Cast Iron Bathtub
I was referred to this site on the chance that someone might be able to help with this problem: On Saturday my mother wants to remove a cast iron bathtub from my grandmothers house. She wants to restore it. The bathtub is on the 2nd floor of the house so we will have to get…
I was referred to this site on the chance that someone might be able to help with this problem:
On Saturday my mother wants to remove a cast iron bathtub from my grandmothers house. She wants to restore it. The bathtub is on the 2nd floor of the house so we will have to get it off the front porch. We were hoping to bring it down the steps but are worried that because of the condition they are in and the weight of the tub someone will fall through them, so hopefully we can somehow get it off the porch. The house is being torn down in a couple of weeks so it doesn’t matter if there is any damage to doors, railings etc.
So my question is this. Does anyone know how much an antique cast iron bathtub would weigh approximately. The bathtub is about 6 feet long. And also any tips on how we’re going to move this thing other than having as many people as possible to lift it?
Thank you to anyone who can give me tips, I appreciate it!
Also would this be a good site to come back to for restoration tips on the cast iron bathtub?
Re: Kathryn on May 19, 2007 7:14 AM
You probably found your tub. But Google “Tub King”. The guy has a huge variety of tubs. He’ll have somethng for you, I’m sure. Also try CraigsList. Good luck!
Shootie Macaroni, I know it seems like a lot dearie, but I love that old tub. Gave birth to my first in it, inadvertantly, after coughing too hard. I had an “in tub” birth before they got trendy. Har. Always my sanctuary. A book, a candle. In my salad days, my husband and I met there once or twice– it was six feet after all. Now don’t y’all talk my children out of moving it for me. That’s my spot. And I’m not asking for anything else, this Christmas, nor later.
any suggestions where to buy clawfoot tubs in brooklyn?
My husband and I have moved clawfoots on our own a few times. Up a few steps, onto a truck, but never up a whole flight of steps. Anyway, we’re both under 5’7 and weigh less than 130 lbs. It’s heavy, but if you rest every few steps, it’s possible.
Actually, I think 300 pounds is an underestimate for a 6-foot clawfoot. That is the approximate weight of the cheapest standard 5-foot cast iron tub. When I redid my bathroom (with a small standard — not clawfoot– tub) it took three reasonably fit people, 2 guys and a very athletic woman, to move it from the driveway up three steps into the house. I’m not sure how you would get it off the front porch because these things are simply too heavy to lift up in the air. I think this is a bad accident waiting to happen and as others have said not likely to be worth the trouble, particularly if the tub needs refinishing anyway.
not worth it.
Vintage clawfoot tubs are a dime a dozen. not rare and quite cheap to purchase (epecially upstate)
If it’s 6 feet long, 300 lbs is probably right on. Certainly no lighter. Can it be restored in place? The enameling is easy – $300 or so and it looks great. I’d do all I could to avoid moving, but guess it depends on the condition. Good luck . . . and post before/after shots!
Once the tube is free from the plumbing you will need a few strong guys to move it. I imagine it may be about 300 lbs. I have hired guys from Craigs list that moved a 400 lb radiator for me. One guy answered my ad saying that he was 6’3” & 280 lbs and a weight lifter. It was like getting the Hulk! It was great! There is a guy on Craigs that refinishes tubes too “The Tube King ” in Long Island. Having said all that, I would think twice about moving your tub. Large tubs like yours are not rare. Moving your tub has risk & expense in moving it, plus you have to refinish it. I would call the Tube King and ask him how much one of his finished tubs cost before taking on the task of moving the old one. Good Luck!