Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost
Updated February 25, 2026
Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom remodeling projects. It modernizes the space, improves accessibility, and often makes the bathroom feel larger. It also costs $3,000-$8,000 for a quality job because it involves demolition, plumbing modification, waterproofing, tile work, and a glass enclosure. The tub comes out easy. Everything that follows is where the money goes. Here is what to budget for each component.
Overview
Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom remodeling projects. It modernizes the space, improves accessibility, and often makes the bathroom feel larger. It also costs $3,000-$8,000 for a quality job because it involves demolition, plumbing modification, waterproofing, tile work, and a glass enclosure. The tub comes out easy. Everything that follows is where the money goes. Here is what to budget for each component.
Cost Breakdown
Demo and Tub Removal
Removing an alcove bathtub and surround: $200-$500 in labor. The tub is disconnected from the drain and supply, the surround panels are pulled off the wall, and the tub is lifted out (cast iron tubs may need to be broken up with a sledgehammer in place -- they weigh 300+ lbs). Haul-away: $50-$150 or included in the demo quote. The walls behind the surround may reveal damaged drywall, mold, or inadequate substrate that needs replacement before the new shower goes in -- budget a $200-$500 contingency.
Plumbing Modification
- The bathtub drain is typically centered in the tub (24-30 inches from the back wall).
- A shower drain is centered in the shower floor (which may be in a different location).
- Drain rerouting: $200-$600 depending on how far the drain moves and whether the floor is wood subfloor (easier) or concrete slab (harder -- requires cutting the slab).
- The shower valve may need to be repositioned higher on the wall if the tub valve was too low.
- Valve relocation: $150-$400.
- If the existing valve is compatible with a shower head (most tub/shower valves are), no valve change is needed -- just add a shower arm and head.
Waterproofing and Substrate
The shower walls need cement board (Durock, Hardiebacker) or foam board (Kerdi-Board, GoBoard) as the substrate. Cement board: $100-$200 in materials, $200-$400 in labor to install. Waterproof membrane over the cement board: RedGard liquid ($30-$60) or Kerdi sheet membrane ($100-$200). The shower pan (floor) needs a waterproof liner or a pre-formed foam pan ($100-$300). Total waterproofing: $300-$800. This is the most critical step -- skimping here leads to mold, rot, and a $10,000 tear-out in 5-10 years.
Tile Installation
Tile is the largest single cost in most conversions. Tile material: $3-$15 per square foot. A standard 60x36 shower has roughly 100-120 square feet of wall and floor area. Material cost: $300-$1,800. Tile labor: $10-$25 per square foot. Labor cost: $1,000-$3,000. Total tile: $1,300-$4,800. Porcelain tile ($3-$8/sqft) is the best value -- durable, water-resistant, wide selection. Natural stone ($8-$20/sqft) costs more and requires annual sealing. Large-format tile ($5-$15/sqft) has fewer grout lines but requires a flatter substrate.
Glass Enclosure
Framed glass door: $200-$600 installed. Semi-frameless: $300-$800. Frameless glass panel: $500-$1,500 installed. A doorless walk-in (no glass, just an open entry) saves $200-$1,500 but requires a larger shower area (minimum 60 inches wide) to contain splash. Shower curtain on a rod: $20-$50 -- the budget option if glass is not in the budget immediately. Many homeowners start with a curtain and add glass later.
Total Cost Summary
Budget conversion (prefab shower base + surround panels, no tile): $1,500-$3,000. Mid-range conversion (tile walls, prefab base, framed glass): $3,000-$6,000. High-end conversion (full custom tile walls and floor, frameless glass, niche, bench): $6,000-$12,000. Luxury conversion (natural stone, multiple shower heads, linear drain, heated floor): $10,000-$20,000+. The mid-range option ($3,000-$6,000) is what most homeowners choose and it delivers a beautiful, durable result.
Safety Warnings
- Skipping the waterproof membrane to save $200-$500. Every tiled shower needs a membrane behind the tile. Without it, water penetrates the grout, reaches the substrate, and grows mold. The $200-$500 membrane prevents a $10,000 tear-out.
- Choosing the cheapest tile labor without checking references. Tile work quality varies enormously. Poorly set tile cracks, grout lines are uneven, and waterproofing is insufficient. Ask for photos of completed shower projects.
Pro Tips
- Keep one bathtub in the house. Converting the master bath tub to a shower is the most common approach -- the secondary or kids bathroom keeps its tub for resale value and child bathing.
- A prefab shower base ($100-$300) with tile walls above it saves $1,000-$2,000 over a fully tiled floor. The base is waterproof by design and eliminates the most failure-prone part of a tile shower (the floor membrane).
- Get three quotes that itemize: demo, plumbing, waterproofing, tile (material + labor), and glass separately. Compare line by line -- bundled quotes hide markups.
- If the existing tub/shower valve is a pressure-balance type (single handle), it works for the shower conversion without replacement. Only replace the valve if it is an old two-handle compression type or if you want to upgrade to thermostatic.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Removing the only bathtub in the house. This limits your buyer pool and reduces resale value -- families with children need at least one tub.
- Skipping the waterproof membrane to save $200-$500. Every tiled shower needs a membrane behind the tile. Without it, water penetrates the grout, reaches the substrate, and grows mold. The $200-$500 membrane prevents a $10,000 tear-out.
- Choosing the cheapest tile labor without checking references. Tile work quality varies enormously. Poorly set tile cracks, grout lines are uneven, and waterproofing is insufficient. Ask for photos of completed shower projects.
- Not budgeting for the glass enclosure. A $5,000 tile shower looks incomplete without a glass door or panel. Budget $300-$1,500 for glass on top of the tile work.
Bottom Line
A quality tub-to-shower conversion costs $3,000-$6,000 for a mid-range finish with tile walls and a glass door. Budget conversions using prefab panels run $1,500-$3,000. High-end custom tile with frameless glass runs $6,000-$12,000. The demo and plumbing are 20-30% of the cost. Tile and glass are 50-60%. Waterproofing is 10-15% and the most important investment in the entire project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are expert tips for tub-to-shower conversion cost?
Keep one bathtub in the house. Converting the master bath tub to a shower is the most common approach -- the secondary or kids bathroom keeps its tub for resale value and child bathing. A prefab shower base ($100-$300) with tile walls above it saves $1,000-$2,000 over a fully tiled floor. The base is waterproof by design and eliminates the most failure-prone part of a tile shower (the floor membrane). Get three quotes that itemize: demo, plumbing, waterproofing, tile (material + labor), and glass separately. Compare line by line -- bundled quotes hide markups. If the existing tub/shower valve is a pressure-balance type (single handle), it works for the shower conversion without replacement. Only replace the valve if it is an old two-handle compression type or if you want to upgrade to thermostatic.
What mistakes should I avoid with tub-to-shower conversion cost?
Removing the only bathtub in the house. This limits your buyer pool and reduces resale value -- families with children need at least one tub. Skipping the waterproof membrane to save $200-$500. Every tiled shower needs a membrane behind the tile. Without it, water penetrates the grout, reaches the substrate, and grows mold. The $200-$500 membrane prevents a $10,000 tear-out. Choosing the cheapest tile labor without checking references. Tile work quality varies enormously. Poorly set tile cracks, grout lines are uneven, and waterproofing is insufficient. Ask for photos of completed shower projects. Not budgeting for the glass enclosure. A $5,000 tile shower looks incomplete without a glass door or panel. Budget $300-$1,500 for glass on top of the tile work.
What is the bottom line on tub-to-shower conversion cost?
A quality tub-to-shower conversion costs $3,000-$6,000 for a mid-range finish with tile walls and a glass door. Budget conversions using prefab panels run $1,500-$3,000. High-end custom tile with frameless glass runs $6,000-$12,000. The demo and plumbing are 20-30% of the cost. Tile and glass are 50-60%. Waterproofing is 10-15% and the most important investment in the entire project.
What's the bottom line on tub-to-shower conversion cost?
A quality tub-to-shower conversion costs $3,000-$6,000 for a mid-range finish with tile walls and a glass door. Budget conversions using prefab panels run $1,500-$3,000. High-end custom tile with frameless glass runs $6,000-$12,000. The demo and plumbing are 20-30% of the cost. Tile and glass are 50-60%. Waterproofing is 10-15% and the most important investment in the entire project.
How much does tub-to-shower conversion cost cost?
The typical cost range is $1,500-$12,000+ depending on finish level. Actual costs depend on your location, materials, and whether you hire a professional.