Why Choose A Freestanding Acrylic Clawfoot Tub
With cast iron and copper being the traditional materials used in vintage bathtubs, you might wonder about a freestanding acrylic clawfoot tub. You may not have even known they existed. While a somewhat new material in the world of clawfoot tubs, acrylic is not all bad and it won't necessarily destroy the point of a vintage tub. Here's why.
Why a Freestanding Acrylic Tub is the Best Choice
Vintage purists might balk at the idea of a classic tub like the clawfoot being cast in acrylic. Even if you're not a vintage lover, the idea of such a traditional style in a modern material might seem absurd. What is the point of going vintage if you're not going all the way? There's no doubt that there are good reasons why cast iron and copper have been used so often, especially for vintage tubs. Those materials are also classic, proven to be reliable, and solid to the last. These reasons are all valid, but don't rule out a freestanding acrylic clawfoot tub just because it's new.
Acrylic is popular for use in standard American bathtubs as well as more modern tub styles and Japanese and soaking bathtubs. Why is it so popular? What would make a freestanding acrylic clawfoot tub a good idea? Here are a few reasons to consider:
Acrylic is light weight. Cast iron and copper are not so light weight. This is sometimes good but it can be a drawback. The floor framing of some homes may not be sturdy enough to support cast iron. It may also be harder to take it with you should you move. However, a freestanding acrylic clawfoot tub is light enough for any house and may be easier to carry with you if you ever move.
Acrylic is durable. Despite the lightness, acrylic is still durable, more so than some natural materials. Cast iron and copper are also long-lasting, you may say. True. But the power of a freestanding acrylic clawfoot tub lies in the combination of lightness and strength. It's not a mountain to move but it will hold up under time.
Acrylic is less expensive. If you've looked around at all at traditional cast iron and copper bathtubs, you know they're not really affordable. In fact, you may not have a clawfoot tub because of this factor. Well, a freestanding acrylic clawfoot tub may help you get what you want. Acrylic is not as expensive as many other materials, hence one reason why it's so widely used. Acrylic clawfoot tub packages can go for under the cost of only the tub in cast iron or copper. No, it's not as traditional as cast iron. But the classic vintage appearance is the same; it just costs much less.
Tradition can always be a little hard to let go of. But the onset of acrylic in the world of vintage tubs is not all bad. After all, acrylic is a light weight, but still durable material. And if you've never been able to afford a cast iron or copper tub, acrylic may open a door for you to own a vintage bathtub. So keep an open mind and give a freestanding acrylic clawfoot tub a chance.
