Adding Elegance

A claw-foot tub is a beautiful addition to any bathroom, but before you purchase one, be sure that you ask smart questions—and receive the right answers. Here, Paul Calafiore, owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Newington, Connecticut, fills you in on everything you need to know.

Question: Should I buy a new or used tub?
Answer:: It depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend. Some new tubs can cost up to $4,000, while you might be able to get an older tub at an auction or renovating supply company for a few hundred dollars. You might then have to invest $1,000 to refurbish it, however. Older tubs might also be bigger—about six feet long—which, depending on the size of your bathroom, can be a positive or negative.

Question: So can I refurbish a tub?
Answer:: Yes, if the tub is in bad shape, a sandblaster can remove the old painted surface from the outside of the tub, and a refinisher will apply a new finish to the exterior and interior. You can buy new feet as well.

Question: Which material is better, acrylic or cast iron?
Answer:: They each serve different purposes. Cast iron will hold heat for a longer time and might also complete a period look of the bathroom. Acrylic tubs are lighter and easier to install and come in a wider variety of designs, including air-jetted, which are akin to whirlpools.

Question: Can I still use a shower head with the tub?
Answer:: Yes. There are several different types of shower valve systems that work with claw-foot tubs, such as hand-held mounted units, or all-inclusive shower systems that are bracketed to the ceiling and serve as a place from which to hang the shower curtain.

ALLISON WINN SCOTCH