Complete guide to bathtub replacement costs in Australia
One of the most significant decisions and costs when planning or renovating your bathroom is bathtub replacement. Choosing the right bathtub for your at-home spa experience is not as straightforward as it seems and the wrong decisions can quickly lead to a blowout in the budget. Addressing as many of these as you can from the outset will help you avoid this fate.
The true cost of bathtub replacement
When you are tackling a bathroom renovation and thinking about your tub, there are options in almost every price range. In Australia, bathtub replacement can cost anything from $1,000 to $10,000 and upwards, depending on your preferences, tastes and requirements.
A quick fix
If you are only looking to repair an old, leaky bathtub, your costs will be far less, ranging from $300 to $600. However, the price will be impacted by the choice of re-glazing, re-enamelling, or re-surfacing.
A standard replacement
If you are upgrading your entire bathroom, a new bathtub is the best approach. Simple removal and installation with a mid-range acrylic bathtub should cost around $2,500 - $3,500.
A premium upgrade
The type of bathtub you want can significantly influence the final cost, with a range of materials from fibreglass, to ceramic or even cast iron tubs available to you. In stating the obvious, a traditional-sized bathtub will be a lot more affordable than a luxurious jacuzzi. You can easily expect to pay in excess of $6,000 for a high-end bathtub.
Other factors
These days bathtubs come in a variety of shapes and forms. You can have a freestanding tub, a round tub, a square tub, or a back-to-wall bath.
Another big chunk of the cost will come from labour. A plumber can charge different amounts depending on your location. Their price will also depend on the size and complexity of the job.
Let's take a closer look at all of the costs involved in bathroom replacement.
Labour costs
Removing and installing a new bathtub is a complex, labour-intensive task. You might wonder if a regular handyman can do it for you. In Australia, to avoid potential problems, it is better to hire an experienced, licensed plumber.
A plumber will know how to deal with your water system and piping. They will also be able to install your new taps and a showerhead if you want one.
Removing the existing bathtub can require moving the toilet and sink if they get in the way. The bathtub drain will need to be removed and disconnected, and you might also need to remove some tiles or parts of the wall.
Depending on what part of the country you live in, a plumber can cost between $70 and $120 an hour. Typically the rates in big cities tend to be higher in suburban areas though if you live in a remote location, the price can go up as well.
The plumber might also charge a call-out fee of $60 to $100. While some plumbers charge per hour, they may also set a flat rate for the job.
Removing an existing tub and installing a new bathtub can take several hours. To avoid surprises, get a detailed quote from several plumbers before embarking on the project.
You may need a tiler to help replace or renovate the wall surrounding the bath, costing $75 to $120 per square metre of tiling. If you are installing a spa or whirlpool tub, you will need an electrical outlet and might require an electrician. In Australia, this can cost from $70 to $130 per hour.
The right professionals will simplify your bathroom renovation, and you can even hire a bathroom installer to assist you with your project.
Types of bathtubs and their costs
Gone are the days when your only option was a standard white bathtub.
When designing a bathroom, you can choose from a wide variety of bathtub shapes, sizes, and materials and each element will influence the price paid.
1. Freestanding tubs
A traditional freestanding tub will occupy its own space in a bathroom, distanced from the four walls of the room. They are available in a variety of finishes and styles. They are typically more expensive than other bathtub styles as they are often larger, use more materials and are design-focused.
Prices range from $750 - $1,500 for lower end models. Luxury freestanding baths made of natural stone or other fine materials can cost upwards of $4,000+.
2. Cast iron tubs
A cast-iron bathtub is very durable and elegant with the claw-foot tub particularly sought after for its stylish look. However, they can be exceptionally heavy, which is the main drawback. They can cost around $900 for a standard version, while a more stylish, antique-looking tub can start around $3,500.
3. Acrylic and fibreglass bathtubs
Most standard bathtubs are made of acrylic, fibreglass or porcelain enamel. Fibreglass tubs are affordable and lightweight, however, they are more likely to crack or warp. They can be found from around $250.
An acrylic bathtub can set you back as little as $200 for the lower end. A simple but nice acrylic bathtub will be around $500. Higher end acrylic tubs will generally cost over $1,500.
Porcelain enamel bathtubs are cost-effective solution that can be purchased from around $400. They are easy to clean and stain resistant too.
4. Whirlpool bath or jacuzzi
A jacuzzi-style bath can be great for relaxation. However, they will likely be more expensive to install and maintain. A basic drop-in or inset spa bath will cost about $1,700 which is more reasonable than most people might think. A large and luxurious freestanding jacuzzi, however, can be over $8,000.
5. Stone or marble bathtub
Stone and marble bathtubs are some of the most expensive bathtubs available in Australia, primarily because of the quality of materials been used.
Stone is elegant and natural-looking but very heavy and you will need to ask an architect or interior designer if it will work in your space. A stone bathtub can cost from around $4,000 upwards.
A marble bathtub offers up a range of gorgeous colours but requires specific maintenance and cleaning. Cultured marble is a more affordable alternative and can start from around $2,000.
The real deal, however, can set you back from $5,000 to upwards of $10,000
Related article: Different types of bathtubs for the Australian home
Choosing bathtub taps
Don't forget to choose your bathtub taps. The two main kinds are mixer taps with hot and cold water coming out of one spout or a set with separate hot and cold faucets.
Depending on the style and material, you could spend from $60 to $200 and more. Again the style, size, type of finish and quality of materials used will be a big factor here.
Related article: 10 of the best bathroom taps in Australia
Understanding your bathtub replacement costs
Getting the bathroom of your dreams should not be out of your reach. As you can see, you can control many of the factors that influence the cost of replacing a bath tub. Whether its the size, type of bathtub or its finish, you’ll know which traits are important to you and what you want to prioritise to make the most of your spend.
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