Introduction
Bathrooms are designed to be an oasis in your home, a place to relax and take care of yourself away from the chaos of daily life. The last place you might want to unwind is your outdated bathroom, though. If your bathtub is outdated, stained, broken, or chipped, it won’t be as inviting for a leisurely soak or washing your kids. Therefore, if you’re thinking of updating, you might be wondering how much it would cost to replace a bathtub. Planning your budget before you begin is a smart idea whether you’re upgrading to a lavish new soaking tub or replacing your old tub with a similar type. The national average price to install a bathtub is $5,700, but costs can range from $1,400 to $10,750. The age and type of your bathtub are two important considerations, but we’ll give you a comprehensive bathroom remodeling cost guide and all you need to know about bathtub replacement costs.
Type Of Bathtub Fix Or Replacement Cost
One-Time Repair
If all you want to do is fix an old, leaky bathtub, the prices will be far lower, averaging $300 to $600. However, the decision to resurface, re-enamel, or re-glaze will affect the cost.
An Equivalent Substitute
The best course of action is to install a new bathtub if you are remodeling your complete bathroom. Simple bath remodeling costs should cost between $2,500 and $3,500 when using a mid-range acrylic bathtub.
A Premium Improvement
The ultimate price will be greatly influenced by the type of bathtub you choose. You can choose from cast iron, fiberglass, ceramic, or even ceramic tubs. A traditional-sized bathtub will be far less expensive than a deluxe jacuzzi bath remodel. A high-end bathtub should easily cost more than $6,000 in today’s market.
Factors to Consider When Calculating Bathtub Replacement Costs
A new bathtub may cost as little as $750 to as much as $20,000, with the national average being $5,660. The huge range in prices is primarily according to the bathtub type selected. The following should be taken into account when calculating the price of a bathtub replacement project since other factors also influence it.
Bathtub Type
Since certain tubs are more challenging to install than others, the type of tub impacts both the initial purchase price and installation expenses. The least-priced bathtubs are the standard models, and as you add additional amenities, the cost will increase.
A Multipurpose Bathtub
These are generally used in small bathroom renovations in which they are enclosed on three sides by watertight walls. They frequently come in tub-shower combos.
Walk-In Bathtub
Anyone with mobility issues or elderly folks is advised to use walk-in bathtubs. They feature doors and high edges that make it possible to enter without stepping over the side. They often have handheld showerheads and let people take showers while sitting.
Whirlpool Or Jet Bathtub
Water is moved around in jetted tubs, giving off the feeling of being in a spa while also enhancing circulation and easing some forms of pain.
Air Bathtub
These bathtubs are comparable to jetted bathtubs but provide a softer massage effect thanks to pressurized air. They cost about the same as whirlpool bathtubs.
A Hot Bathtub
Despite being more frequently used for relaxation than for bathing, a hot tub or jacuzzi is nevertheless a form of bathtub. This particular style of tub is the most expensive to install due to the specialty of electrical and plumbing work.
A Soaking Bathtub
Compared to normal versions, soaking bathtubs are deeper, enabling adults to fully submerge themselves. Soaking baths include clawfoot tubs and other freestanding bathtubs.
Material
The cost of installing a bathtub will vary depending on the materials employed. To get your desired design, the proper material must be chosen, from inexpensive plastic to luxurious stone.
Cost Of A Porcelain Bathtub: $400–$2,000+
Porcelain has a fair amount of heat retention, and because of its highly reflective surface, it may be exceedingly slick and potentially dangerous for some people. Additionally, it cannot withstand any significant hits or scratches without breaking or chipping. Without installation, the average cost of a 60-inch conventional porcelain bathtub varies from 350 to 2,000.
Cost Of A Cast Iron Bathtub: $500 To $2,000
Cast iron is an extremely strong, long-lasting material that also has good heat retention, allowing for extended soak durations. Despite this, the material is rather heavy, necessitating extra support reinforcement. A 60-inch conventional cast iron tub typically costs between $500 and $2,000, not including installation.
Cost Of Steel Bathtub: $500 To $2,000
The material’s sole drawback is that it is readily chippable and makes a lot of noise when the tub is full. A 60-inch enameled steel tub typically costs between $300 and $2,000, not including installation.
Cost Of Copper Bathtub: $2,000 To $5,000+
Because of its high price, copper is considered to be rather a luxury good. The material is arguably the most resilient on the market; it can withstand any abuse without chipping, maintains heat incredibly well, and repels mold and dirt with ease. As previously said, it is also quite aesthetically beautiful, with a rustic vibe. However, because they are all custom manufactured, this material is the most expensive available, with a starting price of at least $2,000 for the bathtub alone, excluding any other charges.
Cost Of Acrylic Bathtub: $500-$900+
Due to its adaptability and wide range of shapes and patterns, acrylic is a frequently used material for bathtubs. Acrylic is simple to clean and does a good job of retaining heat. It is resistant to abrasion, and fading, and has a non-porous finish. Acrylic can scratch, but most scuffs can be removed with gentle rubbing with a moderate liquid, non-abrasive cleanser. Standard 60-inch acrylic bathtubs typically cost between $500 and $900, not including installation.
Labor Costs
Instead of attempting a DIY bathtub installation, we strongly advise contacting a professional. A well-done job will make your bathroom renovation seamless, despite being more expensive. Remember that the cost of plumbing labor might range from $500 to $1,600 depending on the extent of the project. The average hourly wage for licensed plumbers is from $45 to $65. A tub installation will take anywhere from six to nine hours. It will take an additional three hours to remove an existing tub.
Cost Of Tub Surround Installation
For labor and materials, installing a tub surround typically costs between $600 and $1,800. A new tub surround costs $300 to $600 in labor alone. Simple acrylic and fiberglass tub surrounds range in price from $200 to $1,000. Installed, solid surface surrounds range in price from $600 to $2,000.
Changing The Lines And Plumbing
Your bathroom’s plumbing and pipes can be changed so that you can add extra fixtures. Moving a line will enable you to move your bathtub if you don’t like where it is now situated. You can also relocate your toilet or accommodate both a bathtub and a shower by changing your lines, which is a great place to start.
Electrical Upgrades
You might need to spend between $1,500 and $4,000 to replace your home’s electrical panel if your new tub requires power to function. Additionally, ground fault connection interrupter (GFCI) breakers are needed in moist regions of bathrooms to prevent electric shocks. These usually range from $5 to $100 per item. A certified electrician must be hired for this electrical work.
Converting Showers Into Baths
Converting the showers into tubs is a terrific place to start if you want to make your bathroom more of an opulent and relaxing refuge. Bathtubs are a more soothing fixture since they let you lie back and completely submerge yourself. However, bathtubs have a greater total resale value than showers despite costing more to build.
