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 Indianapolis [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $429 - $805
Most homeowners spend about $617 to refinish a bathtub in Indianapolis, Indiana. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $429 and $805. 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
Indianapolis is centrally located, keeping material costs low compared to out-of-the-way cities.
This Midwest city has many skilled pros and affordable insurance requirements for contractors, keeping labor costs reasonable for this project.
Homeowners in Indianapolis who refinish their bathtubs may sell their homes faster and recoup that investment.
If you’re ready to transform your bathroom, starting with your bathtub can be a smart move. The average bathtub refinishing cost in Indianapolis, Indiana, is $617, with costs falling between $429 and $805. While your project’s budget depends on the material, size, type, and condition of the tub, it’s an affordable way to make a big splash. Let’s jump into the deep end of the details.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
When hiring a bathtub refinishing contractor in Indianapolis, Indiana, be aware of these key factors that influence the final price tag.
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–$800. 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–$650, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $600–$1,500.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $350–$650. 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–$650.
| Bathtub Material | Pros | Cons | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | Common in new suburbs, lightweight | Can crack over time, requires careful prep work | $300–$800 |
| Porcelain | Excellent durability, popular in historic homes | May need extensive surface prep if chipped | $350–$650 |
| Antique porcelain | Extends the lifespan, preserves character | Higher cost, requires a pro with specialized knowledge | $600–$1,500 |
| Cast iron | Built to last, common in historic neighborhoods | Requires specialized primer, may need rust treatment | $350–$650 |
| Enamel | Smooth finish, easy to refinish | Can show wear patterns, needs thorough cleaning before refinishing | $350–$650 |
Indianapolis homeowners benefit from the city’s central location and transportation infrastructure, which keep material costs affordable. Since bathtub refinishing supplies are available through local suppliers, pros don't have to ship supplies from elsewhere, saving on material costs.
Bathtub Type
The type of bathtub affects the complexity of refinishing and the total 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 | Pros | Cons | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claw-foot tub | Vintage charm adds character | More surface area means higher material costs | $500–$1,200 |
| Tub-shower combination | Most common setup | Refinishing tub and wall surfaces increases costs | $400–$800 |
| Freestanding tub | Modern appeal, popular in new construction | Access to all sides increases labor time | $450–$900 |
| Alcove tub | Standard installation, easiest to refinish | Limited design flexibility | $300–$600 |
Method
The refinishing method you choose affects your costs and how long the results will last in your Indianapolis home. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $2,500 to $8,000 and lasts for a few years, whereas reglazing lasts longer, and an inlay is permanent. 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–$250 | $280–$600 | $2,500–$8,000 |
| 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 10–15 years | Lasts 3–5 years |
Bathtub Refinishing Pro Costs
Indianapolis offers competitive pricing for professional bathtub refinishing. Thanks to the city's reasonable cost of living and competitive contractor market, costs are below national averages.
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. Professional bathtub refinishing services in Indianapolis cost about $45 to $85 per hour, making it more affordable than in other major metropolitan areas. If your bathtub is more than lightly scratched, ask your contractor when to refinish or replace your bathtub. Depending on the amount of wear, it may be a better value to reglaze, install a liner, or replace the tub altogether.
Licensing and Permits
The state requires contractors to carry insurance, but the requirements are reasonable and don't create higher overhead costs. Plus, permits aren’t required for smaller jobs like bathtub refinishing, which makes this project more affordable and lets your pro start right away.
Disposal Fees
Environmental disposal requirements in Indianapolis advise pros how to safely dispose of refinishing materials and leftover chemicals. Most contractors include disposal in their pricing, which can add $25 to $75 to cover the appropriate handling of old coatings and materials.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
In Indianapolis' stable housing market, homeowners often see solid returns on bathroom improvements. A refinished bathtub can significantly boost your home's appeal to potential buyers.
The average cost of bathtub refinishing in Indianapolis is around $617, compared to an average bathtub replacement cost of $6,000. Bathrooms rank among the most important rooms for homebuyers, and a scratched or stained tub can make an otherwise attractive home feel dated and neglected. So it may not come as a surprise that quality bathtub refinishing projects can recoup nearly 47% and are one of the most valuable bathroom upgrades.
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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