How Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost? (2025 Guide)

Want to swap that old tub for a shower? Most homeowners pay around $3,000 for a tub-to-shower conversion, but prices can range between $1,200 and $15,000. Your final bathroom remodeling bill depends mostly on whether you buy an off-the-shelf unit or go custom—plus whatever doors and fancy fixtures catch your eye. Learn more about these costs, and how ditching an old tub can make your bathroom feel bigger and give it a fresh look.

Full Bathroom Remodel

Avg. Remodel Cost:

$2,000 – $18,000

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Walk–In Shower Cost

Avg. Installation Cost:

$1,000 – $15,000

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Bathtub Refinishing Cost

Avg. Refinishing Cost:

$335 – $630

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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 $700, while a glass curbless setup might run closer to $15,000. 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 $3,000 or more.
• Extra features: Adding shower benches, hand rails, and rain showerheads can up your project cost by $50–$900.
• Tub removal: Hauling out your old tub can cost $450–$2,000, 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:

Shower stalls ($700–$3,000)

This type of shower comes out on top when it comes to budget options, and you can easily find them at big box home improvement stores. Typically made of fiberglass or acrylic, these showers drop right in place for a quick install. Choosing a shower stall with the right dimensions and features is crucial for both budget and functionality.

Walk-in showers ($1,150–$8,000)

With a walk-in model, you enter by stepping over a small lip instead of a tub wall. While standard 32-inch-by-32-inch walk-in showers start around $1,150, costs can climb to $8,000 for fancier models.

Tile showers ($3,500–$15,000)

Tile showers run on the higher end because you’re paying for waterproofing underneath the shower, precision tile setting, and skilled labor time. However, you can pick exactly what you want as far as the design goes, whether it’s subway tile or pebble floors.

Curbless showers ($6,000–$12,000)

These showers have no lip at all, but rather a floor that slopes toward the drain. Contractors must rebuild the floor structure to make these showers work without leaks, which is why they run $6,000–$12,000. This type of shower is a good option if you want more of an upscale feel in your bathroom or need wheelchair access.

Shower Door Cost

How you customize your shower also changes the price—including if you want a door. Glass shower doors run $200–$3,000 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–$600): 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 ($500–$3,000): 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+): If you have an abnormal space or want a specific design, you can go custom. Odd angles? Unusual heights? Special glass patterns? Custom shower doors solve tricky layouts but cost accordingly.

Shower Accessories Cost

Adding extras can turn your shower from basic to brilliant, and in some cases, can improve safety. However, you may end up paying for accessories you rarely use. Here’s a price breakdown for common shower add-ons:

• Built-in shelves: $150–$600
• Digital temp control: $500–$1,200
• Fancy or handheld showerhead: $45–$450
• Fog-free mirror: $50–$200
• Grab bars: $30–$250
• Rain showerhead: $100–$600
• Shower seat: $100–$300
• Towel warmer: $400–$800

Older folks or people with mobility issues may benefit from adding grab bars and seats, which offer safety improvements. Getting trendy finishes like matte black or gold cost about 25% more than basic chrome.

Additional Factors for Tub-to-Shower Conversions

A few other things can impact your wallet when doing a shower installation, such as the size of your new shower and where it’s going in your bathroom.

• Size matters: Planning for a bigger shower means needing more materials. Homeowners typically pay $10–$25 per square foot for prefabricated or preassembled units, $15–$58 per square foot for tile work, and $20–$65 per square foot for curbless designs. Larger showers will run on the higher end of these ranges.
• Tub removal headaches: Some old tubs fight coming out—especially cast iron or clawfoot models. We recommend you budget $150–$300 for normal tub removal jobs. Heavier tubs like clawfoot models can cost more, especially if walls get damaged during removal.
• Materials and hardware: The material you choose for your shower impacts the overall cost. For example, the price difference between plastic and artisan handmade tile is significant. And don’t forget new valves, since tub hardware won’t work for shower setups.
• Layout shifts: Keeping the shower where the tub was can save you money. Changing the layout of your bathroom means more demo, more materials, and possibly patching floor areas. These changes will increase overall project costs.

Hidden Costs of Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Two surprise costs might sneak up on you during this home improvement project: water damage repairs and permit costs.

• Water damage ($1,500–$9,000): When you rip out an old tub you might find rotted floors, moldy drywall, or damaged framing. Moisture problems can often hide for years before discovery. For this reason, we don’t recommend a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach for this type of project. Using professional contractors can help ensure proper installation and structural repairs if needed.
• Permit costs ($200–$2,000): Skipping permits for bathroom work is a bad idea, as doing unpermitted work can cause issues if you sell your house years later. Permit costs range by location, from a few hundred bucks in rural areas to thousands in cities or historic districts.

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:

1. The first step is removal of the tub valve trim, spout, and drain plumbing. Then you need to remove the walls around the tub before pulling it out. If the tub is fiberglass, this requires cutting it into sections for easier removal, disconnecting the drain pipe, and detaching any plumbing or faucet fixtures. You should inspect the tub area for leaks or damage to the walls or floor and perform repairs before moving forward.
2. After removing the tub, the next step is installing a purchased shower pan or building a waterproof sublayer for a tile floor. This will involve changing the plumbing drain system that was connected to the tub. The shower pan or tile liner is then water-tested along with the new drain hookup.
3. The plumbing is then roughed into the open walls. This includes installing the shower valve, any mixing valves, and the showerhead. Existing hot and cold water supply lines are then connected to the new valve location with all water turned off to the bathroom. Once this is done, the water supply plumbing is tested for leaks before installing the wall’s covering material.
4. Next, the shower walls are prepared. Cement board, moisture-resistant drywall, and even tile-ready panels can be installed over the framing. The walls are then waterproofed using a membrane or liquid sealant, depending on the finished wall material.
5. Finally, the shower floor and walls are tiled or installed based on material choice. The shower door or enclosure is then placed between the finished walls. The plumbing trim pieces next get installed over the new finished wall material and are tested.

The conversion process takes considerable construction know-how but creates a more functional and enjoyable shower experience. Careful planning and attention to details like waterproofing are essential to ensure a quality finished project.

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

Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates averaged from multiple sources, including Angi, The Home Depot, HomeAdvisor, and Remodeling Calculator.