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 Austin [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $352 - $919
Most homeowners spend about $628 to refinish a bathtub in Austin, Texas. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $352 and $919. 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
If you have an older Austin home, a bathtub refinishing project is a budget-friendly way to spruce up your bathroom.
Considering the project's affordable cost, it’s best to hire a pro to do the refinishing, especially during humid Austin summers when the task is trickier.
The buyer’s market in Austin means that refinishing your bathtubs could elevate your bathrooms and help make your home more appealing.
If you’ve been dreaming of a bathroom remodel but don’t want to spend thousands on expensive projects, bathtub refinishing is a potential option. The cost of living is higher in Austin than anywhere else in the big state of Texas, and bathtub refinishing costs in Austin are about 26% higher than the national average. The majority of homeowners spend between $352 and $919, with an average of $628. Here’s how the tub material, refinishing method, labor, and more affect the total costs.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
When budgeting for your bathtub refinishing in Austin, Texas, consider the following factors that swing the project one way or another.
Bathtub Refinishing Costs by Material
If you live in one of the many older homes in Austin, you may have mid-century bathtubs made of cast iron or porcelain. Here’s a breakdown of bathtub refinishing costs based on tub material:
Fiberglass: Fiberglass bathtubs are the most costly to refinish, at $375–$1,250. 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 $450–$750, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $625–$1,500.
Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $450–$750. 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 $450–$750.
| Bathtub Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $375–$1,250 | Straightforward installation | Meticulous prep work is required for a smooth finish |
| Porcelain | $450–$750 | Fixes discoloration and dullness | Not DIYable |
| Antique porcelain | $625–$1,500 | Allows you to restore a high-quality antique tub | Knowledgable pro is required |
| Cast iron | $450–$750 | Long-lasting | Proper care is required with nonabrasive cleaners |
| Enamel | $450–$750 | Option to update the tub color | Harsh chemicals require ventilation |
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 | $700–$2,400 |
| Tub-shower combination | $1,050–$1,700 |
Method
The method of bathtub refinishing you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $3,400 to $12,850. 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–$750 | $3,400–$12,850 |
| 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 10–5 years | Lasts 3–5 years |
Bathtub Refinishing Pro Costs
Consider these additional pro costs when hiring a bathtub refinishing pro in Austin, Texas.
Labor
The good thing about refinishing your bathtub is that the job takes a relatively short amount of time. Labor costs aren’t too high, ranging between $250 and $625. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours.
Some DIYers may be eager to roll up their sleeves, but it’s often worthwhile to hire a pro for the job. In particular, if you need to do the project during the humid Austin summers, having an experienced refinisher complete the project could be key to long-lasting results. Humidity can change the way the chemicals cure, so your pro will ensure proper humidity levels with the right amount of ventilation during the installation. This may require the use of a dehumidifier and a reducer in the chemicals for it to cure correctly.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Austin is one of the most popular cities in Texas, and homes are sought-after, so having appealing bathrooms in your home is a major selling point.
Bathtub refinishing offers the look of a brand-new tub without the high cost of a replacement, so it’s an ideal job to get done while preparing your home for the market. The return on investment (ROI) for bathtub refinishing is 47%, so it’s an appealing project for many homeowners.
If you decide to put your house on the market without fixing your tub, homebuyers who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on bathroom upgrades may not be willing to make an offer. Therefore, considering this wallet-friendly makeover for your tubs could be worth it.
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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