How Much Does a Bathtub Cost?

A bathroom is a functional part of the house, but with a few upgrades, it can be a relaxing sanctuary where you can unwind and get away from the world. The bathtub and shower are one of the biggest jobs that you need to consider in this transformation. When it comes to a bathtub, you have many different options, from simple and functional to luxurious and high-end. Depending on what you choose, you can expect the average cost to install a bathtub to be between $500 to upwards of $5,000.

Bathtub price differs depending on where you are located. There are differences in availability, shipping costs, and labour costs that can affect bathtub installation cost. Here is an idea of what you can expect to pay based on where you live. Plumbing is often the most expensive part of the job. Some plumbers can finish the entire job from start to finish. The following reflects average hourly rates according to location based on a national average rate of $35/hour.

City	Bathtub Installation Cost (per hour)
Sydney	$40 – $65
Melbourne	$40 – $65
Brisbane	$45 – $70
Canberra	$45 – $70
Perth	$45 – $70
Darwin	$35 – $50
Hobart	$35 – $55
Adelaide	$40 – $70

Several factors, aside from labour rates, affect the cost of a bathtub. Here are a few of them.

Type of bathtub

The type of tub that you choose will affect the cost. You can choose a tub and shower combo, walk-in tub, Japanese style tub, luxury alcove, triangle, corner tub, or freestanding tub. There are many more, including custom builds.

Size of the bathtub

The size of the tub will also affect the cost. You can choose a standard bathtub, which is the type with which most people are familiar. You also have choices that are as big as a jacuzzi.

Does it include a shower?

Whether your tub includes a shower or not will affect the cost of the renovation. If you add a shower, you will have additional plumbing costs, and you will have to have a way to prevent water spray into the rest of the bathroom. You can install solid, glass doors, or a simple shower curtain, depending on your needs and budget.

Labour costs

Some installers are licenced to perform everything needed for the job. Other times, you will need to call a plumber, contractor to install the fixtures, tiler, and perhaps an electrician. These can all affect the cost of the job in the end.

Plumbing

Plumbing costs can be one of the most significant expenses involved in the installation of the tub. The cost of the job depends on how much work needs to be done. If you are just hooking into the old system, it will not be as much as if you want to move the tub, sink, and toilet. Plumbers charge around $35/hour on average.

Many people are not aware of the different types of tubs that are available. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages, aside from price.

Wooden

Wooden bathtubs can be beautiful, and they can be carved for an individual piece. They do require some upkeep to make sure the coating remains intact. Wooden bathtub price depends on the complexity of the design and can cost up to $20,000.

Acrylic

Acrylic bathtubs are the most common types because they come in many sizes, shapes, and colours. They are resistant to abrasion and fading, which is another unique advantage. Acrylic bathtub price can range from $500 – $1,000.

Stone

Stone is a superb option. You can either choose carved stone or stone inlay for a custom look. Stone bathtubs cost between $2,000 to $5,000.

Steel

Enameled steel is another option. They are durable, but the enamel finish can easily chip or crack. Steel bathtub price ranges from around $300 to $2,000.

Plastic

PVC Plastic is an affordable option. Many times, plastic is used to line or resurface the tub. Plastic bathtub price ranges from about $450 to $800 for a custom liner.

Marble

Cultured marble is another option. This option is beautiful, but it might require some maintenance. Marble stone bathtub price ranges are from around $1,500 to $5,000.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass is another affordable option that comes in a range of colours and patterns. They cost around $200 to $600, on average.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is an option, but you need to make sure that your home can support the weight. Cast iron bath price ranges from about $500 to $2,000, and the enamel must be maintained.

Brass

Brass bathtubs are elegant and add a metallic shimmer. They have a modern look. Many of them are a cheaper metal with a brass coating and enamel. You can expect a brass bathtub price to be around $1,000 to $5,000.

Granite

Granite is a beautiful bathtub option, but they can be cumbersome. They run about the same price as marble at around $1,500 to $2,500.

Japanese

A Japanese bath is an unusual shape that can create a spa-like feeling in your bathroom. Japanese bath price ranges between $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the material and size.

Free Standing

A freestanding tub can range from an antique claw-foot tub to a design that is modern and sleek. Freestanding bath price tends to range between $750 to $5,000.

Spa Bath

You can opt to turn your bathroom into a spa, including a whirlpool and jacuzzi. Spa bath cost can range from $900 to upwards of $15,000.

The price of bathtub installation depends on how much plumbing and remodelling needs to be done. Here is a breakdown of some of the average costs to install a bathtub.

• Tub – $500 – $10,000
• Labour – $60 – $85 per hour for anywhere from 6 – 25 hours
• Glue and Sealants – $25 – $150
• Total – $800 – $12,000

If you choose to try to rejuvenate the old tub instead of buying a new one, here are some of the costs that you might expect for the average cost to refinish a bathtub.

Bathtub resurfacing cost. – For fibreglass or porcelain, you could expect to pay between $350 and $6500.

Bathtub reglazing cost. – Tub reglazing costs an average of $250 to $475.

Bathtub re-enamel cost. – Re-enamelling costs about $350 to $600 for most surfaces. Re enamel bath cost depends on the type of surface and the age of the tub.

Sometimes, repairing the existing tub might be the best option, and using a product like the Selleys porcelain repair kit from Bunnings can help you achieve professional results. Here are some average prices.

Bathtub replacement. – Bathtub replacement cost is often cheaper if you only want a few updates. If you want new tiles or a drain, you can expect to pay between $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the size and type of flooring chosen.

Bathtub repair cost. – Each chip or crack will cost a base price of around $325 and $25 for each additional repair.

Bathtub removal cost. – It costs between $60 to $150 to remove the old bathtub.

Bathtub refinishing cost. – Bathtub refinishing can cost between $350 to around $650.

Bathtub liner cost. – A Bathtub liner will cost around $450 to $650 for an average job.

Bathtub repainting cost. – Repainting is the cheapest option, but results can vary and might not last as long as the other options. Repainting costs about $150 – $200 on average.

The cost to convert a shower to a tub or a tub to a shower depends on what is already there and how much structural and plumbing work needs to be done. Here are a few averages to go by.

Cost to convert bathtub to shower. – Kits cost about $200 to $3,000 plus labour.

Cost to convert shower to bathtub. – This is often much easier and costs about as much as putting in a tub, which can be anywhere from $200 to $5,000, depending on the tub chosen.

Before you begin your job, you need to make sure that you hire the right professional. You want the job to look good, and you want to make sure that it is done right, so there are no plumbing issues in the future.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

Every job is different, and you want to make sure that you do not have any surprises in the end. Here are a few tips to help make sure that your professional can give you an accurate estimate.

1. Ask what is included in the estimate. Make sure that all needed plumbing, electrical, and finishing are included.
2. Shop around and decide which type of tub you want.
3. Take a few preliminary measurements to the area so that you can know the size of the job when you first talk to them.

Licensing and Qualifications

It is highly likely that you will need to hire a plumber for your bathroom renovation. They must be licenced to advertise their services in Australia. Here are a few things to consider when hiring a plumber for your bathroom renovation.

• There are different licences needed for different types of plumbing jobs. If your job is large, make sure that the plumber has the proper endorsements.
• Once the job is complete, the plumber must present you with a compliance certificate. You might need to show this to local agencies or your insurance company in the future.
• Get at least three competitive estimates. The cheapest is not always the best. Make sure you know what is included in each calculation.

How to Save Money Hiring Bathtub Installer

Of course, everyone wants to save money when they do a bathroom renovation. Here are a few final tips to help.

• Do some of the demolition and removal work yourself if possible.
• Compare pricing on both tubs and labour.
• Have a final vision for what you want the project to look like in the end.

 

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources