Kitchen and bathroom remodel costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Converting a tub to a shower ranges from $1,200 to $15,000, and your shower type sets totals near $3,000.
Your conversion type drives costs, and custom tile, larger showers, and premium glass doors raise your total.
You should budget for permits at $200 to $2,000, plus tub removal and plumbing changes for your layout.
Hiring a local shower repair professional helps your plumbing meet code and prevents drain and pipe mistakes during installation.
In 2026, the national average cost to convert a tub to a shower is $3,000. Most homeowners spend between $1,500 and $8,000, with the spread driven by shower size, materials, and whether you choose a prefab unit or custom tile. Costs can reach as high as $15,000 for a fully custom walk-in build.
The type of shower you choose is the primary driver of your tub-to-shower conversion cost, with prices ranging from $800 to $15,000 depending on the style, materials, and complexity of the installation. The table below breaks down how the type of shower affects your project cost:
| Shower Type | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Walk-in shower | $800–$15,000 |
| Custom tiled walk-in shower | $3,500–$15,000 |
| Shower stall | $1,000–$8,000 |
Converting a tub into a walk-in shower costs $800 to $15,000, depending on shower size, material, style, shower doors, and plumbing work. A custom, tiled walk-in shower sits at the higher end of that range, running $3,500 to $15,000.
Replacing a bathtub with a prefab shower stall costs $1,000 to $8,000, with the final price driven by the size, shape, style, and material of the kit you choose. These figures cover the stall itself and do not include professional installation. Refer to the table below for the cost of installing a prefab shower in several different kit shapes:
| Shower Stall Shape | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Neo-angle shower stall | $450–$1,200 |
| Square corner shower stall | $350–$1,400 |
| Curved or rounded shower stall | $500–$1,300 |
| Alcove or rectangular shower stall | $500–$2,300 |
| Curbless or barrier-free shower stall | $2,000–$4,100 |
The cost to tile a shower ranges from $900 to $10,000, with materials being the primary cost driver. Budget-friendly ceramic tile starts at $0.50 per square foot, while porcelain and natural stone run $15 per square foot and higher. Although tiling can be a DIY project, the results are generally better when left to a professional, particularly for a full tub-to-shower conversion.
Shower size directly affects your tub-to-shower conversion cost, with a small stall replacement averaging $1,000 to $2,800 and a large, luxurious shower running over $4,000. Tile showers amplify the size premium because they require more materials and longer installation time, and custom or unusual shapes like penny tiles add further cost due to the extra precision they demand. Choosing a standard shower size is one of the most effective ways to keep your budget in check.
The table below shows the average cost of a tub-to-shower conversion based on shower size:
| Shower Type | Standard Size (Inches) | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Small stall | 32x32 | $1,000–$2,800 |
| Large | 36x60 | $1,200–$4,200 |
| ADA standard | 36x36 | $1,300–$5,500 |
| Shower-tub combo (small) | 60x30 | $1,000–$3,200 |
| Shower-tub combo (large) | 60x36 | $1,200–$4,400 |
When converting a tub to a shower, you’ll need to hire a professional contractor specializing in bathroom remodels. Labor accounts for around 40% to 60% of the total bathroom remodel cost, or $500 to $5,000 on average.
Tile showers carry the highest labor costs because they take the longest to install, while prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass stalls sit at the lower end. If your project requires moving or changing existing plumbing, budget an additional $45 to $200 per hour for the cost of a plumber.
Some other common tasks to factor into labor costs are:
Demolition and removal
Glass door installation
Framing
Waterproofing
Shower conversions can be complex and may require a contractor to remove a wall back to the studs to ensure the entire area is waterproof. This could reveal hidden, costly plumbing challenges, so make sure you have extra space in the budget if you're planning a shower conversion.
Beyond the base conversion cost, materials, labor, permits, accessories, and fixtures all influence your final total for a tub-to-shower remodel.
When converting a tub into a shower, the material you choose will affect the price. In general, prefabricated shower panels made from acrylic or fiberglass cost less than tiles. Natural stone tends to have the highest price tag, but that depends on the type. Here's how different materials impact shower installation costs:
| Shower Material | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tile | $1–$17 |
| Cultured marble | $10–$35 |
| Cultured granite | $40–$64 |
| Quartz | $50–$100 |
| Fiberglass or acrylic insert | $0.75–$12 |
Any tub-to-shower conversion that involves plumbing work requires a permit, which costs $200 to $2,000 depending on local regulations and project scope. A simple tub-to-shower conversion will typically fall toward the lower end of that range compared to a more extensive bathroom remodel idea.
Removing and disposing of an old bathtub costs about $150 to $300, and some contractors include this in their overall tub-to-shower conversion quote. Expect to pay more if you have a heavy claw-foot tub or need to rent a truck for hauling.
Repairs, new plumbing, or layout changes can add $300 to $2,400 to your project cost depending on the scope of work. Licensed plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, with rates varying by location and experience level.
Every shower conversion requires budgeting for a new shower door and its installation costs, since most shower stall kits do not include a door. Most shower doors cost $600 to $1,350 depending on style, with basic sliding, hinged, or fixed aluminum-framed doors at the lower end and premium materials or glass at the higher end. Frameless doors, which are made without metal supports, offer a modern upgrade but come with their own trade-offs, so review pros and cons before committing.
The table below breaks down the average cost of different types of shower doors:
| Type of Shower Door | Average Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hinged (swing) | $400–$1,800 |
| Sliding | $300–$1,500 |
| Pivot | $400–$1,500 |
| Bypass | $300–$1,200 |
| Round | $600–$2,000 |
| Framed | $200–$800 |
| Frameless | $600–$2,500 |
| Trackless | $800–$2,500 |
| Neo-angle | $400–$2,000 |
| Bifold | $300–$1,200 |
| Steam | $1,200–$4,500 |
| Curved | $600–$2,500 |
A new showerhead costs $50 to $900 depending on style and brand, though you may be able to reuse your existing one if it suits the new shower design. Basic models offer a single spray pattern and temperature handle, while mid-range options add handheld sprays, multiple spray settings, and built-in water softeners. Luxury showerheads with body spray jets or steam shower fixtures sit at the top of the range and can give your bathroom a spa-like feel.
Basic accessibility features such as a grab bar and seat add about $600 to your conversion cost and meaningfully reduce the risk of slips and falls. The table below breaks down the price ranges for the most common accessibility and safety upgrades:
| Accessibility and Safety Features | Average Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in, stepless, or curbless entry | $1,000–$4,000 | Eliminates tripping hazards that traditional thresholds create |
| Grab bars | $50–$500 per bar | Installed on shower walls at varying heights to provide leverage and stability when standing, sitting, or moving |
| Built-in or fold-down seat | $100–$600 | Provides a permanent or fold-away seating area inside the shower |
| Nonslip flooring | $200–$1,000 | Slip-resistant tile, specialized glazing, or textured surface treatments designed to maintain traction when wet and soapy |
| Handheld showerhead | $50–$250 | Equipped with flexible hoses to give users precise control over water flow; ideal when showering from a seated position |
| Shower transfer bench | $100–$500 | Spans across the edge of the enclosure to facilitate safe transfers between a wheelchair or outside seat into the shower |
| Raised shower chair | $150–$600 | An elevated seating option that minimizes effort when sitting down or standing back up |
| Lowered or adjustable shower controls | $200–$800 | Repositioned or height-adjustable controls easily accessible from a seated position or lower reach range |
| Anti-scald shower valve | $200–$500 | Mixing/tempering valves that balance hot and cold water streams to prevent sudden thermal burns |
| Automated lighting | $150–$500 | App-, voice-, or motion-activated smart lighting that ensures maximum visibility upon entering the shower area |
| Safety glass doors | $400–$2,500 | High-durability tempered, laminated, or heavy-duty privacy glass engineered to resist impacts and prevent dangerous shattering |
Unfortunately, many bathroom renovation projects reveal hidden mold and mildew, especially in a moisture-prone area like the space under the tub. If you have a few small patches of mold and mildew, clean it yourself with a dish soap and water solution, just be sure to wear protective clothing.
For mold infestations, call a professional. This will add to the total cost, but it will get you the best results. Always call in a mold remediation expert if:
You have an allergy, or skin and respiratory sensitivity
You suspect the mold goes beyond the surface of the affected area
You smell a wet, musty odor
You know of a long-term leak or if the bathroom was flooded at some point
Any single patch of mold is larger than 3 square feet
The area was exposed to contaminated water (such as a leaking sewage pipe)
Getting in deconstruction mode to turn your tub into a shower can save $1,000 or more on this project compared to hiring a shower installer near you. However, any project that requires hauling heavy materials or working near delicate plumbing should be handled carefully. A damaged pipe or a drain that is moved improperly can cost hundreds to thousands in emergency plumbing repairs.
"There's a high likelihood of an untrained homeowner installing a drain incorrectly and causing a backup of sewer gases into the home," says Jeff Botelho, Expert Review Board member and licensed journeyman plumber.
With risks for plumbing problems or damage to your home in the mix, these are the reasons we strongly recommend turning this project over to a pro:
Pros can ensure your switch from tub to shower meets all plumbing codes and permit requirements.
A professionally installed shower can increase home resale value better than a DIY bathroom update.
DIYers still need to pay for things like tub disposal, plumbing connections, and finishing touches. An all-inclusive rate for your full project could be cheaper than paying for individual tasks.
Homeowners may not be prepared to handle major hurdles like moving a drain to accommodate a new shower setup.
If you'd like to shave some costs from your new shower budget, consider doing these yourself:
Tiling the new shower stall
Painting your bathroom walls
Removing the old bathtub
Installing new fixtures
Small DIY projects like applying a fresh coat of paint are a great way to save money during a remodel, but leave major plumbing upgrades to the pros. An inexperienced hand can cause burst pipes and water damage.
Before you start your project, shop around for a contractor. Interviewing at least three shower installers can give you a feel for the market and which prices are reasonable. If a price sounds too good to be true, it often is.
Once you find a contractor, these tips for tub-to-shower conversions can save you some more money:
Choose budget-friendly materials and skip high-end tile or stone.
When possible, go prefab. This comes with lower material and labor costs.
Choose a standard shower size rather than a custom shower size.
Choose basic fixtures rather than a luxury showerhead.
Do some of the labor yourself. If you can remove your tub without touching the plumbing, you can save on labor costs (but only do this if you really know what you're doing).
Converting a tub to a shower has an average ROI of 60%, but only if your home has another bathroom with a tub.
If you do it right, a tub-to-shower conversion can increase home values. However, results vary with the current market, your home's overall layout, and homebuyer preferences. Here are ways to increase your ROI on bathtub-to-shower conversions:
Make Use of Space: Bathtubs take up a lot of space that can be wasted if you don't need or use a tub. Converting large or outdated bathtubs into showers makes bathrooms feel bigger and can catch the eyes of buyers.
Number of Bathtubs: While a walk-in shower looks luxurious and modern, removing the only bathtub in your house can hurt its value. Families with kids are more interested in homes with at least one bathtub. So think about who is looking to buy in your neighborhood and whether they'll want a bathtub. If your home has a tub in another bathroom, converting one tub to a shower can be a smart call.
Upgrade the Whole Bathroom: While you're taking out the tub, reevaluate the entire bathroom to get the highest ROI. Repainting, replacing vanities and damaged flooring, and updating sinks and toilets can bring the whole room together and make it look and feel like new.
Focus on Cost-Effectiveness: Converting a tub to a shower is less expensive than other renovations and can give you a lot of oomph for your investment. That's especially true if you choose quality materials in an appropriate price range for your home's location and value. Consider having a pro do the work—the materials will cost the same whether you or a professional do the work, but you'll get a better outcome from a pro.
Have some inspiration photos ready to share with a pro.
Discuss budget options and the pros and cons of different materials, like tile or acrylic.
Ask about local permit requirements for shower additions or major bathroom changes.
If there's room in your budget, discuss potential specialty features, like a shower seat, waterfall showerhead, or steam generator.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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