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The Daily Insight

How much do bathtubs cost

Author

Rachel Hickman

Published Feb 13, 2026

A standard bathtub/shower combination averages $300 to $2,000 for materials. For a freestanding tub, material costs range from $600 to $20,000, depending on the material the tub is made from.

How much does an average bathtub cost?

Most people pay between $1,000 and $14,000 with an average price of $5,000 for the actual tubs, depending on the type, size and brand. Labor typically costs $450 to $2,000, not including extra work like hanging new walls or pouring a concrete slab.

How much does a cheap bathtub cost?

An inexpensive fiberglass tub may cost as little as $200, while a cultured marble tub can run $2,000, and a new cast-iron tub can cost as much as $14,000.

How much should I spend on a bathtub?

At minimum, you are looking to pay at least $1,000 for a freestanding bathtub, though this does not including labor or any additional fixtures or modifications you wish to implement. At the extreme maximum, you can easily spend around $3500+ with some more costly materials out there such as polished brass or copper.

Is it worth replacing a bathtub?

“If cost is the driving factor, refinishing the tub is probably your best option.” If it’s just the “god-awful colors” on the tub that are driving your decision, refinishing is also an option in lieu of replacement. … “If flooring and wall coverings are coming out, replace the tub don’t refinish or reglaze it.”

How much does it cost to remodel a small bathroom?

The national average to remodel a small bathroom is typically $6,500, but it can range anywhere from $1,500 up to $15,000 or more. For a complete remodel, you will likely pay $70 per square foot for low-end fixtures with DIY labor, and up to $250 per square foot for high-end fixtures installed by a licensed contractor.

Why are tubs so expensive?

Freestanding bathtubs are more expensive than other tubs because of Material, Design, and Maintenance. Material is generally the bulk of the price, as quality materials will require a steeper price tag.

Does a house need a bathtub?

There absolutely has to be at least one bathtub in any condo or home. When you sell, you’re also selling a lifestyle and having no tub will hinder a sale to most buyers,” she says. … The need for at least one tub is most common among two specific homeowner groups.

What type of bathtub is best?

  • Porcelain enameled cast iron (Cast Iron) – Best All Around; See Kohler Cast Iron Bathtubs.
  • Thermoformed acrylic (Acrylic) – Better to Excellent; See Kohler Acrylic Bathtubs and Aquatic Bathtubs.
Is painting a bathtub a good idea?

If your existing bathtub is already in pretty good shape but is covered in minor stains, scratches or other surface imperfections, reglazing is a good option. It’s also ideal for certain types bathtubs. … Acrylic bathtubs can also be reglazed, as long as they don’t have any significant issues.

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Can you paint an old bathtub?

Wait, can you paint a bathtub? You can refresh your ceramic, porcelain, or fiberglass tub’s color and still achieve a high-gloss finish using a specialty kit labeled for tubs and tiles, often available at home centers for about $25.

Does tub reglazing smell?

What Are the Dangers of Tub Reglazing Fumes? The fumes from stripping a tub of its previous coating(s) can contain methylene chloride, a colorless liquid that smells similar to chloroform and emits VOCs, aka volatile organic compounds.

Which bathtub is easiest to maintain?

Both acrylic and stone resin tubs are non-porous, making them both easy to clean, repair, and maintain, but acrylic surfaces scratch far easier and discolor faster than stone resin tubs. In terms of durability, stone resin tubs far exceed acrylic tubs since they are harder to scratch, break, or damage.

Is a spa worth the money?

When you use your hot tub regularly and thoroughly enjoy its intended benefits, it’s worth the investment. … When you choose the right hot tub, you won’t regret the investment. In fact, you’ll most likely discover the benefits you never even expected.

What is an alcove bathtub?

Alcove Bathtubs. Alcove tubs, which are surrounded by walls on three sides. The front side is then covered with an integral tub apron. Right and left-handed drains are available and are selected depending on your bathroom configuration.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

According to HomeAdvisor (NASDAQ: ANGI), labor accounts for 40% to 65% of the average bathroom remodel costs, which clearly makes it the single most expensive part of a bathroom renovation. Most property owners choose to hire a general contractor to: Manage and oversee the remodeling project.

How often should you remodel your bathroom?

A bathroom should be remodeled every four to five years. Four to five years is when colors go out of date, fixtures begin to have problems, and when you begin getting sick of the look of your bathroom. If you will be selling your home or your fixtures need to be replaced, then you can renovate sooner.

How long do bathroom remodels take?

On average, a small complete bathroom remodel can be done in about 23 days under ideal circumstances. Assuming no work is done on weekends, this translates to about 4 1/2 weeks—slightly more than one month—if the work proceeds uniformly with no breaks.

What size bathtub should I buy?

When shopping for a soaking tub, find a tub that measures between 60 inches long and 72 inches long. Persons over six feet tall may want to consider an oversized bathtub for the most comfort. We recommend shopping for a bathtub that is over 70 inches long.

What is the most comfortable bath shape?

Oval bathtubs are a common choice for aesthetic and comfort purposes. The most popular oval configuration is the oval freestanding tub (for statement-making purposes), though oval drop in tubs are popular as well, combining the curves of an oval with the linear appearance of a rectangular tub.

Is acrylic or fiberglass bathtub better?

Acrylic is much more durable than a fiberglass tub. The chance of an acrylic tub chipping, cracking or fading is unlikely. Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time. Both styles can be cleaned with simple cleaning solutions.

Are bathtubs becoming obsolete?

Increasingly, homeowners are getting rid of their tubs for lavish, high-end showers. Small spaces and homes owned by millennials and kid-free adults are particularly more apt to agree with the bathtub becoming obsolete. They simply ditch the tub.

Do bathtubs add value to a home?

Real estate professionals typically suggest that homeowners have at least one bathtub in the home for the highest resale value: a 2013 study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that 51 percent of home buyers prefer a master bath with a bathtub and a shower as opposed to just a shower stall.

Are bathtubs outdated?

In fact, the Houzz 2020 Bathroom Trends Update suggests that bathtubs are leaving master bathrooms more than ever before. Houzz researchers found that half of renovated master bathrooms no longer have a bathtub.

How long should a bathtub last?

On average, bathtubs last 10-30 years, depending on the bathtub material. Modern, inexpensive tubs made from acrylic and fiberglass will last 10-15 years. A porcelain-enameled cast-iron tub can last much longer but you will need to refinish it every 5-15 years.

How much is Bath Fitter?

The installation cost of a bath fitter starts at the amount of $1,000. The final bill will depend on many factors, including your wishes and the condition of your bathroom. In some cases, the overall cost can grow up to $10,000. A bathtub liner itself has a price of $700 to $1,400.

How much does it cost to repaint a bathtub?

Refinishing a bathtub costs $479 on average, with a typical range of $335 and $629. This includes $30 to $150 in materials and $200 to $500 in labor. Material and size can also affect the total. Sometimes called “reglazing” or “resurfacing,” this process gives your tub a fresh new look.

How do I get my bathtub white again?

Make a bathtub cleaner paste of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda (or cream of tartar). Rub the paste on the stain and let stand for 30 minutes to one hour, then wipe and rinse.

Can you Reglaze a tub a different color?

Bathtub Refinishing Also known as bathtub reglazing, this process uses special primers and compounds to cover your existing tub and tile. You can make it just about any color that you want, and we can even color match other elements of your bathroom.

Can you put a bathtub over a bathtub?

Bathtub inserts, also known as bathtub liners, offer an affordable way to update outdated bathtubs. Inserts fit over an existing tub and come in a variety of colors. They do away with the tough job of tearing out an old tub.

How toxic is bathtub reglazing?

At high enough levels, it can stop breathing. Methylene chloride exposure may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, a “feeling of intoxication,” and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation and even chemical burns.