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 Detroit [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $332 - $644
Most homeowners spend about $487 to refinish a bathtub in Detroit, Michigan. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $332 and $644. 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
Refinishing a bathtub in Detroit costs a quarter of the cost to replace it.
In Michigan, pros don’t have to be licensed contractors to refinish bathtubs, but they should be certified in bathtub refinishing and hold a business license.
A bathtub refinishing project is budget-friendly and is one of the best bathroom upgrades for resale value.
A large portion of homes in Detroit were built before 1950, and as these homes age, a project like bathtub refinishing can provide an affordable way to reinvigorate a bathroom. The cost of refinishing a bathtub in Detroit averages $487, and homeowners can expect to pay between $332 and $644. Choosing bathtub refinishing over replacement will make your bathtub look new again for much less than it would cost to replace it.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
Bathtub refinishing in Detroit, Michigan, can give your bathtub the refresh it needs if it’s chipped, cracked, or dull. Costs for this project vary based on the type of bathtub you have, the material it’s made of, and the refinishing method you choose.
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 $400–$1,000. 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–$1,200.
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.
| Bathtub Material | Average Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $400–$1,000 | Removes imperfections, smooth finish | Requires upkeep to maintain its look |
| Porcelain | $350–$600 | Common refinishing material | Prone to damage that requires multiple refinishing projects |
| Antique porcelain | $500–$1,200 | Brings back the original character of a vintage tub | High cost for specialty tubs like cast iron |
| Cast iron | $350–$600 | Extremely durable | Requires more time and labor |
| Enamel | $350–$600 | Used on steel and cast-iron tubs for a glossy look | Damage can expose the metal underneath, causing rust |
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.
| Bathtub Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard bathtub | $450–$800 |
| Bathtub and shower surround | $1,200–$1,500 |
| Claw-foot tub | $600–$10,000 |
| Jacuzzi tub | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Freestanding | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Soaking tub | $600–$13,000 |
| Accessible | $4,000–$12,000 |
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 | $340–$645 | $2,700–$10,200 |
| 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
Hiring a qualified pro in Detroit can help this project run smoothly. Bathtub refinishers will include labor and materials in the total cost, and they should have a proper business license and be certified in bathtub refinishing.
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. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours. To get an accurate estimate of the labor costs, speak with your bathtub refinishing pro in Detroit, Michigan. Because the material costs are low, the majority of the total estimate will likely be labor costs.
Licensing and Certification
Michigan doesn’t require a specific license to complete bathtub remodeling, but the pro should have a business license and be certified in bathtub refinishing. You can also check reviews to see what past clients have thought of the quality of work and their professionalism.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Replacing a bathtub costs between $1,200 and $6,200 in Detroit, so refinishing offers significant savings. Because the project has a return on investment (ROI) of about 47%, it’s one of the best bathroom upgrades for resale value. This budget-friendly solution can take your bathroom to the next level.
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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