A new bathtub can breathe life into a bathroom of any shape and size. But how much does a new bathtub installation cost? Let's look at the average cost of getting a new bathtub supplied and fitted in the UK.

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The average cost of installing a new bathtub currently stands at £300.

However, your total cost will vary depending on factors like the type and style of bathtub, and where you live. Read on for more.

How much does bathtub installation cost in 2026?

The average cost of installing a new bathtub is in the region of £300.

However, as with all home improvement projects, various factors can influence the final cost of a new bathtub being installed by a bath fitter. 

Start your search for checked bathtub installers today.

Cost of bathtub installation in the UK

Bathing has been ingrained into our culture ever since the Roman times. Naturally, the design, style and materials used have changed over time to reflect trends and modern plumbing.

Unbeknown to most, the type of material you choose for your new bathtub can make all the difference in the bathing experience.

The material of the bath will also determine the bathtub installation cost. It’s worth considering your needs before taking the plunge to ensure the bath you choose is right for you.

What size bath do I need for my project?

Choosing the size of your bath is often one of the most important considerations when having a new bathroom fitted. Often the largest fixture in a bathroom, the rest of the space is often designed around the bath itself.

Learn more

Acrylic bath installation cost

Average cost of an acrylic bath: £200 - £250+

Acrylic baths are durable, resilient and perfect for anyone looking to replace their bathtub on a tight budget. 

If your home is an older property with thinner floors, an acrylic bathtub will also be ideal in terms of weight.

Generally, an acrylic bath is cheaper than steel or any other materials.

Cast iron bath installation cost 

Average cost of a cast iron bath: £1,250 - £1,650+

Cast iron baths are commonly considered the most luxurious. 

They are also the most expensive – and understandably so. If well maintained, they can be kept without replacement for decades.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the weight of a cast-iron bathtub can often exceed 500lb.

Natural stone bath installation cost 

Average cost of a natural stone bath: £1,500 - £4,000+

Natural stone baths may be a little harder to maintain, but their smooth finish makes them a highly sought-after choice for homeowners. 

Made from stone and minerals, these bathtubs are much easier to mould into fine-edged custom shapes.

What’s more, the stone material will retain 50% more of the heat from your bathwater, ideal for those who like to soak a little longer.

Steel bath installation cost 

Average cost of a steel bath: £250 - £450+

Steel baths can be easily moulded into striking designs and are generally better at retaining warmth than acrylic bathtubs. 

Like acrylic tubs, they are cost-effective and easy to maintain in good condition.

The weight of a steel tub could be considered a drawback, but strong flooring should support this bathtub with no problem.

As with other bath styles, the total cost for a steel bathtub will depend on your choice of brand, style and sizing of the tub.

Factors affecting the cost of bathtub installation

To calculate the cost of installing a bathtub, you'll first want to decide on the size, shape and style of the bath you want – as that's the biggest single cost factor.

You'll also need to add on the labour costs of the installation, along with any tiling needed once the bathtub is in place.

Bathtub style

Bathtubs vary in style from simple to luxurious. Some are designed for convenience, while others are made to be the centrepiece of your bathroom.

The style of bathtub you choose will determine your new bathtub cost. Some of the more popular types of bathtubs include:

• Clawfoot and pedestal baths

• Recessed or alcove baths

• Drop-in baths

• Free-standing baths

• Corner baths

• Whirlpool baths or jacuzzis

• Walk-in or gated baths

Accessories and fittings

Along with the bathtub itself, there are several additional accessories you may need to buy. These include:

• Bath panels – These will be used if the bathtub is positioned against a wall

• Tiled bath panels – For a spa-like feel you could choose to have a tiled bath panel to surround your tub with decorative tiles

• Bath taps – Your choice of taps will depend on your type of bath and set-up (e.g. wall-mounted, deck-mounted or floor-standing)

• Shower screens – These panels can be added if you need the bath to double up as a shower

• Bath wastes –  These combine your bath plug, plug hole and overflow pipe

The addition of these accessories will typically be charged as part of the total bathtub installation cost.

Type of taps

As well as their functionality, taps can add class to even the most standardised bathtubs. However, you must choose the type that is right for your bath.

For example, if your bath has two holes but you only want one tap for both hot and cold, you will need a mixer tap. On the other hand, a free-standing bath will be complemented by some stylish floor-standing taps.

Some of the taps available include:

• Surface-mounted pillar taps fit on top of the deck of the bath

• A wall-mounted mixer tap connect to the wall with the pipework hidden behind

• Wall-mounted pillar taps feature two separate taps fitted to the wall

• Free-standing taps connect to the floor via a standpipe

• Waterfall bath taps come either as pillars or a mixer tap, with an open spout that creates a cascading waterfall effect

Costs for bathtub taps by themselves vary on the material used. 

It’s worth noting that wall-mounted taps typically cost a little more to install due to the pipework required.

Tap installation: Cost breakdown 2026

Whether you're looking to get an outdoor tap installed, want new taps for your bathroom as part of a renovation or are planning to replace your old taps to make a quick difference to your kitchen, we've set out the average prices for tap installation to give you an overview.

Learn more

Health and mobility considerations

If you have limited strength or mobility, there are plenty of options that are designed for convenience, comfort and practicality.

Here are some key mobility considerations and tips when buying and installing a new bathtub:

• If you plan to use a bath seat and hoist, it’s best to opt for a strong metal bath that can withstand the weight of a seated person and support most types of bathing equipment

• Shallow bathtubs can be convenient for those with limited strength in getting in and out easily

• If your bathroom allows, walk-in bathtubs make for easy access as they feature a door with a watertight seal that simply opens and closes

• Whirlpool and jacuzzi baths can be effective in soothing aches and pains but come at a higher cost

Walk-in bathtubs are a great choice for anyone who is less mobile, or who finds it difficult to bend or sit in a traditional bath. The average cost of a walk-in bath is around £1,500 - £1,700+.

Walk-in baths offer a variety of specification options including the ability to choose which side the door opens on, which is helpful if you also need to install grab rails. They often also come with an integral moulded seat for ease and comfort.

These special bathtubs also offer additional add-ons including spa jets, colour-changing lights (chromotherapy) and even wireless sound systems.

Hidden bathtub installation costs to watch out for

As well as the type of bath and the costs of bathtub installation, there are a few hidden costs you may need to watch out for when browsing the market for a new tub. 

These can include:

Water heater requirements

If buying a larger bathtub than you previously had, check whether the water heater is large enough to supply an entire tub full of hot water.

For reference, the water heater should be about ⅔ of the size of your bathtub – so, a 40-gallon water heater would suffice for a 60-gallon bathtub. 

Anything larger and you may need a new heater.

Electrical concerns

If you are planning to install a new electric shower at the same time, you will need a Part P-certified electrician to ensure they carry out the wiring work correctly.

Structural support

How strong is the floor of your bathroom? Most modern tubs are lightweight steel or acrylic, but they need to hold a substantial weight of water as well as occupants.

If the bath is particularly heavy or the floor particularly thin, it may be necessary to reinforce the floor with structural support.

Cost of hiring a professional bath fitter vs DIY

When trying to keep within a budget, it can be tempting to fit a new bathtub by yourself. 

But unless you are experienced with pipework and the fitting of bathroom furniture, it’s best to hire an experienced tradesperson. 

Even the smallest leak in a bathtub can take days to repair and the costs for this can amount to more than a qualified plumber would have charged for installation.

Bath fitter hourly rate UK 

Most bathtub installations will take between 2 to 4 hours, at an average rate of £30 - £40 per hour.

That rate is for a standard bath, but if you're planning to replace or install a spa bath then the price of installation will be higher. 

That also goes for heavy baths, which may require extra people to remove or install the bathtub.

It's also worth noting that the exact labour cost of the bathtub installation will depend on where you live in the UK and the individual tradespeople you hire.

At Checkatrade, we're here to help, whether it's with finding costs, planning a renovation, or searching for ideas and inspiration, you'll find plenty of content on our blog to make your project a success.

Get quotes for your bathtub installation cost estimate 

Once you're ready to get going with your bathtub installation, it's a good idea to get quotes from at least three local tradespeople.

With multiple quotes, you can check that you're being quoted fair and competitive prices for bathtub installation in your area.

As part of the quotes, ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs (materials, labour, tiling, etc) so that you can easily compare the quotes and see who is charging what.

Alternatively, why not try out our handy job estimator to help get a rough price estimate for your local area?

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Bathtub installation cost checklist

Costs and factors to consider for a new bath

• What size do you need?

• What material do you want?

• Is there existing pipe work?

• Have you got a plumber in mind already?

• Do you need any accessories?

• Are the floorboards secure enough?

• Have you got bathing facilities to use while it is being installed?

• The total bathtub installation cost will depend on the size, weight and material of the tub

• Unless you have experience in plumbing, we recommend using a professional – as the costs for repair work can outweigh the costs of installation

• Accessories such as taps can be purchased separately and included in the bathtub installation price

• When choosing a bathtub, remember to consider water heater requirements, electrics, comfort and functionality ahead of purchase

• Bathtubs can be extremely heavy and are designed to support a large amount of water. Always ensure the floor is strong enough to support the bath

Connect with checked tradespeople offering bath installation services for your next project.

FAQs

How much does it cost to get a bath fitted in the UK?

The average cost of installing a new bathtub is in the region of £300.

How much should it cost to install a bathtub? 

How much it should cost to install a bathtub will depend on what type of bath you opt for.

At the lower end of the price scale, you’re looking at around £200 - £250+ to supply and install an acrylic bathtub. Meanwhile, at the higher end, you’re looking at around £1,500 - £4,000+ for a natural stone bath.

How long does it take a bath fitter to install a new bath?

Most bathtub installations take between 2 to 4 hours.

Do bath fitters remove the old bath?

Yes, your bath fitter will usually remove your old bath as part of the process of installing your new one. 

That said, it’s always worth checking whether the removal and disposal of your old bath is included in your overall quote. 

Usually, it will cost £75+.

How much do bath fitters charge per hour? 

Bath fitters typically charge around £30 - £40 per hour.

Do plumbers install baths? 

Yes, plumbers will usually install baths. However, they might not have as much experience with bath fitting as a dedicated bathroom fitter or company.

Is bathtub installation included in the bath price?

If you buy a bath directly from a retailer or supplier, the price won’t include the cost of bathtub installation. However, if you hire a plumber or bathroom company to supply and install your bathtub, your quote will usually include both.

Can I move my bathtub from downstairs to upstairs?

Yes you can. When updating or renovating your home, you may find you want to move your bathroom completely.

If so, read our guide on the cost of moving a bathroom upstairs.

Replacing a bath without removing tiles – can it be done?

It is possible to replace a bath without removing any tiles. However, the silicone seal between the tiles and the bath would need to be removed gently and the bathtub pulled out carefully.

It’s delicate work that often calls for the help of a checked tradesperson.

View bath fitter profiles, read reviews, and contact them directly.

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