Refinish vs. Replace: Save Up to 90%
Before you tear out a tub that still works, see what replacement really costs — and what refinishing costs instead. Most homeowners in North Carolina refinish for $350–$500, instead of paying $3,000–$8,000 to replace.
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Fastest quote: text us photos of your tub, shower, or tile plus what you’d like done and your city — we’ll text you back a quote.
Text a Photo for a Fast Quote — 336-875-2110What replacement really costs
Replacing a bathtub is rarely just the price of a new tub. The bill adds up fast — and so does the disruption:
- New tub or shower unit — the fixture itself, plus delivery.
- Plumber — disconnecting the old tub and hooking up the new one, often including new valves and drain work.
- Tile work — tile around the tub usually has to come out and be redone, with new tile, grout and trim.
- Demolition and haul-off / disposal — tearing out the old tub and surround, and hauling it away.
- Possible floor and wall damage repair — once the tub is out, hidden water damage, rot or mold is common, and it has to be fixed before anything new goes in.
- Days without a bathroom — a replacement often leaves that bathroom out of use for days, sometimes longer if damage or tile work runs over.
Put together, a typical replacement cost runs $3,000–$8,000, with a typical replacement cost of about $5,909 (national average).
Refinish with Professional Refinishing
$350–$500 for a homeowner tub
- Most tubs refinished in 3–5 hours
- Ready to use in 12–24 hours
- No demolition — no mess, no haul-off, no tile torn out
- Backed by a 10 Year Warranty
- Same tub, same layout — a like-new finish
Final quote depends on condition. Most homeowner tubs fall in the $350–$500 range.
Replace it
$3,000–$8,000 typical ≈ $5,909
- New tub, plumber, tile work and demolition
- Haul-off and disposal of the old tub
- Possible floor and wall damage repair
- Days without a bathroom
- Higher cost, longer project, more mess
Typical replacement cost is a national average; your actual replacement cost will vary by home and scope.
The totals, side by side
| Option | Typical cost | Time | Demolition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refinish | $350–$500 | 3–5 hour job; ready in 12–24 hours | None |
| Replace | $3,000–$8,000 (typical ≈ $5,909) | Days without a bathroom | Yes — plus haul-off |
Save up to 90% vs replacement when you refinish instead of replace. Final quote depends on condition.
The same math works for showers, tile and countertops
Refinishing is not just for tubs. Showers and tile, and countertops too, can usually be refinished for a fraction of replacement — no tear-out, no new tile or countertop to buy, and far less downtime. Because every shower, tile job and countertop is different, pricing for those services is quote-based: send us photos and tell us what you’d like done, and we’ll give you a straight quote. We will not quote a price we cannot stand behind.
When replacement IS the right call
We would rather tell you the truth than sell you a refinish you do not need. Replacement is the right call when there is structural damage — for example, a cracked or flexing tub, rotted subfloor or wall framing, or a leak that has damaged the structure underneath — or when you are changing the layout, such as moving the tub, turning a tub into a walk-in shower, or remodeling the whole bathroom. If that is your situation, we will say so, and we will not refinish a tub that should be replaced.
Referrals & Trade Partners
Love your new tub? Tell a neighbor — the best compliment is a referral. If you know someone with a worn-out tub, shower or tile, send them our way and we will take great care of them.
For trade partners — plumbers, realtors, handymen and contractors: We trade referrals. When our customers need plumbing or a pro we trust, we send them to our partners. If your customers need refinishing instead of replacement, send them our way and we’ll take great care of them.
Ready to save up to 90%?
Fastest quote: text us photos of your tub, shower, or tile plus what you’d like done and your city — we’ll text you back a quote. Or call us, or send the form — whichever is easiest.
Get My Free QuoteCall 336-875-2110Text a Photo for a Fast Quote