You may have heard about something called “reglazing,” but you probably don’t know much about the process or its costs. In this blog post, we will discuss the cost of a properly-done reglazing procedure. We will also compare it to the cost of replacing a bathtub. Basically, reglazing is the process by which the coating on your tub is replaced. The end result is a fixture that looks like a brand new one. Sounds great, doesn’t it? But is it cheaper than replacing the tub altogether? Let’s see!
The Average Price or Replacing a Bathtub
When it comes to replacing a bathtub, you probably know that the process is not only time-consuming, but also quite expensive. But just how expensive can it get? Here are the basic costs you should expect when you’re looking to replace the tub:
- The new bathtub can cost as little as $150, but we’ll assume you are going to pick something a bit sturdier. A $300 tub should be OK for most people.
- The faucet and drain set purchase and installation usually set homeowners back around $200.
- Removing the old tub is no easy feat, trust us. It takes a professional an average of 5 hours to remove the old tub and dispose of it. At a price of around $35 per hour, this means you’ll have to pay $175 just to remove the old fixture.
- New bathtub installation: around $40 to $50 per hour, plus materials. It takes 4-5 hours to get the job done, so you’re looking at an average of $200 just for the plumber.
You have just spent $875 and the job isn’t finished yet. Remember, when you replace a bathtub, you are doing construction work. You also need to remove the grout surrounding the tub. Regrouting and waste removal will set you back another $200 (at the very least). This means that the total price you’ll have to pay to replace the old tub starts from $1,075. You don’t even get a high end tub in this price.
How Much Does a Reglazing Cost?
Now let’s talk about reglazing. During the reglazing process, the old layer of coating is removed completely. A new layer is then applied. Also, it’s worth noting that all chips and pits are repaired during the refinishing procedure. But how much does it cost?
On average, reglazing a bathtub costs around $700. However, porcelain tubs are much cheaper to resurface: you can expect to pay as little as $475. Cast iron tubs are also pretty cheap to resurface; you should expect to pay around $500. Fiberglass tubs, on the other hand, are the most difficult to resurface. This means that you can pay anywhere from $400 to $900 to refinish one.
As you can see, reglazing is much cheaper than replacing the tub. And there are other benefits as well. For instance, reglazing does not require any construction work. You don’t have to worry about waste removal and don’t have to struggle with dust and debris. Another important benefit of refinishing is the fact that the process is eco-friendly. Why send the old tub to the landfill when you can reglaze it and continue using it for another 8 to 12 years?
Final Considerations
As you can see, reglazing is not only cheaper than replacing a tub, but also faster and easier. We know you may be tempted to buy one of the many reglazing kits available as DIY solutions on various websites. Perhaps you want to save some money. Or maybe you like DIY projects.
We strongly advise you to get a professional to reglaze your bathtub though. Why? First, because a professional knows how to work safely and protect himself from the dangerous chemicals used in the refinishing process. Second, because a professional reglazing procedure will yield the best results possible. And third, because reglazing companies use top quality products which ensure a long-lasting result. A DIY kit won’t last for more than one or two years, whereas a professional reglazing from a reliable bathtub refinishing company in Brooklyn, NY will last for up to 15 years.
