Over the years, your trusty bathtub can take quite a beating. Your tub will often start getting scratched, cracked or even gouged. So, you've decided to finally do something about it The easiest choice is to buy a new tub, but there are some drawbacks:

* A new bathtub can be quite expensive.
* You will need to pay a professional to remove the old tub.
* Similarly, bathtub installation requires some skill, so you will probably need to hire someone again.
* 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...

Before You Buy A New Tub, Look At These Choices

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. Still, this is a relatively quick 1 day process, and easier on the wallet. It is a good way to give your tub a shiny new look, maybe even a new color!

2. Bathtub Refinishing: Refinishing your tub gives it a new surface which can last 20 years or more. Like painting, this is usually done within 24 hours.

3. New Bathtub Lining: A liner, or new outer surface, is another quick way to make your tub look great.

4. Bath Tub Surrounds: These are walls around the tub, so they do not actually do anything to improve the bathtub itself, but instead dress up the surrounding area.

Hopefully, one of these options can be used, but there are times when the tub is not worth saving, and you may have no choice but to replace the bathtub completely.