A tub to shower conversion typically costs about $3,400 to $7,300 with a prefab acrylic or fiberglass shower kit, and about $5,100 to $10,100 for a tiled shower with a glass door. One-day conversion companies usually quote $5,400 to $9,900 for a standard tub space, and curbless or natural stone showers can run $7,300 to $15,100.
Use the calculator below to price your conversion, then read on for costs by shower type and size, what drives the price, and whether removing your tub is a good idea.
Tub to shower conversion cost calculator
Tub to shower conversion cost by type
These ranges are for a standard 60 × 32-inch tub space with a new shower valve, at national average prices. They include tub removal, plumbing, the shower walls and base, the door, and standard fixtures.
| Shower type | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY conversion kit, plumber for the valve | $1,800 – $4,500 | Handy owners on a tight budget |
| Prefab acrylic or fiberglass kit, framed door | $3,400 – $7,300 | Low-maintenance, budget-friendly updates |
| Ceramic tile, semi-frameless glass | $4,700 – $9,200 | A custom look at a moderate price |
| Porcelain tile, semi-frameless glass | $5,100 – $10,100 | The most common custom conversion |
| One-day acrylic system (Bath Fitter or Re-Bath style) | $5,400 – $9,900 | Fast installs with one company handling everything |
| Curbless porcelain tile, frameless glass | $7,300 – $15,100 | Aging in place and wheelchair access |
| Natural stone tile, frameless glass | $7,600 – $14,600 | High-end primary bathrooms |
A prefab kit is the cheapest way to have a pro do the job because the walls and base go in quickly with no tile setting or grout. Tile costs more in labor, but you can choose any size, color, and layout. If you’re weighing more shower styles or a new location, our walk-in shower cost calculator covers those too.
Cost by shower size
Most conversions reuse the 60-inch tub alcove, so the shower is about 60 inches wide and 30 to 36 inches deep. Enlarging the space into a closet or linen cabinet adds framing and drywall work.
| Shower size | Prefab kit, framed door | Porcelain tile, semi-frameless glass | One-day system |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 × 30 in | $3,300 – $7,100 | $5,000 – $9,900 | $5,100 – $9,400 |
| 60 × 32 in | $3,400 – $7,300 | $5,100 – $10,100 | $5,400 – $9,900 |
| 60 × 36 in | $3,500 – $7,700 | $5,400 – $10,500 | $6,000 – $11,100 |
| 72 × 36 in, enlarged | $3,900 – $8,500 | $5,800 – $11,300 | $7,200 – $13,100 |
What goes into the cost
- Tub removal and disposal: about $600 to $1,200, or $800 to $1,500 for a heavy cast iron tub that has to be broken up or carried out.
- Plumbing: about $300 to $800 to reuse the existing valve with new trim, $800 to $1,800 for a new shower valve, and $1,800 to $3,500 if the drain has to move. Most tubs have the drain at one end, which usually works for the new shower base.
- Shower walls and base: about $1,200 to $2,800 for a prefab kit, or $2,200 to $7,900 for tile depending on the tile you choose. Tiled showers need a waterproofing membrane behind the tile; see our shower waterproofing guide.
- Door or glass: about $500 to $900 for a framed door, $800 to $1,500 for semi-frameless glass, and $1,500 to $3,000 for frameless. Price doors in detail with our shower door cost calculator.
- Valve trim and shower heads: about $250 to $600 for a standard set, $600 to $1,500 for a rain head with a handheld, and $1,500 to $3,500 for a thermostatic system with body sprays.
- Permit: about $150 to $500 where your town requires one for plumbing work.
- Hidden repairs: about $300 to $1,200 for rotted subfloor or framing found under the tub. Keep 10% to 15% of your budget in reserve.
One-day conversion companies vs. a local contractor
Companies like Bath Fitter and Re-Bath install custom-molded acrylic bases and wall panels, usually in one or two days. They don’t publish prices, but quotes for a standard tub space typically fall around $5,000 to $9,000, with low-threshold bases, seats, glass doors, and new valves adding more. That’s often more than a local contractor charges for a prefab kit, but you get one company, one warranty, and very little downtime.
Get at least one quote from a one-day company and one from a local contractor, and compare what’s included line by line. Our Bath Fitter vs. Re-Bath vs. Jacuzzi comparison breaks down how the national brands price their work.
Low-threshold and curbless showers for aging in place
Stepping over a tub wall is one of the most common causes of bathroom falls, which is why many conversions are done for safety. A low-threshold base cuts the step to 1 to 2 inches for about $300 to $1,500 extra. A curbless, zero-entry shower removes the step completely and allows wheelchair access, but it costs about $1,500 to $3,500 more than a standard tiled shower because the floor has to be recessed or sloped to the drain.
Grab bars cost about $150 to $400 for two installed, and a fold-down seat about $300 to $700. Have bars mounted into blocking or studs, not just drywall anchors. Our ADA bathroom guide covers recommended heights and clearances.
DIY tub to shower conversion kits
Conversion kits with a base and glue-up or interlocking wall panels cost about $500 to $1,500 at home centers. With a door, fixtures, haul-away, and a plumber to swap the valve trim, most DIY conversions run about $1,300 to $3,500, or $1,800 to $4,500 if you hire a plumber to install a new valve. You can shop tub to shower conversion kits at Lowe’s.
Removing the tub, setting the base level, and installing panels are doable for an experienced DIYer. The shower valve and drain connection are where leaks start, and many towns require a licensed plumber and a permit for that work. A slow leak behind a shower wall can cause thousands in damage before you see it.
Should you remove your only bathtub?
Many buyers with young children want at least one tub in the house. If you’re converting the only tub in your home, a walk-in shower can make the house harder to sell to families, even as it appeals to older buyers. Converting a tub in a primary bathroom while keeping a tub in a hall bath is usually the safest choice for resale.
Still deciding? Compare long-term costs in walk-in shower vs. bathtub, or price a new tub with our bathtub replacement cost calculator. If the tub itself is fine and only looks worn, refinishing costs a fraction of a conversion.
How long a conversion takes
| Shower type | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| One-day acrylic system | 1 to 2 days |
| Prefab kit, contractor installed | 2 to 4 days |
| Tiled shower | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Curbless tiled shower | 2 to 3 weeks |
Ways to save on a tub to shower conversion
- Keep the shower in the tub’s footprint and the drain where it is.
- Choose a prefab base with tiled walls for a custom look at a lower cost than a fully tiled pan.
- Use a framed or semi-frameless door instead of heavy frameless glass.
- Remove the tub and haul it away yourself if your contractor allows it.
- Get three quotes, including one from a one-day company and one from a local contractor.
- Plan ahead with our bathroom remodel financing calculator if you’ll pay over time.
Want to price the rest of the bathroom? Browse all our bathroom cost calculators.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to convert a tub to a shower?
Most tub to shower conversions cost about $3,400 to $7,300 with a prefab kit installed by a contractor, and about $5,100 to $10,100 with porcelain tile and a semi-frameless glass door. One-day acrylic systems typically run $5,400 to $9,900, and curbless or natural stone showers can exceed $15,000.
Is it cheaper to replace a tub or convert it to a shower?
Replacing a standard tub with a new tub usually costs less, about $1,400 to $4,200. A conversion costs more because it adds a new shower base, walls, a door, and often a new valve.
How much does Bath Fitter charge for a tub to shower conversion?
Bath Fitter doesn’t publish prices, but quotes for a standard tub space typically fall around $5,000 to $9,000. Low-threshold bases, seats, glass doors, and new valves add to that price.
Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?
It can if it’s the only tub in the house, because many families with young children want one. Converting a primary bathroom tub while keeping a tub elsewhere is usually safe for resale.
Can I convert a tub to a shower myself?
An experienced DIYer can remove the tub and install a conversion kit for about $1,300 to $3,500, including materials, disposal, and a plumber to swap the valve trim. Hire a licensed plumber for a new valve or drain changes, and check whether your town requires a permit.
How long does a tub to shower conversion take?
One-day acrylic systems take 1 to 2 days, and a contractor-installed prefab kit takes 2 to 4 days. A tiled shower usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, and a curbless shower 2 to 3 weeks.
Estimates are national average costs for 2027 planning and are not quotes. See our disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.
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