
What are the typical costs for installing a bathtub?
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Average Cost of Installing a Bathtub
1. Total indicative price per type of bath (incl. installation and VAT)
|
Type of bath |
Average cost |
Explanation |
|
Standard bathtub |
€ 900 – € 1,600 |
Acrylic or plastic, including drain and installation |
|
Built-in bathtub |
€ 1,200 – € 2,000 |
Including surround with tiling or plaster |
|
Freestanding bathtub |
€ 1,600 – € 2,800 |
More work (floor drain, finishing, faucet mounting) |
|
Whirlpool / Jacuzzi |
€ 2,500 – € 4,000 |
Including technology, connections and safety |
|
Corner bathtub |
€ 1,400 – € 2,200 |
Compact, often including casing |
2. Cost breakdown of a standard bathtub installation
|
Cost category |
Average price |
Comments |
|
Bathtub (acrylic or plastic) |
€ 300 – € 800 |
Excluding faucets or panels |
|
Installation + connection work |
€ 400 – € 700 |
Removal, water connection, placement |
|
Tiling or surround (if applicable) |
€ 300 – € 600 |
Only with built-in or corner bath |
|
Freestanding bath tap (optional) |
€ 300 – € 700 |
Required for freestanding bathtub, including installation |
|
Total (basic configuration) |
€ 900 – € 2,800 |
Depending on type and finish |

3. Important
cost factors
- Accessibility of pipes and drain
- Type of floor (wooden floor requires extra reinforcement)
- Type of bath tap (wall-mounted tap, surface-mounted or freestanding)
- Finish (surround, tiling, coating)
- Underfloor heating under the bath = extra work
4. Extra options and associated additional costs
|
Extra option |
Estimated additional cost |
|
Whirlpool system |
€ 1,200 – € 2,000 |
|
Built-in LED lighting |
€ 150 – € 300 |
|
Anti-slip coating / soft touch |
€ 100 – € 200 |
|
Sound insulation / framework |
€ 150 – € 300 |
|
Wooden floor reinforcement |
€ 200 – € 500 |
Conclusion
In 2025, installing a bathtub will cost on average between €900 and €2,800, depending on the type of bathtub, the desired finish, and the technical situation in the bathroom. A standard bathtub is relatively inexpensive to install, while freestanding bathtubs and whirlpools involve more preparation and installation costs. Professional installation is recommended for a waterproof and durable solution.
Average Cost of Installing a Bathtub
1. Total indicative price per type of bath (incl. installation and VAT)
|
Type of bath |
Average cost |
Explanation |
|
Standard bathtub |
€ 900 – € 1,600 |
Acrylic or plastic, including drain and installation |
|
Built-in bathtub |
€ 1,200 – € 2,000 |
Including surround with tiling or plaster |
|
Freestanding bathtub |
€ 1,600 – € 2,800 |
More work (floor drain, finishing, faucet mounting) |
|
Whirlpool / Jacuzzi |
€ 2,500 – € 4,000 |
Including technology, connections and safety |
|
Corner bathtub |
€ 1,400 – € 2,200 |
Compact, often including casing |
2. Cost breakdown of a standard bathtub installation
|
Cost category |
Average price |
Comments |
|
Bathtub (acrylic or plastic) |
€ 300 – € 800 |
Excluding faucets or panels |
|
Installation + connection work |
€ 400 – € 700 |
Removal, water connection, placement |
|
Tiling or surround (if applicable) |
€ 300 – € 600 |
Only with built-in or corner bath |
|
Freestanding bath tap (optional) |
€ 300 – € 700 |
Required for freestanding bathtub, including installation |
|
Total (basic configuration) |
€ 900 – € 2,800 |
Depending on type and finish |

3. Important cost factors
- Accessibility of pipes and drain
- Type of floor (wooden floor requires extra reinforcement)
- Type of bath tap (wall-mounted tap, surface-mounted or freestanding)
- Finish (surround, tiling, coating)
- Underfloor heating under the bath = extra work
4. Extra options and associated additional costs
|
Extra option |
Estimated additional cost |
|
Whirlpool system |
€ 1,200 – € 2,000 |
|
Built-in LED lighting |
€ 150 – € 300 |
|
Anti-slip coating / soft touch |
€ 100 – € 200 |
|
Sound insulation / framework |
€ 150 – € 300 |
|
Wooden floor reinforcement |
€ 200 – € 500 |
Conclusion
In 2025, installing a bathtub will cost on average between €900 and €2,800, depending on the type of bathtub, the desired finish, and the technical situation in the bathroom. A standard bathtub is relatively inexpensive to install, while freestanding bathtubs and whirlpools involve more preparation and installation costs. Professional installation is recommended for a waterproof and durable solution.
Extra Options for Bathroom Renovation
1. Built-in faucets and wall niches
|
Option |
Additional cost (indication) |
Explanation |
|
Built-in shower faucet |
€ 400 – € 800 |
Including milling, installation and finishing |
|
Built-in bath faucet |
€ 500 – € 900 |
Only with wall-mounted or freestanding bath |
|
Wall niche (in shower wall) |
€ 300 – € 600 |
For shampoo or soap, incl. tiling |
2. Smart lighting and mirror options
|
Option |
Additional cost (indication) |
Explanation |
|
LED lighting with dimmer |
€ 200 – € 500 |
Built-in or indirect ceiling and wall lighting |
|
Illuminated mirror |
€ 250 – € 600 |
With touch control, mirror heating possible |
|
Mirrors with Bluetooth/audio |
€ 400 – € 800 |
For integrated sound |
3. Luxury shower options
|
Option |
Additional cost (indication) |
Explanation |
|
Rain shower (surface-mounted) |
€ 400 – € 800 |
Including thermostat set |
|
Rain shower (built-in) |
€ 700 – € 1,200 |
Additional costs for milling and finishing |
|
Shower channel / drain |
€ 300 – € 600 |
Replacement of standard shower tray |
|
Walk-in shower with glass wall |
€ 800 – € 1,500 |
Including floor sealing and wall mounting |
4. Toilet and flushing options
|
Option |
Additional cost (indication) |
Explanation |
|
Wall-hung toilet (built-in toilet) |
€ 800 – € 1,400 |
Including reservoir, installation and tiling |
|
Shower toilet or Japanese toilet |
€ 1,500 – € 3,000+ |
Advanced flushing and drying functions |
5. Heating and comfort
|
Option |
Additional cost (indication) |
Explanation |
|
Electric floor heating |
€ 500 – € 1,000 |
Including thermostat and installation |
|
Wall heating |
€ 800 – € 1,500 |
In combination with stucco or tiling |
|
Design radiator |
€ 300 – € 700 |
With towel rail or electric auxiliary heating |
6. Finishing and material selection
|
Option |
Additional cost (indication) |
Explanation |
|
Betonciré wall finish |
€ 1,000 – € 2,500 |
Waterproof, seamless alternative to tiles |
|
Tadelakt (lime stucco) |
€ 1,800 – € 3,500 |
Handcrafted, water-resistant, unique appearance |
|
Natural stone floor or wall |
€ 1,200 – € 3,000 |
Exclusive finish, more weight and preparation required |
7. Accessibility and life cycle proof
|
Option |
Additional cost (indication) |
Explanation |
|
Anti-slip floor |
€ 400 – € 900 |
Coating or textured tiles |
|
Brackets / wall supports |
€ 150 – € 300 |
Stainless steel or plastic, safely mounted |
|
Low entry / thresholdless |
€ 300 – € 800 |
Adjustment shower or entrance |
Conclusion
Extra options add comfort and luxury to the bathroom, but can significantly increase the total costs. The additional costs range from a few hundred to thousands of euros, depending on the chosen version and installation complexity. By setting priorities in advance and critically looking at functionality versus aesthetics, costs and effectiveness can be balanced.
Main Factors Affecting the Price of Bathroom Renovation
1. Size of the space
The size of the bathroom determines the amount of material, labor, and installation time.
|
Bathroom Size |
Estimated Price per m² (full renovation) |
|
5 m² |
€ 1,800 – € 2,600 per m² |
|
9 m² |
€ 1,400 – € 1,800 per m² |
|
12+ m² |
€ 1,200 – € 1,500 per m² |
Note: For smaller bathrooms, fixed costs are relatively higher.
2. Layout and pipework
Retaining or changing the existing layout is one of the biggest price determinants.
|
Choice |
Additional cost (indicative) |
|
Retain layout |
None or limited |
|
Relocate pipework |
€ 1,000 – € 3,000 |
|
Adjust drainage or electricity |
€ 400 – € 1,200 |
3. Sanitary ware and product choice
The quality, brand, and design of the bath, toilet, shower, and furniture determine a significant part of the investment.
|
Component |
Budget range |
High-end version |
|
Vanity unit |
€ 400 – € 800 |
€ 1,200 – € 2,000 |
|
Shower faucet |
€ 250 – € 500 |
€ 800 – € 1,500 |
|
Toilet (wall-hung) |
€ 600 – € 1,000 |
€ 1,200 – € 1,800 |
Choice impact: More expensive options often have a longer lifespan and more comfort, but also increase assembly costs.
4. Floor and Wall Finishes
The choice between standard wall tiles, natural stone, or stucco finish makes a big price difference.
|
Finish Type |
Price per m² (incl. installation) |
|
Ceramic tiles |
€ 60 – € 100 |
|
Beton Ciré or lime plaster |
€ 110 – € 180 |
|
Natural stone |
€ 120 – € 250 |
5. Labor costs and trade discipline
Labor accounts for an average of 40% – 50% of the total budget.
|
Discipline |
Average hourly rate |
Number of working hours (indicative) |
|
Tiler |
€ 45 – € 60 |
40 – 60 hours |
|
Plumber / Installer |
€ 55 – € 75 |
30 – 50 hours |
|
Electrician |
€ 60 – € 80 |
10 – 20 hours |
Regional effect: In the Randstad, labor costs are often higher than in other parts of the country.
6. Additional work and unforeseen circumstances
Not all situations are visible in advance. Common additional work items:
|
Additional work category |
Estimated price |
|
Replace poor subfloor |
€ 300 – € 800 |
|
Adjust ventilation |
€ 300 – € 600 |
|
Asbestos removal or mold treatment |
€ 500 – € 2,000 |
Advice: Keep a reserve of 10% – 15% for unforeseen costs.
7. Total Coordination versus Self-Management
With a total package through one party, costs are typically higher, but you have less chance of delays or errors.
|
Implementation Form |
Price Impact |
|
Coordinate yourself |
Lower |
|
Total renovation via contractor |
+10% – 20% |
Advantage: One point of contact, fixed schedule, and guaranteed delivery.
Conclusion
The price of a bathroom renovation depends heavily on the choices made regarding layout, finishes, materials, and installation work. By having the technical condition assessed beforehand and making realistic choices in layout and products, costs can be kept manageable. The largest price differences arise with luxury finishes, extensive plumbing, and the installation of custom-made or built-in systems.
Savings tips for bathroom renovation
1. Limit the pipework
Moving water pipes, drains, and electricity is costly.
|
Choice |
Savings (indicative) |
|
Keep layout |
€ 1,000 – € 3,000 |
|
Replace only sanitary ware |
€ 500 – € 1,500 |

Advice: Keep the toilet, shower and sink in the same place as much as possible.
2. Choose standard sizes and configurations
Customization is more expensive in terms of materials and installation.
|
Part |
Savings compared to custom |
|
Standard shower cabin |
€ 500 – € 1,000 |
|
Custom washbasin unit |
€ 300 – € 800 |
Advice: Standard models are often immediately available and cheaper to install.
3. Compare at least three specialists
Rates and project approaches vary significantly between providers.
|
Number of quotes |
Expected savings |
|
2 – 3 quotes |
€ 500 – € 2,000 |
Note: Compare based on specifications, not just total price.
4. Perform preparatory work yourself (if safe)
Demolition, removal of old sanitary ware or dismantling of furniture can save hundreds of euros.
|
DIY |
Savings |
|
Demolition and removal |
€ 300 – € 800 |
|
Removing old tiles |
€ 200 – € 500 |
Condition: only if you are handy and do not damage any pipes or drains.
5. Choose ceramic tiles instead of natural stone or plaster
Ceramic is more affordable, easy to maintain, and widely available.
|
Wall/floor tiles per m² |
Savings compared to luxury finish |
|
€ 30 – € 50 |
€ 50 – € 100 per m² |
6. Limit the number of special built-in elements
Built-in faucets, niches, and custom constructions are attractive, but increase assembly and material costs.
|
Extra option |
Average additional cost |
|
Built-in faucet instead of surface-mounted |
€ 400 – € 800 |
|
Wall niche (wet room) |
€ 300 – € 600 |
Advice: Choose built-in only where it functionally adds value.
7. Buy showroom models or outlet batches
Bathroom specialists regularly offer clearance items or showroom products at high discounts.
|
Product category |
Discount vs. new price |
|
Sinks and faucets |
20% – 50% |
|
Toilets and cubicles |
15% – 40% |
|
Furniture and mirrors |
30% – 60% |
8. Plan the renovation during the off-season
During quiet periods (December – February or summer), tradespeople are more available and sometimes cheaper.
Advice: Avoid busy periods such as spring.
9. Choose one total specialist instead of multiple individual contractors
A total package prevents miscommunication and delays that indirectly cost money.
|
Risk with individual parties |
Possible consequence |
|
Poor coordination |
Rectification costs / delay |
|
Multiple call-out charges |
€ 200 – € 400 extra |
10. Consider reuse where possible
Are the bathtub, furniture, or tiles still in good condition? Reuse can be valuable if it is technically sound.
|
Reused part |
Savings |
|
Bathtub or toilet |
€ 400 – € 900 |
|
Wall tiles |
€ 600 – € 1,000 (for full replacement) |
Conclusion
A bathroom renovation doesn't have to be an excessive expense if you focus on saving on labor, material choice, and project approach. The biggest savings are achieved by limiting pipework, choosing standard solutions, and smartly purchasing materials or work during quiet periods.
