Bathtub Liners

Is It Time To Consider Bathtub Liners?

Refinishing the Bathtub or Shower

Often the bathtubs that come with a home get marred or scratched becoming hard to clean.  The home owner can continue to scrub them with the hope that they will come clean,  try to cover them with extra long shower curtains, or as a last resort remodel the bathroom.  

Remodeling the bathroom can be as extensive as ripping out the fixtures and replacing everything from the tile flooring,  to the wall cabinets and mirrors. Or, it can be as simple as fitting the tub with one of the available bathtub liners.

The complete remodel can be very expensive.  Moen faucets,  and upgraded bathroom lighting fixtures do not come cheap.  Of course you do not have to replace everything, but when replacing a tub there is a lot of destruction that takes place so that it is often the most cost effective time to replace everything.  Bathtub liners,  on the other hand,  have an initial cost that may be more than a replacement tub.  However, the total cost for installation and plumbing is often a lot less.

Bathtub liners are simply sheets of acrylic that are molded to fit the original shape of your bathtub.  

They fit into the tub and then are glued down to become a part of the tub.  The liner material is made of the same material that most replacement tubs are made of so the look and feel of the material will be the same as a new one.  

Some of the reasons you would want to consider a liner are: They are a faster fix than replacement or remodeling. The end cost is much less than remodeling. The liners can also be constructed to cover the walls at the same time they cover the fixture. When you remodel there is a requirement to destroy the old bathtub or shower fixtures.  

This sometimes causes collateral damage to other bathroom fixtures and they will have to be replaced too. Many companies do the lining process so you have the opportunity to get competitive bids and reduce the installation price.

You must remember that bathtub liners are not a permanent fix.  The following should be considered before making your final decision:

Liners only cover the problem.  If the tub has not been cleaned and fitted properly moisture can cause a mold problem to develop. There is not always a perfect fit between liner and tub.  This can create a hollow or spongy feeling when walked on.

When doing design or small bathroom remodeling, if cost is your only criteria,  refinishing can be cheaper than a liner. Your tub will experience a slight reduction in size because the liner fits inside it. You do the math before making your final decision.