Bathtub Replacement Cost Calculator

Bathtub replacement costs $1,800–$11,500 total including tub, hardware, labor, and extras. The tub itself costs $300–$8,000 depending on type: fiberglass ($300–$800), acrylic alcove ($400–$1,000), cast iron ($500–$2,000), freestanding ($1,000–$5,000), walk-in ($2,000–$8,000). Labor runs $1,000–$3,000. Faucet/hardware adds $100–$1,500. Old tub removal adds $300–$700. Average homeowner spends $3,000–$5,000 for a mid-range replacement.

Bathtub replacement takes 1–3 days for a standard swap (same footprint, same plumbing location). Breakdown: old tub removal (2–4 hours), plumbing adjustments (1–3 hours), new tub installation (3–6 hours), hardware/faucet (1–2 hours), caulking and finishing (1–2 hours). Add 2–4 days if adding tile surround. Walk-in tub conversions take 3–5 days due to door framing and plumbing modifications. Plan for the bathroom to be out of service during the entire project.

Fiberglass tubs are the cheapest at $300–$800 for the unit plus $1,000–$2,000 for installation. Total: $1,300–$2,800. Fiberglass is lightweight (easy to install), available in standard sizes, and good for budget renovations. Downsides: less durable than acrylic, can fade/crack over 10–15 years, limited color options. Acrylic alcove tubs ($400–$1,000) cost slightly more but last longer (15–20 years) and are the most popular budget-to-mid option.

Refinishing costs $300–$600 and makes sense if: tub is structurally sound, you like the current tub style/size, budget is tight, or tub is cast iron (expensive to remove). Refinishing lasts 5–10 years. Replace if: tub has cracks or structural damage, you want a different style/size, plumbing needs updating, or you're doing a full bathroom remodel. Replacement costs $1,800–$5,000+ but lasts 15–30 years. A liner insert ($1,000–$3,000) is a middle option — new surface over old tub.

Old bathtub removal costs $300–$700 including disconnection, demolition, and disposal. Factors: fiberglass/acrylic tubs are lighter and cheaper to remove ($300–$500). Cast iron tubs weigh 300–500 lbs and often must be broken apart with a sledgehammer ($500–$700). Access difficulty (tight doorways, upstairs bathrooms) adds $100–$200. Disposal fees: $25–$75 at landfill, or free if recycling cast iron ($0.05–$0.10/lb scrap value). Most plumbers include removal in the total replacement quote.

Best material depends on priorities. Acrylic: best overall value ($400–$1,000), lightweight, warm to touch, 15–20 year lifespan, many styles. Fiberglass: cheapest ($300–$800), lightweight, 10–15 years, scratches easily. Cast iron: most durable ($500–$2,000), excellent heat retention, 50+ year lifespan, very heavy (needs reinforced floor). Freestanding: premium look ($1,000–$5,000), statement piece, requires exposed plumbing. Walk-in: best for accessibility ($2,000–$8,000), door entry, built-in seat.

A licensed plumber ($75–$150/hour) handles the plumbing work: disconnecting old supply/drain, connecting new tub, adjusting P-trap, and installing faucet/valve. A general contractor or bath installer handles tub setting, leveling, surround work, and finishing. Some companies offer turnkey installation (plumbing + setting) for $1,000–$3,000 labor. Always hire a licensed pro for: walk-in tub installation, plumbing relocation, cast iron removal, and anything involving structural changes. Permits may be required for plumbing modifications.

Walk-in tubs cost $2,000–$8,000 for the unit plus $1,000–$3,000 for installation, totaling $3,000–$11,000. Basic walk-in (soaking only): $2,000–$4,000. Mid-range (whirlpool jets): $4,000–$6,000. Premium (air jets + whirlpool + heated seat): $6,000–$8,000. Installation is more complex than standard tubs due to door mechanism, leak-proof seal, and possible widened doorway. Walk-in tubs can increase home value for aging-in-place buyers. Medicare doesn't cover walk-in tubs, but some state programs may assist.