Over the years, your trusty bathtub can take quite a beating. The years of use will start manifesting themselves on your tub with gouges, scratches, chips and even burns. So, you've decided to finally do something about it You could always get a new one, but it certainly can end up being an expensive proposition:

* Bathtubs are not a small ticket item to begin with.
* You will need to pay a professional to remove the old tub.
* And of course, you have to pay a professional again to install the new one.
* The removal and installation process is time consuming, sometimes taking a couple of weeks, so you will not be able to use your tub.

Depending on what shape your bath tub is in, you may have several simpler and less expensive options. Let's examine them now...

Alternatives To Replacing Your Bathtub

1. Bathtub Repainting: You can repaint your tub or have someone do it for you. Kits for doing it yourself are available, but if you're not handy, it would be better to find a pro. Even if you hire someone, this will usually be done in a day, and beats buying a new tub. This is an easy way to give your bathtub a great new look.

2. Bathtub Refinishing: Refinishing your tub gives it a new surface which can last 20 years or more. This is also a rather quick option completed in a day.

3. Liners For Your Tub: A new liner can be installed over your tub, giving it a brand-new look within a few hours.

4. Bathtub Surrounds: While this does not do anything to the tub itself, the area around it looks better.

Very often, one of the above alternatives will work just fine, but sometimes, nothing but replacing the tub completely will work.