How Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost? (2026 Guide)

A tub-to-shower conversion costs between $1,500 and $8,000, with most homeowners spending around $3,000 on average. Your total price will depend on whether you choose a budget-friendly prefab shower unit or go for custom tile, premium fixtures, and frameless glass. Beyond cost, replacing a tub with a shower can make your bathroom feel more spacious. It also improves accessibility, making the space easier to use for older adults or those with mobility challenges.

In this guide, we’ll break down what factors impact the total cost of converting your tub into a shower, compare different shower types, and share tips for saving money on your bathroom remodel.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost Factors

What drives the price up or down when converting a tub to a shower? Here’s a list of the most common cost factors for this home improvement project:

• Shower type: More basic models, such as a simple shower stall, can cost around $350, while a glass curbless setup might run closer to $5,000. The material also matters—plastic can save you cash, while marble or custom tiles cost more.
• Door choice: Plain framed glass runs $200, while those frameless details can reach $2,500 or more.
• Extra features: Adding shower benches, handrails, and rain showerheads can increase your project cost by $600 or more.
• Tub removal: Hauling out your old tub can cost $150–$300, with cast iron tubs running on the higher end of the range.
• Moving pipes: If you’re moving drains or waterlines, keep in mind that plumbers charge $45–$200 per hour for making these changes.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost by Shower Type

Your shower style choices impact the price more than anything. The table below shows the cost to convert the most common types of showers:

Learn more about each type of shower and compare costs and features below.

Shower stall ($350–$2,300): Tub-to-shower conversions are considered an expensive home renovation project, but are still cheaper than a full bathroom remodel. Installing a standard shower stall can increase your home’s value with a relatively small investment. A shower stall is usually 32–48 inches in width. Prefabricated shower stall kits typically cost $350–$2,300, depending on the shape and size. These kits include a bottom shower pan base and three shower walls. Building a custom shower from scratch can cost slightly more, around $1,800–$4,000.

Walk-in shower ($6,000–$12,000): Walk-in showers have no barriers, curtains, or steps, offering an accessible and easy bathing experience. However, the convenience will cost more. This type of conversion costs $6,000–$12,000, depending on the shower size and materials.

Tiled shower ($900–$10,000): Converting a tub to a tiled shower is on the higher end of the cost spectrum, averaging $900–$10,000. However, it’s more affordable if you do it yourself or use less expensive materials. For example, ceramic tiles usually cost less than marble or other natural stones.

Curbless shower ($2,500–5,000): Curbless showers are level with the bathroom floor and rely on sloped floors to drain the water. These can make your home look ultra-modern and offer more accessibility. These conversions are often expensive, costing $2,500–5,000. Most of the increased cost is due to redesigning the floor to ensure proper drainage. Benches, inset shelves, and heated bathroom floors can also increase the final price.

Shower Door Cost

How you customize your shower also changes the price—including if you want a door. Glass shower doors run $200–$4,500 or more. Unlike shower curtains, glass doesn’t get worn down with mildew or need yearly replacement. Three main types of shower doors, and which one you choose will affect your price:

• Framed shower doors ($200–$800): A budget pick with metal frames that holds thinner glass. These doors slide or swing open and come in basic finishes like chrome, nickel, and bronze.
• Frameless shower doors ($600–$2,500): Frameless doors use thicker glass, usually with between 3/8–1/2 inch, with minimal hardware. No metal edges means a cleaner look, plus this type of door is easier to wipe down and can better show off your tile work.
• Custom shower enclosures ($3,000+): For bathrooms with unusual layouts or a specific design in mind, custom shower enclosures provide a perfect fit. Costs typically start around $3,000 for simpler designs and can exceed $10,000 for larger or more elaborate installations.

Shower Accessories Cost

Incorporating additional features when converting your tub into a shower can elevate a standard shower into a more functional and refined space, while also enhancing safety if needed. Here’s a price breakdown for common shower add-ons:

• Handheld showerhead: $50–$250
• Grab bars: $50–$500 per bar
• Built-in or fold-down shower seat: $100–$600
• Rain showerhead: $100–$600
• Nonslip flooring: $200–$1,000
• Digital temperature control: $500–$1,200
• Safety glass doors: $400–$2,500

Additional Factors for Tub-to-Shower Conversions

While the type of shower and accessories you want drive much of the cost, a few additional factors can significantly affect your final price for this project. Learn more:

• Layout changes: Moving your shower to a new location requires more demolition, plumbing rerouting, and sometimes floor patching. Staying within the original tub’s footprint is cheaper.
• Shower size and materials: Bigger showers require more tile or surround material. Premium material options like stone or solid-surface panels cost more than acrylic or fiberglass.
• Subfloor and framing work: Curbless or walk-in showers often need structural adjustments to the floor for drainage or reinforcement.
• Waterproofing and drainage: When installing tile showers, prepare to invest in proper membranes or specialty drain systems to prevent leaks and mold.
• Electrical and lighting: Adding or relocating lights, exhaust fans, or outlets is common in a remodel and often overlooked in initial quotes.

Hidden Costs of Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Even with careful planning, a few surprise costs can sneak up during this type of remodel. We put together a list of examples to help you plan if you run into the unexpected.

• Water damage repairs ($1,500–$9,000): When removing an old tub, it’s common to find rotted subfloors, deteriorated, or moldy drywall. Fixing these issues adds time and cost, especially in older homes. For this reason, we don’t recommend a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach for a tub-to-shower conversion. Hiring professional contractors can help ensure proper installation and facilitate necessary structural repairs.
• Permit costs ($200–$2,000): Most cities require permits for bathroom remodels involving plumbing or layout changes. Permit costs vary widely by region, and skipping this step can cause issues if you end up selling your home or need future inspections.
• Plumbing upgrades ($300–$2,000+): Outdated or corroded pipes may not meet modern code or fit new shower fixtures. These issues only become clear once contractors open up your bathroom walls.
• Valve and drain replacements ($150–$800): Tubs and showers often use incompatible hardware. You may need a pressure-balanced valve or a larger drain to pass code.

How To Save on Tub-to-Shower Conversion

As with many home improvement projects, you can find ways to trim costs without getting a shoddy outcome. We recommend the following methods to save on your tub-to-shower conversion:

• Do the demo yourself: Tubs can cost more than showers to remove and install, but smashing out an old tub yourself isn’t usually complicated. Just remember to shut the water off first and wear safety gear.
• Choose preassembled walls: If you’re on a budget, you can save by skipping custom tiles and instead buying a three-piece surround shower.
• Use a molded base: A premade shower pan beats out a built-from-scratch tile floor on price.
• Stick with standard sizes: The moment you need custom dimensions, prices start to increase.
• Choose basic finishes: Plain chrome fixtures work just as well as the fancy stuff, and can save you money.
• Watch for sales: Faucet fixtures and shower units go on sale regularly, and timing purchases could save you hundreds.
• Stay in the tub’s footprint: Expanding beyond where the tub sat creates a cascade of extra expenses. Every inch you move a drain ups labor costs.

If you’re ready to take on more of the project yourself, learning about proper shower installation techniques can help you make informed decisions about what you can do and what to leave to the pros.

Professional vs. DIY Tub-to-Shower Conversion

A tub-to-shower conversion can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, though it’s much easier for a professional installer to do the job. If you’re on a tight budget and know what you’re doing, you could save thousands of dollars on labor costs by doing the project yourself.

You first have to remove the existing tub and the walls around it. You’ll then need new plumbing fixtures, the correct drain and water supply pipes, and the plumbing know-how and tools to connect to the existing plumbing. If you’re changing the size of the tub location, you may also need to frame new walls or open the floor to relocate the drain.

A professional contractor or plumber will usually have access to all of these tools and can complete the job more quickly and efficiently.

Read more: How To Find and Hire a Qualified Plumber

Reasons To Convert Your Tub to a Shower

There are some times when you’d benefit from a tub-to-shower conversion. Consider making the change if any of the following circumstances apply:

• A household member needs better access: High bathtub walls and slippery surfaces make entering and exiting the tub difficult, especially for seniors or those with mobility issues. A new walk-in shower with a low threshold will mean added safety for loved ones.
• Your bathroom needs a different feel: Removing the tub can make your bathroom feel more open and spacious. The lack of high tub walls gives a lighter, airier feel. The shower floor is also lower, so the room seems bigger.
• You’re selling your home: You can meet a future homebuyer’s preferences with a shower conversion project, as it provides a fresh, modern feel to your home. The improved space shows off your home’s full potential. With customized and accessible options, converted showers add overall value.
• Your tub is damaged: Damage to the tub that’s more than cosmetic means that it’s time for a replacement. Converting to a shower makes sense since you’d be gutting the area anyway.

How Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Work?

Here are the standard steps for tub-to-shower conversions:

Most tub-to-shower conversions take between three and seven days when done by a professional. Basic prefab kits are quicker, while custom tiled or curbless showers may take a week or more. DIY projects can take longer due to limited working hours or learning curves.

Is It Worth It To Convert a Tub to a Shower?

Converting a tub into a shower is worth considering if you want to modernize your bathroom or boost your home’s resale value. If you convert your tub to a shower, you can get back 60%–70% of what you spend when you sell your home. But the real payoff? Having a shower can offer more convenience and quicker bathing compared to a tub. The low step-in also makes life easier as your knees and hips age, while the clean lines give dated bathrooms instant facelifts.

At a typical price point of $3,000, you can modernize your bathroom without a $15,000 or more gut-job. Just remember—if selling is in your near future, keep at least one tub somewhere in your house. Young families may still want them for kids.

FAQs About Tub-to-Shower Conversion