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 Baltimore [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $389 - $686
Most homeowners spend about $531 to refinish a bathtub in Baltimore, Maryland. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $389 and $686. 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
Baltimore's competitive contractor market keeps refinishing costs reasonable compared to other East Coast cities.
Historic row houses throughout the city often have original cast-iron and porcelain tubs that are perfect candidates for restoration.
Narrow staircases and tight bathrooms in traditional Baltimore homes can complicate this project and increase costs.
Hard water in Baltimore requires extra preparation for bathtub refinishing.
Baltimore's famous row houses are packed with character—including bathrooms that could use a refresh. Instead of ripping out an old tub, refinishing can give you the updated bathtub you want without taking on a major renovation. The average bathtub refinishing cost in Baltimore is $531, with most projects falling between $389 and $686. Your final cost depends on the tub's material, current condition, and the refinishing method that makes the most sense for your space, so let’s splish-splash into the details.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
Each bathtub refinishing project in Baltimore varies due to the variety of buildings, including row houses with century-old fixtures to modern condos. Here are the cost factors to add to your budget when you're ready to hire a bathtub refinishing contractor in Baltimore, Maryland.
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 $375–$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 $425–$775, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $575–$1,200.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $425–$775. 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 $425–$725.
| Bathtub Material | Pros | Cons | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | Lightweight, smart for older building structures | Requires specialized expertise, fewer experienced contractors | $375–$950 |
| Porcelain | Vintage appeal, excellent durability | May need extensive prep | $425–$775 |
| Antique porcelain | Restores a vintage tub without having to replace it | Not all pros have the experience for the job | $575–$1,200 |
| Cast iron | Long-lasting, works well for restoration | Heavy, requires a skilled refinishing professional | $425–$775 |
| Enamel | Smooth finish when properly restored and maintained | Shows wear from hard water, common in ranch homes | $425–$725 |
One thing that sets Baltimore apart is the number of original fixtures in homes. If your home has an authentic vintage tub, it might need extra prep work to address decades of wear, previous paint jobs, or modifications, which can add $125 to $350 to the cost.
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 | Pros | Cons | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claw-foot tub | Classic charm, excellent for resale | Complex, requires a specialist | $575–$1,200 |
| Tub-shower combination | Space-efficient, most common | More surface area increases costs | $475–$825 |
| Freestanding tub | Modern appeal, popular upgrade | Access is tricky in small spaces | $525–$975 |
Method
The method of bathtub refinishing you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $3,200 to $11,000. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| $150–$325 | $350–$725 | $3,200–$11,000 |
| 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
Bathtub refinishing companies in Baltimore, Maryland, have to factor in the labor costs, location, and refinishing method to give you an accurate estimate for your project. These are the factors to consider.
Labor
Labor costs in Baltimore range from $75 to $135 per hour, and most reglazing jobs take four to five hours, though the condition of your tub can affect this.
That said, Baltimore's older homes can surprise you with layers of previous work or unexpected damage that only shows up once the work starts. A tub with decades of hard use could require additional surface repairs that add time and cost to the job. If your tub is damaged beyond surface scratches, your pro can recommend when to refinish or replace it.
Location
Many historic homes in Baltimore have narrow staircases, tight hallways, and compact bathrooms that complicate the project and add time and costs.
Some older homes also have outdated ventilation systems that affect drying time. Your contractor might bring additional ventilation equipment, but more drying time can add billable hours to the job.
Permits and Regulations
Basic tub refinishing projects don’t need city permits. However, if you live in a co-op or condo that charges administrative fees for bathroom improvements, plan to add $100 to $300.
Materials and Disposal
Homes hooked to Baltimore's public utilities often have hard water, which can be tough on refinishing materials. To combat this, contractors use higher-grade products that cost $50 to $100 more but last longer. Local disposal requirements for refinishing chemicals and old coatings add another $40 to $75.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
In a competitive housing market like Baltimore’s, you’ll find improvements that don’t break the bank are a smart way to get more attention for your property. Many buyers specifically look for homes with original character, and a beautifully refinished antique tub can be a major selling point.
Bathtub refinishing projects recoup about 47% of the cost, especially when the work preserves character and adds functionality. And since the average bathtub refinishing cost is far less than the average tub replacement cost, you can get a tub that looks new with a lower up-front cost.
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.
The homeowners guide to bathtub restorations
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