Tip of the Month
BATHTUB & TILE RESURFACING: THE ECONOMICAL REMODEL OPTION
Is your bathtub or shower worn out and in need of some attention? Do you have original bathroom fixtures and counters from the 60's or 70's, still in those outdated colors? Have you put off remodeling your bathroom because of the high cost or the disruption during the work? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then here's a tip for you.
Although, a completely remodeled bathroom has its advantages, you'd be surprised how resurfacing existing fixtures and countertops can rejuvenate a bathroom with a whole new look. The average cost of replacing a bathtub can be between $2,000 and $4,000, but you can refinish it, in your choice of color, for a fraction of that cost. With refinishing, you don't have the mess, hassle, and added expense of demolition, which could include plumbing, and replacing, or repairing the walls and floors around the newly replaced tub.
Refinishing a tub can take four or five hours and you can shower or bathe in it the next day. Replacing a tub can take much longer - and if it's your only bathtub, that can add up to quite the inconvenience. A new tub can last a relatively long time, but a professionally refinished bathtub, with the proper maintenance, can resist the test of time as well.
Refinishing is also an ideal solution for repairing small chips and cracks in tubs that are otherwise in good condition. Refinishing can have amazing results on a variety of surfaces, including porcelain, cultured marble, ceramic, and fiberglass; but it must be done with the right materials, and proper techniques.
Bonus Tip: How to care for your refinished surfaces
It is recommended to use cleaning products developed especially for bathtubs and tile. Avoid cleaners that contain bleach, citrus, or any type of abrasives. Use a sponge or soft cloth when wiping the refinished bathtub or tile surface. Never use scrub pads or products such as Comet or Ajax, as these will scratch the finish. Avoid using any type of suction mounted products, and especially suctioned bathtub mats; over time they will begin to remove the finish.
