How much does a tub to shower conversion cost?

Cost to replace a tub with a shower

A tub to shower conversion costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average, depending on shower size, type, material, and plumbing work. The cost to replace a bathtub with a shower stall is $1,000 to $8,000 for the kit with installation. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000.

Compare the different types of shower installation costs when designing your new shower remodel.

Average tub to shower conversion cost

The following table shows the average cost of replacing a bathtub with a shower.

Cost data is based on 81 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

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Convert tub to walk-in shower cost

Converting a tub to a walk-in shower costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average, depending on the shower size, material, style, and if there are shower doors. Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower stall kit costs $1,000 to $8,000. Converting a tub to a tiled walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000.

Cost to turn tub into a tiled shower

Removing a tub and installing a tiled walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000, depending on the shower size, tile type and style, and plumbing work. The average cost to tile a shower is $800 to $3,000 for materials and labor.

Converting a tub to a tiled shower requires installing a new custom tile shower pan. Shower pan installation costs $900 to $3,500, including the new base, tile, and labor.

Cost to change a garden tub to a shower

Removing a garden tub and replacing it with a shower costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average, depending on the new shower style, materials selected, repairs needed, and plumbing modifications required. Garden tub removal and disposal alone costs $400 to $800 due to the large size.

Tub cut conversion cost

Tub cut conversions cost $800 to $1,800 on average. Contractors remove a portion of the tub's front wall, leaving only a low threshold that turns the tub into a walk-in shower for easier accessibility. Tub cut outs are a cheaper alternative to a full tub to shower conversion.

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Cost to replace bathtub with shower stall

The cost to replace a bathtub with a shower stall is $1,000 to $8,000, including old tub removal, a new stall, doors, fixtures, and installation. Prefab shower stall kits alone cost $350 to $4,100, depending on size, shape, style, and material.

*Not including installation or fixtures.

Shower stalls come in a variety of styles and materials:

• Many shower stalls have built-in shelves, shampoo niches, or grab-bars.
• Shower stalls come in acrylic, fiberglass, laminate, composite, or engineered stone.
• Shower stall kits come with a matching shower pan with a center, left, or right drain. Confirm the pan's drain matches the location of the tub's drain.
• Most shower stalls don't include doors or fixtures.
  • New fixtures cost $40 to $500.
  • Shower doors cost $400 to $1,900, depending on if they're framed or frameless. High-end models and curved stalls may include doors.
• Home Depot, Lowe's, and other home improvement stores sell prefab shower stalls.

Bath Fitter tub to shower conversion cost

Bath Fitter tub to shower conversions cost $1,200 to $9,500 on average. Bath Fitter installers remove the old fixtures and tub, add backerboard and a proprietary wall adhesive, and install a prefabricated shower pan and shower stall. Installation usually takes only 1 day.

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Cost factors to convert a tub to a shower

The cost of removing and replacing with a shower depends on the new shower size and style, materials, labor costs, plumbing work, and removing the old tub and walls.

*Only applies to a custom tile shower.

• Removing the old bathtub and repairing the walls and bathroom subflooring costs $170 to $1,800, depending on the difficulty.
• Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to make new plumbing modifications, including rerouting pipes, relocating the drain, or adding dual showerheads.
• Mold, mildew, or rot cleaning may be required during the demolition process.
• Converting a tub to a shower requires replacing the 1 ½” tub drain line with a 2" shower drain line from the shower to the main line.
• Most building codes need the shower floor and stall to be at least 30"x30", and may require adding short sections of wall.
• Shower valve installation costs $225 to $575 to regulate the flow of hot and cold water.
• New shower fixtures and faucet installation costs $130 to $350 for a bathroom.

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Frequently asked questions

How do contractors convert a bathtub to a shower?

To replace a bathtub with a shower, a contractor will:

1. Remove the old tub and surrounding tile or drywall.
2. Make any necessary repairs to the studs or bathroom flooring.
3. Install new backerboard and a waterproof layer.
4. Replace the 1 ½” tub drain line with a 2" shower drain line.
5. Install a prefab shower stall kit or a new shower base and custom tile.
6. Test the new shower for leaks.
7. Install new fixtures and a shower valve.
8. Install new shower glass doors, if desired.

Should I replace my bathtub with a shower?

Replacing your tub with a shower improves accessibility, adds convenience, and modernizes the space. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower may increase resale value in areas with a large aging demographic. Eliminating a home's only bathtub may decrease resale value for homebuyers with children or pets.

Is it cheaper to install a shower or tub?

Installing a tub is cheaper than a shower. Bathtub installation costs $800 to $4,600, depending on the tub type and plumbing work. A walk-in tub costs $3,000 to $15,000 installed. Shower installation costs $2,000 to $9,000, depending on size, fixtures, and type.

To keep your existing tub, consider:

• Bathtub refinishing costs $275 to $560.
• Installing a bathtub liner costs $1,700 to $2,500.

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Hiring a tub to shower conversion contractor

Before hiring shower installers near you for your bathroom remodel, be sure to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Get references and check out a portfolio of their previous work.
• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• For tile showers, look for licensed CTEF Certified Tile Installers (CTI) who are members of the National Tile Contractors Association.
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
• Avoid selecting significantly lower quotes as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask shower installers

• How many tub-to-shower conversions have you done before?
• Do you recommend tile, shower wall panels, or a premade shower stall for my bathroom, and why?
• Will you install a shower stall kit I purchased from a home improvement store?
• Can you provide references and a portfolio showing your work?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What steps will you take to waterproof the shower?
• Does the estimate include the fixtures and doors?
• Does the estimate include demo, removing the old tub, and hauling away the debris?
• What is included in the final price?
• What other costs should I expect?
• Does the price include replacing the 1 ½” tub drain with a 2" shower drain?
• How long will the installation take?
• How many people will be working on the project?
• How soon will I be able to use the shower after the installation?
• Is a warranty included? If yes, what does it cover?

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