Expect to pay around $3,000 to convert a tub to a shower, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $8,000. A shower installer can assess your tub and break down all the costs.
If you’re dreaming about stepping into a curbless, walk-in shower but your outdated tub is in the way, it’s time to consider a tub-to-shower conversion. Converting a tub to a shower costs $3,000 on average, but it can go as low as $1,500 or up to $8,000, depending on the size, accessories and materials you choose. A luxurious, tiled walk-in shower costs much more than a smaller, prefab shower stall conversion, for example. Here’s everything to know about budgeting for your tub-to-shower conversion ideas.
There’s no one way to convert a tub into a shower, and costs will vary with the type of shower you want to create.
The cost to convert a tub into a walk-in shower ranges from $800 to $15,000 and depends on several factors, including shower size, material, style, shower doors, and plumbing work. Converting a tub into a custom, tiled walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000.
The total cost to replace a tub with a shower stall can range from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the size, shape, style, and material of the prefab shower stall kit. You can choose from several kit shapes (see the average price ranges in the table below). These costs do not include professional installation.
| Shower Stall Shape | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Neo-angle shower stall | $450–$1,200 |
| Square corner shower stall | $350–$1,400 |
| Curved or rounded shower stall | $500–$1,300 |
| Alcove or rectangular shower stall | $500–$2,300 |
| Curbless or barrier-free shower stall | $2,000–$4,100 |
While tiled showers can be DIY projects, depending on your experience level, these jobs are better left to professionals. The cost to tile a shower ranges between $900 and $10,000, but the range mostly depends on materials. For example, ceramic tiles can cost as little as $0.50 per square foot, while porcelain and natural stone can run $15 per square foot and higher.
The larger your shower is, the more it will cost to remove your old bathtub and install a new shower. Replacing a tub with a small shower stall costs $1,000 to $2,800 on average, while a large, luxurious new shower can cost over $4,000. The cost increases by size even more if the shower is made from tile, since tile showers use more materials and can take more time to install.
Custom or unusual shapes, like penny tiles, also tend to cost more since they require extra concentration and time to install. You can save money on a tub-to-shower remodel if you install a standard-sized shower.
| Shower Type | Standard Size (Inches) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small stall | 32x32 | $1,000–$2,800 |
| Large | 36x60 | $1,200–$4,200 |
| ADA standard | 36x36 | $1,300–$5,500 |
| Shower-tub combo (small) | 60x30 | $1,000–$3,200 |
| Shower-tub combo (large) | 60x36 | $1,200–$4,400 |
When converting a tub to a shower, you’ll need to hire a professional contractor specializing in bathroom remodels. Labor accounts for around 40% to 60% of the total bathroom remodel cost, or $500 to $5,000 on average.
Tile showers tend to cost the most in labor because they take the longest to install. Prefabricated shower stalls made from acrylic or fiberglass generally have the lowest labor costs.
The labor cost also depends on the kind of contractor needed. If you’re not changing any existing plumbing, you’ll just pay for installation. If you need to hire a plumber to change the layout, expect to spend $45 to $200 per hour on the cost of a plumber.
Some other common tasks to factor into labor costs are:
Demolition and removal
Glass door installation
Framing
Waterproofing
Shower conversions can be complex and may require a contractor to remove a wall back to the studs to ensure the entire area is waterproof. This could reveal hidden, costly plumbing challenges, so make sure you have extra space in the budget if you're planning a shower conversion.
Materials, labor, and permits are some of the additional factors that most impact your total cost to convert a tub to a shower. With a tub-to-shower remodel, you can also splurge on accessories, fixtures, and other modifications which can raise the price tag.
Certain materials cost less than others. Generally, prefabricated shower panels made from acrylic or fiberglass cost less than tiles. Natural stone tends to come with the highest price tag—but it depends on the type. Here’s how different materials impact shower installation costs.
| Material | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Tile | $1–$17 |
| Cultured marble | $10–$35 |
| Cultured granite | $40–$64 |
| Quartz | $50–$100 |
| Fiberglass or acrylic insert | $0.75–$12 |
You’ll need a permit for projects involving plumbing. A bathroom permit costs between $200 and $2,000, depending on local regulations and the size of the project. You may spend less on a simple tub-to-shower conversion than you would on a more extensive bathroom remodel idea.
The cost of removing an old bathtub and disposing of it is about $150 to $300, and some contractors will include it in your tub-to-shower conversion cost. It may cost more if you have a heavy claw-foot tub or need to rent a truck for hauling.
If you need to complete repairs, add new plumbing, or change the layout of your bathroom, you can expect your project costs to go up by $300 to $2,400, depending on the extent of the work. Depending on your location and their experience, licensed plumbers can charge between $45 and $200 per hour.
No matter which shower type you choose, you’ll need to budget for a new shower door and its installation costs. You’ll find that most shower stall kits don’t come with a door, so you’ll need to account for this added expense.
| Type of Shower Door | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Hinged (swing) | $400–$1,800 |
| Sliding | $300–$1,500 |
| Pivot | $400–$1,500 |
| Bypass | $300–$1,200 |
| Round | $600–$2,000 |
| Framed | $200–$800 |
| Frameless | $600–$2,500 |
| Trackless | $800–$2,500 |
| Neo-angle | $400–$2,000 |
| Bifold | $300–$1,200 |
| Steam | $1,200–$4,500 |
| Curved | $600–$2,500 |
Shower doors generally cost $600 to $1,350, depending on the style you choose. Basic sliding, hinged, or fixed shower doors consist of aluminum frames and tracks with clear glass and can cost less. You can upgrade to premium styles, materials, and glass for an added cost.
Another shower door option is the frameless door. Made without metal supports, this style of door is an upgrade that adds a modern touch, but frameless shower doors do have their own pros and cons.
Depending on the setup of your previous tub, you may have a showerhead that you can reuse with your new shower. However, it might make more sense to purchase a new one. Not only will you benefit from new technology, but you’ll also have the opportunity to choose a showerhead that fits perfectly with your new shower design.
The price of a new showerhead can vary dramatically depending on the style and brand you choose, with costs ranging from $50 to $900. The most basic showerheads offer a single spray pattern and a handle for adjusting temperature and water pressure.
More sophisticated showerheads include handheld sprays, temperature controls, multiple spray settings, built-in water softeners, and more. Luxury showerheads may include body spray jets for a therapeutic experience, while steam shower fixtures can transform your space into a spa.
Expect to spend an additional $600 on basic accessibility features, like a grab bar and seat. These features can offer stability and help reduce the risk of slips and falls. Depending on your needs, there are various accessibility and safety features to choose from.
| Accessibility and Safety Features | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Walk-in, stepless, or curbless entry | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Grab bars | $50–$500 per bar |
| Built-in or fold-down seat | $100–$600 |
| Nonslip flooring | $200–$1,000 |
| Handheld showerhead | $50–$250 |
| Shower transfer bench | $100–$500 |
| Raised shower chair | $150–$600 |
| Lowered or adjustable shower controls | $200–$800 |
| Anti-scald shower valve | $200–$500 |
| Automated lighting | $150–$500 |
| Safety glass doors | $400–$2,500 |
Walk-In, Stepless, or Curbless Shower Entry: Traditional shower entries can be a tripping hazard. Walk-in showers or showers with curbless or stepless entries are more accessible for older adults and people with disabilities.
Grab Bars: Install these on shower walls to provide stability when standing or sitting in the shower. Install them at varying heights for different users and positions.
Built-In or Fold-Down Shower Seats: Permanent shower seats allow users to sit while showering, which reduces the risk of falls. Foldable seats easily move out of the way not in use.
Nonslip Flooring: Invest in slip-resistant flooring, nonslip tiles, or nonslip glazing on existing flooring to stay on your feet when the shower floor is sudsy and slick.
Handheld Showerheads: Handheld showerheads with flexible hoses allow you to control the flow of water and make it easier to shower while sitting down
Shower Transfer Benches: These benches let users sit while transferring from a wheelchair or seat and into the shower area. They extend outside the shower to help with the transition. Permanently install them or buy a portable unit.
Raised Shower Chairs: Elevated seats make it easier to stand up or sit down.
Lowered or Adjustable Shower Controls: Lowered and adjustable shower controls are helpful for individuals who use a shower seat or want easier-to-reach controls.
Anti-Scald Shower Valves: Anti-scald devices (aka mixing valves or tempering valves) mix cold and hot water to safe temperatures, even if the shower valve is only on the hot setting.
Automated Lighting: Smart lights and automated shower lighting systems automatically turn on when someone enters the shower area. Lighting controlled by apps, voice commands, and sensors provides greater visibility and safety.
Safety Glass Doors: Building codes require tempered glass for most shower enclosures, but you can also upgrade to specialty safety glass. Look for laminated glass, heavy-duty safety glass, and privacy safety glass for a variety of shower enclosures.
Unfortunately, many bathroom renovation projects reveal hidden mold and mildew, especially in a moisture-prone area like the space under the tub. If you have a few small patches of mold and mildew, clean it yourself with a dish soap and water solution—just be sure to wear protective clothing.
For mold infestations, call a professional. This will add to the total cost, but it will get you the best results. Always call in a mold remediation expert if:
You have an allergy, or skin and respiratory sensitivity
You suspect the mold goes beyond the surface of the affected area
You smell a wet, musty odor
You know of a long-term leak or if the bathroom was flooded at some point
Any single patch of mold is larger than 3 square feet
The area was exposed to contaminated water (such as a leaking sewage pipe)
Replacing a tub with a shower yourself can save you $1,000 or more off the cost of converting a tub to a walk-in shower. On top of this, many hardware stores sell shower stall kits that come with most things needed for installation, minus basic tools and necessities like a power drill, level, and caulk. This means you can install your own shower for as little as $1,200. If you’d like to install a tiled shower, you can DIY starting at about $2,150.
However, these budgets don’t cover the cost of removing your old tub and hauling it away. They also don’t include the cost of cleanup and finishing touches, like painting walls. Should you run into a problem with plumbing, such as a broken pipe or the need to move an existing drain, it may cost less to hire a shower installer near you.
“There’s a high likelihood of an untrained homeowner installing a drain incorrectly and causing a backup of sewer gases into the home,” says Jeff Botelho, Expert Review Board member and licensed journeyman plumber. Having an experienced pro complete the job to code and safely cannot be overstated.
Small DIY projects like applying a fresh coat of paint are a great way to save money during a remodel, but leave major plumbing upgrades to the pros. An inexperienced hand can cause burst pipes and water damage.
Before you start your project, shop around for a contractor. Interviewing at least three shower installers can give you a feel for the market and which prices are reasonable. If a price sounds too good to be true, it often is.
Once you find a contractor, these tips for tub-to-shower conversions can save you some more money:
Choose budget-friendly materials and skip high-end tile or stone.
When possible, go prefab. This comes with lower material and labor costs.
Choose a standard shower size rather than a custom shower size.
Choose basic fixtures rather than a luxury showerhead.
Do some of the labor yourself. If you can remove your tub without touching the plumbing, you can save on labor costs (but only do this if you really know what you’re doing).
If you do it right, a tub-to-shower conversion can increase home values. However, results vary with the current market, your home’s overall layout, and homebuyer preferences. Here are ways to increase your ROI on bathtub-to-shower conversions:
Make Use of Space: Bathtubs take up a lot of space that can be wasted if you don’t need or use a tub. Converting large or outdated bathtubs into showers makes bathrooms feel bigger and can catch the eyes of buyers.
Number of Bathtubs: While a walk-in shower looks luxurious and modern, removing the only bathtub in your house can hurt its value. Families with kids are more interested in homes with at least one bathtub. So think about who is looking to buy in your neighborhood and whether they’ll want a bathtub. If your home has a tub in another bathroom, converting one tub to a shower can be a smart call.
Upgrade the Whole Bathroom: While you’re taking out the tub, reevaluate the entire bathroom to get the highest ROI. Repainting, replacing vanities and damaged flooring, and updating sinks and toilets can bring the whole room together and make it look and feel like new.
Focus on Cost-Effectiveness: Converting a tub to a shower is less expensive than other renovations and can give you a lot of oomph for your investment. That’s especially true if you choose quality materials in an appropriate price range for your home’s location and value. Consider having a pro do the work—the materials will cost the same whether you or a professional do the work, but you’ll get a better outcome from a pro.
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The first thing to consider when converting a tub into a shower is whether you’d like to simply change out the tub or undertake a complete bathroom remodel. If you’re unsure, reviewing bathroom remodeling ideas can help you decide whether you’re satisfied with your space or could use a change. From there, decide if you’ll handle the job yourself or hire a pro, and then set a budget.
The cost to install a shower or a tub is roughly the same. Shower installation costs range from $2,400 to $8,800 and vary depending on the type and size, materials used, and the complexity of the features. For similar reasons, the average bathtub cost can range from $2,000 to $9,400.
If you want to convert a tub to a walk-in shower, expect this project to take anywhere from one to three days. It takes less time to remove a standard tub and install a standard-sized prefabricated shower. Your project will take longer if you’re installing new plumbing and tiling. Certain custom tiling designs can take three or four days if they’re elaborate.
There are many benefits of converting a tub to a walk-in shower, including:
Increasing home value (if there’s another tub in the house)
Taking up less space and improving bathroom space flow
Making bathrooms look larger
Improving home safety by removing a major trip-and-fall hazard
Easing showering for those who benefit from more accessibility
Saving money on water bills
Whether you should buy a shower stall or build a shower depends on your needs, budget, and overall shower design preferences. Prefabricated shower stalls are less expensive to buy and install than custom showers, but they come in limited styles, colors, and sizes. If you have a unique or specific design in mind or special requirements like accessibility features, hire a professional shower contractor. Custom showers installed by a pro can also last longer than prefabricated shower stalls.
