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 Raleigh [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $412 - $866
Most homeowners spend about $627 to refinish a bathtub in Raleigh, North Carolina. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $412 and $866. 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
Bathtub refinishing pros don’t need a license in North Carolina to complete this project.
Refinishing a bathtub offers a 47% ROI, which is impressive for this budget-friendly job.
Raleigh bathtub refinishing costs are higher than in other cities, despite the fact that the overall cost of living is 3% below the national average.
Refinishing a bathtub can erase imperfections and stains and costs significantly less than replacing it. Bathtub refinishing costs in Raleigh average $627, with most homeowners paying between $412 and $866. A bathtub refinishing pro can give you an estimate that factors in the type of bathtub, materials, and labor costs. Here’s what you need to know before undertaking this project.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
Refinishing costs 75% less than removing and replacing a bathtub. In Raleigh, North Carolina, bathtub replacement costs between $3,900 and $9,900. To get a closer idea of your refinishing costs, include the material the bathtub is made out of, the refinishing method, and the type of bathtub in your budget.
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–$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 | $300–$1,000 | Renews the look of the tub and repairs imperfections | Takes extra time and care to keep the finish smooth, raising costs |
| Porcelain | $350–$600 | Common refinishing material | Prone to scratches and chips, may need to be refinished more than once |
| Antique porcelain | $500–$1,200 | Brings life back to tubs in historic homes | High cost |
| Cast iron | $350–$600 | Durable, strongly adheres to the finish | Additional surface area increases labor costs |
| Enamel | $350–$600 | Used on steel and cast-iron tubs for a glossy look | Can rust when chipped or cracked |
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 | $300–$800 |
| Bathtub and shower surround | $600–$1,000 |
| Claw-foot tub | $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 | $410–$870 | $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
Materials and refinishing methods aren’t the only costs to consider. You’ll also need to get estimates for the cost of labor.
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.
Before hiring a bathtub refinishing pro in Raleigh, North Carolina, check their reviews and photos of past projects to determine who will be the best fit for your project. If you have a specialty tub like antique porcelain or cast iron, make sure the pro has experience with them.
Licensing and Certification
In North Carolina, a general contractor needs a license if the project costs $40,000 or more. Because bathtub refinishing costs significantly less than that, a tub refinishing pro won’t need a contractor’s license. However, they should be certified and trained in bathtub refinishing and have a business license.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Bathtub refinishing is a cost-effective way to boost your home’s value when it’s time to sell. Buyers may not want to take on a big upgrade when they move in, so refinishing a cracked, dull, or stained bathtub can enhance the bathroom's look. If you refinish your bathtub, the return on investment (ROI) is about 47%. When considering that refinishing a tub costs a quarter of the price to replace a bathtub, this project could be right for you.
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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