If you have decided to renovate your bathroom, you have probably debated whether or not to add a bathtub into your space. Probably even a clawfoot bath. When we think of a clawfoot bathtub, we think of luxury. A deep freestanding bath that allows you to bring a spa like feeling into your home. You tend to find yourself losing track of time as you leave all of the stress from that day behind and finally start to relax.
A clawfoot bathtub is aesthetically pleasing, and preferred over a built-in version. Giving your space a classic & timeless feel. But we would be lying if we said there wasn’t a downside in adding a freestanding bath to your space.
Here are five things you need to know about a clawfoot bath.
1. You have a small bathroom.
If you are remodeling a smaller bathroom, size is one thing you will need to consider. Freestanding baths tend to take up a lot of space, & are usually much larger than built-in models. You will also need to consider the hardware. This will also take up extra space in your bathroom. A built-in model can fit in smaller spaces & the hardware doesn’t take up any extra room.
2. You want to streamline your hardware.
Most renovators, especially those who have a more minimalistic taste, should know that the hardware in a freestanding bath will be more out int the open. If you prefer to have your hardware hidden to keep a minimalistic aesthetic you might want to consider a built-in bath. Hardware like faucets & pipes can be set into the wall. On the plus side, there are countless fixtures on the market for you to choose from. So if you decide to keep a freestanding bath you can select fixtures that fit within your design aesthetic.
3. Cleaning.
How much patience do you have when it comes to cleaning? This is something you need to take into account when you opt-in for a footed bath. Not only will you need to deep clean the bath itself, but you will also have the underneath to consider. Especially around the feet.
4. You are in an older home.
While a clawfoot bath is a great choice for an older home, keeping with the natural aesthetic, you need to keep in mind that older homes tend to have uneven floors. If your home has uneven floors this can result in your bath being sloped. A built-in bath can be cut to fit into the space, & helps disguise uneven flooring.
5. You’re kids like to splash.
If you have children you know how easily bath time can turn into an adventure, sometimes even a splash war, resulting in water damage surrounding your bath. A simple workaround to help avoid water damage to your floors & walls is to add tile to your space. By adding tile to your floors & walls you can easily avoid water damage that can occur during bath time.
Even though there are downsides that come along with a clawfoot or freestanding bath there are also positives. Make sure your space can fit a freestanding bath, consider adding tile to your design, & if you are in an older home make sure you fix any uneven floors before adding a freestanding bath to the mix. These are just some things to consider as you start to design your dream bathroom, & search for the perfect bath.
At Penn Construction & Design, we combine licensed Realtor knowledge with custom design and craftsmanship to deliver exceptional client satisfaction. If you want to discuss how you can add value to your home, call or contact Penn Construction & Design for a consultation at (484) 452-5071.
