How Much Does It Cost To Put In A New Bathtub?

Although purchasing a new bathtub is within most homeowners' budgets, having a new bathtub installed can be quite a pricey endeavor. According to HomeGuide, the average cost for a new tub plus installation ranges from $800 to $4,600, depending on the quality of the tub and the scope of the installation. While there are a wide variety of bathtubs on the market these days, most homeowners opt for the simplicity and affordability of a soaking bathtub, which eschews air and water jets for a tranquil, no-frills bath (per Home Depot).

When budgeting for a new bathtub, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind. While investing in a bargain-priced bathtub may be the best option for some homeowners, many premium bathtubs are built to last much longer, which may save you money down the line. Also, not every type of bathtub will be an ideal fit for your bathroom due to space constraints or design considerations.

Installing a new bathtub is far more involved than simply going to Home Depot and choosing the bathtub that you like the best. You will need to consider not only the cost of the bathtub but also the price to remove your old tub and install a new one. If any major upgrades to your bathroom are required in order to install your new bathtub, this is sure to increase your costs too.

Type of bathtub

The type of bathtub you decide to buy will have a profound impact on your replacement budget, for several reasons. For one thing, a new bathtub can cost you $200 to $4,000 (per HomeAdvisor) depending on if you opt for a simple soaking bathtub or an extravagant state-of-the-art hydrotherapy tub.

Bathtub material

From tried-and-true porcelain bathtubs to luxurious copper tubs, there is a wide variety of materials as well as styles. Generally speaking, durable materials that maintain water temperature well will be more costly than materials that feature mediocre temperature retention and durability. Also, some bathtub materials are very heavy and may require you to fortify your bathroom floor in order to properly install it. All these factors will have a noticeable impact on the price you pay for your new bathtub.

Bathtub removal

According to HomeGuide, the average cost of removing your existing bathtub ranges from $150 – $750. Large, heavy tubs like cast iron are generally trickier to remove and will cost more than lightweight fiberglass models. Complex tubs with sophisticated plumbing needs will also drive up the cost of removal.

Bathtub installation

There is a world of difference between installing a basic, low-end bathtub and a high-end model that requires a number of structural upgrades. According to HomeAdvisor, you can end up paying $100 to $2,000 to install your new bathtub, without any major alterations to the existing layout of your bathroom.

Other upgrades

If your bathroom isn't suitable for the bathtub of your dreams, making the necessary changes to the structure can be a costly feat. For instance, reinforcing your floors may cost $100 to $350 per joist, whereas upgrading a water heater can cost up to $3,500 (per HomeGuide). Certain tubs may also require additional electrical and plumbing work to be done, which will further increase your overall costs.

As with any home improvement project, unexpected costs are bound to rear their head when you are replacing your bathtub. From unforeseen repairs to finishing your bathtub's surrounding areas, the cost of a new bathtub doesn't end with the new tub and installation.

Finishing

After your bathtub is installed, it's almost always necessary for finishing touches like tiling and sealing to be done in order to complete the job and protect your investment. Failure to do so can cause costly damage in due time, so this is an expense that shouldn't be ignored. Depending on the application, finishing the immediate area around the new bathtub can cost $500 to $2,000, notes Angi.

A new faucet

While it may seem that including a new faucet with your bathtub would come cheap, that's unfortunately not the case. This is because there are lots of high-quality designs to choose from, and replacing a bathtub faucet may require some pretty serious plumbing work. Expect to spend around $600 on average to purchase and install a new faucet.

Permits

As with many home modifications, replacing your bathtub (or converting a shower into a bathtub) may require you to obtain permits and pay the associated fees. Since the cost of a permit is determined by each municipality, they may cost less than $100, or well over $300 depending on the scope of the project.

Different types of bathtubs are typically categorized based on their design, features, and the materials that they're constructed from. Premium features and materials will have a profound impact on the price that you pay for your new bathtub.

Basic bathtubs

Soaking bathtubs are the most simple (and often most affordable) bathtubs on the market since they don't include water or air jets, or the complex installation process that often comes with these features. According to HomeGuide, these tubs can be purchased from $400 to $1,500 for a basic model and $1,000 to $5,000 if you choose a tub with a premium design or pricey materials.

Bathtub and shower combinations are popular since many people take showers every day but only enjoy a relaxing bath when they have the time. Naturally, the type of bathtub you use for your bathtub and shower combo will be the main factor that determines how much you pay. On average, expect to pay around $4,000, including installation costs.

Porcelain bathtubs are a highly durable option and are incredibly common in older bathrooms. However, porcelain bathtubs are not effective at maintaining water temperature and can also be more slippery than other premium bathtub materials. These tubs generally cost $400 to $2,000 for an average-sized tub with basic features.

According to Badeloft, acrylic bathtubs stand out for their low price points and wide selection of shapes and styles. They resist scratches and are better at retaining heat than porcelain bathtubs. Basic acrylic bathtubs tend to cost under $1000.

Massaging bathtubs

Air bathtubs (or air tubs) use built-in air jets to provide a gentle massage while you bathe. They often come with controls that allow you to modify the intensity and location of the massage. According to HomeGuide, these tubs cost anywhere from $600 to $11,800 and are usually more expensive to install than a basic soaking bathtub.

Whirlpool bathtubs use water jets that provide a more intense massage than air bathtubs. These tubs often come with premium design features including armrests and back support. According to HomeGuide, these are the most expensive bathtubs, costing homeowners between $400 and $16,800.

Certain bathtubs combine air and whirlpool functionality. Like the aforementioned tubs, combination tubs require a demanding installation process, so this cost represents a sizable chunk of your investment. However, high-end combination tubs are often less expensive than premium whirlpool bathtubs by a few thousand dollars.

High-end bathtubs

Freestanding tubs are a versatile option for many since they can be positioned anywhere you like. They can often give a bathroom a modern, contemporary feel, especially when investing in a high-end model. According to HomeGuide, these tubs cost around $2,500 on average but can increase to nearly $16,000 for a premium tub.

Corner bathtubs are an excellent choice for compact bathrooms that would have trouble fitting an average-sized freestanding tub. However, some corner tubs offer enough room for two people. These tubs cost $600 to $11,000 (per HomeGuide), with larger tubs made from premium materials being the most expensive options on the market.

Drop-in bathtubs feature a sideless design and are made to integrate seamlessly into an existing floor or deck, giving your bathroom a modern appeal. However, installing these tubs can also be expensive. According to HomeGuide, you can expect to pay $350 to $14,000 for a new drop-in bathtub.

Cast iron bathtubs are known for having excellent heat retention and can be a very luxurious option if seeking out a high-end tub. They are also very durable, and will likely outlast most budget bathtubs. According to Angi, these tubs will cost you between $400 and $14,000 depending on size, design, and features.

Some of the most luxurious bathtubs you will find are made out of copper. Copper is durable, retains heat well, and has the added benefit of withstanding mold and bacteria better than other materials. However, copper bathtubs are incredibly pricey whether you are looking for a high-end model, or something more affordable. On average, expect to pay $2,000 to $5,000 (per Badeloft), while high-end models with impressive features can cost $14,000 or more.

There are plenty of reasons you may want to invest in a new bathtub for your home. If your existing bathtub is damaged, you might be left with no choice but to get a new one.

Replacing a damaged bathtub

If your existing bathtub is leaky, cracked, or discolored, it's probably time to start thinking about putting in a new one, states Dream Style Remodeling. A badly damaged bathtub can lead to costly bathroom repairs that could even outweigh the cost of getting a new tub. Thus, upgrading an old, damaged tub for a functional new model is never a bad idea.

Redesigning your bathroom

If you're redesigning your bathroom to have a more modern look, an old, low-quality bathtub will probably stick out like a sore thumb. Consider incorporating a new bathtub into your bathroom redesign so that your tub complements your other new bathroom fixtures. You may even consider investing in a high-end copper bathtub or whirlpool bathtub to serve as the centerpiece.

Increase your home's value

According to Streamline, most real estate professionals believe that homes that don't have a bathtub will struggle to maximize their resale potential. So, even if you prefer to take showers and rarely take a bath, investing in a high-quality bathtub can pay dividends when it comes time to sell your home. This can be especially true for homes with master bathrooms that include a high-end luxury bath.

Whether you are putting the final touches on your dream home or simply want to enjoy your home life as much as possible, putting in a new bathtub that suits your lifestyle is a no-brainer. If you live with a partner, you may even consider putting in a bathtub that is large enough for two.

Quality of life

Taking baths can improve your quality of life by relieving muscle pain, helping you sleep at night, and brightening your mood after a long, hard day, suggests Town and Country. If you opt to purchase a bathtub with a massage function, you can increase the benefits of taking regular baths. If your job or lifestyle leads to constant aches and pains, invest in a bathtub that's designed to give you targeted relief.

Changing needs

People's needs change over the years, so the bathtub that served you well for decades may no longer be acceptable. For instance, a slippery porcelain bathtub may become more treacherous as you grow older and mobility diminishes. However, many modern bathtubs are designed to minimize the risk of slipping, with styles that are easy to climb in and out of. If you've recently developed a penchant for long, relaxing soaks, consider investing in a bathtub that's constructed with a material with excellent heat retention, such as copper or cast iron.

Additional room

Upgrading your existing bathtub to a larger model that comfortably fits two people is a wonderful way to spend time with your significant other. To maximize your enjoyment, you may also consider investing in a high-end model with massaging jets. However, even a basic soaking tub can be romantic if the bathroom has the right design.

Guests and visitors

If you frequently entertain guests and family members, investing in a bathtub for them to relax in can be a great way to make their stay more comfortable. There's nothing like relaxing after a long flight or an all-day drive, therefore a guest bath will give visitors the ability to enjoy a luxurious soak and unwind after a long trip.