Why are clawfoot tubs bad?
Rachel Hickman
Published Mar 05, 2026
Why are clawfoot tubs bad?
“It doesn’t butt up against the wall, so you get a lot of spillage and it can cause damage to your wall or can seep in and actually drip down from your bathroom to your lower level ceiling,” Jonathan Scott of HGTV’s Property Brothers, told PopSugar. Consider tiling bathroom walls or nixing a clawfoot tub altogether.
Are clawfoot tubs worth it?
It’s also worth noting that these tubs are often cast-iron and very heavy; you might have to pay to have your floors reinforced before installation. The upshot? Clawfoot tubs can be a huge pain. If you absolutely love the look and are ready to commit to the upkeep, it might be totally worth it for your home.
How much does a claw foot tub cost?
Prices vary, but clawfoot tubs are among the more expensive tub styles. The cost of a clawfoot tub can range from $2,300 to $7,000 or more, depending on shape, material, size, brand, and features.
Are freestanding tubs going out of style?
The freestanding bathtub is a current bathroom remodeling trend that may soon be going out of style. Freestanding bathtubs are also very heavy and may require a reinforced floor. Doorless showers. A doorless shower may increase the amount of floor space in your bathroom, but it also creates a problem with humidity.
Does a clawfoot tub add value to a home?
According to the RealEstate.com survey, starter homes with claw-foot tubs sold for nearly 30% more than expected. Coffered ceilings also helped homes sell for 30% more than expected, and farmhouse sinks (thanks Joanna Gaines) helped homes sell for 26% more than expected.
Why is it called a clawfoot tub?
The clawfoot tub, which reached the apex of its popularity in the late 19th century, had its origins in the mid 18th century, when the ball and claw design originated in the Netherlands, possibly artistically inspired by the Chinese motif of a dragon holding a precious stone.
When did they stop making clawfoot tubs?
The clawfoot tub was popular from the 1880’s to the 1930’s. It was the flu epidemic after WWI that was the downfall of these beautiful fixtures. People knew little about the illness, and became concerned with germs and cleanliness.
How can you tell if a tub is cast iron?
A cast iron tub will sound like a deep gong, just as if you hit a cast iron frying pan. Look at the bottom of the tub if possible. A cast iron tub will be black, and a steel tub will be metallic, although it may be covered with a layer of paint. An acrylic tub will look like coated plastic.
How do you pick a clawfoot tub?
Traditionally, clawfoot tubs are white, but nowadays they come in a variety of colors. Choose a hue that complements your bathroom’s palette or make a real statement with a bold, vibrant shade. Another important decision is to decide on the type of feet you prefer for your clawfoot type.
Does not having a tub in master bath hurt resale?
The short answer, when considering resale, is yes. Ideally you should have at least one bathtub in your home if you plan to sell in the near future, but this does not have to be in your master bathroom. They’re also sought after by people looking for high-end properties with multiple, well-equipped bathrooms.
Why are freestanding tubs so expensive?
Freestanding bathtubs are more expensive than other tubs because of Material, Design, and Maintenance. Material is generally the bulk of the price, as quality materials will require a steeper price tag.
Why are people removing bathtubs?
The study also found that 27 percent of homeowners decided to remove the master bathtub, almost always to make room for a bigger shower with walk-in capability and fixtures like a rain-shower head.