as much of in the other faucet styles is the minimalist faucet.  When I say minimal I mean a plain chrome konb for hot water and cold water with a snub spout placed directly between the two. Many will say that the beauty of this design lies in its function. I say at less than $100, it’s beauty is in it’s price as they are a lot less expensive than the alternatives.

Installing
Before ordering your wall mount claw foot tub faucet take a moment to measure the distance between the holes. The easiest way to do this is from the right side of the hole on the right to the right side of the the hole on the left. You will usually find the distance to be 3 3/8 inches from center to center. There are a very few instances of 5 to 6 inch distances (center to center) out there and in those cases you should look for adjustable faucets that will accommodate your situation.

Let’s go ahead and have this conversation because it’s one that I always end up having whenever I mention my passison for clawfoot tubs and clawfoot tub showers.

Why would someone buy a clawfoot tub shower on the internet? Immediately following that one is usually a confused and surprised “you can actually buy a bathtub over the internet?” which I’ll go over more in another post.

Consider the selection, price and convenience of ordering your clawfoot tub online.

Reason #1
There are many very good reasons to by a clawfoot tub online, to begin with let’s discuss the most obvious.  Selection. The selection available for clawfoot tub showers, clawfoot tubs, faucets and accessories online completely dwarfs what is available in any local market. At best you will be able to find 1 or 2 tubs at one of the big home improvement stores. If you look a bit further into some of the high end kitchen and bath design shops you will likely find 4 or 5 tubs and possibly 20 or so faucets but the chances of getting beyond that are next to nothing.

Now compare that to what you will find available in any of the leading online clawfoot tub retailers who have hundreds of tubs, faucets, enclosures and accessories to choose from. And not only will these online stores have a variety of styles available they will offer each style in almost every finish!! Let me add one more benefit that a lot of people miss which is these stores usually also offer accessories such as towel bars, toilet roll holders and cabinet knobs in matching finishes. Sounds too good to be true eh? Need more convincing??

Price
This is one that internet consumers have known for years: you can almost always get whatever it is your looking for cheaper online. I’ve found many people are surprised that this is true with tubs, only because they expect the shipping to offset any savings they may realize but guess what… Shipping is almost always FREE and to make the deal even sweeter the price is usually lower.

Now while I’m on the topic of price I’ve got to talk about another area that shopping online really excels in:   Comparison shopping. Since the entire world is at your fingertips you can easily compare the same item side by side across multiple web sites. You will not only find exactly what you want but you’ll also find it for the lowest price out there. Are you ready to pull the trigger on this one yet?? If not, I’ve still got more!

You’re not being lazy
This one is obvious but I can’t leave this article would be incomplete without it. Shopping for a clawfoot tub shower or tub online may make you feel lazy because it’s just so darned convenient! Some say that our national motto has become give me convenience or give me death and while I think that’s a bit extreme one can’t deny that it’s much easier to power up a computer and get online at any hour of the day or night than it is to get everyone in the car, drive to a store that may or may not have what you want. Oh and let’s not forget that you’re probably going to have to do this on the weekend when you should be relaxing and enjoying yourself. You’ve come this far so I know you’e with me. Let me give you a point or two just so you know that I’m not “blowing smoke”.

Hands on
OK OK… I know what some of you have been thinking because I went through the same thing when I ordered my clawfoot tub shower online. I thought “self… you’re about to spend a few thousand dollars on a product you’ve never seen in real life. You’ve never felt the quality of the fixtures, the weight of the hand shower and so on. Self… are you crazy!!!” Well, perhaps I am but to put my mind at rest I found tons of reviews on the products I bought as well as feedback on the integrity of the manufacturers. I also could tell that the top ranked retailers were well established and had good reputations both on and offline. Take it from me on this one, your worries are unjustified.

Dealing with returns
If we’re going to look at every angle on this then we also need to look at the uncommon but not unheard of return. I’ve written about this before but it’s not as big of a deal as you may think. Each company handles the process differently but they’re all fair. If you end up with a product at your home and decide that you just don’t like it then deal with that moment if it comes. Chances are if you’ve made your comparisons, spent time shopping around and read the reviews then the product that arrives at your home will match the image you’ve made in your mind. Don’t let unjustified worries deter you.. don’t cut off your nose despite your face… don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater… etc.. etc… Just trust yourself, trust me and move forward.

If you have any more questions about returns here is a link to the return policy page of the top 5 clawfoot tub sites:

• Vintage Tub
• Signature Hardware
• The Bath Spot

WRAP IT UP!!
So am I missing anything on either side of this coin? Are there other benefits that you’ve experienced that I haven’t listed here? Did I address all of your concerns and if not what are they. While I don’t think the internet is the best way to buy everything I’ve lived this one myself and can tell you.. “come on in, the water’s fine”.

One of the most common types of faucets used for clawfoot tub shower kits and clawfoot tubs is the deck mounted faucet. Just like the name indicates these faucets are usually mounted at the foot of the tub on the flat narrow ledge.

Benefits
The number one benefit to having your faucet mounted on the deck of your clawfoot tub shower is that your overflow drain will be higher.  You may wonder why that matters but as soon as you sit in your tub, full of water the benefit will be clear.  Having a higher overflow drain will easily allow you to fill it a few inches higher, giving you a deeper more relaxing bath. Also having the tub mounted on the deck will keep the hardware out of the bathing area and give you a little more room to stretch out.

One of the aesthetic benefits is that having the faucet sitting up high on the deck of the tub will really showcase the style and finish you’ve selected.

Lots of Options
Since rim mounted tubs are among the most popular you will likely find most faucets are available in multiple finishes. So if you’re going for a brushed nickle, oil rubbed bronze or even the rare polished brass your chances are better than average in finding it for a deck mounted clawfoot tub faucet. You will also find a great number of options on the styles ranging from victorian restorations, reproductions and even some ultra modern styles.

Considerations
Most of these have been designed to fit tubs with drillings 7 inches apart (from center to center hole). Of course there are exceptions to every rule with the most common being 6 inches. If you are drilling your own holes then clearly you will open up more options.

Regardless of the circumstance, every clawfoot tub owner who doesn’t also currently have a shower will at some point begin to consider a way to address the simple fact that they also neeed a shower. Many will initially consider ditching the clawfoot for something different. Well hoollld those horses! I can tell you from experience that the smart move is holding onto the tub and just adding a shower! It’s easier now than ever and plus there are plenty of reasons to keep this tub that and just turn it into a good old fashioned clawfoot tub shower.

This is one you’ll hear a lot about
A great reason to add a shower to your clawfoot tub is that it is going to improve the resale value of your house. While any realator will explain that a clawfoot tub by itself is an excellent addition they may not tell you just how prospective buyers are discouraged if your home has a tub that does not include a shower. Many prospective buyers who do not see a shower are instead seeing money coming out of their pockets, thinking they are will need to spend cash to have it installed when they purchase the home. The reality is, is that it doesn’t take a great deal of effort on your part or cost a bundle to convert your clawfoot tub in to a shower and it’s worth every penny.

Chrome Deck Mounted Clawfoot Tub Hand Shower

You are soaking in dirty water
Hey, my water is not dirty!! Well you may not stink after you sweat either?? We are all able tell ourselves little stories about this one but the dirty truth about soaking inside a tub is afterward it is advisable to shower off. Adding a shower for the clawfoot tub just makes sense in this situation. You will be able to keep the unequaled pleasure of soaking inside a luxurious tub and once you’re done you will be able to just pop the drain using your toes, stand up, turn on the water and wash away that residual soapy “stuff” you’ve been soaking in the past…2 hours! I think you’re seeing the light now aren’t you??

Ewww, what is that smell?
So picture yourself in a normal busy day. What happens if you just do not have enough time to get a bath? Are you going to walk around all day stinky? It’s a busy busy world and just as much as you might prefer to soak your day away, having a shower sometimes is the only way to go. When you include a shower to your clawfoot tub you will get to keep all the elegance and add new usefulness. Believe me… your friends and family will appreciate it.

The last reason
Now this one is less for you but more for your house guests. We both know that taking a bath can be a very revealing experience and one of deep enjoyment but, and I know this is difficult to believe, not everybody really wants to experience that. Particularly in another person’s home.  Providing them with the choice of a less revealing shower is the only civilized course of action (make sure to read that last sentence with an English accent).

Hopefully this article will reduce any stress that you’ve been having about taking the leap and adding a shower for your tub.  Shoot me a message if you have any questions.

Check this out! This gal packs a lot of great information into this 3 minute video.  You will learn about choosing the right clawfoot tub size, clawfoot faucet type and a bit about refinishing VS new tubs. Hope you enjoy watching it here on clawfoot tub shower.

There are many faucet options available for clawfoot tub showers but the most beautiful and dramatic option available is easily the free standing faucet. If you have a clawfoot tub and haven’t drilled holes for a faucet yet then stay with what you’ve got and see what the market has to offer. These faucets that appear to defy gravity will usually be the most pricey of the clawfoot tub shower faucet styles but once you have it installed you won’t be sorry you spent the extra money.

Benefits
One of the big benefits of installing a freestanding faucet is that it shows more of your selected finish. Another big selling point for freestanding faucets as well as deck mount is that it will allow you to have a deeper tub.  This is possible because it is possible to put the overflow drain higher than it is on inside mount faucets.  Finally, freestanding faucets will also give you a little more room inside the tub since the faucets will not protrude into the bathing area in the same way a insde mounted faucet would.

Considerations
Freestanding faucets have the ability to define the character or an entire bathroom as they rise up from the floor appearing to defying gravity. Since the design statement can be so bold be sure to make sure that you can find sink faucets that will match.

Installation
Once installed the only connections to the tub will be at the overflow drain and the foot drain. If you have a clawfoot tub shower these faucets will sometimes be stabilized through a connection to the wall or ceiling near the shower head but this will be included with your purchase.

You should also make sure that when you are purchasing your supply lines that you choose the strongest supply lines that you can find. These pipes will need to be strong enough to handle the occasional bump and tug as well as the weight of the faucet itself.

Be Bold
While you’re not going to see freestanding clawfoot tub faucets as often as the deck mounted faucets or the wall mounted faucets don’t be afraid to be bold and be different. This will be one of the investments in your home that you never regret those few extra dollars on and each time you walk in your bathroom and see your freestanding faucet you’ll fall in love all over again.

Riser mounted soap and shower caddy

The links in the comments section about where to find a riser set like this one are not working so… It’s not just you.  Really sharp design though.  If any of you run across a source for these please let me know in the comments.

Check out the entire article here on Apartment Therapy

Nearly ever time I bring up the topic of buying clawfoot tubs showers online I always get the question:

How much does it cost to have a clawfoot tub shower shipped to your house?
The answer is almost always NOTHING. Most of the reputable online retailers will cover the cost of shipping of items over a certain dollar amount and let’s face it, almost everything that you will ever buy associated with clawfoot tubs is not be “cheap”. So most shoppers will unquestionably reach that free shipping level by default.

Shipping methods
With the cast iron clawfoot tubs often weighing more than 250 pounds and acrylic tubs over 150 pounds your standard shipping companies will not be the ones handling the shipment and dropping it off at your front door. What usually happens is a tractor trailer delivers the crated tub and unloads it through a process known as curbside delivery. You will be responsible for moving the item from that point and into your home.

Some companies also offer lift gate services. This will get the crate off of the delivery truck MUCH easier. Even if this costs a few extra dollars, go ahead and pay for it.

Check it out!!
Whether you go with curbside or lift-gate delivery one thing you want to remember to do in your excitement is to open the crate and inspect the tub from end to end BEFORE the driver leaves. Doing this is crucial in the rare event that you do have damage or even the wrong order. Don’t forget!

Returns
Where you could incur costs is if you want to return a tub or faucet. If you are returning the tub simply because you don’t like the style as opposed to the tub being damaged then you will probably be responsible for the return shipping costs. This is also when the “free shipping” costs are revealed as the costs of shipping the tub to you will usually not be refunded along with the price of the tub. In many cases you will also be responsible for a restocking fee of 5 – 15%.

Get ready to bathe in style!
If curbside shipping and the returns thing scares you a little.. DON’T LET IT!! I have to admit I was a bit worried when I ordered my American Bath Factory tub in 2009 but it was all for no reason. It went as smooth as silk from beginning to end.

By shopping online you will undoubtedly have a better selection and save a lot of money. Just take your time and ask questions as necessary.

If you have more questions after reading this please leave them in the comments so that others can learn the answers as well.

I’ve compiled a list of what I consider to be some of the best manufacturers in the industry. I’ve had a little more direct personal experience in dealing with American Bath Factory so I’ll provide a bit more detail there.  So here’s the list.

American Bath Factory – American bath factory has been around since 1984 and produces some amazing products. They have a line of clawfoot tubs, fixtures and accessories as well as clawfoot tub shower enclosures.  Their craftsmanship will add elegance and style to any bathroom design project.

As I noted above I’ve purchased directly from American Bath Factory and I can tell you that from day one they were nothing short of perfect.  They made the entire process simple and the product is just amazing.  I highly recommend their products and would buy from them again.  http://www.americanbathfactory.com/

American Standard – This company started going by the name American standard in 1967 but has been around since 1875.  Early on their primary business was plumbing.  Today they make pretty much everytyhing you could ever want to go in your bathroom.  Their products are also sometimes marketed under the names Porcher and Jado.  They’ve produced a top quality over the years and still remain a name that you can trust today. – http://www.americanstandard-us.com/

Chevoit Products – Chevoit Products Inc. has been around for more than two decades and have built a reputation for some of  the highest quality cast iron bathtubs and bathroom fixtures.  If you are have a grand vision to create your own picture of elegance and warmth the products these guys make can certainly help you get there. – http://www.cheviotproducts.com/

Elizabethan Classics – Just as the name implies, Elizabethan Classics puts out a wide range of products that lives up to their namesake.  Timless and charming, their clawfoot tubs are produced in both cast iron and acrylic, all the way up to 68 inches which is suitable for the tallest bathers. – http://www.elizabethanclassics.com/

Sunrise Specialty – If you’re looking for the most authentic reproduction of classic bathroom design then Sunrise Specialtiy is hands down THE place to begin.  Down to the smallest detail every tub, faucet and shower is produced with solid brass that guarantee a lifeetime of flawless service.  Their parts are gathered from points all over the globe to create some of the most creative and fantastic clawfoot tub showers, clawfoot tub shower curtain rings and faucets. – http://www.sunrisespecialty.com/

So, you have a clawfoot tub and tub and while you love it’s elegance and style you’re considering getting something else installed that can accommodate a shower. Well woooaaahhhhhh there. The plumbing industry has come a LONG way in this department, especially in the last 10 years. Today’s market offers so many products to address owners in this situation that I guarantee there’s an affordable option out there that will meet your needs exactly.

There are lots of great kits out there to make the addition of a shower not only an attractive upgrade but even something that you can do yourself.

Vintage Clawfoot Tub Shower with antique faucet and enclosure

There are a few different ways you can make this happen:

• The first and probably most popular way is to purchase an entire kit. Most kits will include:
  • Diverter – This is what diverts the water from the faucet to the shower head
  • Riser – The riser is the pipe that carries the water from the faucet up to the shower head.
  • Shower head – There are many different styles of showerheads availalbe and I’ll cover those options in another article
  • Enclosure - This is what your shower curtain will hang from. Enclosures are available in nearly every finish and can really make a huge visual impact on a room.. These also come in many different styles such as ovals, D shapes and the rare old-world circle.
  • Faucet – This depends on if the faucet you have now can handle the addition of a shower and diverter. You can have a look at my other article that focuses on clawfoot tub shower faucets.
• If you’re more adventurous or just like to really have control of all the details then you could purchase the parts individually. As you may expect this will usually cost you a little bit more but you will be guaranteed to get the exact look that you’re going for and in some cases you will be able to obtain higher quality components.

If you’re unsure about what choice to make that will match the finish on your clawed feet then send me an email or have a look at my manufacturers list and contact your tubs manufacturer with the question. Please don’t forget to come back to this site to for more information about installation and when you decide to purchase please click on one of my links for your purchase.  Thank you.

Well, now you know what the options are as well as some of the considerations. Hey, hanging onto your clawfoot tub is good for the value of your home and adding a shower to it is not going to be very difficult and you will get a LOT more use out of it.  Onward and upward!