Replacing a bathtub costs between $1,390 and $6,980
A simple bathtub replacement can be as low as $1,300, but if you're dreaming of a grand clawfoot tub where you can soak your worries away, you can pay $10,800 or more. How much it costs to replace a bathtub depends on the space available, your budget, flooring reinforcement, finishes, and the type of tub.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Install a New Bathtub?
The average cost to replace a bathtub is $4,150. However, simple tub replacements with existing plumbing can cost as little as $200. What you pay depends on materials and the labor required for plumbing, tile work, and electrical work.
What Kind of Bathtub Replacement Can I Get on My Budget?
Whether you're replacing a dated fiberglass tub or upgrading your entire bathroom with a jetted tub and waterfall shower, what you choose depends on what you budget.
$1,000
An acrylic soaking tub is a solid upgrade and costs around $700, though you’ll have to rely pretty heavily on DIY. If you’re going the DIY route, make sure you’re confident in your plumbing skills so your tub is leak-free.
$2,500
A budget of $2,500 gives you a little breathing room on materials. Affordable materials include cast iron, acrylic, steel, and fiberglass bathtubs, which you can find for under $500. In addition, extra money in your budget may allow you to work with a contractor. On average, labor will cost around $2,000 but allows you to have confidence in the work and enjoy a new bathtub with less effort on your part.
$5,000
If your budget is $5,000, you now can consider bathtub styles in addition to materials. While still limited, your budget allows you to look at elegant clawfoot tubs or relaxing soaking bathtubs that start at $600. If you consider labor is roughly $2,000, you could get a 70-inch, freestanding tub with a chrome-finished faucet for $3,000. For $2,000, you can consider an ADA-compliant walk-in tub.
$10,000
A $10,000 budget will drastically transform your bathroom. Go all out with high-end whirlpool, clawfoot, soaking, or freestanding tubs. You can upgrade your shower experience, too. The average cost to add a shower to your bathroom is between $2,200 and $8,400, according to HomeAdvisor. Space is your only limiting factor.
What Will It Cost to Replace My Own Bathtub?
Replacing a bathtub yourself can help you save the majority of the cost of hiring a contractor. Still, a bathtub replacement requires some critical steps that DIY'ers should leave to confident and skilled specialists. For instance, jetted tubs hook into your home’s electricity to power jets and heating elements. It’s best to leave any electrical work to the pros. If you can handle the removal, installation, and finishing, expect to save an average of $2,000 on labor.
Bathtub Replacement Cost Breakdown
The cost of removing a bathtub and replacing it with a new bathtub requires demolition, plumbing, tile or flooring work, and in some cases, electrical work. This breakdown aims to highlight where your money will go when replacing or upgrading a bathtub. Reaching out to a bathroom remodeler near you is always a good place to start.
Labor Costs
Removing the existing tub will run from $250 to $500. Hauling the old bathtub away can cost between $100 and $4,200, depending on the weight. Once removed, fixing and preparing the surface for the new tub can cost $300 to $800.
Plumbing (Labor and Materials)
Even though you're replacing an existing tub, you still may need new pipe fittings or other plumbing work. A plumber may cost you $400 to $1,900.
Bathtub Unit
A new tub costs between $200 and $8,500, depending on the size, style, and material. But, of course, your preference should also be a driving factor. After all, you're the one that will be relaxing in that new tub.
Finishes
Your bathtub replacement may also involve sealing, tiling, and painting. Expect to pay $500 to $2,000 for finishing the areas surrounding your tub.
Faucets and fixtures are sold separately from the tub. Like the tub itself, different materials and styles make a difference in the final cost. Choosing the right faucet and complementary features for your new tub will run between $50 and $900.
Flooring Reinforcement
Depending on your setup, your floor might not be prepped to support a new bathtub. For example, installing a large or jetted bathtub might require more floor space and joists to strengthen the floor.
Similarly, if you upgrade to a heavier tub material like cast iron or marble, you’ll need to reinforce the flooring to hold the weight, which costs about $300 to $800. The number of joists, size, and ease of access will impact the pricing. Plus, you might have to budget for any subfloor repairs, like those from water damage.
Which Bathtub Fits My Budget?
From high-end luxury to rustic relaxation, bathtubs set the tone for your soak.
Cast Iron
Porcelain enamel-coated cast iron tubs come in a range of styles to fit your dream bathroom. They retain heat well, but cast iron is heavy and may require extra reinforcements. Cast-iron bathtubs cost between $400 and $14,000.
“The best part of a cast iron tub is the lack of noise and high rigidity,” says Joseph Wood, Expert Review Board member, and Boston-based Master Plumber. “There’s no flex or anything like that.”
Acrylic
Acrylic is a popular material for families due to its resistance to bath toys and dog paws. Standard acrylic tubs will cost you $700 to $1,000, with high-end models approaching $14,000. For a lightweight, durable bathtub option, opt for acrylic.
Cultured Marble
Stylish marble makes for a show-stopping bathroom. Installing a marble tub will run on average between $2,000 and $5,000. Unlike acrylic, marble is heavy and risks cracking. Ask your pro about extra care and reinforced flooring when you opt for marble.
Steel
Enameled steel is a lighter and more cost-efficient alternative to cast iron, with a price range of $200 to $1,000. However, steel drawbacks include the risk of chipping, and they can make a cacophony of sounds while filling.
Fiberglass
An affordable option, fiberglass tubs are lightweight and come in a variety of colors. You'll pay between $200 and $800 to install a new fiberglass bathtub. Unlike some of the other materials, fiberglass is not great at retaining heat.
How Much Do Bathtubs Cost by Style?
What does your bathtub say about you? Bathtub styles add to your ability to escape the stress of the day. Many tub styles balance aesthetics and utility to bring comfort and relaxation.
Jet and Whirlpool
Bathtubs with jets aid in soothing stiff muscles and sore joints. The average whirlpool-style tub will cost $1,000 to $4,000. These tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. Heated jets require electricity, while other bathtubs do not. Additional work is required to install these tubs which may result in a more substantial remodel.
Clawfoot
Distinctive clawfoot tubs can reach prices of $10,000 or more, but you can find options that fit just about any price range. Depending on the material used, the job may require flooring reinforcement.
Soaking Tub
Deep basined soaking tub costs range on average from $600 to $13,000. The price of soaking tubs, like other styles, is mainly determined by material and size. Because these are deeper than standard tubs, confirm ahead of time that the tub will fit your space.
Freestanding
Freestanding bathtubs are tubs with space to move around on all sides. They make for a distinctive element to your bathroom, especially if you’re accustomed to traditional built-in tubs. Freestanding tubs average around $2,500. Make sure you have enough space before you commit.
Walk-In
Walk-in tubs feature safety and comfort. In addition, the tub allows for easier access for those who may have trouble getting in and out of standard bathtubs. Walk-in tubs cost between $2,000 and $8,000.
Replacement Bathtub Cost Factors
Labor is a primary factor in the cost of replacing your bathtub.
Size and Space
Unless you're capable of expanding, the size of the tub you choose needs to fit your existing bathroom size. But, of course, shape and height are also considerations that exist regardless of budget.
Materials
Bathtubs come in various materials, such as vinyl, cast iron, and steel. What you choose depends on your budget and personal preferences.
Labor
Tear out and installation, along with electrical, plumbing, and tile work, present the need for different pros to complete your bathtub replacement.
Hourly Rates
Electrician: $50–$100
Plumber: $45–$200
Tile: $40 –$60
Frequently Asked Questions
Refinishing a bathtub offers an alternative to total replacement and can prolong its life and appearance. The cost to refinish a bathtub is between $330 to $600.
Simply put, the bells and whistles add dollar signs. Added steam and heat require additional sealing to avoid leaks and mold. Additionally, you will need an electrician to correctly wire the tub to your home's electricity.
Replacing a bathtub may give you the push to tackle other projects. For example, some tubs may require remodeling your bathroom entirely. Also, since you'll enjoy more baths, is your hot water heater up to the task? Perhaps you'd like to install a water heater to ensure you get the most out of bathtime.
You should consider replacing your bathtub if the tub—or any potential refinishing—is older than about 20 years old. However, acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs have a shorter lifespan (about 10 to 15 years). You may decide to replace your bathtub sooner if there are stains or mold you can’t get rid of, no matter how much you clean it, or if you find leaks and cracks that could lead to costly water damage.
