Remodeling your bathroom is a lot of fun but expensive. Your bathtub is typically the most costly item to replace, but what if there was a way to revamp your bath without going through all the hassle of replacing it.
We compare Bath Fitter costs to see which ones are the best, and we answer those questions you’ve been itching to ask.
Key Takeaways
- Bath Fitter tub remodeling costs around $2,500 on average, with costs increasing based on add-ons and accessories.
- Replacing a bathtub can cost between $700 and $1,500, depending on the style and material of the new tub.
- Bathtub refinishing can save money, costing between $400 and $600, while remodeling averages $2,500.
- Bath Fitter shower costs range from $2,600 to $3,000, with the final price depending on additional features.
Bath Fitter Tub Costs (Remodeling)
Remodeling your bathtub can vary in cost. A lot depends on the dimensions of your tub and how many additional add-ons you want. The average price is about $2,500, but this increases with each new accessory.
The most common add-ons include:
- Faucets.
- Hand-held showers.
- Tub and shower doors.
- Seat.
- The quality of the finish.
- Grab bar.
- Towel rails.
Bath Fitter also supplies window trims that cost about $1,500. If you add up the total amount, including add-ons, the overall total could top $5,500. And that doesn’t take into account the cost of hiring someone to fit it.
Obviously, you could save a lot of money by carrying out the work yourself, but you would need a degree of skill and knowledge to get professional results.
Plus, getting a professional to complete the work reduces your chances of water leakage behind the liner. If you incorrectly install it, you could end up with mold and mildew growing.
Bath Fitter Tub Replacement Costs
Replacing a bathtub might be your only option, so knowing what it costs is crucial to helping you decide. Sometimes it might be the most convenient and cost-effective method of achieving that new look.
The average cost of replacing a bathtub runs from $700 to $1,500, but this depends on several factors. First, you should decide what style of bath you want. If you are replacing like for like and using existing plumbing, this is the cheapest option.
If you are upscaling and going high-end, you will likely need a professional to fit it, which ramps the costs up significantly. Expect to pay an extra $700 to $3,000 for labor. It also means you will be spending more on the tub. Some premium models cost $5,000.
The second factor is the material:
Acrylic
Acrylic is the cheapest because it’s easy to mold, lightweight and simple to mass-produce. Acrylic bathtubs are the most commonly bought in the USA, and they come in every shape and size you can imagine.
You can pick up an acrylic tub for as little as $250, so they are the best budget choice.
Steel
Steel tubs are expensive because they cost a lot to manufacture. However, they last forever. Steel tubs are not as common as other materials because they weigh a ton.
A steel tub will set you back between $1,000 to $5,000.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is another cheap material. It is easy to manufacture and can be molded into any shape. Fiberglass is more porous than other materials, so you might compromise longevity for cost.
You can purchase a fiberglass bathtub for as little as $250, although they cost as much as $700 for the better-known brands.
Cast-Iron
Cast-iron bathtubs are super-heavy. They are also an expensive option. Most cast-iron bathtubs are traditional claw-footed freestanding models that replicate styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Cast-iron models will cost anything between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on the make and model.
Marble
Marble is the most luxurious material. It is expensive, heavy, and typically made to measure. If you want a marble tub, you need bottomless pockets. Expect to pay upwards of $2,000 to $13,000!
Bathtub Refinish Costs
There is a fine line when choosing between refinishing and remodeling, but the gap is enormous when it comes to the costs. Bathtub refinishing costs between $400 and $600, but these costs reduce depending on the type of tub and the material used.
Remodeling costs an average of $2,500, so you can see a significant saving. However, remodeling involves a complete change, while refinishing is about reviving your tub’s existing surfaces.
You need a professional to complete this task. They start by sanding off the liner’s old surface and applying a new glaze to make it look new.
Bath Fitter Shower Cost
Much like the costs for remodeling your bathtub, it all depends on the add-ons. The average price of a Bath Fitter shower cost is between $2,600 and $3,000, but this number rises or falls depending on the add-ons.
If you have extravagant tastes, you could add hundreds and sometimes thousands to your final bill.
Bathtub Liner Replacement Costs
Let’s talk a little about what a bathtub liner actually is. A tub liner custom fits your existing bathtub. A professional visits your property to measure for the liner and then returns to install it when it’s ready.
Because the liner is bespoke, it should fit over your old bathtub like a glove. They are then glued in place, and you have a shiny new tub surface.
Bath Fitter costs are comparable with other liner costs, so you don’t pay a premium; however, you will still need to set aside about $1,500 to $3,000 for almost any make of liner.
It also depends on the material used to construct the bathtub liner. Bath Fitter primarily uses acrylic, but other manufacturers use PVC, Vikrell, enamel, and fiberglass.
Bath Fitter Wall Panel Costs
The cost of wall panels varies between manufacturers and models. It’s not always necessary to fit wall panels, but it might be the best solution for a neat job if you are replacing faucets or other fixtures.
You can pick up bathtub surrounds for as little as a couple of hundred dollars, but if you go for premium models, this can rise steeply to between $1,500 and $5,000 if you factor in the installation costs.
Bath Fitter Tub To Shower Conversion Cost
It is possible to convert your tub into a shower. Like everything else, the price is based on the quality of the materials, add-ons, size, and whether you need wall panels.
On average, homeowners expect to pay between $1,200 and $7,000 for a tub to shower conversion.
It is a fairly simple process to carry out and can be completed within a day. They remove the faucets and other existing fixtures and then take out your old bath.
The new shower base is installed, and the holes for the showerhead and faucets are cut. Then the wall panels are fitted, followed by the plumbing.
Bathtub Fitting FAQs
Which Is Better: Bath Fitter or Rebath?
To define which is better, we need to look at what each manufacturer offers. On the surface, they are very similar. However, Bath Fitter gives you more choices when it comes to add-ons and fixtures.
Rebath gives you greater choices on bath styles, offering walk-in tubs, and you also get lighting, cabinets, and faucets.
To put it into perspective, Bath Fitter primarily focuses on revamping your bathtub or shower, while Rebath concentrates on the entire bathroom remodel.
Does Home Depot Do Bath Fitters?
Home depot does bathtub liners, but they typically supply their own makes and models rather than Bath Fitters. They have a comprehensive service with professional installers and a wide range of choices, but these don’t include Bath Fitters.
Does Bath Fitters Offer Financing?
Bath Fitters do have a finance package if you buy their complete Bath Fitter system. They offer zero percent interest for 24 months. This finance option is not available for all their products, so it might limit your choice if you want the flexibility of offsetting the high costs with manageable monthly payments.
Does Mold Grow Under Bath Fitter?
Bath Fitters can cause mold if they are incorrectly installed. Faulty seals and inaccurate measurements cause water to seep behind the liner, and mold starts growing. This is not exclusive to Bath Fitter. All badly installed liners will have the same effect. The best way to avoid mold is to get a professional to perform the installation.
Their work will be warrantied and finished to a very high standard.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Remodel a Bathroom?
Rather than ripping out your bath and rerouting your plumbing, a simple Bath Fitter liner and wall panel system is a more cost-effective way of updating your bathroom. Ripping out a tub, removing tiles from the wall, and reconfiguring the plumbing is dirty and expensive work.
A bathtub liner is molded to the shape of your old bath, so it fits like a glove, and you can glue the wall panels to existing surfaces to create an immediate impact. If Bath Fitters is too expensive, there are other options like Rebath and Home depot.
It’s a great idea to shop around before committing to a product.
Is It Worth It to Refinish a Bathtub?
It is if you like saving money. Over time, your tub’s surface stains discolor and get scratched. Nothing ages a bathtub more than unsightly patches of staining on the white surface.
A very simple and cheap way to revitalize your bathtub is to refinish it, bringing the surface back to its former glory. You need to call in the professionals to sand and recoat the tub surface, but you get a smart new look for around $400 to $600.
How Long Does Bath Fitter Take to Install?
It depends on what add-ons you’ve chosen, but the installation only takes a day in the main. Here’s how they convert a bathtub into a shower:
- The tub and faucets are removed.
- The new shower base is prepared and installed.
- The holes for the taps and showerhead are created.
- Professionals install your chosen wall panels and wall liner.
- The plumbing is completed, and the add-ons, like the shower doors, seats, and grab bars are fitted.
How Long Does Bath Fitter Last?
Bath Fitter liners can last indefinitely. For as long as you live there, it should be in serviceable shape. However, to keep it in tip-top condition, you should get the surface of the liner refinished every 5 years.
This should cost you between $400 and $600, which is a lot cheaper than replacing the bathtub.
