Comparison
Bathtub Reglazing vs Liner vs Full Replacement: Which Option Saves You Money?
Homeowners with a worn bathtub have three options. Reglazing is the budget choice at $300 to $600. A bathtub liner from Bath Fitter or Re-Bath runs $2,700 to $10,200. Full replacement starts at $1,500 and can exceed $5,000 once you factor in plumbing and tile work. Here is how to choose.
Three-Way Comparison
| Factor | Reglazing | Bathtub Liner | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $300 - $600 | $2,700 - $10,200 | $1,500 - $5,000+ |
| Timeline | 3 to 5 hours | 1 day install (weeks of process) | 2 to 5 days minimum |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years | 15 to 20 years | 20 to 50 years |
| Disruption | Minimal | Low | High |
| Plumbing work | None | Minor (drain fitting) | Full disconnect and reconnect |
| Tub depth impact | No change | Slightly reduced | No change (new tub) |
| Best for | Cosmetic refresh, budget option | Want a new look without demolition | Structural damage, layout change |
Reglazing: The Budget Champion
$300 - $600
Reglazing refinishes the existing tub surface in place. No plumbing, no demolition, no tile removal. A contractor arrives in the morning, strips the old finish, preps the surface, and sprays the new coating. By afternoon, the job is done. You can use the tub again after 24 to 48 hours of curing.
This is the right choice when your tub is structurally sound but cosmetically worn. Staining, discolouration, minor chips, and outdated colours (pink, avocado, harvest gold) are all ideal candidates. Reglazing also works well as a pre-sale improvement, delivering strong visual impact for minimal cost.
Bathtub Liner: The Middle Option
$2,700 - $10,200
A bathtub liner is a custom-molded acrylic shell that is placed directly over your existing tub. A technician visits your home, takes precise measurements, and a custom liner is manufactured to fit. Installation takes about a day once the liner arrives (typically 2 to 4 weeks after measurement).
The liner slightly reduces tub depth because it sits on top of the existing tub surface. The trade-off is that you get a completely new surface without demolition. Liners last 15 to 20 years and come with substantial warranties.
Bath Fitter Pricing
Bath Fitter is the largest bathtub liner company in North America. Their typical quote ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the scope. A basic tub liner starts around $5,000. Add a wall surround and accessories and you can reach $8,000 to $10,000. The quote includes the measurement visit, custom manufacturing, installation, and a lifetime warranty.
Re-Bath Pricing
Re-Bath offers similar products in a comparable price range. Their full bathroom remodel packages start around $5,000 to $10,200. Re-Bath tends to push full remodel packages rather than liner-only options. If you want a complete look change (new tub surround, shower doors, fixtures), Re-Bath may offer better value than Bath Fitter. For a liner-only job, the pricing is similar.
Full Replacement: The Nuclear Option
$1,500 - $5,000+
Full replacement means removing the existing tub and installing a new one. This involves demolition of the surround, disconnecting and reconnecting plumbing, potentially reframing the alcove, waterproofing, retiling, and disposal of the old tub. Minimum timeline is 2 to 5 days, and many bathroom replacements stretch to a week or more.
The cost breakdown: a new standard bathtub costs $200 to $800 for the tub itself. A cast iron replacement tub costs $800 to $2,500. Installation labour adds $500 to $1,500. Plumbing work adds $200 to $600. Tile replacement and waterproofing add $500 to $2,000+. Disposal of the old tub adds $50 to $200.
Full replacement makes sense when the tub is structurally damaged (cracked through, fiberglass delamination, cast iron rusted through), when you want to change the tub size or configuration, or when you are doing a complete bathroom remodel anyway.
Decision Framework
Is the tub structurally sound?
Yes → Consider reglazing. No → Replace or install a liner.
Is the tub the right size and shape?
Yes → Reglaze or liner. No → Full replacement is your only option.
Do you want to change the bathroom layout?
Yes → Full replacement. No → Reglaze or liner.
Budget under $1,000?
Yes → Reglazing is your best option. Liners and replacements start well above that.
ROI for Home Sale
Reglazing a dated or stained tub for $400 can add $1,000 to $2,000 in perceived bathroom value when selling a home. That is a 2.5x to 5x return on investment, making it one of the highest-ROI pre-listing improvements available. A clean, bright white tub in listing photos makes a measurable difference in buyer perception. No other bathroom improvement at this price point delivers comparable visual impact.