They've never invented another style of bathtub that provides all the elegance of a Victorian Clawfoot tub. These queenly tubs were made in the Victorian era (1835-1903) by coating a cast iron base with molten porcelain. This technique created a hard, smooth surface that enhanced the overall appeal of the tub.

Actually, there are two styles of clawfoot tubs: the European and the American. European style usually doesn't incorporate the faucets directly into the tub. Instead they will be mounted on the wall or the floor. Without having any holes in the tub except for the drain, the bath can be filled deeper. This is different than the American style which has holes for the faucets drilled directly into the tub.

These two basic styles of clawfoot tubs can be further divided by shape. The different shapes include classic, slipper, double-ended, and pedestal.

Clawfoot tubs are generally only made of two different materials: acrylic and cast iron. Acrylic is a new, modern material that is gaining popularity very rapidly. Cast iron is the more traditional construction.

There are advantages to having a cast iron tub. First and foremost, it's the kind to buy if you want to give your bathroom a more authentic Victorian feel. Of course, a cast iron tub is very heavy and will be hard to move. If you buy a vintage cast iron tub it will have a smooth porcelain surface and most likely some minor flaws. Either way, tubs coated with porcelain feel cold to the touch.

A clawfoot tub made of acrylic, on the other hand, will give you basically the same look and will weigh around 40% less than a comparable cast iron tub. Acrylic is smooth and warm to the touch, and it will never rust or crack. The materials used to make an acrylic tub include high grade sanitary acrylics, ceramic powders, fiberglass, and polyester resins. Acrylic makes the tub both lighter to move around and easier to clean. You can buy acrylic tubs in a number of different sizes to fit your bathroom.

In order to correctly install your new clawfoot tub, it's critical to hire a plumber who is known for his quality work. Make sure that your plumber has everything he will need to install the tub which includes the bathtub, a drain, faucets, water supply lines, and a shower enclosure if you want one.

There are a large number of styles of faucets available for you to choose from. You may opt for a classic wall-mounted set or an English Telephone hand set which will give you a more elegant look. Both of these are English styles which have their own water lines and are not connected to the tub itself.

If you choose to add a shower enclosure, there are some made that work well with clawfoot bathtubs. These sets include a shower ring enclosure, shower head, faucets, and all of the installation hardware you'll need.

After you've had your clawfoot bathtub installed, you will have the responsibility of maintaining it. Some people have the mistaken impression that they are harder to care for than a regular tub, but they aren't. In fact, the acrylic models are very easy to clean, and the cast iron ones aren't any more difficult than any other cast iron tub. What a clawfoot bathtub will do, however, is add class and elegance to your new or existing bathroom.