How much will your shower and bathtub installation or replacement cost?

Columbus, OH 43215

Bathtub replacement costs$548 - $2,836

National average fixed price

  • Most common low price:$548
  • Most common high price:$2,836

How much does it cost to replace a bathtub?

By Thumbtack Staff

Last updated Mon, Aug 11

The national average cost to replace a bathtub ranges from around $548-$2,836, and most people pay around $1,246, according to Thumbtack data. Bathtub replacement costs can vary widely depending on the type of tub you select, the cost of plumbing (if you need to add new supply drains and lines), the cost of any construction and finish work necessary, and the cost of labor in your region.
National average cost$1,246
Low-end average cost$548
High-end average cost$2,836
Replace an old, damaged or downright destroyed bathtub with the help of a bathtub installation specialist. Remove an old tub and replace it with a contemporary freestanding tub, a walk-in bathtub, a traditional bathtub, a combination shower/tub, a whirlpool tub or a soaking tub. If you’re ready to replace your broken or outdated bathtub, here are the cost factors to consider.

Type of tub

The tub you choose will have a direct impact on your replacement costs. Walk-in tubs (with installation) can cost 10 times as much as a standard tub with installation due to their unique electrical and plumbing needs as well as the added cost of the tub itself.
Freestanding tubs, which are trending right now, cost more than the standard soaking alcove tub that’s built into the wall. Freestanding tubs start around $650, while basic bathtubs can be found starting at $150. As one example of a high-end bathtub, Michael Big of Big Brothers Development in Skokie, Illinois, recently installed a freestanding Candide cast iron bathtub that cost approximately $11,000. The more luxurious the brand and the higher-end the materials, the higher your tub cost will be.

Installation costs

The cost of installation is another major factor in bathtub replacement. The regional cost of labor and the skilled work required for the job will contribute to the cost. Here is one example of how added plumbing work impacted the tub replacement cost:
The customer had a double handle manifold in place and preferred a single handle manifold, so the company replaced it. The company needed to run all new plumbing and drains for new installation in a basement, which resulted in higher labor costs.

Walk-in tub and installation

Replacing your old tub with a walk-in bathtub is one of the pricier upgrades available. Walk-in tubs replace standard tubs to provide therapeutic soaking while also being safely accessible for those with limited mobility, thus facilitating in-home aging. The walk-in tub is a higher-priced fixture than a standard bathtub. The plumbing work is also more costly and the installation requires construction, electrical work and finish efforts. Here is one example of the cost of replacing your bathtub with a walk-in bathtub:
Find the best Shower and Bathtub Specialist in your neighborhood.

Refinish your bathtub

If you decide to keep your existing bathtub but want it to look brand-new, an economical option is having your bathtub refinished. Your tub pro secures your bathroom, then thoroughly cleans the tub of any top layers. The surface is then smoothed with a special putty, then the pro etches the tub to fully prepare the surface for bonding with the primer. The specialty primer is applied, then an acrylic urethane is sprayed on. This final coat creates the pristine look of porcelain and provides a long-lasting, waterproof finish. Here is one example of bathtub refinishing costs:
How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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