Claw Foot Bath Tubs

A claw foot bath is a freestanding bathtub raised on four ornate feet, originally cast iron with enamel lining and now available in lightweight acrylic. This page covers the full range of claw foot baths sold at The Blue Space, including materials, sizes, tapware compatibility, and what to consider before buying.

What materials are claw foot baths made from?

Claw foot baths are made from two main materials: cast iron with an enamel or acrylic-lined interior, and full acrylic. Cast iron retains heat significantly longer than acrylic, typically staying warm for 45 to 60 minutes, while acrylic models are lighter (around 30 to 60 kg versus 100 to 160 kg for cast iron) and easier to install without reinforcing the subfloor. Acrylic is the more common choice in new Australian homes for practical reasons; cast iron suits heritage restorations and period-style bathrooms where thermal performance and authenticity matter.

What sizes do claw foot baths come in?

Most claw foot baths range from 1400 mm to 1800 mm in length, with 1500 mm and 1700 mm the most common sizes sold in Australia. Width typically sits between 700 mm and 800 mm, and overall height including the feet is usually 550 mm to 620 mm. Smaller 1400 mm options exist for compact bathrooms, though internal soaking depth is reduced. Always check the manufacturer's internal soaking dimensions, not just the external footprint, when comparing models.

What tapware works with a claw foot bath?

Claw foot baths use either deck-mounted tapware fitted to pre-drilled holes on the bath rim, or freestanding floor-mounted tapware that stands independently beside the bath. Floor-mounted sets are the more traditional choice and suit models without rim holes. Deck-mounted taps require two or three pre-drilled holes, typically spaced 180 mm apart. Matching the tapware finish to the bath feet finish (chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, or brushed brass) gives a cohesive look. Browse compatible options in the taps collection or the tapware range.

Can a claw foot bath be used with a shower?

Yes. A claw foot bath can be fitted with a shower using a clawfoot bath shower conversion kit, which attaches a riser pipe and hand shower to the existing taps, paired with a circular or freestanding shower curtain rail. This approach works best in bathrooms where a separate shower is not possible. A waterproof floor and adequate drainage are required, and the hand shower must be rated for use in that configuration. It is not a substitute for a fixed shower recess in a primary bathroom but is a practical option for a second bathroom or guest ensuite.

What finishes are available for the feet and exterior?

The four feet on a claw foot bath are typically finished in chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, or brushed brass to match the tapware. The exterior of the bath shell can be left white, painted to a custom colour (in acrylic models using bath-safe paint), or supplied in a factory finish such as matte black or anthracite. The interior is always white or off-white enamel or acrylic. A black exterior with chrome feet is a common contemporary pairing; white exterior with brushed brass feet suits more traditional or heritage-style bathrooms.

What should you check before buying a claw foot bath?

Before purchasing, confirm the floor load capacity: cast iron baths filled with water and a person can exceed 400 kg, which requires a structural engineer's sign-off in some homes. Measure the bathroom door and any hallways to ensure the bath can be delivered to the room. Check whether the model includes feet and waste, or whether these are sold separately. Confirm the waste outlet position (central versus off-centre) matches your existing drain location or budget for a plumber to relocate it. For context on the broader freestanding category, see the full bathtubs collection.

Which brands stock claw foot baths at The Blue Space?

The Blue Space stocks claw foot baths from a small number of specialist bath manufacturers, primarily acrylic freestanding models suited to the Australian market. Available options sit across the $800 to $3,500 price range depending on size, material, and whether tapware is included. For bathrooms where the claw foot bath is the centrepiece, pair it with a bathroom vanity and heated towel rail from the same finish family to maintain consistency across the room.

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