Replacing a bathtub with a shower stall typically costs $3,000-$10,000, with an average near $6,500 for a standard alcove conversion. The final price depends most on the shower material, plumbing changes, tile work, and whether the existing tub and wall surfaces need extra removal or repair.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete tub-to-shower conversion | $2,500 | $6,500 | $15,000 | Prefab to custom tile; standard alcove |
| Prefabricated shower kit | $1,000 | $2,200 | $4,000 | Base and surround, materials only |
| Custom tile shower | $6,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 | Installed; tile and waterproofing vary |
| Plumbing relocation | $400 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Higher if drain or supply lines move |
What a standard bathtub-to-shower conversion costs
A straightforward conversion in a standard 60-by-30-inch alcove often costs $3,000-$6,000 with a prefabricated base and wall panels. A midrange project with better fixtures, a glass door, and upgraded panels commonly reaches $5,000-$9,000. Custom tile, built-in niches, premium glass, or substantial plumbing work can bring the total to $10,000-$15,000 or more.
These estimates assume the existing bathroom footprint stays in place, framing is sound, and the new shower uses the tub’s drain location. Local labor rates, finish quality, and concealed water damage can change a contractor’s quote. Assumptions: standard alcove, average U.S. labor rates, ordinary access, and no major structural repairs. Keeping the shower in the tub’s existing footprint is usually the largest cost-control measure.
How the shower base, walls, labor, and disposal add up
The quote combines demolition, materials, installation, and project-specific charges. Labor is often the largest component, especially for tile or plumbing changes. The ranges below describe common installed work; overlap is possible when contractors bundle labor and materials.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prefab base and wall kit | $1,000-$3,500 | $10-$35 per sq ft for panels | Shower pan and surround |
| Custom tile and waterproofing | $2,000-$5,500 | $15-$40 per sq ft for tile materials | Tile, membrane, mortar, grout |
| Installation labor | $1,500-$4,500 | $50-$100 per hour | Removal, prep, installation, finish work |
| Plumbing and fixtures | $500-$2,500 | $200-$1,000 per fixture set | Valve, showerhead, drain adjustments |
| Removal and disposal | $300-$900 | $300-$900 per project | Tub, surround, debris hauling |
| Permit and inspection | $100-$500 | $100-$500 per job | Required work varies by jurisdiction |
Ask whether demolition, waterproofing, cleanup, and disposal are included rather than comparing only the fixture allowance.
Drain location, tile area, and access change the final quote
Reusing the tub drain can keep plumbing work near $300-$800; moving it across the floor may cost $800-$2,500, particularly when concrete or joists obstruct access. A shower valve moved within the same wall may add $250-$700, while rerouting supply lines can cost more.
A 60-by-30-inch shower uses less wall material than a wider or deeper enclosure. Adding 12 inches of width can raise material and installation costs by roughly $500-$1,500, depending on the surround. Custom tile over roughly 100 square feet generally costs more than a basic panel kit because each surface needs careful layout and waterproofing. Hidden rot behind the tub or wall can add $500-$2,000 or more once opened.
Where a prefab shower kit can trim conversion costs
Prefab acrylic or fiberglass systems usually cost less to install than custom tile because they use fewer labor hours and have fewer grout joints. A basic kit may cost $1,000-$2,500 for materials, while a durable panel system with a low-threshold base often runs $2,000-$4,000 before installation. Tile offers more control over appearance but typically adds $2,000-$5,500 in tile, waterproofing, and setting labor.
Keeping the existing plumbing locations, choosing a standard-size base, and using a curtain instead of framed glass can reduce the quote. A glass door often adds $600-$1,800 installed; a niche or bench can add $200-$800 each. Specify must-have features before requesting bids so upgrades do not appear as surprise allowances.
How long tub removal and shower installation take
A simple conversion commonly takes 2-4 working days, while a custom tile installation may take 5-10 days because waterproofing, mortar, grout, and sealant need time between stages. A typical crew may include one plumber and one or two installers, with separate visits for demolition, rough plumbing, and finish work.
Labor estimates often total 25-50 hours for a standard prefab conversion and 45-80 hours for custom tile or complex plumbing. Estimated labor: 25-50 hours × $50-$100 per hour, with regional and contractor differences. Delays can arise if the subfloor needs repair or a special-order base or door is backordered. Confirm the schedule and who handles each trade before comparing labor totals.
Regional labor rates shift shower conversion budgets
Urban markets and high-cost coastal areas may run 15%-30% above the national midpoint, particularly where licensed plumbing labor is expensive or contractor demand is high. Smaller towns and lower-cost regions may come in 10%-20% below typical pricing, although travel charges or limited contractor availability can offset the difference.
These percentages are broad planning estimates, not fixed regional price lists. Local permit fees, disposal charges, and the availability of tile installers also affect bids. For a project estimated at $6,500 in a moderate-cost market, a comparable scope might reach $7,500-$8,500 in a higher-cost city or fall near $5,200-$5,900 in a lower-cost area. Compare quotes from contractors serving the same local market and using the same scope.
Extra charges for old tub removal and bathroom repairs
Standard tub removal and debris hauling often cost $300-$900. Tight stairways, long carry distances, or heavy cast-iron tubs can push removal toward $1,000-$1,500. A dump or container fee may be listed separately, so the estimate should clarify whether disposal is included.
Replacing damaged subfloor can add $300-$1,200 for a limited area; extensive framing, mold remediation, or water damage can exceed $2,000. Electrical work for a new light or fan, wall patching, and repainting may also be excluded from the shower contractor’s bid. Request a written allowance for concealed damage and agree on approval before extra work begins.
Three sample quotes for different shower scopes
A basic prefab conversion with the drain reused could total about $4,400: $1,700 for a base and surround, 30 labor hours at $65 per hour ($1,950), $450 for plumbing and fixtures, and $300 for removal and disposal. This assumes no damaged framing and a curtain instead of a glass door.
A midrange panel conversion with a glass door might total $7,200: $2,700 for the shower system, 40 labor hours at $75 per hour ($3,000), $850 for plumbing, $450 for removal, and $200 for permit and minor finish work. A custom-tile project with a relocated drain could reach $12,600: $3,600 for tile and waterproofing, 65 labor hours at $85 per hour ($5,525), $1,800 for plumbing, $900 for glass, and $775 for removal, disposal, and permit charges.
These examples are planning figures, not guaranteed bids; contractor scope and regional rates vary. Request at least three itemized quotes covering the same base, wall finish, plumbing location, door, and disposal.