The cost of installing a bathtub or shower liner falls between $2,658 and $10,120, with an average of $6,387. A bathtub pro can provide an estimate for your bathroom setup.
The average cost of installing a bathtub or shower liner can be as low as $499 or as much as $15,000. Special features like custom shelves or tubs and the type of material you use can add to the total cost. On average, you can expect to pay $6,387.
A liner is a great way for homeowners to give their old tub or shower a brand-new look without installing an entirely new unit. They’re made to lock in place over the existing tub or shower, and there’s no demo involved.
The cost of a bathtub and shower liner varies greatly by material.
| Wall Surround Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $210–$1,300 |
| Acrylic | $260–$1,600 |
| Solid Surface | $260–$2,000 |
| Vikrell | $270–$1,800 |
| Polystyrene | $90–$300 |
Fiberglass wall surrounds are a good choice if you’re looking for something very durable. It’s also resistant to mold, mildew, scratches, and chips. These wall surrounds cost $210 to $1,300. Combined with a tub liner, you can expect to pay $510 to $2,300.
Acrylic wall surrounds cost about $260 to $1,600. The lower-priced acrylic surrounds tend to be thinner, while higher-priced acrylic surrounds are reinforced with fiberglass. In total, with a liner, you can expect to pay $560 to $2,600.
Solid surface wall surrounds consist of an acrylic and plastic composite or a fiberglass and plastic composite. It’s another durable, mold- and mildew-resistant option. These surrounds range between $260 and $2,000. If you combine it with a liner, then the cost increases to $560 to $3,000.
Vikrell is a great option for DIYers because it’s easy to install. It’s made to last, and it won’t chip or crack. The nonporous surface means it’s perfect for showers. Vikrell costs about $270 to $1,800 for the surround or $570 to $2,800 with a tub liner.
Polystyrene is a good option if you’re looking for something budget-friendly. The cons are that it’s not as durable as other options on this list. Over time, your polystyrene surround can discolor and get dented and scratched. The surround costs about $90 to $300, with a tub and surround installation ranging between $390 and $1,300.
The bigger the tub, the more your liner will cost. The same applies to showers and tub-and-shower combos (which are the most expensive).
While installing your tub or shower liner, consider installing new wall surrounds. Some liners come with wall surrounds, while others do not—meaning you'll have to purchase them separately. Tub surrounds cost $1,000 to $2,000, while shower surrounds cost $700 to $900.
Hiring a local plumber to install a shower liner costs between $500 and $1,500. Though, this may vary based on the size of the job and project complexity. The more complex your tub or shower is, the more expensive it gets and the more skillsets are needed.
Before you finalize your liner installation budget, make sure to keep these potential additional costs in mind.
Removing the existing tub or shower liner costs around $450 to $1,100. Unfortunately, the removal process isn’t as straightforward as the installation. Since the liner is glued to the tub, removing it requires a bathtub pro to rip or cut pieces out until it’s all gone.
This factor only matters if you need to perform any plumbing repairs, such as fixing a leaking pipe or a malfunctioning shower valve. It’s important that you do this before installing your brand-new liner to avoid any unnecessary spending later on.
You may be wondering about the differences between bathtub refinishing and bathtub liners. The two processes are very different—refinishing involves reglazing your tub with new layers of epoxy and sealant, and liners are glued onto the tub. Both can cover up bathtub wear and tear and damage like cracks, chips, and scratches.
Liners cost more, as bathtub refinishing costs range between $350 and $650. Also, a refinished tub can last 10 to 15 years, which is considerably longer than the life span of a tub liner. Either way, both of these options allow you to extend the life of your existing tub so you don’t have to spend extra money on a brand-new one.
| Refinishing a Bathtub | Installing a Bathtub Liner |
|---|---|
| Reglazing the tub with epoxy and sealant | Gluing a liner onto the tub |
| Less costly | More costly |
| Lasts 10–15 years | Lasts 3–5 years |
Furthermore, both of these options make for challenging DIY projects. In particular, there can be health risks associated with the bathtub refinishing process. So find a shower pro or hire a bathtub refinisher near you for the best results.
A bathtub or shower liner installation is no easy task, and it should be left to the pros if you want results that last. However, learning how to install a bathtub liner is possible, especially if you’re the type to welcome challenging DIY tasks with a can-do attitude.
Just keep in mind that improper installation can lead to moisture in between the tub and liner. To avoid any mishaps like mold and mildew, it’s usually best to hire a pro to take care of this for you.
The best way to save on bath and shower liner installation is to shop around to see which company offers the best deal. Before deciding, check all the details on the included services to ensure the quotes are comparable.
If you’re gathering information on large-scale bathroom remodel costs, find out if the company or contractor you hire is willing to make any bundle deals.
Besides that, you can opt for more affordable materials and options to cut back on the final costs. This likely means you’ll go with a PVC liner and perhaps forgo a wall surround until later. If you need a wall surround, use polystyrene or a relatively low-cost acrylic or solid surface option.
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A bathtub liner is a one-piece insert that goes on top of your tub to conceal cracks, blemishes, and discoloration. Liners are made from acrylic or PVC plastic. It’s best to purchase a custom bathtub liner that matches your existing tub's size, shape, and contours, but premade liners are less expensive and also get the job done. Some bathtub liners come with a wall or shower surround to refurbish the area above the bathtub.
Yes, bathtub liners go over the existing tub. That’s why they’re such a quick and easy way to restore a tub, especially in comparison to reglazing, which is a different refinishing method that involves stripping a bathtub’s enamel. A silicone adhesive sets a bathtub liner in place, and caulk seals the edges. Even though the installation process is straightforward, any mistake can result in damage or plumbing issues, so it may be worth contacting a pro, depending on your experience level.
Bathtub liners last three to five years, depending on the type of bathtub and liner. If you want a longer-lasting solution, you might consider tub refinishing. Refinished tubs can last 10 to 15 years.
As for liners, you can help increase the lifespan by ensuring proper installation. Over time, if moisture gets trapped between the liner and tub, you can have issues with odors, mold, and mildew growth. Avoid potential issues and call a pro to do the installation for you.
Refinishing or installing a tub liner comes down to your personal preference, budget, and timeline. It costs $480 to refinish a tub, and it takes about six hours. In comparison, installing a liner costs between $800 and $1,000 and takes about a day or less, including plumbing fixtures.
Bathtub and shower liners come in different colors, so make sure you select one to match the rest of the bathroom. Hire a local bath liner installer for the job since they have the expertise, tools, and materials to install it correctly. Request at least three quotes from various contractors and compare their rates and services.
