Tub Refinish or Replace?

Question

Hello BP,

I got 4 tubs that look like these two:

They are cast iron tubs and I have some money for repairs. I care more about saving money than time at my current stage. The bathroom sinks look similar and need replaced as well, but I think I can do that for about  $30 each. The tubs are a significant project. I could reasonably figure out a lot of repair stuff but I wanted to ask you all if you have had any experience with this type of stuff?

Austin Fruechting · Answer

I just had these professionally resurfaced in a duplex. It cost me $250 per tub and they look brand new.  Much cheaper than having a new tub and surround installed.

Jonathan Johnson · Answer

Sorry for the late reply, I only check BP during the week.

@Austin Fruechting That looks great! Do they feel like new or do they feel like someone painted a tub?

@Jd Martin I'm definitely not doing this myself.

@Mindy Jensen I got a quote for $375 to refinish the tubs. I don't plan to re-tile anytime soon because the tile looks pretty decent. Would you still recommend just replacing? I just did a quick glance and the fiberglass tub on Home Depot was $150.

Account Closed Thank you and I agree. However, at the moment there's a high turnover and repairing everything at top dollar for the best return I can get over the long run isn't exactly possible. I have to give and take what I can get to make the apartment marketable for new tenants. The property actually will cashflow great with new tenants so replacing is definitely something I can afford after a couple years.

Michael Kiley · Answer

Hey Austin, I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if this tub and surround still looks good after more than a year.

Austin Fruechting · Answer

We've done this countless times now (to countertops too) and have had zero issues thus far 2 years in.

Mindy Jensen · Answer

@Matthew Greco , I repainted a tub myself, not sure what the product was called - it was definitely for tubs, though.

Smelled awful and took a while. For future, I would just replace. It isn't that difficult, you can get a fiberglass tub for around $100 at Home Depot. We also retiled that showed, and should have just replaced. The paint stuff cost $15 when I did it, no way saving that $85 was a good idea in hindsight. It was good for experience, though.

Will Barnard · Answer

The faucets also look horrible and old, just asking for repair issues later, my advice, go new. Trying to save nickels and dimes today will cost you a lot more down the road. These tubs are in very poor condition and trying to slap lipstick on them is not a good idea.

Account Closed · Answer

unless you want to get labeled as a slumlord. I high advise you to get rid of that asap. Fast. I had a tub redone it came out beautiful. But this. Looks like a small baby can be swallowed up in that. Repeal and replace. Lol send pics

Brian Pulaski · Answer

This is fiberglass though, correct? The original poster (although I imagine is long done with this project) had cast iron. I would think there are differences in costs and what can be done between cast iron and fiberglass.

Account Closed · Answer

I have had tubs refinished that were in basically good condition for $250. I am not sure how much it would be if it was in rough condition. Replacing these tubs and all that is involved is an expensive pita. For a rental I would go the refinishing route.

Austin Fruechting · Answer

@Jonathan Johnson - It looks/feels just like a new tub.

Tub Refinish or Replace?

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