Replacing Vs. Refinishing: What Type of Bathtub or Shower Remodel is Right for You

Outdated bathtubs and showers can greatly detract from the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. No matter how hard you try to keep this space clean and fresh, a color-faded tub or soap scum-covered shower will definitely get in the way of you achieving the aesthetic you're after. Worse yet, these sorts of eyesores can sometimes be indicators that the fixture itself is reaching the end of its lifespan.

Depending on whether or not visible signs of damage go below the surface, you may want to think about getting your bathtub or shower either replaced or refinished. As a seasoned bathroom remodeler, Luxury Bath of Central Florida has installed more tubs and showers than we can count, and can lend professional insight into the decision on whether to schedule a refinishing or replacing service.

Replacing Vs. Refinishing: What's the Difference?

First off, it helps to have an understanding of the difference between replacing and refinishing a tub or shower. A bathtub or shower replacement is when a remodeler completely removes your current fixture, including the base or basin, the surround, and the enclosure, and replaces these with new, updated products. 

On the other hand, refinishing a bathtub or shower refers to adding a fresh coating or finish to the surface of the fixture. This is the quicker, more economical remodeling solution of the two, but knowing when refinishing will suffice and when its time to invest in a complete replacement will depend on your specific shower or tub.

When Refinishing a Tub or Shower is the Way to Go

Refinishing your current bathtub or shower is a quick, convenient, and cost-effective way to update your bathroom. Because it's considered more of a cosmetic fix, refinishing your fixture is a great solution when it's still performing well, but is starting to show dents, scratches, or faded coloring on the surface. 

Some of the main benefits of a shower or tub refinishing service include:

  • Budget-Friendly Remodeling Solution
  • No Long Project Timelines
  • Fixes Minor But Visible Issues
  • Can Drastically Improve Bathroom Aesthetics
  • Can Change Color Without Buying New Fixture

Not every material can be refinished though, so the type of fixture you have may affect which solution works for you. While acrylic, porcelain, cast iron and fiberglass can all have a finish or top coat applied, specialized materials including copper and stone cannot.

When to Invest in a Bathtub or Shower Replacement

While refinishing provides quick and short-term solutions to unsightly tubs and showers, underlying issues are better treated by getting a replacement product. When you begin noticing that your water pressure isn't as good as it used to be, mold and mildew consistently return no matter how much time you spend scrubbing, or there are puddles of standing water on your bathroom floor after you've bathed or showered, a bathtub or shower replacement is more likely in order.

There are many benefits to getting your bathtub or shower replaced. While this option is more of a financial investment, the advantages to replacing your bath fixture include:

  • Updated Style, Color and Accessory Options
  • Improved Performance
  • Better Durability Due to New Materials
  • Less Maintenance Needed
  • Increased Home Resale Value

Since 1988, Floridian homeowners have turned to Luxury Bath of Central Florida for meaningful, long-lasting bathroom remodeling solutions, including bathtub and shower replacements. We source our products carefully, ensuring they can offer elite performance, longevity, and a beautiful aesthetic, and prioritize exactness during each replacement, so our customers never have to worry about a faulty installation.

Reach out to our team today to hear more about our services, and find out how we've received hundreds of 5-star reviews from our past customers for the quality of our work. We'll give you a free estimate on a new shower or bathtub replacement, and answer any of your questions about our bathroom remodeling services.