You know you want to convert your tub to a walk in shower, but you have no idea how much that project will cost you. You’ve found some resources saying that you can complete this project for as little as $2,000, with others quoting as high as $25,000 and above. What do those numbers actually mean, and how can you build a budget around such a huge range?
At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we’ve worked with thousands of homeowners across 11 states to complete tub to shower conversions. We have the industry expertise and hands-on experience to tell you not only what those different price ranges are going to get you, but how to make sure that your budget really aligns with your needs. Let’s dive into the breakdown of tub to shower conversion costs and budget-building tips.
Table of Contents
- The Cost of Pre-Fab Tub to Shower Kits
- The Cost of Mid-Range Tub to Shower Remodels
- The Cost of Deluxe Tub to Shower Conversions
- Is DIY Tub to Shower Conversion Worth the Upfront Savings?
- Start Planning Your Walk In Shower Remodel
The Cost of Pre-Fab Tub to Shower Kits
This is where you’re going to see the lowest prices. Big box and home improvement stores do sell shower stall kits that are marketed as the affordable DIY option. These install kits can run as low as $2,000 and up to about $8,000, but that doesn’t paint the full picture. You can also expect to cover expenses related to:
- Demolition: Unless you do a lot of home improvement projects already, this means buying or renting tools most people don’t have on hand.
- Plumbing repairs: There’s also a good probability that once you rip up that old tub, you’ll find that your plumbing needs some repairs. You can either take the risk and attempt those repairs yourself, or you can hire a plumber for about $500-$2,000.
- Waste disposal: You may need to schedule bulk waste pickup or rent a dumpster, both of which can cost upwards of $150.
In total, we’re now looking at a range closer to $3,000-$10,000.
The Cost of Mid-Range Tub to Shower Remodels
What if you’d rather leave this work to the professionals? Once you move into the mid-range tub to shower conversions, you’re looking at a price range of about $11,000-$18,000. What you can expect from this kind of budget is:
- Quality materials: For a mid-range budget, you can choose from basic tile or single-color acrylic for your shower walls. These are quality materials with just a lower range of design options to choose from.
- One or two accessories: You can customize your mid-range shower with add-ons like a soap niche and shelf or a grab bar and seat.
- One or two feature upgrades: You may be able to incorporate some upgrades into a mid-range shower conversion. For example, you may be able to replace the standard showerhead with a rainfall showerhead.
It’s also important to note that this price range covers all necessary labor for a mid-range tub to shower conversion. You aren’t paying extra for things like tools and waste disposal. Plus, with the right contractor, you get the added protection of warranties.
The Cost of Deluxe Tub to Shower Conversions
Finally, we’ve got the high end of the pricing spectrum. For a deluxe tub to shower conversion, expect to pay between $18,000 and $24,000 (or higher, depending on how many customizations or major structural changes your remodel involves). With this budget, you can enjoy:
- A wide range of quality materials: This price point will cover the cost of specialty tile, premium acrylic wall panels, or solid surface natural stone.
- Three or more accessories: Deck out your shower with every customization you need, from stacked corner shelves to fold-down seating.
- Multiple feature upgrades: If you’re looking to add some luxury to your bathroom, this budget can cover upgrades like glass enclosures and dual shower heads.
If you’re upgrading a primary bathroom and looking for a transformation that meets your specific needs and aesthetic desires, this is probably the way to go. While you can get high-quality craftsmanship at either the mid-range or deluxe level, deluxe remodels come with all the accessories and upgrades you need to maximize functionality and beauty.
Is a DIY Tub to Shower Conversion Worth the Upfront Savings?
When you’re in the early stages of planning a remodel, it’s not uncommon to experience a little bit of sticker shock. After all, there’s a big difference between $3,000 and $20,000. Why wouldn’t you go for the lower-priced option?
|
Type of Remodel |
Average Price Range |
Top Cost-Related Pros and Cons |
|
DIY Shower to Tub Conversion |
$3,000 - $10,000 |
✅Lowest prices on the market ❌Additional costs beyond install kits ❌No warranties |
|
Mid-Range Tub to Shower Conversion |
$11,000 - $18,000 |
✅Most affordable professional installation ✅Manufacturer and labor warranties ❌Fewer customization options |
|
Deluxe Tub to Shower Conversion |
$18,000 - $24,000 |
✅Highest quality materials and biggest range of customization options ✅Manufacturer and labor warranties ❌Most expensive tub to shower option |
A DIY tub to shower install kit just might be the right choice for you. You might jump on those upfront savings if:
- You have remodeling and/or plumbing experience as well as access to all the necessary tools
- You have no need or desire for any custom upgrades; in your opinion, the simpler, the better
- You’re flipping a property, and you’re not the one who will need to deal with the potential maintenance issues or faster deterioration
Now, how do you know that a DIY install kit isn’t the right choice for you? Those upfront savings simply aren’t worth it if:
- You’re looking to upgrade your bathroom with a shower solution that actually works for you, complete with storage and safety features
- You don’t have any experience with remodeling or plumbing, and you know that it’s best to leave that work to the professionals
- You want the financial protection of manufacturer and labor warranties
- You want to support your property value with a well-crafted and properly installed shower
Ultimately, you should really only choose the DIY shower insert if upfront savings outweigh any other concern, including long-term maintenance or replacement costs.
Start Planning Your Walk In Shower Remodel
Now you know what the industry-wide price range is for tub to shower conversions. More importantly, you know what those different price points can buy. What’s next?
At ZINTEX, we offer tub to shower conversions at the mid-range and deluxe levels because we’re committed to durability, quality, and customization. Our top priority is to create the bathroom solutions that check every box you have, from function to aesthetics.
What’s next? Start planning your walk in shower remodel with our guide to the top 5 KOHLER shower wall colors in 2025.
FAQs About Tub to Shower Conversions
Q: Does it take longer to convert a tub to a shower than to replace a tub?
Whether or not you are converting your tub to a shower or replacing your current tub with a new one, demolition looks about the same. In either case, you have to rip out the existing materials and make as-needed structural or plumbing repairs.
How long it takes to install the new materials depends largely on what those materials are. For example, it will take about the same amount of time (one to three days) to install an acrylic tub and shower combo versus an acrylic walk in shower.
Q: Does it cost more to replace a tub than to install a walk in shower?
Once again, this answer will depend on the materials you’re using. That said, the average cost to professionally replace a tub is about $11,000 to $20,000. This is about the same as the cost to professionally install a walk in shower, which is about $11,000 to $24,000.
Q: What shower wall materials are best for walk in showers?
If your top priority is design versatility, you may gravitate toward tile. If you’re looking for luxury, solid surface stone is probably the best choice. If you want a shower that balances aesthetics and functionality with ease of maintenance, consider acrylic.
