How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost? (2023)

Converting a tub to a shower typically costs $1,200 to $8,000, with an average price of $3,000.* Large bathtubs are sometimes considered synonymous with luxury, but many homeowners find they don’t use their tubs as much as they thought they would. Tubs are often more difficult to clean than showers, and they pose additional safety risks to anyone with limited mobility.

A shower can be every bit as luxurious as a bathtub if you opt for high-end materials and upgraded features. We’ll go over various cost factors and other tips for the project in our guide.

*Article cost data sourced from Angi, Fixr, and Home Advisor.

 

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Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost Factors

The overall cost to convert your old bathtub into a shower depends on the new shower’s size, type, and construction materials.

Cost by Shower Size

The bigger the shower, the more materials and labor required, and the costlier the project will be. Prefabricated shower installation kits come in standard sizes and are the least expensive option. Opting for a custom shower in an unusual size—even a smaller one—may cost more than a larger, standardized shower. 

The smallest standard shower stall is 32 inches by 32 inches. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements call for dimensions of at least 36 inches by 36 inches, and many stalls are 36 inches by 42 inches. A larger shower that takes up an entire tub alcove is typically 30 inches by 60 inches but may go up to 36 inches by 72 inches.  

A small, prefabricated stall installation can cost as little as $700 to $1,600, while a large custom shower can cost $8,000 or more. Here are typical material costs for some standard shower sizes.

Shower Size (in Inches)	Material Costs
36×36	$800–$1,200
36×42	$900–$1,400
36×48	$1,200–$2,000
36×60	$1,200–$4,000
48×48	$1,200–$4,000
48×60	$1,400–$5,000
60×60	$1,500–$6,000
60×72	$1,800–$7,000

Cost by Shower Type

The type of shower you choose also affects the price, though this is dependent on size too. Here are some of the most common shower types.

• A square corner shower stall is typically the smallest and least expensive at $350 to $1,400 for a prefab kit.
• A neo-angle shower stall, which also fits in the corner but has three angled wall panels, costs between $450 and $1,200.
• A corner shower stall with curved or rounded walls typically costs $500 to $1,300.
• A rectangular shower stall to replace a typical alcove tub costs $500 to $2,300.
• A walk-in shower costs $2,100 to $4,000. Also called a curbless shower, this type has a very low or no barrier to step over.
• A custom tiled shower is the most expensive option, usually costing at least $25 per square foot for the tiling alone.

Cost by Material

Prefabricated shower kits are usually made of fiberglass, acrylic, or cultured marble. Acrylic is typically the least expensive. Cultured marble, a synthetic material made from resin and stone particles, is similarly cost-effective. Fiberglass costs more, though it’s very durable.

Prefab Shower Material	Price Range
Acrylic	$800–$2,500
Cultured marble	$800–$3,000
Fiberglass	$2,000–$5,000

Custom shower materials are priced by the square foot. Ceramic tile is generally the least expensive and natural stone is the most expensive.

Custom Shower Material	Cost per Square Foot
Ceramic tile	$1.25–$100
Porcelain tile	$3–$30
Stone tile	$5–$100
Porcelain slab	$8–$30
Glass tile	$20–$50
Stone slab	$40–$400
Solid surface	$100–$200

Labor Cost

A substantial portion of a shower remodel’s total cost goes to labor. Installing a prefab shower stall may only cost only $700 to $1,600, but there’s also demolition, disposal, repairs, and plumbing work to consider. A bathroom renovation contractor costs $50 to $75 per hour, while a licensed plumber costs $75 to $150 per hour depending on their experience level. The project usually takes a few days, though it may take longer if you’re waiting for permits.

 

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Additional Factors Affecting Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost

Depending on your bathroom’s condition and your renovation project’s specifics, you may also encounter the following costs.

Repairs or Replacements

As your bathroom remodel begins, you may run into issues that must be fixed before the new shower can be installed. This may include water damage to the bathroom floor or walls, pipes that need replacing, or cracked or broken tiles. The walls where the old tub was will also need patching. It’s generally a good idea to do several bathroom remodeling projects at once to save on labor costs. For example, toilet replacement may only add a few hundred dollars to the total.

Shower Door Cost

Not all prefabricated shower stall kits come with shower doors, so purchasing and installing doors may cost extra. You’ll have many options to choose from depending on the amount of space in your bathroom. A typical framed door costs $300 to $1,200, while a hinged door may cost $600 to $900. A frameless glass door can cost $900 to $2,300, and French doors can cost $1,000 to $2,400.

Showerheads and Accessories

Even with a kit, you’ll likely need to buy your own showerhead and faucet. You can also add safety features, such as grab bars and shower seats. Here are some price ranges for these accessories.

• Faucets: $15 to $400
• Showerheads: $50 to $900
• Built-in shelves or niches: $75 to $300
• Grab bars: $85 to $300
• Bench: $100 to $300
• Slip-resistant floor: $200 to $1,000

Tub Removal

A professional installer may factor removing and disposing of your old bathtub into your total cost, but it typically costs $150 to $300 on its own. Something like a heavy clawfoot tub or walk-in tub may cost even more to remove. When converting an alcove tub, you’ll also need to clean and repair the new shower wall to get it ready for installation. These repairs can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,400 depending on how much new plumbing you need.

 

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Professional vs. DIY Tub-to-Shower Conversion

In most cases, converting a tub to a shower is best left to the professionals. Here’s why.

Professional Tub-to-Shower Conversion

A large percentage of tub-to-shower-conversion costs go toward labor. However, the conversion will happen much more quickly and efficiently than if you attempted it yourself. Converting a tub to a shower requires a number of skills, such as carpentry, plumbing, drywall, and tiling, that many homeowners don’t have. Pros may also be able to get you discounts on materials that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

DIY Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Only the most experienced do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) should attempt this project. Even if you use a prefab kit, you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber to alter your home’s plumbing system to meet necessary building codes and protect your home’s resale value. Any mistakes you make could expose your home’s structure to mildew and water damage, so it’s not worth trying to save on installation costs by doing the entire project yourself.

 

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How to Reduce Tub-to-Shower Conversion Costs

Even if you hire professionals, you can still save on total project costs with these tips.

• Do some of the prep and finishing work yourself, such as removing and disposing of the old tub or installing new tile and grout.
• Choose inexpensive or mid-range finishings instead of high-end shower heads and other accessories.
• Opt for a shower curtain instead of glass doors.
• Use a prefabricated kit with a standard-size shower pan instead of installing a custom shower.
• Avoid installing a shower that contains a window when possible. Shower windows can let moisture into your walls and end up costing more for repairs in the long run.
• If your project requires multiple types of contractors, coordinate them yourself instead of hiring a general contractor, as this otherwise adds 15% to 20% to the total project cost.

 

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How to Hire a Professional

Keep the following in mind when hiring a professional bathroom contractor.

• General bathroom contractors aren’t required to hold a special license, but plumbers are. Make sure any plumber you hire has a current license.
• All contractors, regardless of licensing, should be bonded and insured.
• Look up the company’s Better Business Bureau page to see its rating and accreditation status.
• Ask for references from satisfied customers, and check the company’s customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
• Contact at least three local contractors for estimates. Be as specific as you can about what you want.
• Once you’ve narrowed down your options, request an itemized bid from your selected contractor so you know exactly where your money’s going.

 

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Our Recommendation

Converting a tub to a shower can open up floor space in a small bathroom and provide more functionality, particularly if you rarely use your tub. Since it’s a large project, you may want to consider renovating your whole bathroom at the same time. Bathroom remodeling costs depend on the project’s extensiveness, but with a newly converted shower as a centerpiece, you can refresh your bathroom’s entire look and feel.

 

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