Bathtub Refinishing vs Replacement: Which One Makes More Sense?

At some point, unless they sell their house before it happens, every homeowner will face a monumental and agonizing decision: whether to opt for a bathtub refinishing vs replacement​. 

Truthfully, this decision doesn’t have to be a big deal. 

However, it can still cost you a very different amount of money either way. 

So, it’s worth looking into it and getting the info you need to make the best decision for you. 

Cost Savings For Bathtub Refinishing vs Replacement

Refinishing a bathtub typically costs between $300 and $600, depending on the size, condition, and type of finish.

In contrast, a full replacement including the tub, removal of the old one, plumbing adjustments, and installation can run anywhere from $2000 to $6000 or more, depending on the quality of the new tub and labor rates in your area.

This means, even on the high end, refinishing can save 70% or more compared to a full replacement.

And if your home has a quality existing tub, a professional refinishing can actually give you a better result than installing a cheap replacement.

As we mentioned in our other article about reglazing bathtubs, you tend to get the quality that you pay for. 

And what we mean is that, if you go the cheap route with a replacement, you’re likely to get a result that will be inferior to the other option. 

In other words, a quality refinishing will often be superior to a cheap replacement. 

As far as a bathtub refinishing vs replacement goes, though, you will sometimes have little choice but to replace your bathtub.

If that tub has deep structural damage, rusted or corroded tubs, or major cracks that affect the tub’s integrity can’t be fixed with refinishing alone.

Some damage simply can’t be repaired without effectively recreating a whole new tub anyway. And every bathtub ages out eventually. 

But in many cases, a great refinishing job restores your tub’s surface, color, and shine, effectively giving it a like new appearance at a fraction of the cost and without the hassle of demolition, plumbing work, or debris removal.

For homeowners who want to save money while still getting a bathroom that looks fresh, refinishing is often the smarter, more budget friendly choice.

“How Do I Save Money On Refinishing Or Replacing?”

Refinishing almost always costs far less than a full replacement because you’re keeping the existing tub and avoiding the labor that comes with demolition, removal, plumbing adjustments, and installation.

The only time a replacement might seem cheaper is if you opt for a cheap quality tub, but that usually leads to problems down the road.

If you’re taking the time to look into your options, you’re probably aiming for a solution that lasts, and refinishing gives you that without the extra expense.

Refinishing lets you get a clean, updated tub without paying for a major remodel, which is why it’s the more budget friendly route for most homeowners.

“So, How Do I Know If I Need a Replacement?”

The short answer is that if you need a whole new bathtub, you’ll probably know. 

The fact that you’re asking the question at all is likely a sign that the one you have isn’t completely toast yet. 

You usually need a new bathtub when the damage goes beyond what refinishing or minor repairs can fix.

Structural cracks
Refinishing can cover small surface cracks, but it can’t repair deep cracks that run through the body of the tub. If the material is splitting or flexing, the tub needs to be replaced.

A tub that flexes or moves
If the tub shifts when you step in or feels unstable, the underlying support is compromised. Refinishing won’t fix movement or structural instability.

Water damage underneath the surface
Once water has seeped below the finish or into the substructure, refinishing can’t stop the damage. You may notice bubbling, warping, or mold around the base.

Rust or corrosion that goes deeper than the surface
Light rust can be treated, but heavy corrosion eats into the tub material. If metal is pitting or weakening, refinishing won’t restore its strength.

Holes or missing sections of material
Refinishing can fill small chips, but it can’t rebuild large gaps, holes, or worn through areas.

Plumbing or drainage problems caused by the tub itself
If the tub’s shape has warped, the drain no longer lines up, or water won’t sit correctly, refinishing won’t solve functional issues.

A tub that’s the wrong size or layout
Not a damage issue, but still a reason refinishing won’t help. If the tub doesn’t meet your needs or doesn’t fit your bathroom setup, only a replacement will.

And if that’s the case, it’s best to call a professional to ask them about it before you decide to drop a few grand on buying and installing a new bathtub. 

Because, yeah, the installation itself is potentially the most significant part of the overall cost. 

Even if you save some money on the tub itself, the labor costs will still be what they’re going to be. 

Like we mentioned, though, if you really need a new bathtub, your current one will likely be giving you at least a few obvious problems. 

These problems are what will indicate that a replacement is necessary. 

And if you do end up needing a brand new bathtub, it’s recommended to get it refinished to keep it protected and extend its lifespan as long as possible. 

“What If I Just Really Like My Current Bathtub?”

We will almost always recommend doing what can be done to save a bathtub before replacing it. 

There are only a few types of damage to a bathtub that genuinely can’t be repaired within reason. 

We’re talking about catastrophic damage, like an entire side of it being completely shattered or something like that. 

In keeping with one of the recurring themes of this article, though, you’ll often already know if you’ve got damage that serious. 

And when it comes to repairs and refinishing, you’d be amazed at what a knowledgeable professional can do to save a damaged bathtub. 

So, call a professional and get their opinion first before you make any expensive decisions. 

“What Exactly Is Involved In A Bathtub Refinishing vs Replacement?”

The truth is that it depends on what exactly your bathtub needs. 

If your bathtub is already in pretty good shape, it might only need minimal repairs, like fixing a tiny crack or chip in the surface.  

However, if the damage is more extensive, then more aggressive repairs will be required. 

Most of the time, your bathtub can be saved, and refinishing takes less time than replacing your bathtub. 

Since there’s no construction or heavy lifting involved in a refinishing, the professionals you hire will usually be in and out of your house on the same day, causing minimal disruption to your life. 

That’s especially true if they’ve been doing it for decades like we have. 

And on top of that, the glazing they apply to your bathtub will keep it protected for years to come, so that you don’t have to keep doing this all the time. 

Your Bathtub, Your Call

Unless it’s destroyed beyond repair or usability, you’ve got the ability to choose whether to save your current bathtub or toss it. 

In our professional opinion, it’s almost always best to get a bathtub refinishing vs replacement​ because, in addition to potentially saving you thousands of dollars, you’ll get to keep the bathtub that you’ve probably grown sentimentally attached to at this point. 

And to make it better, you won’t be committing yourself to the long and messy process of ripping it out of your bathroom, transporting it somewhere else, transporting a new bathtub to your house, and paying a bunch of people to spend hours or days installing it for you. 

So, it’s not only money you can save but also time and stress.