Tub-to-Shower Conversion: Cost, Timeline, and What's Involved

Tub-to-shower conversions are one of the most requested bathroom projects we do in the Tri-Cities. Most homeowners with a tub they never use realize at some point that the space would work harder as a walk-in shower. Here's a complete breakdown of what the conversion involves, what it costs, and what you need to decide before we start.

What a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Actually Involves

This isn't just "pull out the tub, put in a shower." The conversion requires several distinct phases:

Demo: Remove the existing tub, tub surround, and floor tile. Demo typically takes a day and generates significant debris that needs to be hauled out.

Plumbing: The tub drain needs to be capped or converted to a shower drain. The drain location in the floor may need to move depending on your shower pan choice. If you're adding a shower bench or reconfiguring fixtures, plumbing rough-in changes accordingly.

Waterproofing and backer board: The shower walls need cement backer board and a waterproofing membrane — this is non-negotiable. This is where many cheap conversions fail. Skipping or shortcutting the waterproofing layer creates a moisture problem behind your tile that you won't discover for 3–5 years, and by then the damage is significant.

Tile or shower pan: You have two main options: a custom-tiled shower pan (built on-site from a mortar bed), or a pre-formed shower base (acrylic or solid surface). Custom tile pans are more expensive but give you design flexibility. Pre-formed bases are faster and cheaper but limit your options.

Tile walls: Standard tile height for a shower is 72–80 inches. A full tile-to-ceiling treatment costs more but looks better. Plan for 60–80 sq ft of tile for a standard 60" alcove shower.

Glass enclosure: Frameless glass doors are the standard today. Expect $1,200–$3,000 for a quality frameless enclosure. Some homeowners choose a walk-in shower without a door — this works if the shower is wide enough (at least 36" opening) and the showerhead is positioned correctly to minimize water splash.

What Does It Cost?

Should You Keep One Tub Somewhere in the House?

If you're converting the only tub in the house, give this real thought. For resale purposes, having no tub can affect buyer perception — particularly if your home has young families as the most likely buyer. If you have a second bathroom with a tub, converting the master to a shower-only is almost always fine. If this is your only bathroom, you should weigh resale implications carefully. We'll always have this conversation with you before we start.

Timeline

A standalone tub-to-shower conversion takes 5–10 business days for most projects — including demo, plumbing, backer board, waterproofing, tile, and installation of fixtures and enclosure. If the conversion is part of a larger bathroom remodel, it folds into that timeline.