Wondering about the cost of resurfacing a bathtub? Resurfacing can be a cost-effective solution to restoring the appearance of a discolored, chipped, or outdated tub.
It avoids the hassle of a full replacement, which often includes breaking tile, moving plumbing lines, and repairing subfloors. These aspects of the replacement process can be expensive.
At Backwoods Refinishing, we’re experts in bathtub resurfacing and bathroom remodeling in Southeast Michigan. Call (734) 210-1480 or contact us today to learn more about working with us to update your tub.
Is the Cost to Resurface a Bathtub Cheaper Than Replacement?
Purchasing a new bathtub might seem cheap at first glance, but it actually comes with several costs homeowners don’t expect.
Beyond installing the new tub, you’ll likely have to break tile, move plumbing lines, and repair sub floors. These steps involve significant labor and materials on top of the tub installation costs. When you consider these factors, the cost to resurface a bathtub is almost always a fraction of the price of replacement. In addition, it’s significantly faster, making your tub look like new in just one day.
In Michigan, the average cost to resurface a bathtub is $350 to $650, depending on the size of your tub and the type of glaze you choose.
Full tub replacement, on the other hand, can range from $400 to $1,200, just for installing the tub. From there, you can potentially expect to pay additional costs for:
- Demolition & Disposal: $300 to $600
- Plumbing & Labor: $1,000 to $3,500
- Wall & Tile Repair: $500 to $1,500
- Hidden Plumbing Fixes: $200 to $1,000
This brings the total price to $2,400 to $7,800 or more. When you consider the total cost of tub replacement, resurfacing offers 75% to 85% in savings.
What is the Timeline for Resurfacing vs. Replacement?
The low cost of resurfacing a bathtub is due to the timeline, which is significantly faster than a full replacement. The resurfacing process often takes 24 hours to complete. It involves four key steps:
- Preparation: The first couple hours involve industrial, heavy-duty cleaning to remove dirt and grime. This creates a clean surface for the glaze. Acid-etching is also used to create a porous surface for the glaze to bond to.
- Repair: Technicians will fill in chips and scratches using specialized, waterproof resins. This creates a clean, smooth surface for the new coating.
- Coating: A high-performance epoxy primer is applied, along with multiple layers of acrylic urethane topcoat. These materials are applied using professional-grade High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) sprayers. These tools create an even, glass-like finish.
- Curing: The tub dries down in four hours after the glaze is applied. However, it needs to complete the full curing process before it can be used. You’ll have to wait between 24 to 48 hours before exposing the surface to any water.
A full tub replacement takes a minimum of one week. The process may take longer if hidden plumbing issues or other roadblocks are uncovered during the demolition process.
The first couple days involve demolition and debris removal. After that, plumbing adjustments may be made, along with leveling of the subfloor, if necessary. Then, the new tub is installed, along with new tile work and grouting.
During this entire process, your bathroom remains unusable.
Work With Backwoods Refinishing to Refinish Your Bathtub
At Backwoods Refinishing, we’re the best choice to refinish your bathtub for a low cost. Our team is based in Belleville, MI, and we’re family owned and operated. We specialize in reglazing and remodeling for homes and commercial properties across Southeast Michigan and Toledo, Ohio.
With over 21 years of experience, our mission is to deliver refinishing solutions that are affordable and high-quality. You can rely on our local experts to deliver premium results and services you can trust.
Ready to make your bathtub look like new again? Imagine what your bathroom could look like with the help of our refinishing services. Call (734) 210-1480 or contact us online to request an estimate today.
