The average tub-to-shower conversion cost is $3,00.* Converting your tub into a shower can make your bathroom seem larger and is a relatively affordable way to give your bathroom an upgrade. This comprehensive guide pulls from our research of analyzing the cost of various bathroom remodeling jobs and breaks down average costs and other factors to help you determine if a tub-to-shower conversion makes sense for your home.

*All cost data in this article was averaged from multiple sources, including The Home Depot, HomeAdvisor, and Remodeling Calculator.

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What Is the Average Cost To Convert a Tub Into a Shower?

Tub-to-shower conversion costs between $1,200 and $8,000 but averages around $3,000.* Labor can cost thousands more if you hire professionals.

What Factors Affect Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost?

Your total cost depends on the following factors.

• Shower type: A simple stall or walk-in shower typically costs much less than a fully tiled or curbless shower.
• Shower door: Adding a frosted glass shower door instead of a shower curtain will increase your budget by $600–$1,350.
• Showerheads and accessories: Upgraded features and accessories, such as grab bars or seats, can increase your costs by anywhere from $50–$900.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost by Shower Type

Different types of showers cost more or less to convert. We expand on each type below.

Shower Door Cost

The average cost for a shower enclosure, which adds additional protection from water, is $200–$3,000, depending on the features and type. A shower door is an effective way to keep water in the shower where it belongs without the use of another framed wall, giving it a more open feel. Framed shower doors are the most affordable, including a heavy-duty aluminum frame for increased stability and leak protection. Frameless shower doors, also known as “heavy glass,” are slightly more expensive but look sleeker. They use a thicker glass, usually 3/8 inch thick, instead of a metal frame. All shower enclosures use tempered glass, and it can come in either clear or opaque styles.

Shower Accessories Cost

Shower accessories can vary from a few dollars to a few hundred. For instance, shower curtains start at as little as $20, while heated towel racks might run well over $500. The addition of a hand-held showerhead, bench, shelf, or footstool can make a stall feel like a spa. The most common shower accessories provide comfort and convenience, such as bath mats or towel hooks.

Some homeowners opt for more luxurious additions, such as heated towel racks and recessed lighting. These high-end accessories can increase your comfort and home’s resale value but require a larger up-front investment. 

Here’s a breakdown of average costs for common accessories.

• Bathroom towel warmer: $600
• Shower footstool: $50–$500
• Shower bench: $100–$300
• Variable showerhead: $75–$450

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Additional Factors of Tub-to-Shower Conversions

Tub-to-shower conversion costs can vary greatly depending on your bathtub’s size, type, and the shower materials you use. Here are the key cost factors and their average price ranges.

• Bathtub size ($10–$65 per square foot): A large bathtub will cost more to convert than a small one. Plan on spending $10–$25 per square foot for a manufactured shower, $15–$58 for a tiled shower, and $20–$65 for a curbless shower. The standard built-in bathtub is 60 by 32 inches, though units have varying dimensions.
• Bathtub removal ($450–$2,000): Tubs can be more expensive than showers to remove and install. In some instances, tub removal costs more than buying a new shower. For example, removing an old clawfoot tub can be costly because it’s heavy and nearly impossible to take apart. Old tub removal usually costs $450–$800 depending on how many people are needed to get the tub out of the building.
• Material ($1,000–$8,000): The material you choose for your new shower floor and walls has one of the biggest impacts on your budget. Stone and tile typically cost more than fiberglass or acrylic. The plumbing controls for a shower are different than for a tub, so a new shower valve and trim will likely be required.
• Style (price varies): A skilled contractor can transform your tub space into a brand-new, completely renovated shower area, but this will cost you. Using the same footprint of your tub for the new shower area will lower your total cost. If you expand or reduce its size, you’ll be adding a new bathroom floor to your project too.

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Hidden Costs of Tub-to-Shower Conversion

We’ve outlined some common cost factors for tub-to-shower conversions, but hidden costs might sneak up on you during the process. We cover these unexpected expenses below.

• Water damage ($1,500–$9,000): If the contractor uncovers water intrusion around the tub or tub walls during removal, you may need additional work. Water damage leads to potential mold growth on drywall and fungus that could rot wood and cause serious health concerns. If you encounter these issues, they may need professional remediation at an additional expense.
• Permits ($180–$2,000): You may need a permit before converting your tub to a shower, depending on your project and location. Municipalities usually require permits if you’re changing your home’s electrical wiring, plumbing, or structure. If you’re converting a tub and shower combination into a stand-alone shower, you’ll likely only need building permits that cover electrical and plumbing work. You may need an architect, bathroom designer, or contractor to develop plans and secure a permit.
• Repairs or replacement parts ($50–$500): You’ll need to patch bathroom walls before installing a new shower. This can cost several hundred dollars. You’ll also need to buy items such as tile, grout, caulk, sealant, and glass shelves if you do the repairs yourself.

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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.

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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.

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How To Save on Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Converting a tub into a shower is never cheap, but you can save a lot of money by doing some of the labor yourself and managing your expenses carefully. We recommend the following tips to save money:

• Do your own demo work. Be careful to shut off the pipes to the faucet so you don’t cause water damage.
• Use premade wall coverings.
• Opt for a shower pan instead of a tiled floor.
• Stick with standard sizes for doors and wall surrounds.

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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.

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Explore Other Home Project Costs

Learn about other home improvement projects with our various cost guides: 

• Bathroom Remodel Cost
• Foundation Repair Cost
• Water Heater Installation Cost
• Moving Costs

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Our Conclusion

A tub-to-shower conversion is an excellent option to transform your bathroom if you want a significant bathroom remodel that doesn’t break the bank. You can create a beautiful, functional space at a bargain price compared to other projects, such as a full bathroom remodel, for around $3,000.

Sticking with the same space, using a modest wall covering, and doing your own demolition work can significantly reduce your costs. We suggest getting at least three quotes from local contractors to closely compare pricing and offerings. Our tool below helps you jump-start the quote process using just your ZIP code.

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FAQ About Tub-to-Shower Conversion

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