How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Bathtub?

Bathtub replacement cost

Determine which type of bathtub you want before you hire a contractor. A bathtub replacement cost depends on the style, size, and material of the tub. Labor costs to install it will increase the total price. Any additional changes to plumbing will require you to pay a plumber separately. The average bathtub installation cost is approximately $2,500, which is the cost for a standard five-foot acrylic bathtub. Your final price could be higher or lower based on the type of tub you choose. If you’re replacing an existing bathtub, prepare to pay an additional cost to remove and dispose of it, which is between $67 to $143 on average.

New bathtub material types and costs

When you’re wondering how much to replace a bathtub, make sure you have enough room for the new tub first. Drop-in tubs are usually installed in larger bathrooms with lots of floor space. Think about how you plan to use your new tub. A deep tub with whirlpool massagers is great for soaking and relaxing, while a standard bathtub should be fine for basic baths for the kids. For those with smaller bathrooms, choose a tub and shower combo to give you two functions in one.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of bathtubs and their average costs.

Acrylic bathtub

Most standard bathtubs are constructed from acrylic, and they can be molded and shaped into any size. This durable synthetic material is usually the most affordable option, with average costs of around $200. However, extremely large acrylic bathtubs or something in a custom shape can cost as much as $13,000 or more.

Cultured marble bathtub

If you're aiming for something more high-end and luxurious, cultured marble is an excellent choice. Crafted of solid stone, these beautiful bathtubs are extremely heavy and durable. You may not want to install this style tub on a second floor due to its weight. The cost of a cultured marble bathtub ranges between $2,000 on the very low end and over $11,000 or more on the high end.

Cast iron bathtub

A classic choice for tubs, cast iron is extremely heavy and durable. Most cast iron tubs come with a smooth enamel coating to give them a nice surface and a beautiful aesthetic. Cast iron tubs are often found in a traditional clawfoot style, but you'll also find them in modern designs, too. A cast iron bathtub will range between $375 and $7,000 or more.

Steel bathtub

If you like the durability of cast iron but don't like the price range or weight, consider a steel tub. These bathtubs are lighter in weight yet just as durable as cast iron in most cases. The cost for a steel tub typically ranges somewhere between $120 and $1,500, making them a smart and economical choice.

Fiberglass bathtub

This material is considered a standard choice for many contractors due to its low cost. Fiberglass bathtubs come in a myriad of sizes and styles as well as color choices. You should expect to pay anywhere from $160 to as high as $6,500 for a fiberglass bathtub, depending on the size and configuration.

Bathtub styles

When you ask, “How much is a bathtub replacement?” it depends on how you plan to use it. A general-purpose tub costs between $125 and $600. Basic tubs have a standard round or oval shape and are available in a standard size. Soaking tubs are much deeper and work great for nice, long soaks and relaxing bubble baths. A soaker tub costs between $250 and $12,500 installed, on average. Walk-in tubs feature a door on the side with a watertight seal, and they’re commonly installed in the homes of older adults or people with mobility issues. Walk-in bathtubs cost between $1,500 to $9,000 or more. For a luxurious experience, a whirlpool or jetted tub is a great option. These tubs provide you with a therapeutic massage thanks to built-in jets designed to help soothe aching muscles. Prepare to pay as low as $400 to as much as $13,800 or more for a whirlpool bathtub.

Bathtub installation labor costs 

When assessing a bathtub installation cost, remember to include the labor to install the tub in your project budget. A plumber should be able to install your new tub, and most plumbers typically charge a labor rate of between $45 to $65 per hour. A general contractor or handyman may cost more, and they usually charge anywhere from $60 to $90 per labor hour. It should take between six to nine hours to install a new bathtub, so prepare for a total estimated labor cost of between $550 to $1,600, just to be on the safe side.

It should take an additional three to four hours to remove an existing tub, which will increase your total price by approximately $270 to $540. Plumbers may charge a fixed rate of between $500 and $1,100, which should include installing the bathtub, flange, strainer, and overflow pipe. Your estimate may also include things like reconfiguring the plumbing to accommodate new fixtures, resizing the drainpipe, and connecting the waste pipe to your new tub. Any additional work required will increase your labor cost. Electricians may need to help install a whirlpool tub since new wiring is required. Prepare to pay an electrician $65 to $85 per hour in addition to the other labor costs.

Bathtub installation cost

Once you've chosen the material and the purpose of your new bathtub, it's time to think about the variety of installation options that are available. Each option will depend on a few factors including the current size and layout of your bathroom as well as your electrical and plumbing systems. Here are the most popular installation options for your new tub along with the average cost:

• Alcove: This option fits your new tub into a three-walled enclosure and usually includes a shower. The cost of an alcove installation is approximately $125.
• Platform: These tubs are dropped into a base, often referred to as tub decking. They're usually reserved for deeper bathtubs and are separate from your shower. Platform installs cost between $250 and $12,000 on average.
• Undermount: This style is very similar to a drop-in or platform tub, but it does not have any support underneath. The cost ranges between $545 and $9,000.
• Freestanding: You can find these bathtubs in clawfoot and flat bottom styles, and they're made to sit directly on the floor. Expect to pay around $600 to $12,000 on the high end.
• Corner: A corner tub fits neatly into the corner of your bathroom and works great in smaller bathrooms where you need more floor space. This installation option costs between $500 and $1,200.

Bathtub replacement considerations

While you think about your new bathtub, there are a few crucial considerations to keep in mind. Use this list of tips to help ensure that you choose the best option for your needs and that you get the best price:

• If you're replacing an existing tub, try to find one in the exact same size and shape so you can save on installation costs.
• Instead of replacing your tub, you can reface or refinish your bathtub for an easy way to save money. Tub refinishing costs between $300 to $1,000. Relining your bathtub with a new tub liner should cost approximately $800 to $1,400. Bathtubs made of fiberglass, steel, and cast iron are generally fairly easy to refinish. 
• If your new tub is being installed on the second floor, you may want to have the bathroom floor reinforced, particularly if you have an older home. Tubs made of cast iron can weigh down your floors, so consider paying $100 to $300 per joist to have your floors strengthened to prevent damage or injury later if the tub is too heavy.
• Find out if any permits are required to install your new bathtub. Some jurisdictions require permits whenever any plumbing or electrical work is going to be performed in the home.
• Always work with a fully qualified, licensed plumber to ensure that your new bathtub is safe to use. Some tub manufacturers require installation by a licensed plumber in order for the product warranty to be honored
• A tub surround gives you a smooth, even surface around the walls to protect them from damage while making cleaning easier. Composite tub surrounds cost between $80 to $1,300, while acrylic surrounds cost an average of $90 per sheet. Fiberglass surrounds are also inexpensive and easy to install, costing approximately $240 to $725 depending on the size and design. For a more high-end tub surround, choose quartz. This material costs between $1,500 and $1,900 and won’t accumulate mold and mildew. Ensure that your new tub surround matches your bathtub to give your bathroom a cohesive look. 

Work with a plumber

Before you install a new bathtub, you’ll need to have the old one removed. This is a labor-intensive process that requires the tub to be carefully separated from the wall in order to prevent damage from occurring. Your old tub will need to be disposed of, and the entire process requires plumbing work in order to disconnect and then reconnect the drain, faucet, and showerhead. Always work with a qualified plumber to ensure your bathtub removal and replacement project goes smoothly.