sorry if someone else has addressed this previously - i did a search and couldn't find anything.
we will soon be remodelling our bathroom, and are considering a very simple look with a clawfoot (or at least a free-standing) tub. they are definitely more expensive, so it's a big decision, but we want to cut back in other areas to make it work. i've researched and can't see any child safety or other concerns around this kind of tub. having said that, i would love to hear of anyone's experiences with this kind of tub - good or bad.
We had one when I was growing up. I would say as a kid it was hard to get in/out of, but I wouldn't call it a safety concern. I wouldn't have one now, however, b/c it was a complete PITA to keep clean. They are nice to look at, though.
We have one in our new home. We bought it at an architectural salvage place and had it refinished. The fixtures were pretty expensive.
I really love my tub, but I would do it differently if I were buying today. My fixtures are at one end (like a typical tub) and I wish they were in the middle. This would allow DH or DC and I both to be in the tub more comfortably. The tub is so big that stretching out is no problem.
Some company (American Standard?) makes a fiberglass tub that looks like the cast iron ones. I think this is made for people who do not have a re-enforced floor. We knew we were putting ours in when we were building (it's upstairs) and re-enforced the floor.
I agree with Laura that the sides are really high. If elderly will be using your tub, or if you will be showering in there daily (vs relaxing/soaking) then it might be annoying.
thanks a lot for the feedback, beachbum and laura.
we have a separate shower in our bathroom so the bath would be just for occasional soaks (although we're not really "bath" people), guests, and bathing our baby. i know it's a bit extravagant to get a tub like this since we don't take many baths, but we do like the look...
good feedback on having the fixtures in the middle, and the tall sides. i wonder if the tall sides will be a pain when bathing the baby? hmmm...
If you don't love baths, then I would not personally get one. You could get a really nice soaking or jacuzzi tub that would probably be much less expensive and easier to use. I do think bathing the baby will be a PITA in a clawfoot tub, especially if you have a bad back like I do. Does anyone you know have a similar style that you could try out? I know that seems kind of weird, but it is one of those things I think you need to really try before you buy.
OTOH, I am not really a 'bath person', but I have taken a few baths in our current place b/c we have a really nice, deep tub (and a cleaning service!), so you never know. And the clawfoot tub was nice for my parents when we were young kids b/c my mom could put my brother and I or my 2 brothers in there together and there was plenty of room.
i wonder if the tall sides will be a pain when bathing the baby? hmmm...
It will be! Obviously people have done it, and they did it when that was all they had. Given the choice, I probably wouldn't sign up for it. That said, I'm sure there are ways to work around it. Keep a little ottoman/footstool in the bathroom and kneel on that to bathe the baby, for example.
There are good looking, free standing soaking tubs that aren't claw foot - you're more likely to find one with the faucet on the side if you're not looking for something with a period design.
we're in the process of putting one in our guest bath -- like beach bum, we got ours pretty cheap, b/c it's an older one that was refinished. i don't think there's any point really, in paying thousands of dollars for a newer one -- we paid about $700. for ours and that was with the chrome plated feet. i think it would be a total pita bathing a baby in one, but there's ways to get around that. it's absolutely impossible to bathe our kids in the jacuzzi tub in our master bath and it's still not very easy to bathe them in the normal tub in their bathroom. really, the easiest thing was just bathing them w/ us in the shower using their small inflatable tub.
We have an old one in our historic home and we've had no problems with it at all. It's nice and deep for soaking, and I think it's much prettier than a jacuzzi or garden tub. The sides are higher than a normal bathtub, but I bathe DD in there every night with no problems, although it took a few nights of getting used to after bathing her in her infant tub in the shower before we moved there.
CarolinaGirl, have you seen the Old Home Remodeler's Thread? Would love to see pics of your home!
We also own a historic home, and have a clawfoot tub. I have two children, 3 1/2 & 10 Months. I actually like that the sides are high, it keeps them from getting in without me lifting them (the 3 1/2 y/o would climb in if I allowed her to, but I don't, and she's at the age of listening).
thanks so much again to all those who provided opinions. carolinagirl and methegirlie, it's reassuring to hear that both of you can bathe your little ones without issues.
we are now leaning towards a freestanding tub without clawfeet. not sure what those are called - they're exactly the same kind of tub, but sort of on a stand. we still love the clawfoot tubs though. as dana b mentioned, we'd definitely like to go for an older refinished free-standing tub if possible, and are starting to look around (but time is of the essence...)
does anyone have any recs on good places to look for refinished free-standing tubs (we're checking craig's list, etc.)? we are in california, if it matters.
clawfoot/ free-standing bath
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Originally Posted by cherry
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