Cost Guide
From simple alcove swaps to luxury freestanding soaking tubs, here is what bathtub replacement actually costs in Seattle based on our completed bathroom projects.
Alcove Tub Swap
from $2,500
Same-size replacement
Freestanding Tub
from $4,000
With new plumbing
Tub-to-Shower
from $4,000
Full conversion
Bathtub replacement in Seattle costs from $2,500 for a basic alcove tub swap to $12,000 or more for a luxury freestanding soaking tub with custom plumbing and tile work in 2026. Most Seattle homeowners spend between $3,500 and $7,000 for a bathtub replacement including the tub, fixtures, plumbing, surround, and installation.
Bathtub replacement ranges widely because the projects range from straightforward (pull out old alcove tub, slide in new one) to complex (remove built-in, reroute plumbing, reinforce floor, install freestanding soaking tub with floor-mounted filler). The tub itself is often only 20-30% of total cost.
In this guide we break down every type of bathtub replacement, what each costs, and how to decide between replacing, refinishing, or converting to a shower.
| Project Type | Cost Range | Plumbing | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcove Tub Swap (same size) | from $2,500 | Minimal | 2-3 days |
| Alcove Tub + Full Surround | from $3,500 | Reconnect existing | 3-4 days |
| Drop-In Tub Replacement | from $4,000 | Deck rebuild + plumbing | 3-5 days |
| Freestanding Tub Install | from $4,000 | New filler + drain reroute | 3-4 days |
| Tub-to-Shower Conversion | from $4,000 | Shower valve + drain modify | 5-8 days |
| Clawfoot / Vintage Tub | from $5,000 | Exposed plumbing + floor reinforce | 4-6 days |
Acrylic alcove (Kohler Villager, American Standard): $300-800. Freestanding acrylic: $500-1,500. Cast iron: $800-2,500. Composite stone (Victoria + Albert): $2,000-4,000+. Japanese soaking tubs: $800-3,000.
Fiberglass/acrylic removal: $300-400. Cast iron removal: $500-800 (250-400 lbs, often needs sledgehammer). Tile surround demo adds $200-500.
Same-size replacement: $400-600. Drain relocation for freestanding: $500-1,500. Floor-mounted tub filler: $800-1,500. Tub-to-shower conversion valve + drain: $1,000-2,000. Seattle plumbers: $85-125/hour.
Acrylic surround panels: $500-1,200. Ceramic tile surround: $1,000-2,500. Porcelain or natural stone: $1,500-3,000+. Water damage wall repair adds $300-800 if found behind old surround.
Cast iron tub removal is more common in Seattle than most cities because we have a large inventory of pre-1960 homes that still have original cast iron tubs. These weigh 250-400 pounds empty and sometimes need to be broken apart with a sledgehammer to get out of the bathroom.
Floor reinforcement is often needed for heavy freestanding or cast iron tubs. A filled cast iron tub weighs 800-1,200 pounds. In Seattle homes with older floor joists, sistering or blocking may be needed ($300-1,200).
We advise keeping at least one tub in the house for resale — families with young children need a bathtub. The master bath is the best candidate for a tub-to-shower conversion; keep the tub in the kids/family bathroom.
65-85%
ROI at resale
30+ years
Quality tub lifespan
A freestanding soaking tub in the master bathroom is one of the strongest selling features in the Seattle luxury market ($800K+ homes). In more modest homes, a clean modern alcove tub with tiled surround signals the bathroom has been properly maintained.
From $2,500 for a basic alcove tub swap to $12,000+ for a luxury freestanding soaking tub with custom plumbing. Most homeowners spend $3,500-7,000.
From $4,000 to $10,000 total including tub ($600-4,000+), floor-mounted filler plumbing ($800-2,000), and drain relocation if needed ($500-1,500).
Refinishing is much cheaper: $350-600 versus $2,500-6,000+ for replacement. Refinishing works if the tub is structurally sound with only surface damage. Replace for cracks, drainage issues, or style changes.
Standard alcove replacement: 2-3 days. Freestanding installation: 3-4 days. Tub-to-shower conversion: 5-8 days. Drop-in replacement: 3-5 days.
A like-for-like replacement does not require a permit. If the project involves plumbing relocation or tub-to-shower conversion, a plumbing permit from Seattle SDCI is required ($200-600).
We will assess your current tub, discuss options, and give you a detailed line-item estimate — no charge, no pressure.
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