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 Seattle [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $429 - $792
Most homeowners spend about $604 to refinish a bathtub in Seattle, Washington. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $429 and $792. 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
The cost of living in Seattle is substantially higher than the national average, so bathtub refinishing is a budget-friendly, appealing bathroom update.
Bathtub refinishers in Seattle need a specialty contractor license or a handyperson license to complete the project.
Bathroom remodels in Seattle can have an ROI of almost 81%.
Seattle is known for rainy weather that makes you want to warm up in a cozy bath, but if your tub is stained, chipped, or cracked, this experience can be anything but relaxing. Bathtub refinishing gives your tub new life for significantly less than it costs to replace it. Homeowners can expect to pay between $429 and $792 to cover the cost of bathtub refinishing in Seattle, with an average cost of $604.
Getting an estimate from a tub refinishing pro who will evaluate the tub’s condition can help you plan for the cost.
Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors
Costs to refinish a bathtub in Seattle, Washington, depend on your tub’s material and the type of bathtub. The refinishing method will also factor into the final cost.
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–$700. 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 | Repairs imperfections, restores the look of the tub | Maintaining a smooth finish requires upkeep |
| Porcelain | $350–$600 | Common refinishing material | Could need refinishing more than once, susceptible to chips and scratches |
| Antique porcelain | $500–$1,200 | Extends the life of antique tubs | High cost |
| Cast iron | $350–$700 | Durable, strongly adheres to the finish | Higher labor costs due to more surface area |
| 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 | $200–$800 |
| Bathtub and shower surround | $600–$1,000 |
| Claw-foot tub | $400–$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 $1,820 to $4,450. 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 | $430–$800 | $1,820–$4,450 |
| 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
Bathtub refinishing requires specialized knowledge of cleaning and stain removal, chip and crack repair, and refinishing techniques—so it’s not a DIY job. A pro can have your bathtub looking good as new in as little as 24 hours. Here’s what you can expect for the labor and licensing.
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. However, since material costs are low, the bulk of the cost will be the labor.
Because the cost of living in Seattle is 45% higher than the national average, labor costs will likely be higher. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours, but a bathtub refinishing pro in Seattle, Washington, can assess your project and let you know how much time it will take.
Licensing
In Washington, all construction contractors are required to register with the Department of Labor and Industries. Washington divides contractors into two categories: general contractors and specialty contractors. Bathtub refinishing pros in Seattle may need a specialty contractor license for “swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs,” which allows them to repair damaged bathtubs and showers. A “handyman” license may also qualify them to do the work as long as the total is under $2,000.
Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?
Because refinishing your bathtub is a relatively inexpensive project, it likely won’t raise your home value by much, but bathroom remodeling projects do have a rather high rate of return (ROI). According to The Journal of Light Construction, a mid-range bathroom remodel has an ROI of up to nearly 81%. This type of remodel can include installing a new tub, but refinishing your existing one can keep costs down and give your tub new life while offering a high ROI.
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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