Upgrading your bathtub can enhance your bathroom’s appearance and provide a luxurious bathing experience. Whether you’re replacing the old tub with a similar model or splurging on a soaking tub, it’s important to budget for the cost of your bathroom remodel. The cost of installing a bathtub can range from $1,950 to $9,200, with the national average being $5,600. This comprehensive guide breaks down bathtub installation pricing and provides saving tips.

Note: Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi and HomeAdvisor.

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How Much is the Average Bathtub Installation Cost?

How much your bathtub will cost to install depends on these three main factors.

• Bathtub materials: Acrylic, fiberglass, and steel tubs cost the least, while copper, solid surface, and natural stone tubs cost the most.
• Bathtub type: The larger and more specialized the tub, the more it will cost.
• Tub surrounds: The material surrounding the alcove or wall behind the tub will also increase your total project costs.

Cost by Bathtub Type

Tubs can be divided into various categories, but how the tub is used is most relevant to cost.

All-Purpose Standard Bathtubs

Most bathrooms have a general-purpose standard tub, either as a stand-alone or as part of a tub-shower combo. These tubs are the least expensive. They tend to be shallow and made of acrylic, steel, or fiberglass.

Freestanding Bathtubs

Tubs that aren’t attached to the wall like clawfoot bathtubs are called free-standing tubs. These don’t require decking or surrounds but may require specialty plumbing for faucets and drainage. They can sit directly on the bathroom floor or have feet or an elevated base to create a focal point. These tubs are often made of attractive natural stone, solid surface, or copper materials.

Jet or Whirlpool Tubs

Whirlpool or jetted tubs feature water-circulating jets that can be fixed or adjustable. These tubs are meant to deliver a spalike bathing experience and are priced accordingly. They’re generally lightweight acrylic tubs located in an alcove so there’s hidden space around the tub for the motor, heater, and jet plumbing. Jetted tubs also require a dedicated electrical circuit for the motor and heater, which can add to the cost of installation.

Soaking Tubs

Tubs meant for soaking are particularly deep. Many free-standing tubs are also soaking tubs, though some may be designed to drop into existing decking. Most soaking tubs are long enough to stretch out in. Japanese-style soaking tubs are designed for sitting, providing luxury while minimizing floor space.

Walk-In Tubs

Walk-in bathtubs have hinged doors that allow users to enter the tub without stepping over the side. They also have sitting bench seats and typically fill to the user’s shoulders. People who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility can use these tubs with relative safety, though they’ll need to sit in the tub while it fills and until it empties. These tubs typically require specialty installation, making them more expensive in terms of both labor and materials.

Cost by Bathtub Material

Lighter bathtub materials cost less than heavier ones, though they’re often less durable. Here’s how much some of the most common tub materials cost, excluding labor:

Acrylic Tubs

Acrylic is one of the most common and inexpensive tub materials due to its light weight and easier installation process. You can find acrylic tubs in many styles and colors. They’re often referred to as fiberglass tubs since they’re made of an acrylic coating over a reinforced fiberglass frame. Acrylic tubs can be expensive because high-tech models are often made of acrylic over fiberglass due to its ability to be shaped easily.

Cast Iron Tubs

Cast iron infused with porcelain is one of the oldest bathtub materials due to its place in historical casting, its durability, and the ability to hold heat. These tubs can be affordable but are heavy and may require floor reinforcement.

Copper Tubs

Copper has a distinctive appearance, is durable, and easily resists bacteria, mold growth, and corrosion. However, these tubs are expensive because of the material’s value and the difficulty of building them. They’re usually handmade, so you may not be able to find them in an exact size or style.

Enameled Steel Tubs

Enameled steel holds heat like cast iron but is much lighter, making it less expensive and easier to install. Most steel tubs are coated in white or off-white enamels. Steel-coated tubs also come in insulated versions to be less tinny sounding and to seem more like cast-iron tubs.

Fiberglass Tubs

Fiberglass tubs are similar to acrylic tubs since they’re both based on fiberglass, but there are differences. Fiberglass tubs are less durable and can become porous and stain, but they’re also cheaper and easier to repair. Acrylic tubs can be refinished, though this is a time-consuming project. Fiberglass bathtubs aren’t as durable as metal or stone and their color fades with time.

Granite Tubs

Granite bathtubs are a luxury option, often chosen as freestanding statement pieces in a large bathroom. They’re expensive because they’re carved from a single chunk of natural stone, which is extremely heavy and durable. Unfortunately, they’re high-maintenance if you want to prevent staining and etching.

Marble Tubs

Marble bathtubs are typically made of poured cultured marble rather than solid chunks of natural marble, as this would make them prohibitively expensive. Cultured marble can be customized in many ways, and the gel coating increases durability and ability to be refinished.

Solid-Surface Tubs

Solid surface is a synthetic composite material containing acrylic, minerals, and resin. It’s waterproof and stain-resistant, making it a popular choice for countertops, bathtubs, and other home features. Solid surface can be poured into shape, making it customizable. While damages can easily be repaired, solid surface sits on the high end of the cost spectrum.

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Signs That You Need to Replace Your Bathtub

Sometimes it will be obvious that you need a new tub. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Outdated style
• Stains that can’t be removed by cleaning
• Visible cracks or leaks
• You or your family’s changing accessibility needs

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How Much Does a Bathtub Surround Cost?

During installation, you’ll need to replace the surround walls of your new bathtub. If you have a tub-shower combination, these surrounds sit on top of the tub and must reach past the showerhead to provide proper waterproofing. Often, a free-standing tub will have a half-height surround on the walls of the alcove adjacent to the tub.

Here’s a breakdown of various bathtub surround materials and their costs for a 60-square-foot installation.

• Acrylic: Very easy to care for and maybe prefabricated with features like soap dishes and grab bars
• Composite: Customizable and can be installed directly into the wall
• Fiberglass: Customizable to mimic tile or match a fiberglass tub
• Natural stone: Striking tiles or slabs that are heavy and difficult to maintain due to their porosity
• Quartz: Low-maintenance and mimic the look of other natural stones, but can have staining issues
• Solid surface: Seamless, easy to clean and repair, and available in custom colors and styles
• Tile: Made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass and labor-intensive to install

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What Factors Affect the Cost of Bathtub Installation?

The bulk of bathtub installation cost is determined by tub material and type, but here are some other variables that affect the final price.

Faucets

The price of a new faucet depends on how it needs to be mounted. Tubs set into decks may have the faucet and handles mounted to either the deck or the tub’s top. The faucet may also be mounted into the wall, which can work with alcoves or free-standing tubs. If you want your free-standing tub to sit out from the wall, you’ll need to have the plumbing come up through the floor with exposed pipes which need finished surfaces.

Flooring Modifications

You may require floor reinforcement depending on the new tub’s weight. This may be accomplished by adding additional joists or adding a beam to support existing joists.

Old Tub Removal

You’ll need to remove and dispose of your old tub and surround before installing new ones. Lightweight alcove tubs are typically the least costly to remove, while heavy or customized tubs are the most expensive. You may pay anywhere from $200–$1,200 for demolition and disposal.

Permits and Labor

You may need to hire professional installers for your tub project. Labor charges could range between $100 and $2,000 for new bathtub installation, depending on your project. You’ll need to hire a licensed plumber to alter the existing pipes. These professionals charge $45–$200 per hour, depending on their experience level. You’ll also need to pay for permits for any major plumbing work, which usually costs $50–$500.

Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades

You may find that your existing plumbing system won’t work with your new bathtub. You’ll need to upgrade your water heater if you purchase a large soaking or walk-in tub and need a larger amount of hot water. A new separate circuit and breaker will be necessary if upgrading to a jetted tub.

Repair vs. Replacement

Refinishing may be the way to go if your existing bathtub is in good shape and your budget is limited. This typically costs $330–$600 and involves repairing chips and scratches along with repainting. Alternatively, your current tub can be covered with an acrylic or fiberglass liner that seamlessly covers the tub and its surrounds. This costs about as much as an inexpensive tub replacement, starting at around $1,800.

Shower-to-Tub Conversion

Converting a stand-alone shower into a tub costs as much as tub replacement since the work is similar, averaging $4,000–$6,000. The final price depends on the tub choice and the amount of required work, particularly reconfiguring the plumbing. Here are the various project costs.

Hidden Costs

In addition to the standard installation expenses, there may be hidden costs that could impact your bathtub installation budget. If there is any water damage surrounding the previous installation, you may need to complete additional repairs before installing the new tub. You may also need to fix any structural damage or plumbing issues surrounding the installation site. For larger tub sizes, you may need to remove a section of wall or door to accommodate the new dimensions, involving carpentry work and associated labor fees. We recommend assessing site conditions and obtaining detailed quotes to account for possible hidden expenses.

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Can You Install a Bathtub Yourself?

You may be able to save on labor by completing some or all of the work yourself, though the job will be quicker when performed by a professional. 

Professional Bathtub Installation

A licensed plumber will install a bathtub, particularly if you need to change the configuration of your bathtub’s drainpipes. Electrical work, carpentry, drywall, wall-surround installation, painting, and bath enclosure installation may be necessary to successfully put in a new bathtub.

You may want to hire a general contractor to oversee and schedule all the trades involved in a bathtub replacement. If the project is extensive or part of a larger bathroom remodel you may want a general contractor to add in cabinets, countertops, flooring, mirrors, and bath accessories. This adds 10%–20% to the overall cost but will lead to a more efficient and professional installation.

DIY Bathtub Installation

Homeowners with extensive do-it-yourself (DIY) experience or those who want to replace an old tub with a new one of the same size and shape may be able to do so without hiring a professional. Here are the general steps you’ll follow for a simple replacement.

1. Turn off the water supply to the tub and remove the valve trim, tub spout and showerhead if there is one.
2. Remove the drain and overflow cover.
3. Disconnect the drain assembly.
4. Remove the wall surround and drywall around the tub front and deck.
5. Disconnect the flange that attaches the tub to the wall studs.
6. Remove the old tub and clean the alcove.
7. Install a two-by-four-inch stringer to support the new tub if necessary.
8. Put the new tub in place.
9. Install the new overflow and drain assembly.
10. Connect the drain to the plumbing.
11. Secure the flange, repair the drywall, and install the new surround.
12. Replace the shower trim pieces.

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How Can You Save on Bathtub Installation?

You can save money on a new tub with the following tips.

• Choose a standard, all-purpose tub in acrylic, fiberglass, or enameled steel. 
• Pick a prefabricated panel tub surround instead of hand-laid tile.
• Keep your current bathroom’s layout intact, especially plumbing and wiring.
• Get at least three quotes from local tub installers before choosing one.
• Ask your chosen installer whether there are parts of the process you can do yourself, such as demolition, haul away, or cleanup.

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How To Hire a Professional

If you’re hiring a professional for your bathtub installation, remember the following tips during your search to find a quality contractor.

• Inquire about their experience with installations, their company history, and how long they have been working in the area.
• Verify the plumber or general contractor is properly licensed, bonded, and insured. 
• Get an itemized quote for your project, including all materials, labor, and repairs. 
• Inquire which services are included with your installation, such as old tub removal and disposal, as well as permit and inspection costs. Ensure all additional costs are clearly detailed in your quote. 
• Get full details on your project timeline, including estimated start date, material delivery timeline, and installation completion. 
• Ask about the workmanship warranty on both the bathtub and the labor.
• Request a portfolio of completed jobs that include before-and-after pictures. You should also ask about recommendations from previous customers. 
• Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify each company’s reputation and current standing. 
• Check online reviews on third-party review sites. Look for any outstanding complaints about poor customer service, shoddy installations, or high pricing. 
• Get all agreements in writing. Don’t accept verbal contracts.

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Is the Cost to Replace Your Bathtub Worth it?

There’s a big price difference between a simple alcove replacement tub and a new, luxury bathtub. Consider what you want from your new bathtub—like who will use it and how often— before making substantial changes to your bathroom’s layout or plumbing, as those changes will be more expensive. Homeowners on a strict budget should think long-term and balance price against quality. A bathtub should last for years or even decades if you follow maintenance and cleaning directions.

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FAQ About Bathtub Installation Cost

What is the cost to replace a bathtub and surround?

The average cost of replacing your bathtub and surround is $1,800 to $10,200, depending on the tub style, surround material, and additional features required for your project. 

What is the life expectancy of a bathtub?

The life expectancy of a bathtub depends on the material, but generally, it should generally last for 10–30 years.

How does a bathtub installation affect the value of my home?

Assessing the resale value of bathtubs is tricky because they’re usually installed as part of an overall bathroom remodel. Most realtors consider at least one bathtub essential for any home. The National Association for Home Builders’ 2021 “What Home Buyers Really Want” report lists “a full bath on the main level” as one of the most desired features. A full bathroom is one with a tub or shower in addition to the toilet and sink.

How long does a bathtub installation take?

Replacing an existing tub can take as little as six hours if no plumbing alteration is needed and there’s no surround, but more complex installations can take up to a week or more.

Can I do a bathtub installation by myself?

According to Home Depot, most DIYers can remove and replace a basic tub with the proper tools and a helper to move the tubs.

How much does it cost to remove a bathtub?

Removing a bathtub typically costs $200-$1,200, including demolition and disposal. These costs can vary depending on the type of tub and its location.

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