How much does a tub to shower conversion cost?
How much does a tub to shower conversion cost?
Converting a tub to a shower costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average. Replacing a bathtub with a shower stall costs $1,000 to $8,000. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000. Bath Fitter tub to shower conversions cost $1,200 to $9,500. Removing a bathtub costs $70 to $800.
$1,000 – $8,000 convert tub to prefab shower stall cost
$3,500 – $15,000 convert tub to walk-in shower cost
Converting a tub to a shower costs $2,000 to $12,000 on average. Replacing a bathtub with a shower stall costs $1,000 to $8,000. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000. Bath Fitter tub to shower conversions cost $1,200 to $9,500. Removing a bathtub costs $70 to $800.
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.
| Conversion type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Convert tub to prefab shower stall | $1,000 – $8,000 |
| Convert tub to walk-in shower | $3,500 – $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.
| National average cost | $7,000 |
| Minimum cost | $1,000 |
| Maximum cost | $20,000 |
| Average range | $2,000 to $12,000 |
* Cost data is based on 81 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
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.
| Factor | Prefab shower stall | Custom tile shower |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,000 – $8,000 | $3,500 – $15,000 |
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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 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. Total costs depend 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.
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.
| Enclosure type | Average price |
|---|---|
| Alcove / rectangular shower stall | $500 – $2,300 |
| Square / corner shower stall | $350 – $1,400 |
| Neo-angle shower stall | $450 – $1,200 |
| Curved / rounded shower stall | $500 – $1,300 |
| Barrier-free / curbless shower stall | $2,000 – $4,100 |
*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.
When buying a one-piece shower stall, confirm there is enough clearance to maneuver the stall through any doors leading into the bathroom.
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 typicaly takes only 1 day.
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.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Remove bathtub & debris | $70 – $800 |
| Cleanup and repairs | $100 – $1,000 |
| Prefabricated shower stall | $500 – $1,500 |
| Custom shower tiling cost | $800 – $3,000 |
| Shower pan cost* | $500 – $3,500 |
| Glass shower door cost | $400 – $1,900 |
| New faucets / fixtures | $40 – $500 |
| Shower valve replacement | $225 – $575 |
| Shelf / niche / bench* | $200 – $500 |
| Grab bars / handrails | $25 – $370 |
| Plumbing | $500 – $1,100 |
| Permits | $30 – $400 |
*Only applies to a custom tile shower.
Additional cost factors include:
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 regulate the flow of hot and cold water.
New shower fixtures and faucet installation costs $130 to $350 for a bathroom.
Tub to shower conversion FAQs
How do contractors convert a bathtub to a shower?
To replace a bathtub with a shower, a contractor will:
Remove the old tub and surrounding tile or drywall.
Make any necessary repairs to the studs or bathroom flooring.
Install new backerboard and a waterproof layer.
Replace the 1 ½” tub drain line with a 2" shower drain line.
Install a prefab shower stall kit or a new shower base and custom tile.
Test the new shower for leaks.
Install new fixtures and a shower valve.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
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74% of home buyers prefer a tub and shower in the primary bathroom, according to a National Association of Home Builders survey.
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.
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bathtub | $800 – $4,600 |
| Walk-in tub | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Shower | $2,000 – $9,000 |
To keep your existing tub, consider:
Bathtub refinishing costs $250 to $600.
Installing a bathtub liner costs $1,700 to $2,500.
Hiring a tub to shower conversion contractor
Before hiring a shower installer near you for a 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 and Google.
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?