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 San Francisco [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $346 - $620
Most homeowners spend about $473 to refinish a bathtub in San Francisco, California. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $346 and $620. 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
In San Francisco, where almost 20% of homes were built before 1940, bathtub refinishing is a common bathroom upgrade.
Bathtubs in historic San Francisco homes are difficult to access, making refinishing an appealing alternative to new tub installation.
Refinishing your tubs can help prepare your home for San Francisco’s competitive housing market.
Due to the budget-friendly nature of this task, it’s best to hire a pro so you can enjoy the best-looking and longest-lasting results.
Bathtub remodels are costly, but bathtub refinishing is one project you can do on a budget. In San Francisco, where the cost of living is high, a task that costs 2% less than the national average is a welcome change of pace. Bathtub refinishing costs in San Francisco are $473 on average, with a range from $346 to $620. You can estimate the cost of your project by looking at key factors, like the type of tub and refinishing method.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
As a homeowner in San Francisco, California, there’s a good chance you need to refinish your bathtub because a significant number of homes in the city were built before 1940. Weigh the following cost factors when planning your project.
Bathtub Refinishing Costs by Material
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 $300–$975. 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 $350–$600, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $500–$1,175.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $350-$600. 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 $350–$600.
| Tub Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $300–$975 | Straightforward process | Higher cost |
| Porcelain | $350–$600 | Restores the look and shine of porcelain | Complex process requires hiring a pro |
| Antique porcelain | $500–$1,175 | Maintains the history of your home | Requires a pro with specialized knowledge |
| Cast iron | $350–$600 | Long-lasting | Needs proper maintenance |
| Enamel | $350–$600 | Can change the tub’s color | Uses harsh chemicals and produces strong 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 | $400–$1,400 |
| Tub-shower combination | $600–$1,000 |
Method
The method of bathtub refinishing you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $2,700 to $10,200. 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 | $280–$600 | $2,600–$9,800 |
| 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
For the best results, hire a bathtub refinisher in San Francisco, California, to transform your tub. Here are the labor costs associated with this process.
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 between $200 and $500. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours.
Although DIY kits are available for some types of bathtubs, your best bet is to hire a professional. DIY mistakes during the process, especially during the prep stage, can lead to problems like chips, bubbles, and cracks. Moreover, depending on your skill level and materials, it’s challenging to replicate the results that a seasoned bathtub refinisher can achieve.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
In San Francisco, where real estate is competitive, bathtub refinishing makes bathrooms look more polished and homes more appealing to buyers. Plus, your money will be well spent because the project's return on investment (ROI) is 47%.
With high property values, buyers in the area are more likely to be interested in move-in-ready homes. If your tub is currently in poor shape and has signs of age or wear and tear, updating it can help prevent buyers from moving on to turnkey properties.
The alternative to bathtub refinishing would be installing a tub for an average of $5,700, which is significantly more expensive. Although you could go this route, installing a new bathtub in historic San Francisco homes is tricky business. From navigating narrow hallways and steep stairwells to dealing with bathrooms on multiple floors, it makes sense to refinish your tub.
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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