Choosing Your Antique Freestanding Tub
Any type of antique furniture seems to add instant character to a room or house. Many people feel no differently about an antique freestanding tub. Clawfoot bathtubs are one of the more popular styles. They date back to the Elizabethan period and hold a charm unique from any other antique style tub. Other classic tub models include pedestal tubs and slipper tubs (combined with clawfoot and pedestal tubs). We'll explore more than one way to get a vintage bathtub.
Methods for Acquiring an Antique Freestanding Tub
This seems like an obvious fix if you want an antique freestanding tub. But as with most things there are choices within choices. Most people would probably say the optimum way to buy an antique bathtub is to find one in pristine condition. While this is ideal, it's also difficult and costly. Finding such a rare valuable may cost you tens of thousands of dollars. If you don't have the inclination to search or the available cash to buy such a gem, there are alternatives.
One way around this problem is to purchase an antique freestanding tub that is not in mint condition and have it refinished by a professional (or perhaps learn how to do this yourself). Refinishing can also become costly (in the $1,000s) depending on the amount of work that has to be done. Minor damage such as scratches and stains are not a big deal. However, you'll want to check any tub carefully to ensure that the actual cast iron is still intact. If this has cracked, the tub is ruined and won't hold water. Damage to the outer porcelain coating, however, is repairable. You can also search for Freestanding Acrylic Clawfoot Tubs. The Internet is a great resource for antique bathtubs that need refinishing; but do your homework to find a reputable source and to ensure the tub is actually salvageable.
If you'd prefer not to do the refinishing of your antique freestanding tub yourself, there are companies that sell or specialize in refinished antique bathtubs. The styles of antique bathtubs and the time period they come from will vary. You'll also find a host of prices since it's a limited quantity business. Some refinished antique bathtubs are relatively affordable, costing little more than a new standard American tub. On the other hand, the more unique the tub, the more expensive. If you have a specific type of tub in mind and you only want an original, you may have to hunt and/or wait for one to appear. If it is something special, you can also expect to pay more. Whatever type of refinished tub you want, do make sure the source is trustworthy.
For any type of antique bathtub, whether an original in perfect condition, a salvage yard find you plan to refinish, or an already refinished original, research the style of tub you want. Find out what features it should have and what condition it must be in to be used as a bathtub. Be informed before you go shopping or scavenging and before you ship it off to a refinisher. Your effort and research will ensure you have a functional and attractive antique freestanding tub that looks and works like new.
