Many homeowners face the choice: replace an old bathtub or refinish it. Both options will bring a fresh look to your bathroom, but they differ significantly in cost, timelines, and complexity. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can make the right decision for your home.
Bathtub refinishing is the process of restoring the tub’s appearance and protective surface without removing it. At ReTub.Pro, we use the Armoglaze hand-poured coating, which creates a thick, high-gloss finish that covers chips, cracks, and wear completely.
Pros:
3–5 times cheaper than replacement
Timeframe: 1 day
No demolition or tile damage
Odor-free and zero VOC — safe for families and pets
Lifespan: 8–10+ years
Cons:
Requires a structurally sound bathtub
Limited to the available coating color palette (no extreme design changes)
Bathtub replacement involves fully removing the old tub and installing a new one.
Pros:
Ability to choose a completely new model, shape, or size
Solves problems with severely damaged or deformed tubs
Cons:
High cost: new bathtub + demolition + installation + wall/tile repairs
Longer timelines: 3–14+ days
Limited bathroom use during installation
Risk of damaging plumbing or other fixtures
| Parameter | Refinishing | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $350–$800 | $1,500–$4,000+ |
| Timeframe | 1 day | 3–14 days |
| Demolition | Not required | Required |
| Dust/Noise | Minimal | High |
| Lifespan | 8–10+ years | 15–20 years |
If your bathtub is structurally sound but has chips, stains, or a dull finish, refinishing is the better option. It’s 3–5 times cheaper and can be completed in just one day.
If your bathtub is severely cracked, warped, or improperly installed, then replacement may be the more logical choice — although it will take longer and cost more.
In most cases, refinishing is the faster, more affordable, and less disruptive solution. The Armoglaze technology we use at ReTub.Pro delivers a durable, safe, and factory-new finish with a warranty of up to 10 years.
Want to bring back the shine to your bathtub?
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and exact quote.
