Most homeowners spend about $482 to refinish a bathtub. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $336 and $629. A bathtub refinishing pro can walk you through the process.
Refinishing or reglazing a tub will give it a fresh, clean look that will surely add a "wow" factor to your bathroom. Bathtub refinishing costs $482 on average, but can reach up to $1,000 depending on the method you choose and your bathtub material.
If you’re handy, you may be able to refinish or reglaze your bathtub yourself. This guide will help you understand the typical factors involved in a bathtub refinishing and reglazing job and what you can do to cut down on costs.
Even though the actual process of refinishing your bathtub can sound quite simple, it’s important to take note of all the options available before making a final decision.
The type of tub matters when budgeting for a refinishing job. Generally, there are four main types of tubs: fiberglass, porcelain, cast iron, and enamel.
| Tub Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $300–$1,000 |
| Porcelain | $350–$600 |
| Antique porcelain | $500–$1,200 |
| Cast iron | $350–$600 |
| Enamel | $350–$600 |
A fiberglass tub is typically the most expensive to refinish, ranging from $300 to $1,000. Fiberglass is more finicky than other materials and may require extra care. It may also take longer to do this job due to the extra effort needed to get the desired smooth finish.
The range for a porcelain tub reglazing is $350 to $600. Usually, it's just a thin layer of porcelain over cast iron or steel. If it's an older tub that is entirely porcelain, you'll need to hire a professional to give it special care, especially if it’s an antique. Also, as beautiful as they are, antique porcelain claw-foot tubs come with a heftier price tag, ranging from $500 to $1,200 to refinish.
Like a porcelain tub, it costs about $350 to $600 to refinish a cast-iron tub. Before fiberglass tubs, cast iron was the standard tub material. A cast-iron tub can last 100 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Unlike the above materials, enamel is not used to make bathtubs. It is a type of coating that is made from either porcelain or a hard glass coating. Typically, this coating is found on steel and cast-iron tubs. Refinishing costs for an enamel coating can run between $350 and $600.
Your type of bathtub plays a factor in the overall cost. A general rule of thumb is the more surface area a tub has, the higher the bathtub resurfacing costs will be.
| Type of Bathtub | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Claw-foot tub | $400–$1,400 |
| Tub-shower combination | $600–$1,000 |
Inset tubs are the least expensive to refinish because they only have one exterior side, but shower tubs are more expensive due to the wall surface area. Freestanding and claw-foot bathtubs are the most costly due to their deeper interior size and exterior surface area.
If your tub only has minor things that need to be fixed—like a few small chips or scratches or just general wear and tear—you can expect to pay on the lower side of the average for your tub size and material. However, if you have major cracks, scratches, or even gouges, these will need to be filled, which can increase the overall price.
The method of bathtub refinishing you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $2,700 to $10,200. Choose the best plan for your tub by considering the overall cost and the longevity of the repair.
| Bathtub Inlay | Bathtub Reglazing | Bathtub Liner |
|---|---|---|
| $100–$200 | $280–$600 | $2,700–$10,200 |
| Covers the bottom of the tub only | Chemicals include dangerous fumes | Can grow mildew if not fitted correctly |
| Best for small chips or cracks | Best for cracks, rust, and chips | Best option if your tub is beyond repair |
| Can be installed in as little as 30 minutes | Can take two to five hours to install | Installs take one to two days |
| Permanent | Lasts 10 to 15 years | Lasts three to five years |
The cost of materials will vary depending on the refinishing method you choose. If you decide to go with a liner or inlay, your cost of materials will depend on your tub's size and shape. If you decide to reglaze your tub, the necessary materials include chemicals and additional tools.
The good thing about refinishing your bathtub is that the job takes a relatively short amount of time, so labor costs aren’t too high. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours.
Resurfacing can save you a lot of money, but consider replacing your existing tub if it’s cracked or severely damaged. Replacing a bathtub costs an average of $5,700 and could cost as much as $14,700.
| Tub Style | Average Cost (New Tub Only) |
|---|---|
| Standard | $200–$800 |
| Soaking Tub | $600–$13,000 |
| Jet | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Freestanding | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Walk-in | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Accessible | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Clawfoot | $10,000+ |
A few key signs indicate that refinishing your bathtub is a good idea, some more subtle than others.
Rust stains: Rust means the enamel or surface sealer is wearing down, and later can chip and leave sharp edges.
Chips: While small at first, chips can grow over time—and if you have a cast-iron tub, they can lead to rusting.
Discoloration: It’s normal for bathtubs to become discolored with age and use. While this inherently doesn’t cause any concern, it might be unsightly, especially if you plan to sell your home.
Dirty surface: If you just can’t keep your tub as clean as you used to, it’s most likely due to the glaze breaking down. Over time, the glaze can allow dirt and contaminants to enter and seep below the coating.
Refinishing a bathtub involves buffing out surface flaws, stripping the original finish, filling in any cracks or gaps, and applying a new finish (called glaze) to improve the overall look of the tub. Refinishing costs about $450 on average, depending on the type of tub you have.
Reglazing is the process of applying a glazing substance that becomes the very top layer of your tub. Your tub is sanded, chips are filled in, and a new surface coating is applied. Reglazing costs between $280 and $600.
| Bathtub Refinishing | Bathtub Reglazing |
|---|---|
| Costs less than tub replacement but more than simple reglazing | Up to 75% less costly than a full bathtub replacement |
| Includes the reglazing process | Lasts between 10 and 15 years |
| Can take between one to three days to complete | Ready to use after 48 hours post-completion |
| Fixes chips, cracks, rust, and discoloration | Many color options to choose from |
| Suitable for heavily damaged tubs | Surface-level treatment |
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom or simply want to preserve the appearance and life of the bathtub, choosing to refinish your existing tub has its advantages.
Cost: If you want to make your bathtub look new, refinishing it is significantly more cost-effective than replacing it.
Lead protection: Older bathtubs can contain lead. Refinishing can put a new protective surface on your bathtub, making it safer for you and your family.
Preservation: Refinishing your bathtub is an easy way to extend its life by eliminating rust, cracks, and scratches.
Aesthetics: You can change the whole look of your tub just by refinishing it. This can make your entire bathroom look fresh and updated, and you can even change the tub's color.
If you want to resurface your bathtub yourself, you'll have to pay $30 to $150 for a refinishing kit. Even on the high end, you could save hundreds of dollars compared to hiring a pro to do it.
However, you could make some costly mistakes that damage the tub, or at the very least, force you to hire a pro to make repairs. Depending on your comfort level and experience with this project, it might be better to let a local bathtub refinishing pro handle this one.
Choose a standard color: Specialty or custom colors will almost always increase the bottom line. Consider picking a color that's readily available to avoid spending extra money.
Take your time: While you might feel tempted to complete the project as soon as possible, carefully weighing your options can save you from redoing the project later.
Talk to your contractor: You might be able to save money in the long run by asking your contractor about other services they provide. If you are in the position to upgrade your whole bathroom, they might be able to bundle other services like installing new vanities or a new backsplash.
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It is worth it to refinish a bathtub if your current tub is in good shape. Refinishing your tub can remove scratches from wear and tear, cover blemishes and stains, and fill small cracks. However, consider replacing your tub if it’s severely damaged, has large cracks, or leaks.
Refinishing a bathtub takes about two to four hours, but let the surface set for another 24 to 48 hours before using it again. Once it's set, your tub should last for 10 years or more. Ventilating the bathroom during this time is key for safety. In comparison, it takes about four hours to install a new bathtub.
The cost of installing a new bathtub is considerably more expensive than refinishing an existing one, so if you’re looking to upgrade your tub on a budget, you might be better off refinishing it for now. Additionally, if your tub has only minor damage, refinishing it will make it look new again without the extra demolition and time.
