This project can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $15,000, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
Converting a bathtub to a shower is complex, requiring professional expertise to avoid leaks or water damage.
A walk-in shower installation costs $800 to $15,000, a shower stall costs $1,000 to $8,000, and tiling a shower costs around $900 to $10,000.
The cost of tub to shower conversion depends on shower type, material used, bathtub removal, and potential repairs or replacement parts.
Shower conversion materials include stone, tile, fiberglass, and acrylic.
Warning signs include damage during dismantling, hidden structural damage, potential water damage, and pipe replacement needs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Converting a tub to a shower costs around $3,000, with most projects ranging from $1,500 to $8,000. Walk-in showers, shower stalls, and tiled showers offer various options based on budget and style. Costs depend on shower type, materials, bathtub removal, and potential repairs. Common materials include stone, tile, fiberglass, and acrylic. Benefits include customization, improved accessibility, and the option for luxury finishes. Hiring a professional ensures proper installation and avoids issues like leaks or water damage.
There are several types of showers to choose from when you decide to convert your tub. These include walk-in showers, shower stalls, and tiled showers. Each type has its pros and cons, but homeowners who value a low-cost option might prefer a shower stall, while homeowners who don't mind paying more for the ability to customize may find a walk-in shower a better choice.
A walk-in shower costs anywhere from $800 to $15,000 to install. Converting a tub into a custom, tiled walk-in shower costs between $3,500 and $15,000. Acrylic or fiberglass models are less expensive options.
A shower stall costs $1,000 to $8,000 on average to install, depending on the size, shape, style, and material of the prefab shower stall kit. Expect to pay more if you want luxurious finishes or extra features such as a seat or attached shower door.
Tiling a shower costs more than installing a fiberglass one, with total project costs ranging from $900 to $10,000. The cost per square foot for tile, grout, and labor ranges from $1 to $17, depending on the tile material. For example, ceramic tiles can cost as little as $0.50 per square foot, while porcelain and natural stone can run $15 per square foot and higher.
Much of the cost of replacing a bathtub with a shower comes down to the labor involved with removing the tub, building a new shower in its place, and any necessary plumbing changes. Below is a more specific breakdown of installation and material costs to consider before requesting a quote from a pro.
Labor | Average Price Range for Installation and Materials |
---|---|
Faucet installation | $50 – $1,500 |
Debris haul-away | $100 – $200 |
Cleanup/repair | $300 - $2400 |
Bathtub removal | $150 – $300 |
Shower door installation | $600 – $1,350 |
Plumbing addition | $300 – $2,400 |
Shower stall installation | $1,000 – $8,000 |
Custom shower installation | $900 – $10,000 |
Consider these factors influencing the price of converting a tub to a shower as you plan for your project.
Choosing standard sizes over custom dimensions can save money. Larger showers require more materials and labor, increasing the overall cost. Many shower types come in various standard sizes, so you'll save by choosing a standard size versus building custom. Size and material go hand-in-hand, as showers made of tiles or panels increase in cost per square foot.
Small stall showers (32x32 inches): $1,000 to $2,800
Larger showers (36x60 inches): $1,200 to $4,200
ADA standard showers (36x36 inches): $1,300 to $5,500
Material choices significantly affect the overall cost. For example, the cost of a stone shower wall or one made from tiles is generally more than a shower made of fiberglass or acrylic.
Fiberglass or acrylic: $0.75 to $12 per square foot (most affordable)
Tile: $1 to $17 per square foot
Cultured marble: $10 to $35 per square foot
Cultured granite: $40 to $64 per square foot
Quartz: $50 to $100 per square foot (most expensive)
Although most of the expense comes from placing the new unit, a significant portion of the price also depends on how difficult it is for your installer to get the old unit out. If it’s a one-piece tub-shower combo, it might take very little time. By comparison, removing hundreds of tiles and repairing the wall to put in something new may take hours of work.
Taking out the old bathtub and getting the walls and floor ready for shower installation costs around $450 to $2,000. This includes approximately $150 to $300 for removal and disposal of the old bathtub, and around $300 to $800 to clean or repair the walls.
Depending on where you live, bathroom additions may require a permit. A bathroom permit costs anywhere from $200 to $2,000, depending on the project. A qualified pro will be able to tell you for sure if your project falls into that category.
Converting a tub to a shower may uncover issues that require repairs, potentially increasing costs by $300 to $2,400. Common repairs include:
Tile repair if tiles are damaged during removal.
Wall patching after removing the tub.
Addressing water damage from leaks or old seals.
Replacing pipes to accommodate the new shower layout.
Mold or mildew remediation if discovered during the project.
If you need to add features like shower bars, seats, and liners, these will all add to your total project cost. Expect to spend an additional $600 on basic accessibility features like a grab bar and seat. Additional features such as grab bars ($50–$500 per bar), built-in or fold-down seats ($100–$600), nonslip flooring ($200–$1,000), or a handheld showerhead ($50–$250) will increase your costs accordingly.
Debris cleanup from removing the tub and installing the new shower can add to your costs.
Upgrading fixtures like showerheads, doors, or faucets will increase installation costs. Showerheads range from $50 to $900, depending on style and features. High-end models with advanced functions add to the overall expense.
Converting a tub to a shower is a complex project best handled by a professional. Labor typically accounts for 40% to 60% of the total cost, averaging $500 to $5,000. While doing it yourself might save $1,000 or more, improper installation can lead to leaks and water damage, resulting in costly repairs. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely, meets code requirements, and provides peace of mind.
Once you’re ready to find a shower installer near you, do the following:
Clearly define your project needs.
Request an on-site consultation.
Get at least three quotes from different pros.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Replacing your tub with a shower can modernize your bathroom and improve accessibility, often providing a high return on investment. However, if it's the only bathtub in your home, removing it may decrease resale value, as many buyers look for at least one bathtub. Consider your long-term plans and consult a real estate professional if resale value is a concern.
While showers cost slightly more to install than tubs, the overall expense depends on various factors such as materials, size, and features. A tub installation costs $2,400 to $8,800 on average, whereas showers average $2,000 to $9,400. Custom designs, luxury fixtures, or extensive plumbing work can increase costs for both options. It's important to assess your specific needs and budget when deciding between installing a shower or a tub.
Converting a tub to a shower generally takes between one and three days. The timeline depends on the complexity of the project, materials chosen, and whether plumbing modifications are necessary. Installing a standard prefabricated shower can be completed quickly, while custom tile work or extensive plumbing changes may extend the project's duration. Planning accordingly can help minimize disruptions during the conversion.
Converting a tub to a shower offers several benefits, including saving space and making your bathroom feel more open and modern. Showers improve accessibility, especially for those with mobility challenges, by eliminating the need to step over a high tub wall. Additionally, updating to a stylish shower can enhance your bathroom's aesthetic appeal and may increase your home's resale value if another tub is available elsewhere in the house.
Choosing between a shower stall and a custom shower depends on your budget and preferences. Prefabricated stalls are less expensive and faster to install but offer limited styles. Custom showers allow personalization of size, materials, and features but cost more and require professional installation. Evaluate your needs and budget to select the best option for your space.
If you’re converting a tub to a shower, you may want to consider remodeling your whole bathroom. The ROI on bathroom remodels is high (over 70%), so you can enjoy an upgraded bathroom while you live in your home and get your money back if you decide to sell later. The average cost to remodel a bathroom is around $6,600 to $16,600, so factor in this price range when you’re budgeting for your project.
Converting a tub to a shower alone isn't easy to DIY, so look for a bathroom remodeler near you if you decide to take on a larger bathroom remodel to ensure it's done correctly.