[vsheetz]

Embarking on a total remodel of a bathrrom - typical 5'x10' retangular room, with a standard slide-in 5' tub /shower at one end. New toilet, vanity, marble floor and wall tile, and tub fauset/shower head will go in.

The question is whether to replace the tub or not. It's a cast iron tub - not visially damaged, but appears dingy - not bright white like the new Toto toilet. Replacing a tub is not something I had done before - so don't know how much work it is to do. Then there is the money - can save a few hundred dollars by not replacing. But don't want to spend money and effort to renew the rest of the bath to have the end result marred by the old tub...

Seeking suggestions and comment?

• Rip it out and replace to make everything new?
• Resurface existing tub?
• Some way to clean and restore the original white coloration?

Other?

Thanks!
Vince

 

[Ron6519]

I think you already said it.
"But don't want to spend money and effort to renew the rest of the bath to have the end result marred by the old tub..."
Change the tub.
Ron

 

[LeviDIY]

Vince... I just redid my 5x10 bathroom, vanity, walls, toilet, lighting, tile surround.... but not the tub. I prepped as best as I could, tried to protect the tub... but it was old anyway... now it does stand out, and the only thing I can do is pay about $400-$500 to have someone professionally refinish it (look at the other forums on here discussing the fact that refinishing a tub is NOT a DIY project... that told me to hire that out).

As Ron said, replace the tub now.

 

[4just1don]

Make at LEAST one more try at cleaning it. most bad looks is actually water scum. Lime away or even a light coat of muraic acid would take that off quickest. Dont scrub down thru the finish tho. I see MOST tubs as dirty, not worn out!!

 

[clasact]

if your replaceing all but the tub it going to stand out really bad and I dont care how clean you get it.Haveing it refinished will cost big time even a new fiber liner is not cheep but putting in a new tub is not that hard and not all that expensive.Dont replace it all but the tub and then stand back and say to yourself damm I should have replaced that thing it looks so bad because then it a bit late in the game and you will mess up all you did

 

[vsheetz]

Thanks for all the great input and suggestions. At this point the plan is to replace the tub.

 

[LeviDIY]

Sounds good... I shall live vicariously through your brand new tub experience

 

[hinklepaint]

Refinish it

Call around find out just how much it is to replace that type of tub, then find out how much it is to have it professionally refinished. I will bet in the long run, refinishing the tub will prove to be less costly and be done in a lot less time without the messy clean up. If you have a pro refinish it like you should most gaurantee the tubs for 5 yrs some even longer.