Bathtub refinishing costs $337 to $650 a tub in 2026
Bathtub refinishing costs $337 to $650 a tub in 2026. Angi puts the national average at $484 from 7,355 projects as of September 2026, with most people paying $337 to $631. HomeGuide lists $350 to $600 for a standard tub. Fixr lists $350 to $650. Fiberglass, clawfoot, and tub and shower combos cost more. Refinishing costs far less than a new tub.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists $350 to $600 for a standard tub, $400 to $1,400 for a clawfoot tub, and $800 to $1,200 for a tub and shower combo. |
| Fixr | Fixr (updated February 6, 2025) lists an average of about $480 and a typical range of $350 to $650. |
| Angi | Angi lists a national average of $484 from 7,355 projects as of September 23, 2026, with most people paying $337 to $631. |
Bathtub refinishing price by tub material and type
| Material or type | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $350 to $1,000 | HomeGuide |
| Porcelain | $350 to $600 | HomeGuide |
| Cast iron | $350 to $650 | HomeGuide |
| Acrylic | $400 to $700 | HomeGuide |
| Antique porcelain | $500 to $1,200 | HomeGuide |
| Claw foot tub | $400 to $1,400 | Angi |
| Tub and shower combo | $600 to $1,000 | Angi |
| Reglazing method | $280 to $600 | Angi |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Tub material | HomeGuide lists porcelain at $350 to $600, cast iron at $350 to $650, acrylic at $400 to $700, and fiberglass at $350 to $1,000. |
| Tub type | Angi lists claw foot tubs at $400 to $1,400 and tub and shower combos at $600 to $1,000. A plain tub costs less. |
| Method | Angi lists reglazing at $280 to $600 and a bathtub liner at $2,700 to $10,200. A liner costs far more than refinishing. |
| Damage | Fixr says minor damage is about $480 and extensive damage is $650 or more. Chips and rust cost more to fix. |
| Antique tubs | HomeGuide lists antique porcelain at $500 to $1,200, and Fixr says antique clawfoot tubs can cost up to $2,500. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers cleaning, sanding, chip repair, a primer, and a new coat of finish. It may not cover major damage, rust, or a new drain and caulk. A tub and shower combo costs more than a tub alone. You often cannot use the tub for a day or two after the work. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
A DIY kit costs less, but the finish often does not last as long. The work makes strong fumes and needs careful sanding and a smooth coat. A pro uses better coatings and tools. HomeGuide says a pro refinish lasts 7 to 15 years with care, and it costs $350 to $600 for a standard tub. If the tub has deep rust or cracks, a pro can tell you if refinishing will work. Ask about ventilation and drying time either way.
How to tell you need it
Refinish a tub when the finish looks dull, stained, scratched, or chipped, but the tub is still solid. Rust spots and rough patches also mean the coating is worn. If the tub is cracked or soft, refinishing may not fix it, and you may need a new tub. A pro can check for damage before you pay.
How to judge your quote
- Ask what the price covers, such as cleaning, repairs, primer, and finish.
- Ask how long the finish lasts and what the warranty says.
- Ask how long you cannot use the tub after the job.
- Get three written quotes with the tub type listed.
- Compare the total with the range above: $337 to $650 per tub for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Choose refinishing over a new tub. HomeGuide says it costs about 75% less than full replacement, which it lists at $1,500 to $8,000 or more.
- Book a plain tub job in one visit. Angi lists a standard reglaze at $280 to $600, far less than a liner.
- Fix small chips early. Fixr says minor damage costs about $480, while extensive damage costs $650 or more.
- Get three quotes. Angi lists a typical range of $337 to $631, so a quote far above that is worth questioning.
- Ask about the warranty. HomeGuide says a refinish lasts 7 to 15 years with care, so ask how long the pro covers it.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Refinishing costs more in 2026 because coating products and skilled labor have gone up in price.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Fixr and Angi. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to refinish a bathtub?
Angi says the average is $484, with most people paying $337 to $631. HomeGuide lists $350 to $600 for a standard tub.
Is refinishing cheaper than replacing a tub?
Yes. HomeGuide says it costs about 75% less than full replacement. It lists replacement at $1,500 to $8,000 or more.
How long does a refinished tub last?
HomeGuide says 7 to 15 years with care. Fixr says 8 to 10 years, or up to 15 with excellent care.
How much for a clawfoot tub?
Angi and HomeGuide both list $400 to $1,400 for a claw foot tub. Fixr says antique ones can cost up to $2,500.
Does a tub with a shower surround cost more?
Yes. Angi lists $600 to $1,000 for a tub and shower combo. HomeGuide lists $800 to $1,200, and Fixr lists $500 to $1,200.