How much do bathtub liners cost?
How much do bathtub liners cost?
The cost to purchase and install a bathtub liner ranges from $1,600 to $3,200 with most homeowners spending $1,700 to $2,500 on average. For just the liner, you can expect to pay from $850 to $1,400.
$850 – $1,400 bathtub liner only cost
$1,700 – $2,500 bathtub liner cost + installation
The cost to purchase and install a bathtub liner ranges from $1,600 to $3,200 with most homeowners spending $1,700 to $2,500 on average. For just the liner, you can expect to pay from $850 to $1,400.
Bathtub Liner Prices
Bathtub liners cost $850 to $1,400 for just the liner, and $1,600 to $3,000 total to install, with most homeowners paying $1,700 to $2,500 on average. This price includes the acrylic tub liner, caulking, supplies, and clean-up afterward. Not included in the price are the faucet replacement, shower surround, or necessary plumbing repairs.
| National Average Cost | $2,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $1,600 |
| Maximum Cost | $3,200 |
| Average Range | $1,700 to $2,500 |
What Are Bathtub Liners?
A bathtub liner is a fast way to update your bathroom without a lot of demolition and mess. A bathtub insert or overlay is fitted over the existing bathtub, eliminating the need for costly demolition and the hauling away of a heavy tub.
Bathtub liners cost an average of $2,000 installed. Compare this to the cost of $3,000 to $6,000 to replace the tub and tile surround. Installing a bathtub liner can take as little as a day, but manufacturing a custom-sized liner that fits your tub can take several weeks.
Bathtub Liner Installation Cost
Installation of a bathtub liner costs $730 to $1,800, or an average of about $1,200, not including the cost of the liner. Installation usually takes one working day. Pricing depends on local labor rates.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Tub Liner | $850 – $1,400 |
| Labor | $730 – $1,800 |
| Total | $1,580 – $3,200 |
Bathtub Liners and Wall Surrounds
Wall surrounds add to the look of the tub liner by matching its color and quality, along with additional soap shelves, grab bars, and shampoo shelves if chosen. Installation of the bathtub liner and the wall surround starts at about $1,200.
| Plastic | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solid Surface | $260 – $2,000 |
| Vikrell | $270 – $1,800 |
| Fiberglass | $200 – $1,300 |
| Acrylic | $260 – $1,600 |
| Fiberglass | $420 – $560 |
| Polystyrene | $90 – $300 |
Lowe’s bathtub wall surrounds and liners include the brands SWAN, Sterling, Transloid, Mirroflex, and Style Selections.
Bathtub Kit Cost
A three-piece wall surround and tub liner kit cost $600 to $2,500. You’ll only need a three-piece wall surround if your bathtub is set into a three-wall alcove.
Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Liners
Bathtub refinishing costs $300 to $560 depending on the tub's size, type, and condition. Reglazing a tub costs significantly less than relining, but it doesn't last as long. Also, the tub must be in decent condition to be viable for refinishing.
| Refinishing | Tub Liner | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation |
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| Durability |
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| Warranty | No warranty on products | Lifetime warranty on products |
| Labor | Costs about $450 | Costs about $1,300 |
| Design | Pay more to tile the wall | Match with a wall surround for a wall and tub kit price of $600 – $2,500 |
Bathtub Liner Problems to Consider
Remember that liners cover up what’s underneath. They do not fix any problems other than aesthetic ones. If you had moisture problems before the liner, you would still have moisture problems after the liner.
If the liner is not installed correctly, it will leak which will cause mold growth under the liner—something you want to avoid.
Installing a tub liner is permanent. Since it is glued to the tub beneath, you can’t simply lift it off for a change in looks. Removing the tub liner will damage the tub underneath, to the point where it is unusable.
You might need a plumber to install the liner altogether. Existing drains may not fit on the now “double” thickness of the tub.
If the liner does not fit precisely into the old tub, there is a possibility it can crack. Before signing the contract, find out if the warranty covers such an instance.
The possibility of leaks through small cracks in the caulking can lead to mold and mildew, or a sour smell emanating from the bathtub.
Liners can only be installed into regular bathtubs rather than claw foot or jet tubs unless they are custom-made.
Acrylic tubs cannot be lined with an acrylic liner.
Tub Liner Maintenance
Acrylic bathtub liners can be cleaned with most of the non-abrasive bathroom cleaners available in your local grocery store. Surfaces should be cleaned with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth and rinsed thoroughly with water.
Before cleaning the bathtub liner you have, check with the manufacturer for their list of approved products. This is the only way you’ll know which products work well with your liner.
Using the wrong cleaning product may affect the liner warranty. Ask questions before scrubbing.
Best Tub Liner Brands & Warranties
Bath Fitter offers a lifetime warranty on their tub liners. This warranty lasts as long as you own your home.
Re-Bath offers a lifetime warranty on products they manufacture, as well as a 10-year warranty on color match products. The lifetime warranty covers the bathtub liners, shower base liners, wall surround systems, soap dishes, trim, and accessories. Re-Bath also offers a one-year guarantee on the work they did in your bathroom. If a problem arises due to manufacturing errors or defects, there is a lifetime warranty on the labor to repair or replace.
Bath Planet offers a lifetime warranty on their products; this applies to your bathroom for as long as you own your home. If you sell and move within two years of your bathroom renovation, Bath Planet will transfer the warranty to the new owners.
BathWraps (originally Liners Direct) offers a lifetime warranty on its acrylic tub liners against fading, cracking, and peeling.
Bathtub liner FAQs
Why have a Bath Fitter acrylic bathtub or tub liner installed instead of removing the old tub?
Removing the old tub can be costly and labor-intensive. The removal process can potentially damage walls and flooring, requiring repair. By using the tub liner, you don’t have to deal with the mess or repairs.
Why shouldn't I just use bathtub resurfacing or bathtub refinishing?
Resurfacing is a very short-term solution. The resurfacing will last from 2 to 5 years, while the tub liner is warrantied for as long as you own your home. This doesn’t mean the tub liner will last longer, but if something does happen, the problem is under warranty.
Is the one-piece Bath Fitter wall installed right over my old tile?
It certainly is. There is nothing that needs to come off the walls, except for faucets/shower heads, etc. The Bath Fitter surround is installed directly over the old surround/tile, eliminating the mess of demolition. The new surround is glued to the old tile or wall surround, and that gives it a firm base.
How will it look when it's done?
Wonderful. It will look like you completely remodeled your bathroom.
Tips When Hiring A Pro
Before hiring a bathtub pro to install a liner, be sure to:
Get three to five estimates to compare.
Check the references they give and read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm they are licensed, bonded, insured, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Ask for start and finish dates.
Do not pay with cash and never pay in full before the work is complete.
Ways to Save on Bathtub Liners
Ask your contractor if there is anything you can do to save money. Can you remove the hardware yourself? But before you do anything like that, ask. Doing something like that without knowing for sure may affect the warranty.