Reglazing a bathtub essentially involves refinishing the surface of a stained tub or a tub that has cracks in the porcelain or is an outdated color. Reglazing costs vary widely partly because some homeowners opt to refinish their tubs themselves. In any case, reglazing is less expensive than other bathroom-remodeling options.
Reglazing vs. Replacement
Some homeowners choose to reglaze a bathtub because it costs much less than replacing a tub. Bathtub replacement can cost several thousand dollars by the time a homeowner pays labor costs to have the old tub removed from the home. The Cost Helper website indicates that consumers may pay a company up to $600 to reglaze a tub.
According to Cost Helper, the expense of tub replacement ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, with averages in the $2,500 to $3,500 range. That price range includes labor costs associated with repairing a bathroom's walls and floor after ripping out the old tub.
Bathtub Reglazing Estimates
The Miracle Method company is one of many companies that offer bathtub-refinishing services. Miracle Method indicates that tub replacement can cost homeowners $3,000 or more. The company estimates that people can save as much as 75 percent by having their tubs reglazed instead. Therefore, reglazing could cost about $750.
Cost Helper warns that it's important to ask for references before taking the lowest bid on your project. Some companies may offer bathtub refinishing for as low as $250; However, extremely low prices may be a sign that a company uses substandard reglazing materials that won't hold up under frequent use.
Bathtub Refinishing Kits
Home-improvement stores sell bathtub-refinishing kits that allow homeowners to tackle a refinishing job themselves. Cost Helper notes that do-it-yourself refinishing kits may cost as little as $20. However, an inexperienced home remodeler may have a hard time trying to produce a professional finish. For one thing, the refinisher has to be meticulous about preparing the surface for the refinishing process. Many bathtubs have a slippery porcelain surface. Therefore, reglazing materials may easily peel off if a do-it-yourselfer doesn't properly prepare the surface before refinishing it.
Durability of Reglazed Bathtubs
There are differing opinions about the durability of reglazed bathtubs, even though they offer a low-cost alternative to tub replacement. A "This Old House" magazine article by Richard Weir notes that Miracle Method offers customers a five-year warranty on tub reglazing. However, a co-owner of the franchise indicated that a new finish could last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Nonetheless, Cost Helper notes that some people consider reglazing to be a temporary solution for improving the look of an old tub.