How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in Columbus? [2025 Data]

Bathtub replacement in Columbus, Ohio costs $1,007 on average, with most homeowners spending between $636 and $1,396. Columbus homeowners benefit from a competitive construction market that keeps bathtub replacement costs reasonable compared to coastal metros. Older neighborhoods feature aging plumbing systems that often need special attention, which can add complexity to tub replacement projects.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

The seasonal weather extremes in Columbus, Ohio range from sweltering August days to below-zero January nights, demanding bathtub materials that handle temperature swings and humidity without warping, cracking, or promoting mold growth.

Bathtub Type

Many tub styles balance aesthetics and utility to bring comfort and relaxation. Here’s a look at the average prices for different bathtub types.

Standard Tub 

A standard bathtub is one of the least expensive options, with costs ranging from $300 to $1,200, depending on the tub material. General-purpose tubs are rectangular or oval-shaped and have a showerhead above. You may also need to install a surround for an additional $500 to $2,000. 

Soaking Tub

Deep-basin soaking tub costs range from $800 to $3,000. Like other styles, the price of soaking tubs is mainly determined by material and size. Because these are deeper than standard tubs, confirm that the tub will fit your space before purchasing.

Jet and Whirlpool

Bathtubs with jets help soothe stiff muscles and sore joints. The average jetted tub costs $1,000 to $4,000, and these come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. Jets require electricity, so additional work is required to install these tubs, which means higher labor costs and possibly a more substantial remodel.

Freestanding

Freestanding bathtubs have space to move around on all sides. They make for a distinctive element to your bathroom, especially if you’re accustomed to traditional built-in tubs. Freestanding tubs average $2,500, but ensure you have enough space before committing.

Walk-In

Walk-in tubs offer safety and comfort features, including a door, and allow for easier access for older adults and people with disabilities. They cost between $2,000 and $12,000 and can increase your home’s value. 

Accessible Bathtub 

While walk-in tubs offer one form of accessibility, accessible bathtubs can offer more features (including walk or slide-in functions). Most accessible bathtubs are larger and may include a wider, sometimes motorized, entryway. The cost of accessible bathtubs ranges from $1,500 to $6,000. 

Clawfoot

Distinctive clawfoot tubs can cost $10,000 or more, but you can find options that fit just about any price range. Depending on the material used, the job may require flooring reinforcement.

Bathtub Material

The bathtub material you choose is a major factor in how much it costs to replace a bathtub.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass tubs are an affordable option. They’re lightweight and come in a variety of colors. You'll pay between $200 and $800 to install a new fiberglass bathtub. Unlike some other materials, fiberglass is not great at retaining heat.

Ceramic 

Adding a ceramic tub to your bathroom costs anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, with prices varying based on the colors and styles of ceramic tile you choose. Ceramic tubs offer unique bathtub design choices, but you will have to clean the grout and repair chips.

Acrylic

Acrylic tubs have a smooth, non-porous surface that's highly resistant to mold and mildew, making them an excellent choice for Ohio’s humid summers. Standard acrylic tubs cost $700 to $1,500, with high-end models approaching $14,000. Opt for acrylic for a lightweight, durable bathtub option.

Steel

Enameled steel is a lighter and more cost-efficient alternative to cast iron, with a price range of $200 to $1,000. However, steel drawbacks include the risk of chipping, and they can make a cacophony of sounds while filling.

Copper 

Copper bathtubs cost $2,000 to $5,000. In addition to its chic appearance, copper is a durable, long-lasting material that’s resistant to mold and bacteria. This material also holds heat well, making it ideal for long, hot baths.

Cultured Marble

Stylish marble makes for a show-stopping bathroom. Installing a marble tub will run between $2,000 and $5,000. Unlike acrylic, marble is heavy and susceptible to cracks. Ask your pro about extra care and reinforced flooring when you opt for marble.

Cast Iron

Cast iron bathtubs are the most effective for heat retention, making them ideal for Ohio's cold winters when you want your bathwater to stay warm during long soaks. They come in a range of styles to fit your dream bathroom, but Porcelain enamel-coated cast-iron tubs are heavy and may require extra reinforcements. Cast-iron bathtubs cost between $400 and $8,000.

Granite 

If you want a bathtub that doubles as modern decor, you can install a granite tub for $10,000 to $20,000. This material is incredibly durable and long-lasting, but can be heavy and difficult to install.

Additional Bathtub Replacement Costs 

Removing the old tub and inserting the new one isn’t always as easy as it sounds, and there are plenty of additional costs.

Old Tub Removal and Disposal

The cost to remove and dispose of an old bathtub depends on its type. Fiberglass tubs, which are lighter in weight, cost $50 to $100 to remove. Hauling away a heavy cast-iron bathtub could cost $300 or more.

Shower-to-Tub Conversion Cost

A shower-to-tub or tub-to-shower conversion costs $2,000 to $10,500. You’ll need to remove the shower—and since tubs are larger than showers—you might have to remove walls, relocate plumbing, or move electrical wiring to make room for a tub.

Subfloor Preparation and Reinforcement

Heavy tubs need structural support underneath, which can cost $300 to $800. Repairing floor joists costs $4,000 to over $12,000, depending on the condition of the existing floor joists. The cost of subfloor replacement due to damage under your old tub is $3 to $10 per square foot, but your bathroom remodeling project may not require it. 

Surround 

Installing a bathtub surround costs $500 to $2,000. For bathtub-shower combos, you’ll want to install a surround consisting of waterproof panels to protect the drywall from shower water. 

Bath Liner

Bath liners cost $6,400 on average, but they range from $2,700 to over $10,000, depending on the size of your existing tub. A bath liner is a customized acrylic layer that fits over an existing tub to give it a new look and feel.

Faucets 

Adding a new faucet or other bathtub hardware costs an average of $50 for basic options to over $900 for hardware made from copper or porcelain. You can spend over $700 for high-end faucets, like waterfall or spa-style faucets.

Electrical Upgrades

Upgrades to an electrical panel cost $1,600 on average. You may also need to upgrade or add electrical wiring to your bathroom. This may be necessary if you install a jetted or Whirlpool-style bathtub or a tub with high-tech features, like lighting or speakers. If you’re adding a jetted tub, you’ll need a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which costs an average of $210 to install.

Water Damage Repairs 

When you take out the old tub or shower, you may encounter water damage in the floors or walls. Water damage restoration costs an average of $3,850. Smaller cases cost an average of $450, while extensive damage and repairs can cost over $14,000.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Replacement

You may choose to refinish or replace a bathtub, depending on its condition. Refinishing involves sanding the tub and coating it with primer and paint to remove any small dents or scratches and give it a clean and fresh appearance. Bathroom contractors can complete the refinishing process in a day, and it costs an average of $480. 

If your bathtub is severely damaged or has major leak issues, it might not be in good enough shape to refinish, making bathtub replacement a better option. If leaks have damaged the flooring or surrounding wall, you’ll need to make repairs and remove mold. Depending on the new tub, you might need to reroute plumbing to make the bathtub replacement work. Bathtub replacement is another job for a qualified bathroom contractor and possibly an electrician or plumber. 

Bathtub Replacement Pro Costs

Licensed bathtub replacement professionals in Columbus understand local building codes and permitting requirements. The city's affordable cost of living translates to competitive labor rates without sacrificing quality craftsmanship.

Labor

The labor cost to replace a bathtub is about $200 to $700, based on the average $45 to $200 hourly rate for most Columbus plumbers. When choosing who to hire for a bathroom remodel, expect to pay more for specific expertise. Your costs increase when relocating plumbing lines, reinforcing subflooring, or navigating tight spaces common in older Columbus homes.

If you’re installing a different type of tub than the existing one or placing the new one in a different spot, you might need some plumbing work to meet current code standards. Budget $400 to $1,900 to move plumbing lines and pipes.

Permits

Columbus requires permits for plumbing work, especially if you need to relocate plumbing lines or electrical wiring. Building permits cost $125 to $350 on average for relatively minor plumbing work. Budget more for complex jobs that include electrical or structural work. 

Ask your contractors about the necessary permits, and don’t start work until you secure them, even if you’re DIYing. Doing work without a required permit can lead to stop-work orders, fines, and higher costs to bring work into compliance.

Neighborhood Variations

Your neighborhood influences not just the physical challenges but also design expectations. Historic districts like German Village often value period-appropriate fixtures and require upgraded insulation and ventilation. Budget $300 to $1,500 to install a quality ventilation system to prevent moisture damage.

By comparison, suburban areas like New Albany tend toward contemporary styles. Weigh your neighborhood's character and the cost to demo a bathroom when selecting your new tub to maintain resale appeal.

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

Bathtub replacement offers strong returns in Columbus's robust housing market. Return on investment (ROI) varies by neighborhood and project scope. A straightforward tub replacement recoups 50% to 75% of costs at resale, with midrange projects consistent with neighborhood comparables reaching the higher end of this range.

A luxury bathroom remodel costs more, but may result in a lower return percentage-wise, depending on buyer expectations in the surrounding community. Emerging neighborhoods like Franklinton and the Near East Side often see stronger ROI percentages as buyers seek move-in-ready homes in up-and-coming areas.

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. 

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