Alternatives To Replacing A Bathtub

Replacing a bath tub can be expensive - but it doesn't have to be. Here are 4 ideas you should consider before spending hundreds of dollars buying a new tub (not to mention the cost and time it takes to install a bathtub)

Before You Replace Your Bathtub, Here Are Some Other Options

Rob Barnes

Over time, your bathtub can definitely start showing its age. The years of use will start manifesting themselves on your tub with gouges, scratches, chips and even burns.  Eventually, enough is enough and something has to be done. The easiest choice is to buy a new tub, but there are some drawbacks:

• A new bathtub can be quite expensive.
• Bathtub removal is not trivial, so you will need to hire a professional.
• Similarly, bathtub installation requires some skill, so you will probably need to hire someone again.
• There can be a significant amount of time involved (days or even weeks), when the bathtub will be completely unavailable.

There are are several alternatives available to buying a new bathtub.

Before You Buy A New Tub, Look At These Choices

1. Repainting: You can repaint your tub or have someone do it for you. Kits for doing it yourself are available, but if you're not handy, it would be better to find a pro. Even if you hire someone, this will usually be done in a day, and beats buying a new tub. This is an easy way to give your bathtub a great new look.

2. Bathtub Refinishing: This process essentially puts a new surface on your tub, which can easily last another 20 years, with a little care. Like painting, this is usually done within 24 hours.

3. New Bathtub Lining: A new liner can be installed over your tub, giving it a brand-new look within a few hours.

4. Tub Surrounds: These are walls around the tub, so they do not actually do anything to improve the bathtub itself, but instead dress up the surrounding area.

There are several easier and cheaper alternatives to replacing a tub, but sometimes, it is simply the best choice.

Rob Barnes writes for Bathtubs For You, a consumer guide to help you select, buy
and maintain bathtubs, covering topics such as
bathtub
refinishing,
painting bathtubs and
bathtub liners.