How to Make a Clawfoot Tub Shower Enclosure

Measure the length of the clawfoot tub, from the outer edge to the opposite outer edge. Find the tub width similarly. Add about an inch to either dimension. If the shower enclosure is too narrow it encourages the shower curtain to cling to you during a shower. Building the enclosure slightly larger and pulling the shower curtain toward and into the tub during the shower helps discourage clinging.

Cut two pieces of 1-inch PVC plumbing pipe to the length of the tub. Create two additional pieces measuring the width of the tub.

Fit the PVC sections together, using PVC elbows between each pipe, into a rectangular or slightly oval shape. Use 90-degree elbows to create a rectangle and substitute a 45-degree elbow to create a more rounded design. Glue each piece together with PVC glue if desired, following the manufacturer's instructions. This is not strictly necessary since if the pipes are pushed together snugly they shouldn't fall apart easily.

Insert hooks of your choice into the ceiling directly above the shower. Consider the placement carefully. The easiest way to find where each hook attaches is to drop a string, plumbob or straightedge from the ceiling down to the floor and move it as needed until it is 1 inch away from the tub edge. Mark one spot at a time, hanging the shower enclosure as you go, to prevent inaccuracies.

Drive each hook into the ceiling, using an anchor if the ceiling lacks rafters or joists in that location. Loop a length of chain down from the hook, around the PVC shower frame, and secure to the hook with the free end. Work around the tub, holding the frame up as you work. The exact placement and spacing depends on your preference and needs. One hook in each corner works well but considering the gaps between points of attachment, another design may work better for you.

Hang a shower curtain from the PVC pipe, inserting shower ring hooks into the curtain and encircling the pipe with the hooks. Use one separate curtain per side of the tub, choosing a curtain long enough to reach several inches into the tub and wide enough to cover the side with several inches extra. Alternatively, use a specialty clawfoot tub shower enclosure curtain, which measures the circumference of the enclosure -- a combination of each side's length -- plus 10 to 15 inches extra for fullness.

Arrange the curtain around the tub as desired. An unbroken curtain must be installed so that three of the sides will not slide back and forth; the hook and chain will meet the pipe between the curtain hooks preventing movement. The final side, facing the side of the tub you wish to enter, will slide freely since it has a free end.

Install the shower attachment itself according to product instructions. Use a hand-held shower head that slips over the tub faucet or install a permanent shower attachment. Either choice will attach and hang easily from the shower enclosure pipe.