Advantages of Bathtub Liners

Whether you're moving into a fixer-upper with a 1970s sky blue tub, or losing the battle against bathtub stains that won't go away, a bathtub liner can give your bathroom a clean look without having to tear down the walls or plan for a major renovation. Just remove your fixtures and slip it on. Bathtub liners are basically shells that are placed over your existing bathtub and glued down.

Fast Installation

Bathtub liners are available at home renovation stores and you can install them on your own. But if you want a custom bathtub liner, a professional usually does the job. A contractor measures your space and sends the specifications to a factory, where the liner is made. The contractor installs the bathtub liner over your old tub. The process typically takes one day, and you can use your new bathtub the same day.

Cheaper Than a New Bathtub

Installing a new bathtub is a major renovation that may require breaking down the surrounding walls, removing wall tiles and floor covering, and disconnecting the piping. Doing it yourself would at least require a helper to carry the heavy tubs. The cost--including all the demo work---would average more than $3,000. The average cost of a bathtub liner is $500 to $1,000, and there's no breaking down of the walls.

Durable

The most frequently used material for bathtub liners is acrylic. You'll also find them in PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and plastic, though these tend to be thinner and possibly less durable than acrylic. Acrylic bathtub liners won't stain, peel, crack or chip like a traditional bathtub, yet they look no different than a regular tub.

Easy to Clean

Bathtub liners don't require heavy scrubbing because there's no grout. Plus they don't grow mold or mildew. To clean your bathtub liner, spray on a solution of half water and half vinegar, wipe it clean and rinse. You shouldn't use heavy cleaners like ammonia because they could damage the surface. Be sure to check out your bathtub liner warranty for cleaning no-no's. If you damage the liner because you cleaned it incorrectly, the warranty could become void.

Retains Heat

Settling in to a nice warm bath is wonderful after a long day is heavenly, but it can be ruined when the water starts to chill. One of the comfortable advantages of bathtub liners is that they retain heat. Acrylic in particular retains heat longer than other bathtub materials. So you can sit back and snooze longer.

References

• Advantages of Buying a Bathtub Liner
• Steps to Bathtub Replacement
• Cost of Bathtub Replacement

Resources

• Re-Bath