Find out how much it costs to refinish your porcelain sink and the factors that influence the final price to make it look like new, including size, type, and labor.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost in Los Angeles, CA [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $353 - $655
Most homeowners spend about $504 to refinish a bathtub in Los Angeles, California. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $353 and $655. A bathtub refinishing pro can walk you through the process.
How we get this data
Getty Images 613765106 / iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Getty Images 613765106 / iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Although bathroom remodeling is costly in Los Angeles, refinishing a bathtub is an affordable project with an ROI of 47%.
Half of the homes in LA were built before 1960, meaning there’s a good chance that your tub could benefit from a refinishing job.
Bathtub refinishing helps make your house more appealing in the competitive housing market without the high cost of a tub replacement.
If you’re a Los Angeles homeowner looking to upgrade your bathroom, a bathtub refinishing project could be what you’ve been looking for. In a city with a high cost of living and a competitive housing market, refinishing a tub is still budget-friendly. Bathtub refinishing costs in Los Angeles are about 4.% higher than the national average. Most homeowners pay between $353 and $655, with an average cost of $504. You can estimate how much to budget for this project by weighing the bathtub material, refinishing method, and labor.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
Unless your bathroom has been remodeled with a new tub in the past 10 to 12 years, you’re likely due for a bathtub refinishing job. Here are the major cost factors to keep in mind when planning the project.
The type of tub matters when budgeting for a refinishing job. There are four main types of tubs: fiberglass, porcelain, cast iron, and enamel. Here’s a breakdown of bathtub refinishing costs based on tub material:
Fiberglass: Fiberglass bathtubs are the most costly to refinish, at $325–$1,050. This finicky material requires more maintenance and takes longer to get a smooth finish.
Porcelain: A porcelain tub is made from a thin layer of porcelain over cast iron or steel. Older tubs made entirely of porcelain need professional maintenance. Refinishing a porcelain tub costs $375–$625, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $525–$1,250.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $375–$625. Before fiberglass tubs, cast iron was the standard tub material. With proper care and maintenance, a cast-iron tub can last 100 years or more.
Enamel: Enamel is a coating made from porcelain or hard glass and is found on steel and cast-iron tubs. Refinishing an enamel coating on a tub averages $375–$625.
| Bathtub Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $325–$1,050 | Straightforward process, common refinishing material | Meticulous prep work is required for a smooth finish |
| Porcelain | $375–$625 | Restores the porcelain’s original, gleaming color | Not done as a DIY job |
| Antique porcelain | $525–$1,250 | Repairs chips for a beautiful, restored finish | Not all pros have experience with antique porcelain |
| Cast iron | $375–$625 | Once it’s refinished, it’s a long-lasting tub | Proper cleaning is key to avoiding damage |
| Enamel | $375–$625 | Simple to repaint the tub a new color during the process | Required chemicals are harsh with unpleasant odors |
Bathtub Type
The type of bathtub plays a factor in the overall cost. A general rule of thumb is that the more surface area a tub has, the higher the bathtub resurfacing costs will be.
Inset tubs are the least expensive to refinish because they only have one exterior side, but shower tubs are more expensive due to the wall surface area. Freestanding and claw-foot bathtubs are the most costly due to their deeper interior size and exterior surface area.
| Type of Bathtub | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Claw-foot tub | $425–$1,450 |
| Tub-shower combination | $625–$1,050 |
Method
The method of bathtub refinishing you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $2,825 to $10,650. Consider the overall cost, longevity of the repair, and type of damage when choosing the best plan for your tub.
Here are the key differences between a bathtub inlay, bathtub reglazing, and a bathtub liner:
| Bathtub Inlay | Bathtub Reglazing | Bathtub Liner |
|---|---|---|
| $100–$200 | $300–$625 | $2,825–$10,650 |
| Covers the bottom of the tub only | Chemicals include dangerous fumes | Can grow mildew if not fitted correctly |
| Best for small chips or cracks | Best for cracks, rust, and chips | Best option if your tub is beyond repair |
| Can be installed in as little as 30 minutes | Can take 2–5 hours to install | Installs take 1–2 days |
| Permanent | Lasts 10–5 years | Lasts 3–5 years |
Bathtub Refinishing Pro Costs
When hiring a bathtub refinisher in Los Angeles, California, you should be aware of the labor costs for your project.
Labor
The good thing about refinishing your bathtub is that the job takes a relatively short amount of time, so labor costs aren’t too high, ranging from $200 to $525. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours.
While some homeowners may attempt to DIY the job with a DIY kit from the store, you won’t get professional, long-lasting results. No matter how meticulous you are, the bathtub surface is not going to compare to the work of a bathtub refinishing pro. Additionally, if you’re sensitive to harsh chemicals, handing this job off to a pro means you won’t have to deal with any potential side effects.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Bathtub refinishing increases your home’s value because it improves the overall look and aesthetic of your bathroom. The project has a return on investment (ROI) of about 47%, making it one of the best bathroom upgrades for resale value.
With the competitive housing market in Los Angeles, making sure that your bathrooms look as polished as they can give you an edge. On the other hand, if your tub is discolored or looks old and worn, a prospective homebuyer may not be as eager. If you’re planning on putting your home on the market, investing in bathtub refinishing is a solid choice as you put your best foot forward.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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