When a bathtub starts looking rough — stained, chipped, or just plain dated — most homeowners immediately think replacement. But before you call a contractor and rip out tile, it's worth doing the math. In Minnesota, a full tub replacement typically runs $1,500–$5,000 once you factor in labor, new plumbing fixtures, tile patching, and drywall repair. Refinishing, by contrast, usually costs $350–$600 for the same tub — done in a single day.
What does tub replacement actually involve? Swapping a bathtub is a major construction job. The old tub has to be jackhammered or cut out (often damaging surrounding tile and drywall), a new unit installed, and everything patched and repainted. You're typically without a functioning bathroom for several days to a week. For a standard 60-inch alcove tub in a Twin Cities home, you're looking at $1,800–$3,500 in materials and labor — and that's before any unexpected surprises inside the wall.
What does refinishing cost and include? Professional tub refinishing involves cleaning, deglossing, repairing chips, applying bonding primer, and spraying on a durable topcoat — all without removing the tub. TubRevive completes most jobs in 3–4 hours, and the tub is ready to use within 24 hours. The coating is designed to last 10–15 years with normal care, and the finished surface looks brand new.
When does replacement make more sense? Refinishing isn't always the right call. If your tub has structural cracks that go through the base, is severely rusted through, or if you're doing a full bathroom gut-renovation anyway, replacement might be justified. But for cosmetic issues — discoloration, surface chips, dull finish, outdated color — refinishing delivers the same visual result at a fraction of the price.
The bottom line for Minnesota homeowners: Refinishing makes sense in the vast majority of cases. The savings are real, the disruption is minimal, and the result is a tub that looks and feels new. If you're on the fence, TubRevive offers free estimates — and we'll tell you honestly if your tub isn't a good candidate for refinishing.
