How Much Do Acrylic Bathtub Liners Cost?
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If your tub or shower is in need of repair, one of the easiest fixes is an acrylic liner. This is a quick solution that refinishes your bathtub and shower without necessarily reconstructing or replacing the entire tub. A custom fit mold made of thick acrylic will cover the old existing tub and will make the tub area appear new again.
How much do acrylic bathtub liners cost?
On average, the overall cost of acrylic bathtub liners can be anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the liner, brand, style and what you want to be included. To purchase the liner without using a professional, the costs will be about $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the brand you choose.
Miraclemethod.com tells us an acrylic liner can cost about $1,300; however, if you were to add a wall system and soap dish, the costs can get closer to $4,000.
Acrylic bathtub liners overview
An acrylic bathtub liner will be molded to fit your bathtub size. To put it in simple terms: it’s a cover that covers the original tub to create a look of plastic. Most liners will be made from ABS acrylic, the same material used to create football helmets.
Most liners will be about a 1/4-th inch thick and will rarely affect the tub’s size.
A contractor will usually come to the home and create a mold for the bathtub. He or she will do this by measuring the tub and sending this information to the manufacturer you’re working with. Depending on the company, it can take anywhere from two to four weeks to receive your mold.
Once this mold has been created, the old liner or part of the tub will be removed. To install the new liner, a strong industrial glue will be used to glue the new liner over the existing tub and/or wall. This process can be done in a day.
Since these liners can come in a variety of options, you will have the freedom to select the colors and designs.
Popular brands include Bath Fitters and Rebath.
Those who want to do it on their own can find liners at popular home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot.
What are the extra costs?
Every accessory you would like to be added during the installation will be an additional expense if it isn’t included with the mold. For example, adding accessories, such as a soap dish or wall system, can increase the price by more than 50 percent.
Removing an older bathtub liner can be an additional cost. Some contractors will include this in their quote while others won’t.
Tips to know:
If hiring to have someone install a new acrylic bathtub liner, you’re going to want to make sure that you hire a professional plumber. It’s best to note that they are insured and certified to perform the job correctly. An improper install can lead to leaks or even water accumulation in between the tub, which can lead to cracks and mold.
Most liners are going to have a limited color selection. If possible, bring some samples home to match them up to your current tub. This will give you a good idea of what’s going to look good.
A liner won’t solve water problems you had before. If you have any water problems, this liner will trap the water between the layers, making thing worse.
Once the liner is installed, there will be virtually no maintenance required. It’s also a substance that will last a very long time when compared to other materials. Disadvantages, however, can include moisture being trapped between the layers, causing bacteria to build up, and in some cases, it may cause a narrower bathtub since this new liner will be placed on top of the older one.
If taken care of properly, a good liner can last up to 20 years.
Acrylic liners are known to hold heat better than porcelain.
How can I save money?
Consider getting multiple quotes from contractors services such as HomeAdvisor.com. Here, you can explain your situation and contractors will e-mail their quotes for free.
There are special kits on the market that allow to “paint” over your tub, such as Rustoleum recolor, making it appear new. However, most experts recommend against this strategy since it can give you tub a painted look rather than a refinished look.
Using a liner instead of replacing a bathtub is already consider a cost efficient method. Since removing a bathtub and installing a new one could cost thousands, a liner could be done for less than $2,000 if you choose a simple setup.
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