Bathtub Refinishing vs a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Your tub is outdated and difficult to get in and out of. The thought of a new walk-in shower sounds amazing, but the price of a conversion can feel overwhelming. You might not like the tub, but it does the job. Are you better off refinishing the tub as a temporary solution? Or should you invest in a new walk-in shower?

Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 tub and shower remodels across San Diego and Orange Counties. Even though we don’t do bathtub refinishing, we want to give you accurate and unbiased information so you can make the best decision for you and your bathroom.

In this article, you'll learn how each process works, what risks come with refinishing, what a conversion involves, how the costs and lifespans compare, and who benefits from each option.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Bathtub Refinishing and How Does It Work?
• What Are the Risks of Bathtub Refinishing?
• What Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?
• What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?
• How Much Do Bathtub Refinishing and Tub-to-Shower Conversions Cost?
• Who Is Bathtub Refinishing or a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right For?
• Bathtub Refinishing vs a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Comparison Table

What Is Bathtub Refinishing and How Does It Work?

Bathtub refinishing is a process that sprays a new coating over your existing tub and walls. It makes an old surface look new again, acting as a more cosmetic fix. Nothing is removed or replaced.

Here is how the process works:

1. The contractor tapes off the room, covering your walls, floors, and fixtures in paper and plastic.
2. A chemical stripper breaks down the old finish so the new coating can stick.
3. The surface gets sanded down and primed.
4. An enamel glaze gets sprayed over the tub, tile, grout, and base.
5. Once the glaze cures, you stay out of your home for 3 days while the fumes clear.

Refinishing does not fix underlying issues in the tub and shower area.

What Are the Risks of Bathtub Refinishing?

The biggest risk with bathtub refinishing is the chemical methylene chloride used to strip and prep the surface. In April 2024, the EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride.

A standard bathroom fan or open window cannot clear methylene chloride vapors to a safe level, which is why you’re required to stay out of your home for 3 days after the job is done.

Bathtub refinishing doesn’t address mold, wood rot, water damage, or any other underlying issues. If those problems exist behind the wall, they can get worse over time.

What Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?

A tub-to-shower conversion replaces your old bathtub with a newly remodeled walk-in shower. This means a complete down-to-the-studs demolition to address underlying issues in the tub and shower area.

From there, we install new plumbing, a new drain, new backer board, new walls, a low-threshold shower base, and additional features such as grab bars and shower benches. A tub-to-shower conversion is a permanent change to the tub and shower area.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?

One of the major benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion is that it lowers your risk of falling. You’re removing the 15-inch tub threshold and replacing it with a lower-threshold shower base. A tub-to-shower conversion helps anyone aging in place.

Showers are faster for daily use since you don’t need to wait for a tub to fill up or cool down. If you haven’t used your tub in years, a conversion can make showering much easier.

A conversion can also improve your bathroom's look. Walk-in showers can come in a range of colors and styles. It can also make the space feel bigger without any structural changes.

A big drawback is that a tub-to-shower conversion removes the option to take a bath if it’s part of your routine.

A conversion can also affect your home’s resale value depending on your local market. Homes with families might prefer a home with one tub if it makes bathing kids or pets easier. Talk to a local realtor for more accurate information on your local market.

If your new shower base requires relocating the drain, it can add to your project cost, especially if you have to move the drain on a slab foundation.

How Much Do Bathtub Refinishing and Tub-to-Shower Conversions Cost?

Bathtub refinishing services can cost $300 to $1,000. Keep in mind that lower prices often mean a shorter lifespan, since a refinished tub usually shows wear within 2 years. Fiberglass tubs can only hold about two refinishes before the surface can no longer take a new coat well.

Since refinishing doesn’t touch potential damage behind the walls, anything hidden could turn into a large repair bill later.

A high-quality tub-to-shower conversion can run $12,500 to $22,000 or more. The cost depends on your space size, shower wall materials, and added features. A full remodel addresses hidden issues behind the tub and shower walls and can last for decades. At Shugarman’s Bath, our premium materials last 30+ years.

If the cost seems out of reach, a reputable contractor can offer financing options to split the total cost into monthly payments.

Who Is Bathtub Refinishing or a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right For?

If you feel your tub is still doing its job and cost is your top concern, bathtub refinishing might be a good temporary solution. It also works if you have a cast iron tub or plan to sell a property soon.

A tub-to-shower conversion works if you’re planning to stay in your home, looking to age in place, suspect there is damage behind the walls of the tub and shower area, or want a shower that fits your lifestyle.

Bathtub Refinishing vs a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Comparison Table

Which Option Is Right for Your Bathroom?

Think about what you want to achieve in your bathroom. A refinished tub can look brand new, but the walls stay exactly the same. Plus, you still have the issue of getting in and out of a tub with a high threshold. Bathtub refinishing is like patching a problem, while a full tub-to-shower conversion is a permanent solution.

If you want to see how safe a tub-to-shower conversion is, read our article on how a tub-to-shower conversion makes your space safer.

If you have questions about bathtub refinishing, tub-to-shower conversions, or other inquiries, contact Shugarman’s Bath to speak with one of our experts.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.