What is the Cost of Replacing a Bathtub in 2024?

Bathtubs are an essential fixture to every bathroom that impacts its value and atmosphere. Since they vary vastly from brand to brand, it is necessary to understand what to look for when choosing a replacement. Remember that a bathtub’s initial cost is just the stepping stone-replacing a bathtub can be quite costly, so today, we will show you what to expect when replacing your bathtub. 

Average and Luxury Bathtub Replacement Costs

The average cost of replacing a bathtub is $4,400 nationally, with prices as low as $1,400 and highs of $7,300.

However, many factors affect the final price tag, such as the materials of the bathtub itself and the labor required for installing a new bathtub. Aspects such as color, customization, shape, faucets/fillers, and size all impact the overall cost of replacing your bathtub and need to be considered carefully. So to get a better idea of your bathtub replacement cost, add the total cost of your new bathtub with the labor costs for plumbing, tile, and electrical work.

National vs Local – Average cost to Replace Bathtubs in 2024

As stated above, the national average for a bathtub replacement is $5600, with a price point between $1400-10,700. However, this price fluctuates heavily depending on many factors, such as your area.

Deliver this information in a table:

• In California, you can expect to pay between $6000-8000 for a bathtub replacement job.
• In New York City, your starting price is around $7000.
• Miami is roughly $3000-4,000
• Denver is about $1800-3000.

Generally, the higher the cost of living in your area, you can expect to eat the additional cost. The reason for this is that the operating costs for these contractors is much more expensive in these states, meaning that you have to front the additional cost for your project.

Bathtub Replacement Context and Calculations

Replacing your bathtub may seem daunting, but it provides a unique opportunity to update your existing bathroom and reinvigorate it. So, in addition to breathing new life into your bathroom, your property and resale value will also increase. However, consider the actual cost before you look to replace your bathtub.

Removing the Old Bathtub

Removing your old bathtub can be a nuisance, clocking in at around $60-200 for the bathtub removal and $50-100 for the labor itself. This is in addition to roughly a 1-3 hour time slot for this job as every home is different, and some bathtub removals are more complex than others.  

Implementing New Faucets

Adding new faucets will cost between $600-1000 per faucet, depending on the size, brand, and style of the faucet. You will also need to remove and dispose of the old faucet. If your new faucet runs into plumbing issues, you will need to hire a plumber to sort out the issue, which will further increase your cost. 

Disposing of Materials and Trash

If you hire a professional to remove your existing bathtub, they will handle this step and dispose of your old bathtub components legally. If not, you will need to thoroughly clean and break down your existing bathtub components and dispose of them at approved sites.

Preparing Surfaces for Installation

Before your new bathtub can be installed, you will need to thoroughly clean and level your installation area. If you skip this step, your bathtub can be installed unevenly or debris might prevent your bathtub from fully bonding with a sealant which can cause leaks and other problems in the future. If you hire a professional, they will thoroughly take care of this step for you. 

Surrounding the Tub and Tiling

Replacing your old bathtub will require removing existing tile and surroundings. Keep in mind that you will need to replace the tile when you install your new bathtub, which will run you anywhere between $500-1,000 depending on the size of the area and the cost of the tile itself. 

Contracting Labor

Hiring professionals for bathtub installation and removal will run anywhere from $600-1800, depending on the length of the project and the complexity involved. 

Replacement Cost By Material

The bulk of your replacement cost will depend on the material you choose. Cheaper materials tend to have a lower installation cost, whereas more durable materials, due to their additional weight, will have a higher installation cost. 

Fiberglass – $200-1,000

• Fiberglass tubs are made by weaving layers of glass strings which are then heated, then molded into the shape of a bathtub. It is then sprayed with a resin gel coat for durability. Fiberglass is affordable, easy to install and one of the most lightweight materials on the market. However, it is also porous, which means that it will absorb water overtime, leading to warping and potential internal damage. Fiberglass is also one of the least durable materials on the market.

Acrylic – $700-1,000

Acrylic bathtubs are made by vacuuming sheets of acrylic into the shape of a bathtub which is then reinforced with fiberglass. As a result, you have a material that is lightweight like fiberglass but is less porous and more durable than fiberglass. Acrylic is one of the most affordable bathtub materials on the market and perhaps the most common. The only real downside to this material is it’s generic look and that it isn’t as durable as other high-quality material, but for the price point, it’s hard to beat. 

Copper – $2000-5000

Copper is generally considered a premium bathtub material. The metal is anti-bacterial, and over time, it will develop a unique patina that adds to it’s beauty and aesthetic. Copper has excellent heat retention, is highly durable, and requires little maintenance. However, it is very expensive, especially if you aim to get a large copper tub. 

Granite – $10,000-20,000

Another high-quality material, Granite is among many natural stones that are available as a bathtub material. Other common materials include Marble, Slate, and Quartz. And like all-natural stone, Granite is unique with unmatched heat retention, durability and a timeless aesthetic. However, you have to pay a fair bit for this aesthetic, which is the biggest drawback of natural stone-they are heavy and very expensive. 

Stone Resin – $1,500-6,000

Stone resin is a composite material that involves binding natural stone with resin and acrylic. The result is a material that is lightweight and easier to work with than natural stone. This material is ideal if you want the look and feel of natural stone at a quarter of the price point. The only drawback to stone resin is that it feels different than natural stone, but most people cannot tell the difference.

Marble – $1,800 – $6,200

There is no need to explain the reasons why someone would consider a marble bathtub. It’s elegant, classy, goes well with different decor options, and provides quality. However, that makes it one of the most expensive options on the market as well. Keep in mind that marble is very heavy, so a floor reinforcement will probably be necessary.

Additional Considerations for Tub Replacement Budgets

Replacing your bathtub is just the first step to updating your bathroom. This is a great opportunity to future-proof your bathroom and ensures it’s ready for anything you want or need. Here are some extra considerations:

Replacing a Water Heater

Consistent lack of hot water is a clear sign that you need to inspect or replace your water heater. In addition, a new water heater will mean that your bathtub will be more efficient, which will lower your overall water bill.  

Altering Plumbing and Lines

Altering your plumbing and lines will allow you to accommodate more fixtures in your bathroom. If you don’t like where your bathtub is currently located, moving a line will allow you to place it somewhere else, or if you want to reposition your toilet or accommodate both a bathtub and a shower, altering your lines is an ideal way to start. 

Converting Showers to Tubs

If you want to transform your bathroom into a more luxurious and comforting retreat, converting your showers into bathtubs is a great place to start. Bathtubs are a more relaxing fixture, allowing you to recline and fully immerse yourself. However, bathtubs are more expensive to install than showers, but their overall value for resale is higher comparatively.  

Reinforcing the Floors

Adding bathtubs to your home will undoubtedly stress your floor. Depending on the material of your bathtub, this effect will be compounded, adding anywhere from $200-$600 pounds just for the bathtub alone. For that reason, you should look to reinforce the floor with extra joists and additional bridging.

Permits

Your bathtub replacement project might require building permits, especially if you decide to relocate plumbing lines or electrical wiring. Depending on the type of building permits, expect to pay from $10 to $500. The best thing to do is to consult your local contractors on building codes before you start with the project.

Select Stunning Bathtub Replacements from Badeloft

Badeloft is a leading supplier of luxury bathroom designs and decor. Offering a distinct selection of high-quality sinks, faucets, tubs, accessories, and bathroom furniture, Badeloft has something for every home. With a large selection of free material sample kits and a 10-year warranty on every purchase,

Badeloft is dedicated to offering excellent customer service. So visit us today and find the right bathtub replacement for your home. Shop Badeloft

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.