Tub to Shower Conversion Cost Guide: What You Need To Know

Thinking about a tub to shower conversion in your home? You’re not alone. This home remodeling trend has become increasingly popular in recent years as more homeowners are drawn to the luxurious, spa-like experience or increased accessibility of a walk-in shower.

Whatever your reason, explore your options and their associated costs with help from two industry pros: Thomas Murphy from Bath Busters, and Chris Bernacki from WnC Home Improvement.

Remove the Tub and Install a Shower

Here, we’re talking about a complete conversion that includes removing the tub and surrounding walls and then installing a walk-in shower in the existing space. Pre-fabricated shower kits or custom tile showers are the main options. However, many more decisions will be required during this project, all affecting the final cost.

How much does this tub to shower conversion cost?

Depending on the materials used, expect to pay a contractor between $6,000 to $15,000, according to Murphy. Prices could go higher for larger shower sizes or high-end tile.

Seasoned DIYers can tackle some parts of the project to lower the bill. Here, we break down costs for shower type, entrance enclosure type and miscellaneous expenses.

Manufactured shower kits

These include wall panels and a shower pan, made of acrylic or fiberglass. Kits cost between $800 and $3,500. “[Installation] should cost between $6,000 to $11,500 as part of a standard tub to shower conversion,” Murphy says.

Bernacki recommends DIYers hire a plumber to install the shower pan, drain and shower valve, and then install the shower panels themselves. “Leave the plumbing to plumbers,” he says. “That’s where complications come in.”

He estimates it will cost $2,000 to $3,500 to hire a plumber. So DIYers could spend $2,800 to $3,500, including plumbing costs and shower kit materials, if they finish the installation themselves.

Tile shower

Expect to pay a contractor $10,000 to $15,000 for a typical tub to tile shower conversion, Murphy says. DIYers can save thousands on labor costs by completing much of the work themselves.

Whether you DIY or not, overall costs will depend on the type of tile. Tile prices can range from $3 to $35 or more per square foot. If hiring a pro, tile material and size also impacts labor costs.

“Natural stone takes longer to install,” Murphy says, “Just cutting it can take hours.” Tile size also matters. “Bigger tiles go faster, smaller tiles take longer so cost more,” Bernacki says.

A tile shower floor will also cost more than a pre-fabricated shower pan. A tile floor is technical, costly and best left to a pro. Using a pre-fabricated shower pan in conjunction with tile walls is a cost-saving option.

It can also be part of a DIY-friendly solution. Consider paying a plumber to install the pan and drain, then tile the shower walls yourself. This could save several thousand dollars in labor costs.

Shower doors vs. curtain rod

A major aesthetic and budget decision, how you choose to enclose your shower entrance will impact project costs.

Glass doors range from $200 to $1,800, depending on the style and manufacturer, but luxury options can cost thousands. DIYers can find lots of shower door options at home centers and install it themselves to save money. Bernacki charges $500 to $1,500 for glass door installation, a price that “really depends on the door,” he says.

Shower curtain rods are much less expensive and cost between $30 to $100. Installation is fast and inexpensive, too. “I don’t even charge someone to install a curtain rod,” Bernacki says, “It really takes no time at all.”

Other cost considerations

Murphy’s and Bernacki’s estimates are based on standard installations. Any custom work or repairs can quickly add up. “This is where pricing gets difficult because there are so many factors to consider,” Murphy says.

• Fixtures: Showerhead and valve costs vary widely. A basic showerhead and valve cost between $180 to $500, while a luxury model can cost $1,000 or more.
• Repairs: After tub removal, plumbing may need to be altered or subfloors reinforced. There also could be unforeseen problems lurking underneath the tub or walls. “You hope there’s no mold or rot,” Bernacki says, “But sometimes there is.”
• Add-ons: Alcoves or shelves in a tile shower, grab bars, a bench or a curbless entry will cost extra, too.

Convert a Freestanding Tub to a Shower

If your home has a freestanding tub, it can be converted into a shower, too. It involves the installation of a tub conversion kit.

How much does this tub to shower conversion cost?

Tub conversion kits cost between $250 to $1,200. Kits usually contain a faucet with handles, tub spout and shower diverter. Leading from the top of the faucet is a shower riser, with a shower arm and showerhead attached. A shower curtain ring is also often included, installed on the ceiling above the tub.

Bernacki’s recommendation? “Buy something quality,” he says. “You’re using it every day, and you get what you pay for.” He charges around $500 to install a shower curtain ring over a freestanding tub. “It’s a bit more involved than it looks,” he says.

Some conversion kits are DIY-friendly, or you can hire a plumber to do the job for $300 to $500.

About the Experts

Thomas Murphy is the general manager of Bath Busters in Leominster, Massachusetts, a major bath remodeling company that has completed more than 32,000 bathroom remodels.

Chris Bernacki is the owner of WnC Home Improvement in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He has more than 30 years of experience in the trades, renovating and remodeling commercial and residential properties.