The 3 Ways To Upgrade Your Old Bathtub
Bathtub Refinishing and Replacement in Minneapolis and St. Paul
If you are tired of looking at your old, out of date colored, rusty bathtub, there are 3 ways that you can upgrade your old bathtub:
1. Refinishing the old bathtub is the cheapest of all of the remodel alternatives. This option involves a process of basically “painting” your tub with a special coating. While this approach is cheap, you must be aware of the fact that it is also temporary.
Bathtub refinishing is subject to the same challenges as the original porcelain, but they won’t last nearly as long. You can expect a good refinish job to solve your tub problem for only a few years. Of course, it won’t help you solve challenges that surround the tub itself. If this is all you do, the work can be complete in 2 days and you can expect to pay as little as $350.00 to $1,500.00, depending on how much of the surface you are finishing.
2. Having a new tub installed is the second option, but if you are thinking about replacing your old bath tub with a new one, you have to consider that it can be very expensive and lengthy project. The plan of just replacing the tub, ends up being a total bathroom remodel. Why?
Because, new tubs differ in width from the old tubs, which means that before you can install a new tub, you need to remove the base molding, floor covering, and underlayment. Much of the tile on the walls will be damaged during the removal. They, too, will need to be replaced. There are many things to consider before removing a bathtub. In order to remove the existing tub, you’ll have to open up the three walls surrounding it. If the room is small, then the toilet, sink, and cabinet may also have to be removed.
When you get right down to it, one thing leads to another when removing a bathtub…but there is an alternative…
3. A bathtub liner. There are less expensive options available if you don’t want to go through the hassle of tearing out the old tub, remodeling your bathroom and installing a brand new bath tub…
The one-day solution…If you want a new tub without the cost of replacing the old one, consider getting your tub fitted with a bathtub liner. This method of refurbishing an old bath without actually getting rid of it has become a popular and affordable alternative to restoring the condition of your bathtub.
Bathtub liners are made to fit perfectly over your preexisting bathtub. Usually made of nonporous and durable acrylic that does not dent or chip, these liners are also stain and fade resistant and finished to a high-gloss. Compared to porcelain and ceramic tubs, bathtub liners are more resilient to acidity and because there is no grout and tiles to maintain, cleaning is much easier.
You’ll have to get your bath fitted first by a specialist. Usually this means having the specialist come to your house to make the required measurements so they can match your tub to a liner perfectly. Installing the liner will take less than a day and you’ll be able to use it right away once it is brought to your house and fitted.
