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.

Q.  Should I buy a new or used tub?

A.  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.  However, you might then have to invest $1,000 to refurbish it.  Older tubs might also be bigger – about six feet long – which, depending on the size of your bathroom, can be a positive or negative.

Q.  Which material is better, acrylic or cast iron?

A.  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 variety of designs, including air-jetted, which are akin to whirlpools.

Q. Can I still use a shower head with the tub?

A.  Yes.  There are several different types of shower valve systems that work with claw food 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.