Bathtubs can last for decades, but over time, they may crack, develop blemishes, or rust. If you’re not ready to replace the tub, refinishing or installing a bathtub liner is an alternative. A bathtub liner is a solid unit that fits inside your bathtub, just a little smaller, and matches its contours. It seamlessly meets up with the drain hole, walls, and floor, resembling a conventional bathtub. Unlike refinishing, which involves applying a spray coating, a liner is a molded solid unit installed inside the tub. It cannot be scratched off and comes in two parts: a bottom unit and an optional upper section, the surround.
The pros of bathtub liners include a quicker fix than demolishing and replacing a bathtub, covering up wall surround issues, and requiring no demolition. However, the cons are that they can trap water, cover up underlying problems, and make the tub smaller. The cost of a bathtub liner ranges from $700 to $3,200, with an average cost of about $2,000. This includes leveling and preparing the current tub, installing the liner, connecting the plumbing, and disposing of materials. Maintenance and repair involve keeping caulked seams in good condition and re-caulking as necessary. The design of bathtub liners means they are smaller than the bathtub, reducing the width, depth, and length of the basin. Prefabricated wall surrounds are often used, but can be left off if the surround is in good condition.Liners may feel weak, spongy, or less than stable underfoot. Your bathtub inside will become slightly smaller when using a liner as a layer of material is added.
Installation: Do-it-yourself bathtub or shower liner installation is not only difficult but access to bathtub liners is also limited. It is better to call a bathtub liner company to do the work. Measure the tub: When contracting with a firm to install a liner, a technician will visit to take precise measurements and photos of the bathtub or shower unit. Order the liner: An exact shell of the bathtub unit is made from 1/4-inch thick ABS or PVC using vacuum-form technology. The acrylic shell is similar to the material used in many tub and shower units but is thinner. It can take up to eight weeks for the shell to be prepared. Install the liner: Once delivered to the site, installation takes just a few hours. First, the old fixtures and drain fittings are removed, then the shell is inserted over the old tub or shower unit using silicone adhesives and two-sided tape. Finish the installation: New drain, overflow, stopper, and faucet fixtures are installed, and the work area is cleaned up. The complete installation of the tub or shower liner usually takes about one day. Article Sources: The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Much Does A Bath And Shower Liner Cost? Forbes Home.