Should You Choose A Bathtub Liner Instead of a New Tub?

Often, when people want to remake their bathroom, but don’t want it to be too expensive or have to get involved with extensive demolition that can come with replacing a bathtub. Often, they will choose to install a bathtub liner, which slips right over the existing bathtub and seals out any potential water damage, mold or mildew. Bathtub liners are usually made of acrylic and can be custom made to fit almost any existing bathtub and surround neatly and flawlessly.

So, how do you know if you should choose to go this route when you’re planning to re-make your bathroom? It’s important to take a good look at the bathtub you have now and explore for any possible water damage surrounding it. If, for instance, you have tile surrounding your tub and it looks as if there might be water damage or mold, it might be a good idea to take out the old caulk and grout and fix the mold problem before you even consider getting a bathtub liner.

The next thing you should do when choosing a bathtub liner is consider the cost of it. Often, the price to have an acrylic bathtub liner installed can vary, and many people find that it’s less expensive to have an older cast iron or porcelain tub refinished and replace the existing surround, especially if the surround is currently tile. When you’re working with an area that has constant water and moisture, it’s important to always make sure that you don’t have water damage to the drywall behind the tub, as over time, this will cause a big problem that a bathtub liner will likely not fix, but only hide.

You should know that there are many different options if you are considering changing your bathtub, but you need to know what you’re doing before you decide to install a bathtub or bathtub liner on your own. It’s also a good idea to do some research on the topic, because if you have an existing bathtub and surround that is made of acrylic, it is likely less costly to just have the whole thing replaced.

Another thing to consider when choosing to inexpensively change your existing bathtub is to get a surround for your tub. By doing this, you will change the look of the room at a much lower cost and you won’t have to worry about any type of demolition or disposal fees. Often, these can be used in conjunction with a bathtub insert to give you an entirely new look in your bathroom at about half the price.

One of the least expensive options, especially if your issue with the bathtub is an aesthetic one, is to consider having your bathtub reglazed. Now, this only works on porcelain and cast iron bathtubs, but if your tub is a really unattractive color, you can change it and not have to worry about tearing out the old tub, measuring for a new one and having it installed. If you’re not the do it yourself type, or the idea of embarking on a project such as this is worrisome to you, there are many experts out there who can reglaze your bathtub for you. Home Depot and other big box home improvement stores also carry kits if you’re feeling like you want to give your tub a new look on your own.

No matter whether you have a fiberglass tub surround that needs to be repaired, or you want to consider having an acrylic tub liner installed in your bathroom, you should know that prices on such products can vary widely, so if you’re not planning to install the liner yourself, then you should talk to an expert.

Remember that repairing, glazing, painting or installing a liner in your bathtub doesn’t have to cost a ton of money or take extensive amounts of work. Before you rush right out to buy a brand new bathtub, consider how much the existing one would cost to replace and how much you’re willing to spend on your home improvement project. You may find that a bathtub liner is the best option for you and your home.