Bathtub to Shower Conversion: Cost, Process, and What to Expect
Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower costs $1,200-8,000 depending on the approach. Here's the full breakdown from prefab kits to custom tile, with real costs and DIY viability.
Bathtub to Shower Conversion: What It Actually Costs
The bathtub-to-shower conversion is one of the most searched bathroom renovations — and one of the most confusing to price. Quotes range from $1,200 to $8,000+ for what seems like the same job.
The range exists because there are three completely different approaches, and each one has a different scope of work.
The Three Approaches
1. Prefab Conversion Kit ($1,200-3,000)
A shower base and wall surround kit that replaces the tub. Usually acrylic or fiberglass. Companies like Bath Fitter, Re-Bath, and DIY kits from Home Depot/Lowes.
What's included:
- Shower base (replaces tub)
- Wall surround panels (cover existing walls)
- Shower door or curtain rod
- Fastest install (1-2 days professional, 2-3 days DIY)
- Least expensive
- No tile work, no waterproofing complexity
- Kit covers existing walls (no drywall work)
- Looks like a kit — no custom feel
- Limited size and configuration options
- Wall panels can yellow over time
- Lower home value impact than custom tile
Kit costs:
- Shower base: $200-600 (Home Depot, Lowes)
- Wall surround: $200-500 (Home Depot, Lowes)
- Shower valve trim kit: $80-200 (Home Depot, Amazon)
- Shower door: $200-800 (Home Depot, Lowes)
2. Custom Tile Shower ($3,000-8,000)
Remove the tub, rebuild the shower area with cement board, waterproof membrane, and custom tile.
What's included:
- Tub removal and disposal
- New shower pan (mortar bed or prefab)
- Cement board walls
- Waterproof membrane (Kerdi, RedGard, or similar)
- Custom tile on floor and walls
- Shower valve, head, and controls
- Glass door
- Looks custom — significantly better aesthetic
- Higher home value impact
- Unlimited design options (niche, bench, multiple heads)
- Lasts 20-30 years with proper waterproofing
- Most expensive option
- Longest install (5-10 days professional, 2-3 weeks DIY)
- Waterproofing is critical — bad waterproofing = mold behind walls
- Not a beginner DIY project
3. Tub Liner / Overlay ($1,500-4,000)
A custom-molded acrylic liner placed over your existing tub opening, converting it to a shower base. Companies like Bath Fitter specialize in this.
Pros:
- No demolition — liner goes over existing surfaces
- 1-day install
- Clean process (no dust, no debris)
- Must be professionally installed (proprietary products)
- If moisture gets behind the liner, mold grows undetected
- Limited to the existing tub footprint
- Not DIY-able
Cost Comparison
| Approach | Material Cost | Labor Cost | Total | DIY Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prefab kit (DIY) | $700-1,500 | $0 | $700-1,500 | $500-1,500 |
| Prefab kit (pro) | $700-1,500 | $500-1,500 | $1,200-3,000 | — |
| Custom tile (pro) | $1,500-3,000 | $1,500-5,000 | $3,000-8,000 | — |
| Tub liner (pro only) | Included | Included | $1,500-4,000 | N/A |
The Tub Removal Process
Regardless of approach, the tub has to come out (except for liner overlays). Here's how:
1. Turn off water to the tub (shutoff valves or main) 2. Disconnect the drain — access panel behind the tub or from below 3. Disconnect the overflow — same access point 4. Remove the tub surround — cut drywall or remove tile around the tub 5. Remove the tub — cut a fiberglass/acrylic tub in half with a reciprocating saw for easier removal. Cast iron tubs are heavy (300+ lbs) and may need to be broken with a sledgehammer.
Tub disposal: The old tub goes in a dumpster. A 10-yard handles the tub plus bathroom demo debris. [Compare prices in your area](/dumpster-rental).
Supplies and Tools
For prefab kit installation:
- Reciprocating saw (for tub removal — Home Depot, Amazon — $60-120)
- Level and tape measure
- Adjustable wrench and pliers (for plumbing connections)
- Silicone caulk (waterproof — Home Depot — $5-10)
- Drill and screws
- Wet tile saw (rent: Home Depot — $50-70/day)
- Thinset mortar, grout, waterproof membrane (Home Depot — $100-200 total)
- Cement board and screws (Home Depot — $30-50)
- Notched trowel, grout float, tile spacers
Is This a Good DIY Project?
Prefab kit: Yes, if you're comfortable with basic plumbing connections and have done at least one home project before. The plumbing is the only part where mistakes cause real damage.
Custom tile: Only if you have tiling experience. The waterproofing step is where most DIY bathroom showers fail — and a failed waterproof membrane means mold growing behind your walls for years before you notice.
When in doubt: Do the demo yourself (tub removal, old wall demo) and hire a pro for the install. You save $500-1,000 on demo labor and the critical waterproofing and plumbing is done right.
Disposal
Bathroom conversion generates a surprising amount of debris — the old tub, drywall, tile, plumbing, and packaging from new materials. A 10-yard dumpster is the right size for a single bathroom conversion.
[Find dumpster rental operators near you](/dumpster-rental) — we've scored 6,304 companies on ratings, reviews, and pricing transparency.