Tub to shower conversion cost guide
Converting a bathtub into a shower is one of the most popular bathroom upgrades in the US right now — and for good reason. It gives you better accessibility, more space, easier cleaning, and a modern look without tearing out the entire bathroom. It’s also cheaper than a full remodel, and can often be done in under a week.
The cost varies a lot depending on what you’re starting with and the finish you want. Some conversions just involve swapping the tub for a shower base and panels. Others include moving plumbing, custom tile, or frameless glass.
We’ll break it all down below — what it really costs, what drives those costs, and how to avoid overspending.
Need help getting quotes from local contractors? BuilderPlaza connects you with 3–4 verified pros in your area with a single free request. You don’t have to chase anyone down, and there’s no obligation to hire.
On average, you’ll receive 3-4 quotes from contractors
How much does a tub to shower conversion cost?
Based on 35,489 projects posted through BuilderPlaza, the average cost for a tub to shower conversion is $10,450.33.
- The most affordable jobs — like converting a standard tub to a basic shower stall — started at $3,126.79
- The most expensive were full conversions with custom tile, built-in bench, and frameless glass, hitting up to $28,678.55
For most homeowners, a mid-range conversion with tile walls and updated plumbing lands between $6,000 and $12,000.
That’s significantly less than a full bathroom remodel — and it’s often the smartest upgrade if you’re mainly focused on shower function, safety, or aesthetics.
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What affects the price of a tub to shower remodel?
The final cost depends on how much you’re changing. Here are the biggest cost drivers:
1. Existing bathroom layout
If the new shower fits where the tub was, the job stays simple. But if you’re relocating drains or supply lines, expect extra labor and potential permitting.
2. Materials and finishes
- Basic option: acrylic shower base + wall panels
- Mid-range: low-profile base + subway tile or epoxy walls
- High-end: custom tile, frameless glass, built-in bench, niche shelves
Materials alone can swing your total by several thousand dollars.
3. Accessibility upgrades
Want a curbless shower or ADA-compliant grab bars? These upgrades add convenience and safety — but they also add cost, especially if the floor needs to be recessed or leveled.
4. Waterproofing and prep
Proper waterproofing is non-negotiable. If your contractor finds mold, rot, or water damage behind the old tub, it’ll need to be fixed first. This can add time and budget — but skipping it is asking for a leak down the line.
What’s included in a standard conversion?
A basic tub to shower conversion usually includes everything you need to go from outdated or unused tub to a clean, functional shower setup. Here’s what a typical contractor quote includes:
- Demolition and disposal of the old tub
- Basic plumbing adjustments (repositioning the drain and supply lines if needed)
- New shower base or pan installation — acrylic, low-profile, or custom-fitted
- Waterproof wall installation — wall panels, tile, or epoxy surface
- Shower valve, faucet, and handheld sprayer
- Glass door or curtain rod installation
- Sealing, caulking, and cleanup
More involved jobs might also include:
- Building a bench or footrest
- Adding niche shelving
- Installing frameless glass or custom enclosures
- Upgrading to slip-resistant flooring
- Electrical work for lighting or outlets
If the existing walls are in bad shape or the plumbing is outdated, the quote may also cover waterproofing, wall repair, or full fixture replacement.
Tub to shower conversion vs full remodel
If your goal is better functionality or a more modern look, converting your tub to a shower is the fastest and most cost-effective option. But if your whole bathroom feels dated or cramped, a full remodel might be worth considering.
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Tub to Shower Conversion | Full Bathroom Remodel |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | $6,000–$12,000 | $15,000–$35,000+ |
| Timeline | 3–7 days | 2–4+ weeks |
| Scope | Shower only | Shower, vanity, floor, toilet, lighting |
| Best for | Aging in place, faster upgrades, replacing unused tubs | Total style overhaul or fixing layout problems |
If your flooring, vanity, or lighting are in good shape, a tub to shower conversion makes a lot more sense than ripping everything out.
How long does a conversion take?
Most tub to shower conversions take 3 to 7 working days — depending on layout, materials, and whether any repairs are needed.
Here’s a typical timeline:
- Day 1: Remove old tub, prep area
- Day 2–3: Plumbing adjustments, base install, waterproofing
- Day 4–5: Wall panels or tile install
- Day 6–7: Glass install, sealing, and final details
If you’re doing custom tile or frameless glass, expect a longer timeline — especially if custom glass is measured and ordered after walls are complete (can add 1–2 weeks for delivery).
And if your contractor finds hidden water damage or structural issues behind the old tub, they’ll need to fix that first — which could stretch the job by a few extra days.
Homeowner results and real feedback
Here’s what homeowners who’ve done a tub to shower conversion actually had to say:
“I’m in my 60s and getting in and out of the tub was starting to feel risky. The new walk-in shower makes things so much easier.”
“I thought it would be a huge project, but the whole thing was done in under a week. The frameless glass was totally worth the extra cost.”
“We kept putting it off thinking we’d need to redo the whole bathroom. Turns out just converting the tub made a huge difference — looks brand new.”
“Our contractor found some water damage behind the tub, but they fixed it and finished on time. Glad we didn’t wait until it got worse.”
“The best part? No more ugly shower curtain. The new glass door makes the whole bathroom feel bigger and cleaner.”
Finding a contractor for tub to shower conversions is harder than you think
Most people assume getting contractor quotes is easy — but reality hits different.
We tested how long it takes to get three actual quotes for a tub to shower project. It took 15 calls and emails. Some contractors were booked for months. Others didn’t reply at all.
That’s why homeowners use BuilderPlaza.
With one simple request, you’ll usually get 3–4 real quotes from licensed and reviewed contractors near you — no chasing, no waiting. You can compare prices, timelines, and reviews all in one place.
It’s fast. It’s free. And getting quotes doesn’t lock you into anything.
Post your project now and see what your tub to shower conversion would actually cost.
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Tub to shower conversion FAQ
Yes — if your new shower base fits in the same footprint as the old tub, you can often use the existing drain location. But if you’re installing a custom base or walk-in design, the drain may need to be relocated, which adds labor and cost.
Usually yes, if the job involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. A licensed contractor will know exactly what’s required in your area and can handle the permits for you.
If you don’t use the tub and want easier access or a more modern layout, then yes — it’s often one of the best upgrades you can make. Just keep in mind that some homebuyers still prefer a tub, especially in family homes.
Prefab shower kits are faster and cheaper to install, but custom builds give you more design options and better finishes. If you care about long-term durability and resale, many pros recommend going custom if your budget allows it.
Absolutely. Many contractors can add built-in benches, footrests, and niche shelves during the conversion. These upgrades make a big difference in everyday usability.
Get quotes from contractors for your tub to shower conversion
Finding reliable bathroom contractors shouldn’t be a full-time job.
With BuilderPlaza, you can skip the chasing and get 3–4 real quotes from vetted pros in your area — fast. No endless emails. No ghosting. Just licensed contractors who actually want the job.
It’s free to post your project, and you’re not locked into anything.
Try it now and see what your tub to shower conversion would actually cost.
On average, you’ll receive 3-4 quotes from contractors
