Tub-to-Shower Conversion: Cost and Timeline
Updated: 6 days ago
National 2026 cost guides put a tub-to-shower conversion anywhere from about $2,000 for a basic prefab unit to $12,000 to $15,000 or more for a custom tiled or curbless walk-in shower. Shower type, waterproofing, drain changes, glass and tile drive the cost. We confirm the full scope with you before quoting, so the price matches your bathroom.
What a tub-to-shower conversion includes
Removing the tub and old wall surfaces
Preparing the floor and moving the drain if needed
Waterproofing the walls and floor
Installing a shower pan or tile base, walls, and a niche or bench
Fixtures, glass enclosure and final sealing
Cost ranges by shower type
Prefab shower unit: about $2,000 to $6,000 (This Old House)
Walk-in shower: about $5,000 to $12,000 (This Old House)
Custom tile shower: about $6,000 to $12,000 (This Old House)
Curbless shower: about $8,000 to $15,000 (This Old House)
Sources disagree widely. SmoothQuotes reports a median near $10,000 from homeowner reports, and Mr. Remodel's 2025 study shows an average around $18,300. Treat these as ranges, not a price for your bathroom.
What drives cost in South Florida homes
Many South Florida homes sit on concrete slabs, so moving a drain can mean cutting concrete. Waterproofing matters in our humidity; see our guide to bathroom waterproofing systems. The base also changes the price, and our shower pan versus tile comparison explains the trade-offs.
How long it takes
A straightforward conversion often takes about a week or so, depending on scope. Drain moves, custom tile and glass lead times can add time.
Any plumbing changes are handled by a licensed plumber. For more design ideas, see shower design trends worth considering.
Should you keep one tub?
Fixr and other guides suggest keeping at least one tub in the home if you have young children or plan to sell to families. If you have another tub, converting the main bath to a walk-in shower is common.
Curb, low curb, or curbless entry
The entry is one of the first decisions in a tub-to-shower conversion. A standard curb is the simplest option and works with most shower pans. A low-profile curb is easier to step over and still keeps water contained. A curbless entry looks the most open and is the easiest to walk into, but it needs the floor to be recessed or carefully sloped, which is why it sits at the top of the cost ranges above.
For many Boca Raton homes and condos, a low curb is a good balance between easy access and a simpler, more predictable project.
Prefab base or tiled floor
A prefab shower base is quick to install and easy to clean, and it often keeps both the price and the schedule down. A tiled shower floor gives more design freedom: you can match the bathroom floor, use small tiles that grip better underfoot, and fit an unusual size. Both can perform well when the waterproofing underneath is done correctly. Our shower pan versus tile comparison goes into the details.
Glass, niches, and benches
A frameless or semi-frameless glass enclosure makes a small bathroom look larger, and glass often has a lead time of a week or more after final measurements, so it is worth choosing early. A recessed niche keeps shampoo bottles off the floor, and a built-in bench adds comfort and a place to sit. Blocking for future grab bars can be added inside the wall during the conversion at little extra effort.
Planning around your household
Think about who will use the shower every day. If older family members or guests will use it, a low curb, a hand-held shower head, a bench, and grab-bar blocking make it safer and more comfortable. If you have young children, consider keeping at least one tub in the home. If this is your only full bathroom, plan where everyone will shower during the work.
Condo considerations
Many Boca Raton condo buildings limit work hours, require elevator reservations for materials and debris, and ask for approval before work starts. Build those rules into the schedule from the start. Our condo remodeling and HOA approval guide covers what to prepare.
What a typical conversion looks like
A straightforward conversion usually follows this order: removing the tub and old wall surfaces, preparing the floor and walls, any drain or valve changes by a licensed plumber, waterproofing, setting the base or tile floor, tiling the walls, and finally installing fixtures and glass. Waterproofing and tile setting need time to cure, so a few quieter days in the middle of the job are normal.
Related reading: this post covers cost ranges and timing. For design and planning details, read Tub to Shower Conversion in Boca Raton: Plan It Right.
Make the new shower work for you
Plan storage early with our tips on how to plan a shower niche that works, and see our bathroom remodeling services. Thinking about swapping your tub for a walk-in shower? Call or text (561) 288-6632 for a scope and estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
National 2026 guides range from about $2,000 for a prefab unit to $12,000 to $15,000 or more for a custom tiled or curbless shower.
Is a curbless shower more expensive?
Usually yes. Curbless showers need the floor recessed or sloped and careful waterproofing, so guides list them at the top of the range.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Often about a week or so, depending on scope. Drain moves, custom tile and glass lead times can add time.
Will removing my only tub hurt resale value?
It can for buyers with young children. Many guides suggest keeping at least one tub in the home.
Can you add a bench, niche and grab bars?
Yes. A bench, a recessed niche and grab-bar blocking are easy to plan during the conversion.
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