Boost a Boring Built-In

You can make a builder’s bathtub appear more spa-like by refacing the exposed side with bead board and decorative moulding.

 

A white built-in bathtub with a shower and a sponge, shampoo, and other products on the sides.
Image: Nikita Shevchenko/getty

Here’s the gist:

  • Build a frame for the bead board using 2 by 4s.
  • Attach the bead board to the frame using construction adhesive.
  • Add a piece of rot-proof PVC board to the top of the frame to create a ledge over the edge of the tub.
  • Add bed moulding and 5½” MDF baseboard as finishing touches.
  • Seal all gaps with waterproof caulk.

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the project materials and cost:

Lumber for wood frame: $5
PVC board: $26
Bed moulding: $7
Bead board: $15
MDF baseboard: $16
Construction adhesive: $4
Waterproof caulk: $5
Total cost: $78

The entire project can be completed in an afternoon, but you shouldn’t use the tub for at least 24 hours to give the glue time to set.

Rub-a-Dub: A Claw-Foot Tub

A brand-new claw-foot tub made of cast iron will set you back at least $1,500. So if you have an old one, updating the exterior with paint will save you a bunch.  


You’ll want to use a paint with either a semi-gloss or glossy paint sheen so it repels moisture and is easy to clean. You can either paint it a solid color or opt to use a stencil to create an eye-catching pattern.

 

A green cast iron claw-foot bathtub in a luxury bathroom with sunlight from window blinds.
Image: Suchada Tansirimas/getty

Make sure you lightly sand the outside of the tub, and follow up with a thorough cleaning before painting. If you end up exposing some of the metal after you sanded, you should touch up those spots with a spray primer so your topcoat sticks.

Project materials:

150-grit sandpaper: $6
Foam paint brush set: $7
Semi-gloss or gloss paint: $24
Total cost: $37

If you need to refinish the inside of the tub, see below.

Give a Grubby Tub a Facelift

If your tub is chipped and stained because the original finish has worn away, there are a few ways you can restore the tub to its original luster. 

Call a Pro:

While different companies have their own proprietary methods for tub restoration, they all basically do the same thing: After prepping the tub’s surface, they coat it with a bonding agent, then apply a tough acrylic finish. New finishes come in a variety of colors and textures.

Tub finishes that can be professionally restored include porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, and cultured marble. 

The cost for a pro to do the job usually starts at around $500 for a standard-sized bathtub. The entire process -- including time to set -- takes two to three days.


FYI, the process is pretty toxic and until your tub completely cures, there will be a strong residual chemical odor.

DIY:

You can also refinish your tub yourself at a considerable savings. The DIYer who reglazed this tub was quoted $350 for a professional finish. Because that wasn’t in her budget, she knocked out the project herself with a DIY tub refinishing kit; you’ll find them at hardware stores and home improvement centers for about $69.

 

Before and after a tub was reglazed by homeowners
Image: Beautiful Matters
  • First, clean the tub using an abrasive pad and a cleaning product. Clean twice, thoroughly rinsing after each cleaning.
  • Sand using 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Rinse, dry with towels, then let dry completely for several more hours.
  • Apply tub and tile enamel with a sponge brush. Afterward, the tub should cure for 3 days.

FYI, this stuff is pretty toxic, so you’ll need to wear a mask and open up the windows. 


Here’s a breakdown of project costs:

Wet/dry sandpaper: $9
Tub refinishing kit: $69
Small paint tray & foam rollers: $7
New drain and trip lever: $30
Cleaning products and scrub pads: $11
Total cost: $126


Keep in mind it’s tricky for a DIYer to achieve a smooth finish on the first try. 

Bathtub Liners

 

Built-in bathtub with colorful liner, blue walls, and wooden cabinets.
Image: irina88w/getty

Liners are a great way to cover up a blah bathtub. They're usually made from PVC or acrylic and are installed right over fixtures. Here are a few things to keep in mind when exploring this solution:

  • This is not a project you can DIY. But there are many companies and home improvement stores that offer professional installation.
  • Prices start at about $850 for a standard bathtub. That’s because each liner needs to be customized to fit over your tub and fixtures.
  • Since it’s a cover-up made from heavy-gauge plastic, your tub may feel a tad smaller.
  • If water gets trapped between the liner and your tub, you’ll have a serious mold and mildew problem on your hands.
  • It feels and looks like plastic