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.Eventually, enough is enough and something has to be done.The easiest choice is to buy a new tub, but there are some drawbacks:

* Bathtubs are not a small ticket item to begin with.
* Bathtub removal is not trivial, so you will need to hire a professional.
* Similarly, bathtub installation requires some skill, so you will probably need to hire someone again.
* Removing and installing a bathtub can take days and even weeks, so you will have to to do without your bathtub in that time period.

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. Repainting: You can have your tub repainted. While DIY kits are available, it can be a tricky process, so hiring someone is usually advisable. Still, this is a relatively quick 1 day process, and easier on the wallet. This is an easy way to give your bathtub a great new look.

2. Bathtub Reglazing: This process essentially puts a new surface on your tub, which can easily last another 20 years, with a little care. 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. Bath Tub Surrounds: While this does not do anything to the tub itself, the area around it looks better.

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.