Does your old, broken bathtub make your bathroom look awful? It might be chipped, stained, or just out of date, which makes the whole bathroom feel less appealing. When their bathtub is broken, most homeowners think about two main options: reglazing the bathtub (also called refinishing or resurfacing ) or replacing it completely. Both choices can make your bathroom look new again, but they are completely unique in terms of price, process, and how long they last.
It can be hard to choose between reglazing and replacing your bathtub. This guide will help you figure out the best way to remodel or renovate your bathroom by comparing the costs of reglazing a bathtub and replacing it, as well as the pros and cons of each option.
Understanding Bathtub Reglazing (Refinishing/Resurfacing)
What is Bathtub Reglazing?
You effectively place a new coat of paint on your bathtub when you reglaze it. Workers that are good at their jobs address little problems like chips and scratches, clean the tub thoroughly, and then put on multiple coatings of a long-lasting, high-gloss finish. This gives your antique bathtub a smooth, factory-like surface that makes it look like it just came out of the box.
The Process of Bathtub Reglazing
Cleaning and Prep: The tub is meticulously cleaned, stripped of old caulk, and often etched to ensure proper adhesion.
Repairs: Any chipped bathtub or damaged bathtub areas are filled and sanded smooth.
Priming: A bonding agent is applied to prepare the surface.
Topcoat Application: Multiple coats of a durable, specialized enamel or polyurethane finish are sprayed on.
Curing: The tub needs time to cure, typically 24-48 hours, before it can be used.
Pros of Bathtub Reglazing
Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than a full replacement. This is often the primary reason homeowners consider tub reglazing.
Time-Saving: The process typically takes only a day or two, minimizing disruption to your routine.
Eco-Friendly: Keeps an old tub out of a landfill, making it a sustainable old bathtub solutions.
Less Mess: Avoids the demolition and construction mess associated with removing an old tub.
Quick Bathroom Upgrade: A fast way to achieve a bathroom makeover.
Cons of Bathtub Reglazing
Durability: With the correct care, skilled jobs can last 10 to 15 years, but they normally don't last as long as a new bathtub. Reglazing lasts a long time, but how long depends on how you use and care for it.
Odor: The chemicals used might make strong fumes as they work, thus the area needs to be well-ventilated.
DIY Risks: You can buy kits to reglaze your bathtub yourself, but it's hard to produce a nice, long-lasting finish, and it usually ends up looking ugly. Getting an expert to fix up your bathtub is quite vital.
Limited Structural Repair: Only fixes faults on the surface, not problems with the structure itself.
Bathtub Reglazing Cost
The cost of reglazing a bathtub can change depending on where you live, how bad the tub is, and who you hire. For a standard professional reglazing service, you can expect to pay between $350 and $650. This makes it a very appealing choice for fixing up a bathtub.
Understanding Bathtub Replacement
What is Bathtub Replacement?
When you replace your bathtub, you take out the old one and put in a new one in its place. This is a bigger job that usually requires plumbing changes, tearing down walls, and maybe even putting in new tile around the tub area.
The Process of Bathtub Replacement
Demolition: The old tub is removed, which can be a messy process, especially if it's a cast iron tub. Surrounding tiles or walls may also need to be removed.
Plumbing Adjustments: Drains and water lines may need to be modified or upgraded for the new tub.
Installation: The new bathtub is set in place, leveled, and connected to the plumbing.
Finishing: New tile, drywall, and caulk are installed around the tub to complete the look.
Pros of Bathtub Replacement
Long-Term Durability: A new bathtub offers the longest lifespan, typically 15-20 years or more, depending on the material.
Complete Refresh: You get an entirely new bathtub, allowing for material upgrades (e.g., from fiberglass to cast iron or acrylic), new styles, and different sizes or configurations (like a walk-in tub).
Addresses Structural Issues: Allows for inspection and repair of any subfloor or wall damage behind the old tub.
Increases Home Value: A brand-new, modern tub can significantly boost your home's appeal and resale value, particularly as part of a larger bathroom remodel.
Cons of Bathtub Replacement
High Cost: The most significant drawback, as it involves not just the tub itself but also demolition, plumbing, and finishing work.
Time-Consuming: Can take several days to a week or more, leaving your bathroom out of commission.
Messy: Demolition can create a lot of dust and debris.
Disruption: The noise and activity can be disruptive to your household.
Bathtub Replacement Cost
Compared to reglazing the bathtub, this will cost a lot more. You are paying for the tub and the work that goes into putting it in. This includes taking down the old tub, putting up the new one, and doing plumbing and tiling work. Depending on the type of tub being replaced (acrylic, fiberglass, or cast iron), the cost of labor, and the amount of extra work that needs to be done, a conventional bathroom remodel with a new tub can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 or more.
Bathtub Reglazing vs. Replacement: A Direct Cost Comparison
Let's put the numbers side-by-side:
Cost to Reglaze Tub: $350 - $650
Cost to Replace Tub: $2,500 - $6,000+
Clearly, bathtub reglazing offers a significant upfront cost saving. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly update bathtub option without a full bathroom remodeling project.
Beyond Cost: Other Factors to Consider
While cost is often the primary driver, it's crucial to weigh other factors when deciding to reglaze or replace bathtub:
Condition of Your Existing Tub
Bathtub reglazing is probably a good choice if your old tub simply has cosmetic problems like stains, chipping, or dullness. But if your tub has extensive cracks in its structure, leaks, or corrosion that has eaten through the material, replacement is probably the only choice that will work. Reglazing can't fix damage to the structure itself.
Your Long-Term Goals
Are you looking for a quick fix to sell your home, or do you plan to stay for another 10-15 years? If it's a short-term solution, reglazing benefits often outweigh the investment in a new bathtub. For a long-term bathroom renovation, especially one that improves functionality or aesthetics significantly, the replacement benefits might make the higher cost worthwhile.
Desired Aesthetic Change
Most of the time, reglazing changes the color, but it can also give the look a new lease on life. You can only replace your tub if you want to change its style, size, or material. For example, you can't go from a normal tub to a freestanding clawfoot tub or a soaking tub. Think about the bathroom change you want.
DIY vs. Professional
There are DIY bathtub reglazing kits, however professional bathtub reglazing gives a much better finish that lasts longer. Because of the complicated piping and structure, expert bathtub installation is nearly usually needed for replacement.
So, Which Option Is Right for You?
You should decide whether to reglaze or replace your tub based on your income, how badly damaged it is, and your long-term bathroom goals. If your tub is physically sound and you want to make it look new again in a quick, easy, and inexpensive way, the reglazing process is a great choice. For the value it adds, many residents think reglazing is worth the money.
However, if your tub is severely damaged, outdated in style, or you envision a complete overhaul of your bathroom, investing in a bathtub replacement will provide the most significant upgrade and lasting satisfaction. This is often the case in a major bathroom remodel bathtub project.
Conclusion
You may either reglaze or replace a worn-out bathtub to make it look new once again. Reglazing is an inexpensive approach to change your look, but replacing your face is a full overhaul that lasts a long time. By carefully evaluating the costs of reglazing and replacing bathtubs, you can be sure that you will obtain the best bathtub options for your needs and budget. This will change the look of your bathroom and provide you years of clean bathing pleasure. Before you choose which option to go alongside for your bathroom renovation task, get a few quotations for each one and take a close look at the present state of your current tub.
