Your Bathtub’s Potential Pricetag

Ever found yourself daydreaming about a luxurious soak in a stylish bathtub after a long day? Or perhaps you’ve been thinking about how a new bathtub could transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat?
This blog post will guide you through the costs of installing different bathtub styles in Tucson, Arizona.
By this post’s end, you’ll have a more definite awareness of what to expect for your bathroom remodeling project and the advantages of selecting the right bathtub style for your home.
The Cost Of Installing A New Bathtub Style In Tucson

Installation costs for new bathtub styles in Tucson homes can extend from $5,000 to $14,000, with a price average of around $6,500. When it comes to bathtub installation, costs can change considerably due to the style and material of the tub, labor, and other elements, such as the state of your bathroom and whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional.
Bathtubs are worth the cost for many reasons, which is why it’s one of the primary bathroom must-haves.
Cost By Bathtub Style
Bathtub Style | Cost Range in Tucson |
---|---|
Freestanding Bathtubs | $5,000 – $14,000 |
Alcove Bathtubs | $800 – $4,500 |
Corner Bathtubs | $1,800 – $6,300 |
Drop-in Bathtubs | $900 – $5,000 |
Walk-in Bathtubs | $4,000 – $11,000 |
Shower-Tub Combination | $950 – $5,500 |
Your bathtub installation cost will change based on the bathtub style you choose to replace your existing tub with. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of installing various bathtub styles.
Freestanding Tubs- $5,000 to $14,000
Freestanding bathtubs, also called soaking tubs, have all four sides visible and sit directly on the bathroom floor. They are a popular choice for their elegant and luxurious look.
A freestanding tub ordinarily prices in at $5,000 and goes up to $14,000, with a cost average of $9,000.
Alcove Tub- $800 to $4,500
Alcove tubs, designed to fit into a three-walled enclosure, are a common choice for smaller bathrooms. The expense for alcove bathtubs can go from $800 to $4,500.
Corner Bathtubs- $1,800 to $6,300
Corner bathtubs, designed to be incorporated into a bathroom’s corner, can add a novel touch to your bathroom design. The cost for bathtub styles like these can be between $1,800 and $6,300.
Drop-in Bathtubs- $900 to $5,000
Drop-in bathtubs, which are designed to drop into a frame or platform, offer a sleek and modern look. Installation for this tub costs between $900 and $5,000.
Walk-in Tubs- $4,000 to $11,000
Walk-in bathtubs featuring a door for easy access are a superb selection for people with mobility concerns. The cost to build these style tubs is customarily between $4,000 to $11,000.
Shower-Tub Combination- $950 to $5,500
A shower-tub combination is a practical and space-saving option, especially for smaller bathrooms. These combinations start at $950 and go up to $5,500.
Cost By Bathtub Material

The material of the bathtub can significantly impact the cost. Here’s a breakdown of the cost by bathtub material.
Bathtub Material | Cost Range in Tucson |
---|---|
Acrylic | $200 – $5,000 |
Ceramic | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Fiberglass | $200 – $2,500 |
Cast Iron | $1,300 – $10,000 |
Porcelain Enameled Steel | $300 – $1,500 |
Copper | $2,000 – $14,000 |
Stone Resin | $2,000 – $8,000 |
Marble | $1,500 – $7,000 |
Granite | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Acrylic Tubs- $200 to $5,000
Acrylic bathtubs are common and relatively inexpensive due to their lightweight and easy installation. High-tech models such as walk-in and jetted tubs are often made of acrylic.
They tend to price in the $200 to $5,000 area.
Ceramic- $1,000 to $5,000
Ceramic bathtubs are a higher-class material, with costs spanning from $1,000 to well over $5,000.
Fiberglass- $200 to $2,500
Fiberglass as a bathtub material is an inexpensive and lightweight option that’s better at holding heat than acrylic. However, they’re not as sturdy as metal or stone, and their color can fade.
This is the reason why their cost range is between $200 and $2,500.
Cast Iron- $1,300 to $10,000
Cast iron bathtubs, infused with porcelain, are durable and excellent at retaining heat. These tubs can be affordable, with prices from $1,300 to $10,000, but are heavy and may require floor reinforcement.
Porcelain Enameled Steel- $300 to $1,500
Porcelain-enameled steel bathtubs sustain heat like cast iron but are much more lightweight, making them less costly and easier to install. Look for install costs between $300 and $1,500.
Copper- $2,000 to $14,000
Copper bathtubs offer a distinctive appearance and are durable, resistant to bacteria, mold growth, and corrosion. However, these tubs are heavy and expensive, going from $2,000 to $14,000.
Stone Resin- $2,000 to $8,000
Stone resin bathtubs are made from a synthetic composite material containing acrylic, minerals, and resin. They’re waterproof, stain-resistant, and on the high end of the cost spectrum ($2,000 to $8,000).
Marble- $1,500 to $7,000
Marble bathtubs are typically made of poured cultured marble, which can be customized in many ways. The gel coating increases durability and the ability to be refinished. The cost of $1,500 to $7,000 is pretty standard.
Granite- $10,000 to $20,000
Granite bathtubs are a luxury option, often chosen as freestanding statement pieces in a large bathroom.
They’re carved from a single chunk of natural stone, making them extremely heavy, durable, and high-maintenance if you want to prevent staining and etching. This puts granite tubs on the pricier side of the scale, generally someplace between $10,000 to $20,000.
Cost Factors For Bathtub Remodeling

Several factors can influence the cost of your bathtub remodeling project. Let’s explore some of these key factors.
Type Of Bathtub
The type of bathtub you prefer will greatly influence the overall cost of your bathtub installation.
To give an example, freestanding bathtubs tend to have a higher expense than alcove bathtubs due to their design and complicated installation requirements.
Walk-in bathtubs, designed for accessibility, can also be on the higher end of the price spectrum due to their specialized features.
You can also have subtypes, such as freestanding clawfoot tubs.
Bathtub Materials
The material of your bathtub is another crucial factor that can affect the cost.
Take, for instance, the fact that acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs are commonly more economical but may not last as long-term as bathtubs made from more enduring materials like cast iron or stone.
On the other hand, luxury materials like marble and granite can significantly increase the cost. This is due to their rarity and how hard they are to work with and ship.
Bathroom Age And Condition
If your bathroom is older or in poor condition, additional work may be required to prepare the space for a new bathtub. This could include reinforcing the subfloor, moving plumbing lines, or even replacing old bathtub hardware.
Who Does The Bathtub Installation
If you choose the DIY bathtub installation path, you’ll save on labor costs but may face challenges unless you know how to work your way around a bathroom.
Hiring a cheaper contractor might save you money upfront, but the quality of work may not be as high.
A high-end contractor will do a more professional job (such as how Frei Remodeling works with you) and give you a higher-class customer experience, just at a higher cost.
Complexity
The complexity of the bathtub installation can also affect the cost.
For example, if you’re installing a simple drop-in bathtub, the cost will likely be lower than if you’re installing a soaking tub that requires additional plumbing work.
Similarly, if you’re tub replacement project involves replacing your existing bathtub with a new one of the same style and size, the cost will likely be lower than if you’re installing a completely different size or style of bathtub.
Tub Surround
Installing a bathtub surround can cost about $1,000 to $6,000.
Bathtub surrounds are waterproof panels that protect the drywall from water damage, especially in bathtub-shower combinations. They come in various materials and designs, allowing you to customize the look of your bathroom.
Additions and Customizations

The cost of your bathtub installation can also be influenced by any additional features or customizations you choose. These can enrich the functionality and aesthetics of your bathtub and bathroom experience.
Here are some options you might consider:
Whirlpool or Jetted Tub: These tubs feature built-in jets that can provide a soothing massage-like experience. They can be a terrific selection if you’re looking for a spa-like addition to your bathroom.
Heated Bathtubs: Some bathtubs come with built-in heating systems that can keep the water warm for longer periods. This can be a great feature if you enjoy a good soak in a long, hot bath.
Custom Shapes and Sizes: If you’re looking for a bathtub that fits a specific bathroom layout or meets unique design preferences, you might consider a custom bathtub. These can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they will change your total bathtub installation cost.
High-Tech Features: Some bathtubs come with high-tech features like built-in lighting, speakers, or digital controls. These can add a modern touch to your bathroom, but they can also increase the cost of the bathtub.
Specialty Materials: If you’re looking for a unique look, you might consider a bathtub made from a specialty material like copper, marble, or granite. These materials can give your bathtub a luxurious feel, but they can also be more expensive than more common materials.
Eco-Friendly Features: Some bathtubs come with eco-friendly features like low-flow faucets or water-saving designs. These can help you reduce your environmental impact and potentially save on your water bills.
Faucet and Hardware Replacement
The cost of replacing your bathtub’s faucet and other hardware can range from $50 for basic options to over $900 for high-end materials like copper or porcelain. This cost can increase if you choose specialty faucets, like waterfall or spa-style faucets.
Building Permits
If your bathtub installation involves relocating plumbing lines or electrical wiring, you’ll likely need to apply for building permits. The pricing of these permits in Tucson ordinarily spans from $50 to $500 for plumbing work and $10 to $500 for electrical work.
Shower-to-Tub Conversion
If you’re considering converting a shower into a bathtub, this can cost about $2,000 to $10,500. This process involves removing the shower, potentially removing walls, or relocating plumbing and electrical wiring to accommodate the bathtub.
Floor Reinforcements
For heavyweight tubs, like cast iron or granite, you may need to reinforce your bathroom floor. This can cost about $600 to $900. If the existing floor joists are in a poor state, repairing them may cost $1,000 to over $10,000.
Water Damage Repairs
If you discover water damage in your bathroom during the bathtub installation process, you’ll need to address this before proceeding.
Water damage restoration costs average $3,400, with smaller cases costing around $450 and extensive damage and repairs costing over $14,000.
Transform Your Bathroom With Frei Remodeling & Construction
Remodeling your bathroom and installing a new bathtub style can be a rewarding investment, enhancing your home’s comfort, aesthetics, and value. Have you gotten closer to deciding on a bathtub style yet?
At Frei Remodeling & Construction, we’re committed to delivering high-quality bathroom remodels in Tucson. We’ll work with you to understand your vision, guide you through the selection of bathtub styles, and ensure a seamless installation process.
Ready to dive into your bathroom remodeling project? Fill out our contact form today or give us a call. Let’s create your dream bathroom together!