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 St. Louis [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $474 - $798
Most homeowners spend about $607 to refinish a bathtub in St. Louis, Missouri. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $474 and $798. 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
While the cost of living in St. Louis is lower than the national average, bathtub refinishing costs are significantly higher.
Hiring a pro to do the job is the best route, especially if you need it done during the humid St. Louis summers, when the task is more challenging.
Bathtub refinishing improves the value of your bathroom and elevates the space.
Bathtub refinishing is everything we wish all projects were—budget-friendly, takes only a day, and has a lasting impact. While the cost of living is lower than average in St. Louis, bathtub refinishing costs are 22.8% higher there. Even so, it’s still a good investment for your home and costs a fraction of a bathtub replacement. You can expect to pay $474 to $798, with an average of $607. The type of bathtub, refinishing method, and labor all play a part in your final cost.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
These are the main cost factors to know about when planning your bathtub refinishing project in St. Louis, Missouri.
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–$1,225. 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–$725, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $625–$1,475.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $425–$725. 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.
| Tub Material | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $375–$1,225 | Common material to work with | Costly to refinish |
| Porcelain | $425–$725 | Brings back the original look of shiny porcelain | You’ll need to hire a pro, as it’s not DIYable |
| Antique porcelain | $625–$1,475 | Restoring an antique piece allows you to enjoy a piece of history | Requires a pro with experience with antique porcelain |
| Cast iron | $425–$725 | Lasts a long time after it’s refinished | Proper maintenance and cleaning are required to maintain its long lifespan |
| Enamel | $425–$725 | Change the color of your tub to better fit your vision | Uses 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 | $675–$2,325 |
| Tub-shower combination | $1,025–$1,650 |
Method
The method of bathtub refinishing you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $3,325 to $12,525. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| $125–$250 | $350–$725 | $3,325–$12,525 |
| 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
The following are additional costs to consider when hiring a bathtub refinisher in St. Louis, Missouri.
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 $250 and $625. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours.
Hiring a pro for this job produces better results than a DIY project. In particular, if you’re planning on tackling this during the humid summers in St. Louis, you’ll need experience to get it done right.
From ensuring proper ventilation while managing humidity levels to knowing which type and amount of reducers to use in the chemicals, every detail counts. If you’ve never refinished a tub before, it’s best to let a pro do it, and you can enjoy a high-quality tub that you can count on for years to come.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Since St. Louis is enjoying a moderate increase in the housing market, small but impactful projects like these can go a long way. The return on investment (ROI) is also favorable, at about 47%, because bathtub refinishing increases the wow factor of your bathroom and adds years to the lifespan of the tub.
If your bathtub has a worn appearance, it can negatively affect your home’s value. A prospective buyer may not like the look and assume that they’ll need to spend thousands on a bathtub replacement. Refinishing your tubs is one of the best bathroom projects for resale value and is one way to spruce up your home 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.
The homeowners guide to bathtub restorations
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Is bathtub refinishing worth it? Yes, it can breathe fresh life into your bathroom by making your tub look brand new. It can also save you hundreds of dollars.
If you’re installing or replacing your shower doors, you’ll be working with a glass installation pro. Here are the most common shower door questions for this project.
The short answer is yes, you can paint a fiberglass tub. But you need the right preparation and paint to transform your bathtub successfully.
Acrylic bathtubs are a common go-to, but are they right for your bathroom remodel? This guide breaks down the pros and cons of acrylic tubs.
Weighing the pros and cons of freestanding bathtubs? Learn the good, the bad, and the costs to decide which bathtub best fits your bathroom and budget.