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Bathtub Liners Are A Fast, Affordable Bathroom Upgrade
The bathtub and shower enclosures are areas that can become run down and shabby looking with years of wear and tear. Some minor scratches and problems can be spot repaired, but often the surface is so damaged and worn that a major change is needed. The options are installing a new tub or enclosure, refinishing the surface, and using bathtub liners or shower enclosure liners.
Refinishing is one of the most expensive options, but may be best for restoring a classic or antique fixture. Getting an expert opinion and choosing a well respected refinisher is important. It may require demolition and removal, just as installing a new tub or shower would, and is a major expense of time and money.
Bathtub liners can be a more economical solution and one that may be faster and simpler to do. When speed is important, the wall surround and tub liner can be installed in just one day in most cases. You don't have to tear out walls, tile and even toilets and destroy your bathroom to use the liner option.
This is not a do it yourself project as a rule. A professional needs to do the estimate and measure the tub and spaces and a custom liner is made. These usually cost from about one thousand to a very upscale four thousand dollar version with extra features. Compare this to a standard bathroom remodel which is more like five to ten thousand dollars and more, and a bathtub liner looks better and better.
There are some objections to liners, one being that they have a different, softer feel than most tubs. They also make a tub a bit smaller which is unavoidable. Some may cost more than refinishing, and there are concerns about covering big problems like model, or worries that an improper job may let water leak between the liner and the old tub.
Many think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of bathtub liners and the option is so popular that installers are more competitive and this may help with getting lower bids. And even with refinishing being somewhat cheaper, liners are far less costly than traditional remodeling.
For speed alone, bathtub liners are hard to beat, since once the measurements are taken and the liner made, professional installation will disrupt your life for only a day or two at most. They do look good, and getting a wall surround and liner unit means fresh walls and no more need to clean grout. These liners are most commonly made of durable acrylic and need little maintenance once installed. They now come in a wide range of colors.
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