Bathroom Remodel • Bathroom Renovation • Bathtub Refinishing • Bathtubs

Is It Worth It To Refinish A Clawfoot Tub?

There’s nothing better after a long day than relaxing in your bathtub and soaking up all that warm water. But for many homeowners, the sight of their tub may be anything but relaxing. While clawfoot tubs definitely bring a touch of class to any bathroom, they are still prone to all the issues of a classic bathtub:Bathtub Refinishing NJ

  • Chipped paint;
  • Deterioration;
  • Lost shine.

So you may be thinking: is it worth it to refinish a clawfoot tub or are you better off just buying another one?

Depends on the Tub

First, let’s look at what each process involves. For one thing, replacing your existing bathtub isn’t necessarily the easiest route’ as some people would assume.

Doing it almost always involves cutting it into pieces to fit through your doors unless your bathroom doors are huge and can fit the tub. Then it’s the cost of a new tub, which can range anywhere from $500 to $2000, depending on the type of material you want, new paint coat to make it match the rest of your bathroom, and even overall quality. If you’re thinking of switching from a clawfoot tub to a standard one, go ahead and pencil in some thoughts about the plumbing and any labor expenses.

Then, there’s refinishing your existing tub, which usually involved three processes:

  • Stripping the old finish, and sanding the tub until the surface is smooth;
  • Repairing any cracks, rust spots, or holes;
  • Applying multiple layers of coating and sealant, which in the end can make it look like new.

This process can cost between $200 to $900, depending on the size of the tub and how much work it needs.

So Which One Should You Go for?

Refinishing is generally recommended to those really old clawfoot tubs that can be considered vintage pieces, or really valuable ones. If your current tub doesn’t fit that description, and you got it from Ikea, refinishing it may not be worth the effort. Refinishing is usually done on tubs made from very high-quality materials that can withstand all that labor. A modern one, which is made from lower-quality products might even crack because of it.

If You’re Going to Refinish, Call in the Pros

You can find tub refinishing kits for as little as $20, but if you want to do it right, you need to call in the pros. Give A-1 Tub and Tile Refinishers a call now!

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Bathroom Renovation • Bathtubs

Refinishing a Cast Iron Tub—Is It Really Worth It?

Everyone has heard the old phrase, “they just don’t make them like they used to.” This is often true of things like houses, furniture, and yes—even bathtubs.

If you’ve been lucky enough to find yourself with an antique bathtub, it’s probably a heavy cast iron tub. These bathtubs will truly last forever when properly cared for, but even the gentlest of owners sometimes can’t help but imbue their tubs with signs of wear and tear.

So, that leads you to the question of whether or not you should refinish your cast iron tub. If you’re having a hard time deciding whether you want to invest in breathing new life into your cast iron tub, or simply buying a new one altogether, consider these few factors.

 

What Kind of Condition Is The Cast Iron Tub In?

Think about the condition of the bathtub before you decide whether or not to refinish the cast iron tub. Are the issues purely cosmetic? Is there some sort of structural issue with the tub? If you’re not sure, simply reach out to a professional who can tell you whether refinishing the tub is a viable option.

 

What Budget Are You Working with?

Depending on the condition of the tub, the cost to refinish it will obviously vary. However, it’s generally going to be more affordable to refinish your cast iron tub than to completely buy a new one. What’s more, if the cast iron tub is already a fixture in your bathroom, the process of refinishing it will be much simpler than taking it out and replacing it.

 

Does The Cast Iron Tub Have Sentimental Value?

Maybe the tub was in your home when you first bought it, or maybe you had it installed after living its whole life in a relative’s home. Whatever the case, fixtures like these can certainly hold a special place in your heart. The bottom line is, if you love your cast iron tub and want to preserve it, it’s more than worth it to have it refinished.

Deciding whether or not to refinish your cast iron tub doesn’t have to be something you do entirely on your own when there are experienced professionals in your area. If you’re still on the fence about the future of your tub, reach out to us to get a quote and see how we can help bring your cast iron tub back to its former glory.

Bathtub Refinishing Morristown
Kitchen Remodel • Kitchen Renovation

10 Ways to Improve Any Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every home—it’s the place that people always seem to gather. So, it’s no wonder why so many people fixate on making their kitchens as appealing as possible, and here are some of the simplest ways to do just that.

  1. Give Countertops a Facelift
    Countertops are one of the first things anyone notices when walking into a kitchen. If yours are outdated or pulling away, it’s time to give them a makeover. You don’t have to invest in granite, but a new countertop will do wonders for the overall look of your kitchen.
  1. Pay The Backsplash Some Attention
    A tile backsplash is a trendy design element whose function matches its fashion. Still, if it’s been a number of years since that backsplash was installed, it could probably use a reglazing to return to its former glory.
  1. Invest in New Flooring
    There’s nothing more off putting than dated flooring. Often it’s impossible to fully clean, and it drags down the entire aesthetic of the room. Hardwood and tile are both excellent (and frequently cost effective) options that can transform the room.
  1. Make Appliances A Priority
    The latest and greatest appliances aren’t necessary to improve a kitchen, but some that are at least somewhat current can really make a difference. Plus, a matching refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher add a sense of continuity to the kitchen.
  1. Follow A Cohesive Plan
    Look at your kitchen and decide whether it appears to follow a fully fleshed out design plan. If not, think about what you need to add or subtract in order to create that sense of design.
  1. Add A Little Flair
    The same design elements used in the rest of your home apply to the kitchen, too. Looking to add a little pizzazz? Use wallpaper to create a statement wall, or incorporate some quirky vintage pieces.
  1. Turn Your Attention to The Ceiling
    Hanging pots and pans above a kitchen island or range is a space-saving hack that also happens to look great. These racks are easy to install, and add an element of sophistication.
  1. Get Creative with The Cabinets
    Are you hyper-organized? Consider taking the doors off of your cabinets for an open concept design. Are you less than confident you’ll be able to maintain that level of categorization? Simply paint the cabinets or swap out the fixtures.
  1. Keep Things Clean
    You obviously don’t want to litter your kitchen with dirty dishes, but if your sink itself is looking a little grimy, it could be time to turn to reglazing to clean things up overall.
  1. Cut Back on Clutter
    Your kitchen is full of cabinets for a reason—don’t line countertops with unnecessary items that could be stored in a cabinet easily. This will create an overall sense of calm and coordination.

The kitchen may well be the most important room of the home, so make yours shine with some simple updates. Give us a call at 908-705-2999 or send us a message for an expert opinion on improving your kitchen.

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Bathtub Refinishing • Construction • Kitchen Renovation • Renovation

5 Reasons You Should Reglaze Your Kitchen Sink

Most kitchen sinks get more than their fair share of use in busy households, and over time, that use begins to show. When the look of a sink no longer meets your standards, you can either shell out a fair amount of money to replace it, or you can reglaze it.

If you’re trying to decide whether it’s time to reglaze your kitchen sink, here are 5 reasons to help convince you! Read more

Construction • Renovation • Tile Painting

Bathroom Remodel Ideas for Small Bathrooms

It is one of the most common questions for those considering any kind of remodel: how can I maximize my space?

More often than not, homeowners wish they had more space in just about every room, but a small bathroom is a particularly sore pain point. Everything from showering to simply brushing your teeth can feel cumbersome when you don’t have the space to move freely.

If you find yourself in this camp and would like to upgrade your bathroom while creating space (or at least the illusion of space) at the same time, here are a few tips to help you create a design plan before taking the plunge into remodeling. Read more