Replacement, walk-in, freestanding and refinished tubs
Tub Remodeling Knoxville: Bathtub Replacement and Walk-In Tubs
Cracked enamel, a tub that is hard to climb into, or a style stuck in 1995? We handle bathtub remodeling across Knoxville. Replacement, walk-in tubs, soaking tubs and freestanding tubs, built right and priced in writing.
- 5+ years of experience
- Locally owned & operated
- Workmanship warranty on every project
What is the average cost to remove and replace a bathtub?
A standard bathtub replacement averages about $2,100 nationally. That covers the tub, labor and hauling away the old one. Freestanding, stone and walk-in tubs cost far more.
Price range by tub type
Low to high, national
National ranges from 2026 home cost guides.
Price range by tub material
| Material | Typical range | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $200 to $800 | Lowest price. Scratches and flexes more. |
| Acrylic | $300 to $1,000 | Light, warm and easy to repair. |
| Enameled steel | $200 to $1,200 | Tough, but cold and loud. |
| Cast iron | $900 to $5,000 | Holds heat and lasts. Weighs 300 pounds or more. |
| Solid surface | $1,600 to $8,700 | Smooth, repairable, feels premium. |
| Copper | $3,000 to $6,000 | Rust proof and holds heat. Needs gentle cleaners. |
| Marble | $2,000 to $5,000 | Heavy. The floor may need reinforcing. |
| Granite | $10,000 to $20,000 | Very heavy. Plan on structural work. |
What else goes on the bill
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Old tub removal and disposal | $200 to $1,200 |
| Installation labor | $100 to $2,000 |
| Licensed plumber, per hour | $45 to $200 |
| Permit for major plumbing work | $50 to $500 |
| New tub surround, installed | $1,100 to $2,100 |
Older Knoxville homes bring surprises. Cast iron tubs, soft subfloors and worn drains are the usual ones. We open it up, show you and price the fix before we go on.
Why does a walk-in tub cost more?
A walk-in tub runs about $3,000 to $17,000 installed. The door, seat, jets and any plumbing or electrical work add up. Read our license and permit guide.
| Walk-in tub type | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| Basic soaker | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Hydrotherapy (jetted) | $6,000 to $13,000 |
| Luxury, multi-feature | $9,000 to $17,000 and up |
| Labor, basic swap-out | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Labor, advanced remodel | $3,000 to $5,000 and up |
Source: National Council on Aging, March 2026. Your written estimate will list every line.
Want a real number for your bathroom? We price it in writing, free.
What are the different types of bathtubs?
Most tubs fall into four groups. Built-in tubs sit against walls or in a deck. Freestanding tubs stand alone. Spa tubs add jets or air. Access tubs add a door and a seat.
Built-in tubs
Spa and access tubs
Freestanding tubs
Stone and copper tubs
Which tub fits your bathroom?
| Tub type | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove or tub shower combo | Small baths and guest baths. Three walls, usually 5 feet. | Needs a surround. Measure length and drain side. |
| Drop-in | Primary baths with a deck for faucets and shelves. | Needs a built deck and tile. |
| Undermount | A clean, rimless look in a stone deck. | Higher cost and careful waterproofing. |
| Corner | Tight corners and wide decks. | Takes more floor than it looks. |
| Freestanding, slipper or clawfoot | A statement tub with room around it. | Floor mounted filler, about 8 inches to clean behind, and floor strength. |
| Jetted | Sore muscles. Larger jets, water powered. | Needs an access panel and often a dedicated circuit. |
| Air | A gentler soak. Tiny holes along the bottom. | Same access and power needs as jetted. |
| Walk-in | Limited mobility. Door and seat. | Slower fill and drain. Ask about quick-fill and rapid drain. |
| Japanese soaking | Small baths. Deep, upright soak. | Not made for stretching out. |
| Stone or copper | Heat retention and looks. | Stone is very heavy. Copper needs gentle cleaners. |
Not sure which tub fits your space? We will measure and show you options.
What are the latest trends for bathtubs?
Homeowners want tubs that look calm and clean up fast. Here is what we see asked for most.
01
Freestanding tubs with floor-mounted fillers
A tall filler beside a freestanding tub is the look people ask for. It needs a drain move and a floor that can carry the weight.
02
Rimless undermount tubs
A tub sunk under a stone deck gives a clean, seamless line. It suits quartz, granite and marble decks.
03
Deep soaking tubs for small baths
Compact, deep tubs give a spa soak without a big footprint. Japanese soaking tubs are the best known.
04
Matte black and brushed hardware
Matte and brushed finishes hide spots better than polished chrome. They pair well with stone look tile.
05
Easy-entry tubs and showers
More homeowners plan for easier entry as they age. Walk-in tubs, low-step tubs and curbless showers fit that plan.
06
Low-maintenance materials
Acrylic and solid surface wipe clean and are easy to repair. Fewer seams means less scrubbing.
Bathtub Remodeling Services
From a same-spot swap to a full layout change, here is what we install and update.
Tub to Shower Conversion
Out with the tub, in with a walk-in shower. Same footprint, easier entry, more elbow room.
See how we build them on our shower remodeling page.
Walk-In Tub Remodel
A door, a seat and a low step in. We size the tub, run the plumbing and electric, and set it level.
Pair it with grab bars and comfort-height fixtures. See our accessible bathroom remodeling.
Jetted and Air Tub Renovation
Replace a worn jetted tub or step up to air jets. These tubs need an access panel for the motor and often a dedicated circuit, so we plan that first.
Old Bathtub Remodeling
Tired tub in an older home? We refinish it, add a liner or pull it and start fresh. Cast iron removal and soft subfloors are priced before work begins.
Drop-in and Alcove Tub Replacement
The fastest swap is same size, same drain. We check the length and drain side, set the new tub level and finish the surround.
Freestanding Bathtub Renovation
Clawfoot, slipper or modern. We move the drain, place the filler and confirm the floor can carry a full tub.
Ready to replace or update your tub? Get a written estimate.
How do you update a bathtub without replacing it?
Refinish it, add a liner, or redo the walls around it. Refinishing is the cheapest route. It only works if the tub itself is sound. Follow the questions below.
Refinish, liner or replace
| Option | Typical cost | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Refinish | $300 to $1,000 | The tub is sound but stained, dull or an old color. |
| Liner | From about $1,800 | The shape is fine and you want a new surface fast. |
| New surround | $1,100 to $2,100 installed | The tub is fine but the walls are worn. |
| Replace | About $2,100 for a standard swap | The tub is cracked, leaking or the wrong size. |
A pro refinish typically lasts 5 to 15 years. A DIY kit often lasts 2 to 3. Plan 24 to 48 hours of dry time. Refinish figures: InchCalculator. Other costs from 2026 home cost guides.
Not sure if your tub can be saved? We will tell you straight.
How to install a freestanding bathtub?
Plan the layout first, then move the drain, then set the tub. Most problems come from skipping the plan. This is how the job goes.
- 1Filler must fit between the tub edge and the wall.
- 2Center drain. Mark it from a cardboard template.
- 3Subfloor opening, cut between two joists.
- 4Joists. Stay between them to keep the repair simple.
- Plan the positionPick a spot you can reach for repairs. Leave about 8 inches behind the tub for cleaning. Have the tub and filler on site before the plumber starts.
- Mark the footprintTape the outline on the floor. Trace the widest point on cardboard, cut a template and mark the drain.
- Move the drainCut the subfloor open between two joists, about 3/4 inch deep. Remove the old trap, extend the pipe with the right fittings and cement, and deburr every cut.
- Set the tub and fillerPlace the tub on the marks, connect the drain and install the filler. Stone and cast iron tubs need the floor checked first.
- Test, close and finishFill it and check every joint for leaks. Then close the subfloor and finish the flooring and trim.
Moving a drain, setting a heavy tub or cutting a floor is not a casual weekend job. We handle it start to finish. See the FAQs or call for a free visit.
Want a freestanding tub in your bathroom? Let us check the floor and plan the drain.
Why Do Knoxville Homeowners Choose Us?
Local Expertise
We know Knoxville homes. Older baths often hide cast iron tubs, soft floors and tired drains. We plan for them.
Skilled Craftsmanship
Level tubs, tight seams and clean tile lines. We set the tub right so it never leaks or creaks.
Transparent Estimates
Written, itemized quotes. Tub, removal, plumbing and finish are listed, so there are no surprises.
Better Communication
One point of contact. We return calls and tell you what is happening each day.
Customer-Focused Scheduling
We agree on a start date and plan around your routine. We protect your floors and keep the work area clean.
Affordable and Trustworthy
Licensed and insured. Fair pricing with options at every budget, from an acrylic swap to a stone soaker.
Our Bathtub Remodeling Process
Initial Consultation and Bathroom Evaluation
We visit, measure and check the tub, walls, floor and plumbing.
Design Planning and Material Selection
You choose the tub, material, faucet and finish. We confirm it fits and the floor can carry it.
Preparation and Removal of Existing Fixtures
We protect your home, shut off the water and take out the old tub and surround.
Waterproofing and Professional Installation
We set the tub level, connect the drain and test for leaks before closing anything up.
Finishing Details and Quality Inspection
Tile, trim, caulk and fixtures go in. We check every seam and run the water.
Final Walkthrough and Enjoy Your New Bathroom
We walk it with you, show you how to care for it and make sure you are happy.
Ready to start your tub project? Call for a free, written estimate.
DIY Bathtub Remodel
Some tub updates are a fair weekend job. Others cost more when they go wrong. Here is where we draw the line.
| Task | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Re-caulk the tub, swap a faucet or drain trim | DIY | Low risk, low cost. |
| Refinish with a kit | Think twice | Kits often last 2 to 3 years. Fumes need good ventilation. |
| Replace a light tub in the same spot | Skilled DIY | Cheap plastic tubs can crack if the drain is over tightened. |
| Remove and set a cast iron tub | Call a pro | It weighs 300 pounds or more. |
| Move a drain or supply lines | Call a pro | Floor cuts, pipe work and often a permit. |
| Set a stone or heavy freestanding tub | Call a pro | The floor may need reinforcing first. |
| Wire a jetted tub | Call a pro | Often needs its own circuit. |
Not sure which side your job falls on? Call us. We will tell you honestly, even if the answer is to do it yourself.
Other Bathroom Services
Full Bathroom Remodel Knoxville
Want the whole room updated? Floor, vanity, lighting and tub together.
Accessible Bathroom Remodeling Knoxville
Grab bars, comfort-height fixtures and roll-in showers.
Small Bathroom Remodeling Knoxville
Make a tight bath work harder. Ask us about it when you call.
Service Areas
Bathroom Remodeling Downtown Knoxville
Older homes near Old North Knoxville and Fort Sanders often have original tubs in tight rooms. We measure twice before anything comes out.
Bathroom Remodeling South Knoxville
Hillside lots and mixed home ages. We check the floor before we set a heavy tub.
Bathroom Remodeling East Knoxville
Many homes here are decades old. We check old drains and the subfloor under the tub.
Bathroom Remodeling Northwest Knoxville
Ranch-style baths with 5 foot alcove tubs are common. A same-size swap is often simple.
Bathroom Remodeling Fountain City and Halls
A standard 60 inch alcove takes a new tub or a walk-in tub with little rework.
Bathroom Remodeling Bearden and Sequoyah Hills
Larger primary baths have room for a freestanding or soaking tub.
Bathroom Remodeling Farragut and Concord
Newer homes with roomy baths. Drop-in and freestanding tubs fit with ease.
Bathroom Remodeling Karns and Hardin Valley
Family homes with tub shower combos. Easy to upgrade the tub or swap it for a walk-in.
Not sure if we serve your area? Call us. We will tell you right away.
FAQs
How long does it take to redo a bathtub?
A same-spot tub swap often takes one to three days. Moving plumbing, tile or a walk-in tub adds time. Refinishing takes about a day, plus 24 to 48 hours of dry time.
What tubs do plumbers recommend?
Plumbers tend to favor simple acrylic or enameled steel alcove tubs with standard drains. They are easy to set and easy to service. For jetted or stone tubs, plan for access and floor strength.
Which is better, an acrylic or porcelain tub?
Acrylic is lighter, warmer and easier to repair. Porcelain enamel over cast iron is heavy, holds heat and resists scratches. Acrylic suits most remodels. Cast iron suits people who want a lifetime tub and can handle 300 pounds or more.
What is the best bathtub for the money?
Acrylic. Acrylic tubs run about $300 to $1,000, while cast iron runs about $900 to $5,000. Acrylic is light, warm and lasts.
What is the easiest bathtub to get in and out of?
A walk-in tub, because you step through a door and sit. A low-step tub with grab bars costs less. A walk-in shower is easier still, and we build those too.
Can you refinish a cracked tub?
Small chips, yes. A crack in the shell, or a floor that flexes, means the tub or the floor is failing. Replace it.
How long does a refinished tub last?
A professional finish typically lasts 5 to 15 years. A DIY kit often lasts 2 to 3 years.
Do I need a permit to replace a bathtub?
It depends on the scope. A same-spot swap often does not need one. Moving drains or supply lines usually does. Major plumbing permits run about $50 to $500 nationally. We check with the city or county before work starts.
Can you put a walk-in tub in my bathroom?
Often yes. We measure the space first. Large walk-in tubs can need a bigger water heater and sometimes a dedicated circuit.
How much does it cost to remove a bath and install a walk-in shower?
Nationally, tub to walk-in shower runs about $5,000 to $12,000. Tile, glass and moving the drain push it higher. A prefab base lands lower. We price it in writing after a visit.
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