Renovate or restore? Breathing new life into an old bathtub

When a bathtub gets old, the choices are to replace or restore it. To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of each option for breathing new life into an old bathtub.

When bathtubs get old, they can spoil the decor of the bathroom. Replacement of a bathtub is often the first thing that comes to mind, but what homeowners don’t often realize is that this is a costly undertaking.

• The entire bathtub and surrounding tiles need to be removed.
• Any old fixtures and pipes will need to be discarded.
• Drywall must be replaced.
• Residual broken walls and cracks need to be fixed.
• New framework has to be installed before a new bathtub can be put in.
• The cost of a new tub itself can be substantial.

This process is also time consuming.

• Often, the homeowner is at the mercy of different contractors who may not all be available at the same time. Thus, it can take up to a week or longer to have a new bathtub installed.

The other viable and practical alternative to replacing is restoring an old bathtub. Today, most bathtubs can be rejuvenated to make them as good as new.

• In the last two decades, several different bathtub re-finishing options have become available through the simple installation of a custom-fitted liner over the old tub, or application of a new finish on the surface.
• Even bathtubs that have cracks or have small holes can be repaired using certain chemicals.

There is no question that a liner is much less costly than a full bathtub replacement. Still, it is more expensive than just a bathtub refinish.

• In most cases, a custom liner can be installed in several hours and makes any old bathtub look brand-new. Liners are available in many colours and styles to match the bathroom decor.

Either the homeowner or a professional can complete the bathtub refinishing. There are several bathtub finishing products on the market available as a roll-on brush, spray-on finish or brush-on finish that are easy to use.

• While almost anyone can apply several spray-on coatings, the spray-on finish product requires some skill: If not done properly, it will leave residue and smudges.
• Most spray-on finishes for bathtubs will last fairly long if cleaned and maintained regularly.

Restoring or refinishing a bathtub is more cost effective than replacement. What's more, it can add years to your existing bathtub's lifespan. While restoring of a bathtub can be done in a matter of hours, replacement will take a few days—and cost more for labour.

If you lack renovation experience, having a professional redo the bathtub is something to consider. While you'll have to pay for services, you'll rest better knowing it's getting done right the first time around.