How much does a walk in tub cost? The price tag depends on the size and scope of the project. We’ll address the major factors that affect the cost of a walk-in tub installation here. We’ll also discuss how these factors impact the cost of your new walk in tub.
The Type of Tub
The average bathtub replacement costs 2,500 dollars. However, the price tag depends on the type of tub you’re putting in. For example, a cast iron tub costs 500 to 2,000 dollars. A fancy marble tub will cost 1,500 to 2,000 dollars. On the flipside, the basic sit-down fiberglass tub costs 200 to 500 dollars. In the case of a walk-in tub installation, you’re removing an existing tub and putting in a walk-in tub. You have to pay for the removal of the old one and the installation of the new walk-in tub. And the walk-in tub market ranges from basic fiberglass tubs with doors you can open to shower-stall sized hot-tubs you can walk into.
The size of the tub will affect its cost. Soaking tubs are larger, since they’re designed to let you stretch out. Whirlpool tubs cost even more, since they are both larger and have additional features like jets. If you have to remove a wall, rip out a shower stall, replace the drain pan or replace walls, the cost goes up. A walk-in Jacuzzi-like tub will cost anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 dollars depending on its size and the scale of the project.
The Scale of the Project
Walk in tub prices may depend on the size and type of tub you choose, but the total prices paid for the installation also depend on the scope of the project. For example, you’ll pay more for any project that requires toilets, sinks and water faucets to be moved.
Custom design work and installation always costs more than removing a standard fiberglass tub and replacing it with a walk-in fiberglass model. This is why a walk-in tub with custom glass walls or a secondary glass wall to contain splashed water costs more than a plug-and-play walk-in tub inserted where the old one was. You’ll pay much more for a bathroom renovation than a simple tub replacement. If they have to rework the tile, whether replacing it or extending it, you’ll pay more for the project. As you add water jets and the associated plumbing changes, the cost of the project goes up. Bariatric bath tubs cost anywhere from 7,000 to 20,000 dollars. The price increases as you add amenities and the size of the tub.
Walk-in shower/tubs cost more, too. For example, structural changes to accommodate both aspects cost several thousand dollars more than dropping in a walk-in tub that fits the existing tub footprint. This is partially due to the need to modify walls and floors in addition to the immediate plumbing fixtures. Yet many choose the walk-in shower option because it has a higher resale value than the standard walk-in tub. Walk-in tub/showers end up costing anywhere between 2,500 and 6,000 dollars.
Another way the project cost can end up much higher than expected is when the new walk-in tub installation is accompanied by other accessibility changes. One might move the toilet out of a “water closet” to improve accessibility or turn the privacy wall into a half-wall. Faucets might be replaced with touchless models, or the faucet handles are replaced with large handles instead of knobs that are hard to turn. Replacing a pedestal sink with one where you can roll up in a wheelchair is best done when the building contractors are already working in the bathroom, but this will increase the cost of the project.
The Cosmetic Details
The cosmetic details can affect the project in a variety of ways. For example, an acrylic tub will cost several hundred to more than a thousand dollars, though installation costs are on top of that. Enameled cast iron tubs cost twice that much. Enameled steel costs a little less than iron. However, they easily chip and make a lot of noise while being filled. Fiberglass is cheap, but it doesn’t retain heat well. This is why you can find significant differences in the price of a walk-in tub depending on the material it is made out of.
Other cosmetic details affect the cost of the project. We’ve mentioned the higher price tag associated with custom design work and features like glass walls over open air. You’ll have to pay more for custom tile installed on the floor and walls around the new tub, too.