How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?

Most acrylic conversions complete in 1 to 2 days from demolition to finish. Solid surface installations take 3 to 5 days. Custom tile work takes 5 to 7 days, sometimes longer if the bathroom needs additional waterproofing or layout changes. The 'one-day install' marketing from major brands is generally accurate for their specific acrylic systems.

Will I lose home value if I remove my only tub?

Most real estate professionals agree that homes need at least one tub somewhere for resale value, especially in markets with families. If your home has multiple bathrooms and you keep at least one tub, converting another to a shower is generally neutral or positive for resale. If you only have one bathroom, removing the tub may affect resale to families with young children.

What's the difference between Bath Fitter and Re-Bath?

Bath Fitter specializes in 1 to 2 day acrylic conversions over your existing tub. Re-Bath offers a broader product range including acrylic systems, solid surface, and full bath remodels. Bath Fitter is faster and typically less expensive; Re-Bath offers more design flexibility and material options. Both are major franchise networks with installers across most US metros.

Do conversions require permits?

Most conversions require a plumbing permit, especially when the drain is being relocated or modified. Permit fees range from $100 to $500 depending on your municipality. Reputable installers handle permitting as part of the project and include permit costs in their estimates. If an installer suggests skipping permits to save money, decline and find another installer.

Can I keep my tub and add a separate shower?

If your bathroom is large enough (typically over 8 feet by 6 feet), you can sometimes keep the tub and add a separate walk-in shower. This costs significantly more than a conversion ($8,000 to $25,000) and requires extensive plumbing work. For most bathrooms, conversion is the more practical solution.

What's the difference between curbless and low-threshold showers?

Curbless showers have no step-over at all and are completely accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. They require additional waterproofing and floor slope work. Low-threshold showers have a small lip (typically 1 to 3 inches) that contains water without requiring a major step. Both are far easier to access than tubs.

Will I need to upgrade my plumbing?

Many tub-to-shower conversions require some plumbing modification because the drain location and water supply for showers differ from tubs. Acrylic conversion systems are designed to work with existing plumbing in most cases. Major drain relocation adds $500 to $2,000 to the project. A licensed installer will identify any required plumbing work during the estimate.

Are conversions covered by insurance?

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover voluntary bathroom conversions. Long-term care insurance sometimes covers home modifications for accessibility, especially when prescribed by a doctor for a documented medical need. Review your specific policy to confirm coverage.

What kind of warranty should I expect?

Reputable franchise brands offer lifetime warranties on the acrylic or solid surface shell. Glass enclosures typically have 5 to 10 year warranties. Installation labor warranties vary by installer (1 to 5 years is common). Always confirm warranty terms in writing before committing. Be cautious of installers who offer suspiciously short warranties or refuse to provide written warranty terms.

How do I find a qualified conversion installer?

Look for installers with state plumbing or contractor licensing, manufacturer authorization (especially for warranty work on franchise brands), at least 2 years in business, and a 4-star or higher average across review platforms. Avoid installers who pressure you to sign on the spot or who refuse to provide written estimates. TrustedBathRemodel matches you with vetted installers who meet these standards.

TUB-TO-SHOWER CONVERSION

Tub-to-Shower Conversion: A Safer, More Practical Bathroom

Replace an unused tub with a walk-in shower that's easier to clean, easier to access, and better suited to how you actually live. Most conversions complete in 1 to 2 days.

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What Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?

A tub-to-shower conversion replaces an existing bathtub with a walk-in shower in the same footprint. The old tub is removed, plumbing is reconfigured for shower use, and a new shower base, walls, and door are installed. Most conversions can be done in 1 to 2 days using modern acrylic systems, or in 3 to 7 days for custom tile work.

Conversions are popular for two reasons: practicality and safety. Many homeowners report they haven't taken a bath in years and the unused tub is just harder to clean and step over than a shower would be. Others convert because climbing over a tub wall has become difficult or risky. Either way, the result is a more usable bathroom with better daily function.

Types of Tub-to-Shower Conversions

Three main approaches, each with different costs, timelines, and aesthetic outcomes

1 TO 2 DAYS

Acrylic Shower Systems

$3,500 - $8,000

Pre-fabricated acrylic walls and base installed over the existing tub area in 1 to 2 days. The most popular conversion type for its speed and clean appearance. Bath Fitter, Re-Bath, and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel all use variations of this system.

Best for

Fast installation timeline
Easy ongoing cleaning
Mid-range budget

3 TO 5 DAYS

Solid Surface Showers

$5,500 - $12,000

Quartz or cultured marble shower walls and base for a higher-end appearance and longer durability than acrylic. Includes more design flexibility and premium fixtures. Custom-fit to your bathroom dimensions.

Best for

Premium appearance
Longer warranty (often lifetime)
Custom configurations

5 TO 7 DAYS

Custom Tile Showers

$7,000 - $15,000+

Custom tile work over a waterproofed shower base. The most design flexibility and the most premium look, but takes the longest to install and requires more skilled labor. Best for homeowners doing a broader bathroom remodel.

Best for

Maximum design flexibility
Part of broader bathroom remodel
High-end aesthetic

How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost?

Tub-to-shower conversions cost between $3,500 and $15,000 fully installed, with most homeowners landing in the $5,500 to $9,000 range. Cost depends on materials, plumbing changes, and any custom features.

Typical Cost Ranges

Basic Acrylic Conversion: $3,500 to $6,000 installed
Pre-fab acrylic walls and shower base, basic fixtures, standard glass door. Installed in 1-2 days.
Mid-Range Conversion: $6,000 to $9,000 installed
Solid surface or premium acrylic, upgraded fixtures, frameless glass door, built-in seating or grab bars.
Premium Custom: $9,000 to $15,000 installed
Custom tile or stone work, premium fixtures, custom configurations, high-end glass enclosures. Often part of broader remodel.
Accessibility-Focused: $5,000 to $11,000 installed
Curbless or low-threshold shower, built-in seat, ADA-compliant grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, handheld fixtures.

Want a detailed cost breakdown including financing options and what affects pricing in your area?

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Why Homeowners Choose Conversion Over Replacement

The most common reasons we hear from homeowners researching this option

The Tub Goes Unused

Many homeowners report not having taken a bath in years. The tub becomes a place to store cleaning supplies or a dust collector. A conversion turns that unused space into a daily-use shower that actually fits your routine.

Stepping Over Becomes a Concern

A standard tub wall is 14 to 18 inches high. Stepping over it daily is the leading cause of bathroom falls for adults over 65. Replacing the tub with a low-threshold or curbless shower removes the highest-risk daily movement.

Easier Daily Cleaning

Showers are significantly easier to clean than tubs. No surrounding tub deck, no awkward corners where mildew accumulates, no tub-shower transition strip that catches water. Many homeowners cite cleaning as their top reason for converting.

Better Resale Value in Many Markets

In retirement-heavy markets and for buyers under 50 who don't want a tub, the conversion is a positive resale factor. Most real estate professionals agree that homes with at least one tub somewhere in the house can convert another bathroom's tub to a shower without losing value.

Top Conversion Brands and Installer Networks

Major brands homeowners encounter when researching tub-to-shower conversions

We don't accept payment for brand placement. These are the brands most commonly recommended by our installer network.

Bath Fitter

The original one-day acrylic shower system installed over the existing tub. Strong franchise network across all 50 states. Fast install, lifetime warranty on the shell, mid-market pricing.

Bath Fitter conversions

Re-Bath

Major franchise focused on full bath remodels and conversions. Wider product range than Bath Fitter, including custom tile options. Available in most major US metros.

Re-Bath conversions

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel

Bath conversion division of Jacuzzi. Focuses on premium acrylic systems with strong dealer network. Good warranty terms, mid-to-premium pricing.

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel

Kohler LuxStone

Kohler's solid surface shower system. Premium pricing, lifetime warranty, strong design and finish quality. Authorized installer network rather than franchises.

Kohler LuxStone showers

BathWraps

Mid-market acrylic conversion brand. Faster install timelines, often 2-day completion. Strong in the Midwest and Southeast. Lower pricing than premium brands.

BathWraps conversions

Independent Tile Contractors

Local custom-tile bathroom contractors offer the most flexibility for premium conversions. Pricing varies more than franchise brands, but design freedom is unmatched.

Custom tile conversions

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Tub-to-Shower vs. Other Bathroom Updates

How conversions compare to alternative approaches

vs. Walk-In Tub

Conversions are faster to install (1-2 days vs 1-3 days), often less expensive ($3,500-$15,000 vs $5,000-$20,000), and easier for daily use. Walk-in tubs are better for hydrotherapy and soaking. The choice depends on whether you'll use the soaking experience.

Walk-in tub vs shower conversion

vs. Full Bathroom Remodel

A full bath remodel costs $15,000 to $50,000 and includes flooring, vanity, lighting, and layout changes. A conversion is targeted just at replacing the tub. If your bathroom needs broader work, integrating the conversion into a full remodel often saves money on shared labor.

Aging in place bathroom remodel

vs. Tub Refinishing

Refinishing your existing tub costs $400 to $800 and gives you a few more years of use, but doesn't address the underlying step-over issue or change the bathroom's daily function. Conversion is a more durable solution if you're staying in the home long-term.

Tub refinishing alternatives

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Installers in Florida

We currently match homeowners with conversion installers across five Florida metros. Click your area to learn about local pricing, top-rated installers, and what to expect from installation.

The Villages Sarasota Bradenton Naples Fort Myers

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Tub-to-Shower Conversion FAQ

Common questions homeowners ask about conversions

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