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 Philadelphia [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $384 - $644
Most homeowners spend about $509 to refinish a bathtub in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $384 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
Cost Insights
A large number of homes in Philadelphia were built before 1950, and investing in a bathtub refinishing project is a budget-friendly way to elevate them.
Hiring a professional bathtub refinisher is the best option, especially during the humid Philadelphia summers, which make refinishing more challenging.
A refinished bathtub has an ROI of 47%, so you consider getting it done before putting your house on the market.
When you want to maximize your investment when updating your home, refinishing your bathtub is an appealing option. It doesn’t take long to do, and the reasonable cost means it has a high return on investment (ROI). Bathtub refinishing costs in Philadelphia are about 5% higher than the national average, with a range from $384 to $644 and an average of $509. Find out how the tub material, refinishing method, and labor affect the total costs.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where 55% of homes were built before 1950, there are many homeowners who can benefit from a bathtub refinishing job. If you’re planning on getting it done, here are the main cost factors.
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–$1,050. 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 $375–$625, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $525–$1,250.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $375–$625. 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 $375–$625.
| Tub Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $300–$1,050 | One of the most common refinishing materials | Careful prep work is necessary for a high-quality result |
| Porcelain | $375–$625 | Gives the porcelain a brand-new look | In most cases, DIY kits are not available for porcelain |
| Antique porcelain | $525–$1,250 | Takes care of signs of age, including chips | Requires pros who are experienced in working with antique tubs |
| Cast iron | $375–$625 | Long-lasting | Careful cleaning is required to prevent damage |
| Enamel | $375–$625 | Able to update color during the process | Chemicals emit odor during the process |
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 | $425–$1,475 |
| Tub-shower combination | $625–$1,050 |
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 | $300–$625 | $2,850–$10,725 |
| 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
Expect the following labor costs when hiring a bathtub refinisher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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 $200 and $500. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours.
If you’re looking for excellent results, it’s better to hand this job off to the pros. While there are many DIY kits available, if you make errors—even something small like failing to clean a spot while doing the prep work—it can result in a tub with discoloration, bubbles, and peeling.
Add in the humid weather in Philadelphia, and you’ll need to take extra care to monitor the humidity in the bathroom while ensuring proper ventilation. This may require a portable dehumidifier or a reducer to add to the chemicals for proper curing. If you don’t have experience with this project, let a pro bathtub refinisher take on the job, and the end result will be high-quality and long-lasting.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Bathtub refinishing has an ROI of 47%, making it an excellent option if you want to upgrade your space without spending thousands of dollars. This project elevates the look of not just the tub, but your entire bathroom.
If you choose not to refinish or replace an older tub with discoloration or markings, future homebuyers may see it as an expensive repair or replacement. Instead of being enthusiastic about buying your home, they may hold back, assuming that they have to spend $2,000 to $9,400 on the cost of installing a replacement bathtub.
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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