CLAWFOOT TUB SIZING GUIDE

A clawfoot bathtub is a key feature in many vintage-themed bathrooms. But before you begin searching for the perfect vintage tub for your bathroom remodel, it’s important to know how to measure for a bathtub.

To ensure you purchase a tub that will suit both your desired aesthetic and the available space in your bathroom, take a look at our comprehensive clawfoot tub sizing guide to help you find the perfect fit.

WHAT MAKES A CLAWFOOT TUB UNIQUE?

A clawfoot tub has supports that resemble the feet or paws of animals, which is how this type of bathtub has earned its name. The feet on a clawfoot tub are typically made from cast iron or brass.

Although clawfoot bathtubs were very popular several decades ago, there has been a resurgence in their popularity in recent years. While they're great for creating a vintage theme, clawfoot tubs can complement any design you choose when remodeling your bathroom, thanks to custom finish options and various tub features.

Since clawfoot tubs are available in many different styles and made with a variety of materials, they’re highly sought after for their versatility. They also come in a variety of sizes, making it easy to match clawfoot tub measurements to your needs.

TYPES OF CLAWFOOT BATHTUBS AND THEIR DIMENSIONS

Because of the wide range of clawfoot tub sizes, measuring for your new bathtub is essential. This will help you choose the specific type of clawfoot tub that will best fit in your bathroom.

 

Standard Clawfoot Tub Dimensions

When choosing the best vintage tub for your bathroom, it can help to first understand standard clawfoot tub sizes.

The average size of clawfoot tubs is a little larger than a traditional rectangular bathtub, but it’s still smaller than a whirlpool tub or hot tub. The standard size is 60 inches long by 33 to 36 inches wide, which can fit in a small bathroom. A standard clawfoot bathtub is 60 inches deep.

A beneficial feature of clawfoot tubs is that many of them have adjustable feet. This makes it easy to lower or raise the height of the tub by several inches. As a result, the average size of clawfoot tubs makes them ideal for bathrooms of nearly every size.

 

Small Clawfoot Tub Dimensions

It’s especially important to know how to measure for a bathtub if you have a smaller bathroom or a space that has unusual dimensions. In these situations, a smaller clawfoot bathtub of 60 inches in length by 30 inches wide can be ideal. 

A small tub is only 16 to 19 inches in height. This type of clawfoot tub will hold up to 40 gallons of water.

A small clawfoot tub can free up more space in your bathroom or help you remodel a cozier bathroom. Additionally, small tubs with vintage designs tend to offer more luxury and additional features to enhance the bathing experience.

 

Large Clawfoot Tub Dimensions

While small and average clawfoot bathtub dimensions tend to be five to six feet long and three feet wide, a larger tub exceeds those ranges. You can find a large vintage bathtub with the clawfoot design that’s up to seven feet in length. Even a larger design will still be three feet in width.

A large clawfoot tub will hold up to 80 gallons of water, while a small tub will hold up to 40 gallons. A standard clawfoot bathtub will hold between 50 and 77 gallons.

 

Oversized Clawfoot Tub Dimensions

If you have a bathroom layout with extra space, an oversized clawfoot bathtub will offer better convenience and comfort. An oversized model can range in length from 72 to 80 inches. 

These tubs have broader widths that range from 36 to 42 inches. This type of freestanding tub offers more depth — up to 22 inches — making it easier to get a full-body soak.

 

Vintage Clawfoot Tub Dimensions

Since it’s easy to find clawfoot tub sizes to suit almost any dimensions, you’ll find a wide range of options when it comes to clawfoot bathtubs. You can choose a cast iron or acrylic clawfoot tub in virtually every size.

In general, you’ll find that antique clawfoot tubs range in length from five to seven feet. They’re usually 24 to 32 inches in width. The depth of a clawfoot bathtub can range from 14 inches up to 22 inches.

 

Slipper Clawfoot Tub Dimensions

A slipper clawfoot bathtub gets its name from the shape of its design. It’s higher at one end, sloping down in shape, creating a design that looks like a slipper or shoe. This design was very popular in the Victorian era, making it a great addition to your vintage-themed bathroom design.

The length of a slipper clawfoot tub ranges from 60 to 72 inches, or five to six feet. The standard width of a slipper clawfoot tub is between 28 to 32 inches. A slipper tub has a depth of 20 to 24 inches.

Make sure to keep the unusual shape of the slipper tub in mind as you take your clawfoot tub measurements. You may need extra space for the sloped high end and for the plumbing connections for the bathtub. In addition, leave enough clearance — 12 to 18 inches — to enter and exit the bathtub.

Clawfoot Tub Sizing Guide ChartClawfoot Tub Sizing Guide Chart

CLAWFOOT TUB SHOWER CURTAIN DIMENSIONS

If you’re planning on turning your clawfoot tub into a clawfoot tub shower enclosure, choosing the right size shower curtain will be an important consideration. While most shower curtains are 70 to 72 inches long and 72 inches wide, your clawfoot tub might need a curtain of different dimensions. Referring to your tub’s dimensions will help you choose the appropriate size.

In addition to the shower curtain, you might want to use a vinyl liner. While the curtain hangs outside the bathtub, the liner hangs inside to prevent water from splashing onto the floor. While the standard sizes are 72 x 72 inches, you will want to refer to your clawfoot tub’s dimensions for better accuracy.

CLAWFOOT TUB DRAIN DIMENSIONS

When replacing parts of the drain assembly, it’s important to know the dimensions of the drain. The drain hole itself is usually 1.5 inches in diameter, but including the fitting and plug, the full drain body can range from two to three inches. 

When it comes to an antique bathtub, it’s important to take measurements to ensure you buy the right sizes of replacement parts.

CLAWFOOT TUB FAUCET DIMENSIONS

You’ll also need to choose which clawfoot tub faucet fixtures to add to your new tub. You’ll find a wide range of styles when searching for levers and knobs, as well as a range of materials like brass, chrome, and nickel.

Most clawfoot tubs have an 8-inch distance between the hot and cold knobs or levers. The lengths and heights of the faucets can also vary. Lengths typically range from 6 to 10 inches, while the height ranges from 8 to 12 inches. These positions make it easy for anyone to reach the fixtures while bathing.

HOW TO MEASURE CLAWFOOT TUB DIMENSIONS

To accurately measure a clawfoot bathtub’s dimensions, you’ll need a tape measure. Using the tape measure, take the length measurement from rim to rim. You’ll get a more accurate measurement if you take the measurements from both corners of the tub and use the average of both of the measurements.

Use a similar method to get the width of the tub. Measure from the edge of one rim to the edge of the rim on the opposite side. Take measurements from both corners, and average them for accuracy.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR BATHROOM FOR A CLAWFOOT TUB

The dimensions of your bathroom walls will affect the size and style of the clawfoot bathtub you install. To get accurate readings, you’ll need a carpenter’s level. Use a pencil and the level to draw a straight line from the rim of your existing bathtub up to the ceiling. 

To double-check your measurement, use the same process to measure the wall from the rim of the tub down to the floor.

If you’re installing an alcove tub, You can measure for length by using the same process. Instead of measuring from floor to ceiling, you’ll measure from the left wall to the right wall.

USE YOUR MEASUREMENTS TO FIND THE PERFECT CLAWFOOT TUB FOR YOUR BATHROOM

It’s always a good idea to take your measurements twice to ensure you have accurate clawfoot bathtub dimensions. Keep those dimensions on a notepad or stored on your smartphone, so you’ll have them close at hand.

Whether you shop for a new vintage tub online or in a brick-and-mortar store, having access to your measurements will make it easier to find the right tub for your bathroom renovation.

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