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 Chicago [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $340 - $596
Most homeowners spend about $461 to refinish a bathtub in Chicago, Illinois. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $340 and $596. 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
Highlights
Significant cost factors for bathtub refinishing in Chicago include the tub material and the refinishing method.
Bathtub refinishing during a humid summer or cold winter makes the job more challenging.
Sprucing up your bathroom by refinishing a tub could appeal to prospective homebuyers in Chicago.
Bathtub refinishing is a budget-friendly project with a big impact. Luckily, the high cost of living in Chicago doesn’t extend to this project. In fact, bathtub refinishing costs in Chicago are about 5% lower than the national average. Most homeowners pay between $340 and $596, with an average of $461. Find out how the bathtub material, type of refinishing, and labor affect the total costs.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
Learn about the major cost factors that affect your bathtub refinishing project in Chicago, Illinois.
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 $275–$950. 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–$575, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $475–$1,150.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $325–$575. 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 $325–$575.
| Tub Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $275–$950 | Straightforward process | High cost |
| Porcelain | $350–$575 | Brings back the original beauty of porcelain | Not DIYable |
| Antique porcelain | $475–$1,150 | Repairs chips that are common in antique porcelain | Not all tub refinishers have experience working with antique porcelain tubs |
| Cast iron | $325–$575 | Long-lasting | Proper cleaning is required to avoid damaging the tub |
| Enamel | $325–$575 | Can change the color of the tub during refinishing | Requires harsh and smelly chemicals |
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 | $375–$1,125 |
| Tub-shower combination | $575–$950 |
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 | $275–$575 | $2,575–$9,725 |
| 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
Here are additional costs to keep in mind when hiring a bathtub refinisher in Chicago, Illinois.
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 $475. Reglazing your bathtub surface takes about three to five hours.
While you may consider taking this on as a DIY job, there are significant risks to the resulting bathtub surface. In particular, completing a bathtub refinishing job in humid Chicago summers or cold winters requires extra care. Your pro may use dehumidifiers and infrared heaters to keep the bathroom at proper temperatures and moisture levels. In addition, they may use a reducer, which is added to the chemicals to help them cure properly in different temperatures.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Bathtub refinishing in Chicago has a return on investment (ROI) of about 47%, thanks to its ability to give your old tub a brand-new look. Not only does it make your bathtub look better, but it also adds to the overall ambiance of your bathroom.
On the other hand, if your bathtub has discoloration or markings that make it look old and worn, it can lower your home’s value. Prospective homebuyers may not want to take on the cost of refinishing or replacing the tub, and bathtub replacement costs $2,000 to $9,400. To help increase the chances of your home selling quickly, it’s wise to invest in this smart bathroom upgrade before putting it on the market.
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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