How to Find the Right Clawfeet for Your Clawfoot Bathtub

A clawfoot tub is a dramatic centerpiece in a bathroom and an inviting space for soaking and relaxing after a long day. It’s impossible to miss the free-standing tubs raised up on miniature pedestals. Although they’re common in historic homes, clawfoot tubs also fit right in with modern designs. The secret is finding the right feet for the tub.

Learning that clawfeet are not one-size-fits-all surprises many people. This means homeowners who want to replace the feet on their tub need to do some homework to find the right clawfeet. To get started, it helps to note the number and location of the holes on the bottom of the tub and measure the distance between them. Some people also draw a diagram of the tub or take a picture of it for reference as they look for clawfeet.

Types of Clawfeet

Clawfeet come in several different styles, both vintage and modern. Some of the more common styles include the ball and claw, paw, cannonball, and armada. Vintage styles tend to be ornate and draw inspiration from ancient motifs, while modern styles typically have smooth, streamlined shapes.

Understanding the differences between the most common types of clawfeet can help homeowners choose the one that works best in the room. The more ornate styles tend to look better in traditional rooms, and simpler shapes often work well in modern rooms, but the choice is ultimately up to the homeowner, who should select what they like best.

• Armada feet have a square-shaped leg with a more decorative base engraved with geometric shapes, a lion’s paw, or similar designs.
• Ball and claw feet look like an eagle’s foot or an eagle’s claw bear’s paw holding a ball. This design is modeled after the Chinese symbol of a dragon clutching a pearl.
• A cannonball foot usually has a round base with a tapered stem. Some modern variations of this style may have no stem.
• Imperial feet feature a highly ornate design that mimics royal insignias seen on flags and coats of arms.
• Paw feet typically mimic the shape and texture of an animal’s paw, usually a lion or bear paw.

Styles of Clawfeet

After you know what style of feet you want to install, consider the finish you want. In most cases, you’ll want to choose a finish that complements the rest of the room. A simple way to do this is to select all the fixtures for the room from the same product line. When you do this, you know that the fixtures have similar designs, textures, and finishes that work together.

Sometimes this isn’t possible, and sometimes homeowners want to mix and match fixtures to add interest to the room. In that case, it’s useful to stick with complementary finishes. For example, stick with warm (oil-rubbed bronze and brass) or cool undertones (polished chrome), or opt for matte black to tie the room together.

Acrylic vs. Cast Iron Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot tubs may have an acrylic or cast iron base. Knowing the difference is important because acrylic tubs are lighter than cast iron tubs. This means the feet under a cast iron tub support a significantly greater amount of weight than the acrylic tub — and this is before water and people are added to it!

To avoid installing feet that won’t be able to support the tub, pay attention to the model numbers and check the installation guide. You should see the type of tub listed there. In general, feet designed for use on an acrylic tub have a metal bar that attaches to the tub base. The feet connect to the bar. For a cast iron tub, the feet attach directly to the base with a bolt.

How to Install Feet on a Clawfoot Tub

Installing feet on a clawfoot tub is a simple process. In most cases, you’ll need little more than an adjustable wrench and a rubber mallet. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary pieces. Depending on the type of feet you want to install, this can include bolts, washers, bars, rubber shims, and locknuts.

When you’re ready to install the new feet, turn the tub upside down with the bottom of the basic facing up. Place the tub on a blanket or other soft surface to protect the surface of the tub and the floor. You may need to slide a 2x4 under one end to stabilize it and make it easier to tilt when you’re ready to turn the tub back over.

If the clawfeet come with a bar, you’ll need to install that first. Otherwise, line up the bolt with each foot, starting with the feet closest to the drain. Tighten the bolts until they are secure. Before turning the tub over, check the fit. If the tub is wobbly, you can adjust the feet individually using the leg adjustment bolt.

Installation notes:

• The clawfeet come with an installation guide that gives you a list of parts and step-by-step instructions for the model number.
• You may need to angle the clawfeet depending on the location of the drain. For tubs with a center drain, the feet typically line up horizontally. Tubs with a drain at one end need legs turned in an outward direction.
• You may need to use a rubber shim to get a good fit with some clawfeet. The shims slide between the feet and the tub to prevent them from moving.

Find Your Next Set of Clawfoot Tub Feet at Kingston Brass

At Kingston Brass, you’ll find a wide selection (more than 50 different SKUs) of clawfeet in assorted styles and colors. Give the tub a dramatic finish with a lion-shaped foot finished in oil-rubbed bronze or matte black. Go for a more cohesive look with white feet featuring delicate shapes that blend in with the rest of the tub. Highlight a warm room with Naples bronze-finished imperial-style feet.

If you’re unsure which type of feet will work with your tub, you can reach us via phone or email. Our team can talk to you about the tub and your available options. As you narrow down your choices, you can create the perfect look for the bathroom — one that you can enjoy for years to come.