How much does bathroom resurfacing cost in Australia?

Curious about the cost of bathroom resurfacing? In Australia, prices typically range from $150 to $3,000, depending on factors like the size of your bathroom and the specific surfaces you’re looking to restore.

Bathroom resurfacing — sometimes called reglazing or refinishing — offers a budget-friendly way to refresh your bathroom without the hefty price of a full renovation. If your tiles, bathtub, or vanity are still in good shape but showing signs of wear or outdated style, resurfacing could be just what you need to give them a new lease on life.

Whether you’re sprucing up your own home or getting an investment property ready for sale or lease, resurfacing can breathe new life into your bathroom and enhance its overall appeal.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What is bathroom resurfacing?

• What surfaces can be resurfaced?

• Typical bathroom resurfacing costs

• How to get accurate quotes, and more.

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Bathroom resurfacing cost vs renovation cost

Wondering how bathroom resurfacing stacks up against a full renovation cost? Bathroom resurfacing is a much more affordable option. While resurfacing individual surfaces usually costs between $150 and $3,000, resurfacing an entire bathroom generally falls in the range of $1,500 to $3,000. This will depend on the number of surfaces you want refinished and how much space you’re working with.

In contrast, a full bathroom renovation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, especially if it includes new plumbing, electrical work, fixtures, tiling, and layout changes. Renovations also take significantly longer — often four weeks or more — to complete.

If your existing layout and fixtures are still functional, resurfacing is a far more affordable and efficient alternative. It can dramatically improve the look of your bathroom at a fraction of the cost, with minimal disruption to your household.

Keep in mind, though, that resurfacing won’t change your bathroom layout or replace fittings — it’s best suited for cosmetic updates when you’re happy with the bones of your space.

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What is bathroom resurfacing?

Here’s how the process works:

A resurfacing specialist will inspect the surfaces for any damage, make necessary repairs, thoroughly clean the area, and apply a bonding primer. Once the surface is prepped, a durable topcoat is sprayed or rolled on to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. You can even choose a custom colour to modernise your space or cover up an old, gaudy shade.

Bathroom resurfacing typically takes just a couple of days, including drying time. You can expect it to take between 24 to 48 hours, depending on the surface and conditions. When properly maintained, the new finish can last up to 15 years, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective solution for rejuvenating your bathroom.

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What can be resurfaced in my bathroom?

A wide range of bathroom surfaces can be resurfaced to give your space a fresh, updated look — without the need for costly replacements. Common items that can be resurfaced include:

• Bathtubs

• Wall and floor tiles

• Bathroom sinks and basins

• Shower bases

• Vanities and benchtops

Whether these surfaces are made from ceramic, porcelain, laminate, metal, or tile, they can often be refinished to look like new. Resurfacing is especially useful for covering stains, chips, cracks, or outdated colours, giving your bathroom a modern finish at a fraction of the replacement cost.

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How much does bath resurfacing cost?

Noticed chips, scratches, or stains in your bathtub? Instead of replacing it entirely, bath resurfacing is a cost-effective way to restore its original appearance.

On average, bathtub resurfacing costs between $400 and $700. If you have a cast iron, clawfoot, or antique bathtub, the cost can be higher — typically around $1,000 to $2,000 — due to the extra care and materials required.

Several factors affect the final cost of bath resurfacing, including:

• Size of the bathtub – Larger tubs require more labour and materials.

• Material of the bath – Cast iron and antique tubs cost more to resurface.

• Condition of the surface – Extensive chips or scratches will need to be repaired before the new coating is applied.

• Type of finish – Premium finishes or custom colours may increase the cost.

While resurfacing may not be suitable for every situation, it’s significantly more affordable than buying a new bathtub — and can leave your bath looking fresh and modern in just a day or two.

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How much does bathroom sink resurfacing cost?

If your sink or vanity is stained, chipped, or looking dated, bathroom sink resurfacing can restore it to near-new condition without the cost of replacement.

For a small sink basin or vanity, resurfacing typically costs between $150 and $300. Larger or porcelain sinks are more time-consuming to refinish and can cost between $250 and $400.

If you’re resurfacing a premium or custom vanity, especially one with intricate details or high-end materials, the price can reach up to $1,500, depending on size, surface condition, and the type of finish you choose.

Factors that impact the cost include:

• Size and material of the sink or vanity

• Extent of damage or wear

• Preparation and repair work required

• Type of coating or finish selected

Overall, resurfacing your bathroom sink or vanity is a budget-friendly way to improve your bathroom’s appearance without the disruption or expense of a full renovation.

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How much does bathroom tile resurfacing cost?

Bathroom tile resurfacing is one of the more challenging resurfacing jobs due to the large area that tiles cover, whether on the walls or floor. However, if your tiles are in mostly good condition, you may not need a complete resurfacing. In some cases, simple regrouting can suffice, with epoxy grout repairs typically costing around $1 per square foot for labour.

So, how much does bathroom tile resurfacing cost?

• For wall tile resurfacing, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for repairs to chipped or damaged tiles.

• For more severe issues, such as water damage or rust, the cost will be higher.

Floor tile resurfacing generally requires more time and effort, especially if there is mould or mildew present. In these cases, the grout will need to be repaired before resurfacing. Many professionals use a bathroom spray paint technique to resurface tiles, which creates a durable, ceramic-like finish.

Tile resurfacing costs vary depending on the condition of your existing tiles. While there isn’t a fixed price per square foot, you can expect to pay around $5 to $10 per square foot for tile floor resurfacing.

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How much does shower base resurfacing cost?

Resurfacing your shower base is a cost-effective way to restore its appearance and function without a full replacement. On average, shower base resurfacing costs between $550 and $650, depending on the size, material, and condition of the base.

Premium materials, such as fine porcelain, will generally cost more to resurface. If you’re looking to reglaze a porcelain shower base or bathtub, expect the price to be at the higher end of the range — or even more for custom finishes.

The cost of shower base resurfacing typically includes:

• Replacing worn studs (if applicable)

• Replacing or repairing caulking

• Matching surface textures

• Applying a durable enamel finish

If your shower base has multiple tile types, or if the existing tiles cannot be regrouted, the resurfacing job will require more time and materials — leading to higher costs.

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Bathroom resurfacing price list

Compare bathroom resurfacing quotes in Australia

Still wondering about bathroom resurfacing cost in your area? Prices can vary depending on where you are, the current condition of your bathroom, and the surfaces you want refinished. For the most accurate pricing, it’s a good idea to reach out to a few local bathroom resurfacing specialists and request quotes. This way, you can compare options and get a better idea of what fits your budget.

You can use the Yellow Pages online directory to find and contact qualified local contractors. Most professionals will offer a free site visit to assess your bathroom. They will measure the area, and recommend the most suitable resurfacing options.

When comparing quotes:

• Make sure you receive a detailed written quote outlining all costs, including surface preparation and finishing

• Ask about warranties and the expected lifespan of the resurfacing work

• Request references or a portfolio of previous projects to ensure the contractor’s quality and reliability

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* All costs quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.