TUB-TO-SHOWER COST
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost: What to Expect in 2026
Tub-to-shower conversions cost between $3,500 and $15,000 installed. The price depends on the materials you choose, your bathroom's plumbing situation, and your local market. This guide breaks down what you'll actually pay.
Last updated April 2026 • 7 min read
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How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost?
Most homeowners pay between $5,500 and $9,000 fully installed for a mid-range conversion using an acrylic or solid surface system. Basic acrylic conversions start around $3,500. Premium custom tile installations can reach $15,000 or more depending on bathroom size and design complexity.
BASIC ACRYLIC
$3,500 to $6,000
MID-RANGE
$6,000 to $9,000
PREMIUM
$9,000 to $15,000+
Cost by Material Type
Material choice is the biggest single factor in conversion cost. Here's what each material costs and what you get for the price.
Acrylic Shower Systems
$3,500 - $8,000
Pre-fabricated acrylic walls and shower base installed over the existing tub area. The most common conversion type because it's fast (1-2 day install), affordable, and easy to clean. Brands include Bath Fitter, BathWraps, and most franchise networks.
What's included
- Acrylic walls and base in standard color options
- 1 to 2 day installation
- Lifetime warranty on shell from major brands
- Standard glass door and basic fixtures
- Easy to clean, mildew-resistant surface
Solid Surface (Quartz, Cultured Marble)
$5,500 - $12,000
Engineered solid surface walls and base offering a more premium look than acrylic. Custom-fit to your bathroom dimensions. Used by Kohler LuxStone, premium Re-Bath installations, and high-end franchise installers. Better long-term durability than acrylic.
What's included
- Solid surface walls in stone-like patterns
- Custom dimensions and configurations
- 3 to 5 day installation
- Premium fixtures and frameless glass options
- Lifetime warranty common
Custom Tile Showers
$7,000 - $15,000+
Custom tile work over a waterproofed base. The most design flexibility and most premium appearance, but requires skilled labor and longer installation. Best for homeowners doing a full bathroom remodel or who want maximum aesthetic control. Cost varies significantly based on tile choice and complexity.
What's included
- Custom tile selection (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone)
- Waterproofed shower pan and walls
- 5 to 7 day installation, sometimes longer
- Premium fixtures and custom configurations
- Higher resale value in design-conscious markets
Accessibility-Focused Conversion
$5,000 - $11,000
Conversion designed for accessibility with curbless or low-threshold entry, built-in seating, and ADA-compliant features. Materials can be acrylic, solid surface, or tile. Cost depends more on bathroom modifications (especially floor slope work for curbless showers) than on materials.
What's included
- Curbless or low-threshold entry
- Built-in folding or fixed seat
- ADA-compliant grab bars at proper heights
- Slip-resistant flooring throughout
- Handheld and overhead shower options
What Affects Your Final Price
Six factors beyond material choice that move the final price up or down
Plumbing Modifications
If your existing drain is in the right place for the new shower, plumbing is straightforward. If the drain needs to be moved (common when going from a corner tub to a centered shower), expect $500 to $2,000 in additional plumbing work.
Bathroom Size and Layout
Standard tub footprints (60 inches by 30 inches) accept stock conversion systems easily. Non-standard sizes require custom-fit materials, which add 15 to 30 percent to material costs. Larger conversions (over 60 inches wide) may require premium pricing.
Curbless vs. Standard Entry
Curbless showers (no step over at all) require sloping the bathroom floor and additional waterproofing. This adds $1,500 to $3,500 versus a standard low-threshold installation. The accessibility benefit is significant; the cost is real.
Demolition and Disposal
Removing a fiberglass tub costs $200 to $500. Cast iron tubs cost $400 to $800 because of weight and disposal complexity. Tile surrounds may need partial demolition if they don't match the new shower system, adding $300 to $1,500.
Brand and Installer Type
Major franchise brands (Bath Fitter, Re-Bath, Kohler) typically cost 20 to 35 percent more than independent installers using equivalent materials. The premium covers franchise marketing, manufacturer warranty work, and faster install timelines. Independent tile contractors often cost more than franchises for premium tile work.
Local Labor Market
Florida and Texas labor markets typically run $50 to $80 per hour for licensed bathroom contractors. California and Northeast markets can run $100 to $150 per hour. Conversion installations require 16 to 40 labor hours depending on material and complexity.
Get Real Pricing for Your Bathroom
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Get My MatchIs the 'One-Day Install' Real?
Bath Fitter and similar franchise brands aggressively market 'one-day install' for their acrylic shower systems. The claim is mostly accurate, but worth understanding what it actually means.
What 'One-Day Install' Actually Includes
A one-day acrylic conversion includes: removing the existing tub, installing pre-measured acrylic walls and base directly over or in place of the existing tub footprint, connecting plumbing, and installing the new fixtures. The new system is typically usable within 24 hours after installation, allowing the sealants to cure properly.
What's Not Included in 'One Day'
The one-day timeline doesn't include the measurement and templating visit (separate appointment, usually 1 to 2 weeks before installation), permit acquisition, or any plumbing or electrical work that exceeds standard scope. If your project requires drain relocation or floor work, the timeline extends to 2 to 3 days.
When the Pitch Doesn't Apply
Custom tile, solid surface (Kohler LuxStone, etc.), and curbless conversions cannot be done in one day. These take 3 to 7 days regardless of the brand. If an installer promises one-day completion for tile or solid surface work, ask detailed questions about how they're achieving that timeline. Quality custom work takes time to do correctly.
How to Pay for a Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The most common ways homeowners fund conversion projects
Manufacturer or Dealer Financing
Major brands like Bath Fitter, Re-Bath, and Kohler offer financing through partners like Synchrony, GreenSky, or Wells Fargo. Promotional rates of 0 percent for 12 to 24 months are common.
- Often 0 percent promotional financing
- Approval typically same-day at point of sale
- No collateral required
- Higher rates after promotional period
- Smaller credit limits than home equity
Home Equity Loan or HELOC
Tap your home's equity for the lowest rates available. Especially common for homeowners combining the conversion with other home improvements.
- Lowest rates (currently 7 to 9 percent)
- Interest may be tax-deductible for home improvements
- Uses your home as collateral
- Approval takes 2 to 6 weeks
Personal Loan
Unsecured personal loans from credit unions or online lenders can fund a conversion without using your home as collateral. Rates and terms vary widely.
- No collateral required
- Fast approval (often 1 to 5 days)
- Fixed rate and predictable payments
- Higher rates than home equity (8 to 18 percent)
- Smaller loan amounts (usually under $25,000)
Credit Card Financing
Some homeowners use 0 percent intro APR cards to fund conversions, especially for smaller projects under $5,000.
- 0 percent introductory periods (usually 12 to 18 months)
- Fast access to funds
- May earn rewards points
- High rates after intro period (often 22 to 29 percent)
- Risk of carrying balance after promotional period ends
- Smaller credit limits
Insurance, Medicare, and Tax Considerations
Does Medicare Cover Tub-to-Shower Conversions?
Original Medicare does not cover tub-to-shower conversions because they're classified as home improvements rather than medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited home safety benefits that may partially cover accessibility-focused conversions, but coverage is usually capped at $500 to $1,500 and applies only to specific accessibility features.
Are Conversions Tax Deductible?
Tub-to-shower conversions may qualify as a medical expense deduction if prescribed by a doctor for a documented medical condition (such as arthritis or fall risk). Only the portion of cost that exceeds the home value increase is deductible. For most accessibility-focused conversions, this is a meaningful portion of the cost. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
VA Benefits for Veterans
Eligible veterans can use the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant for accessibility-focused conversions. Grants of up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities, $2,000 for non-service-connected. The conversion must be prescribed by a VA medical professional and meet specific accessibility standards.
This information is general guidance, not financial or legal advice. Consult a tax professional, financial advisor, or insurance specialist for advice specific to your situation.
How to Get Accurate Pricing for Your Project
Online price ranges are estimates. Here's how to get real numbers for your specific bathroom.
Decide on Material First
Material is the biggest single price driver. Acrylic is fastest and cheapest, solid surface is mid-range, custom tile is most expensive and most flexible. Decide your material preference before getting estimates so you're comparing apples to apples between installers.
Document Your Bathroom
Measure your existing tub (length, width, depth). Photograph the bathroom from multiple angles, including the plumbing wall. Note your floor and wall conditions. This information helps installers give accurate estimates without multiple in-home visits.
Compare 3 Estimates From Vetted Installers
Conversion pricing varies by 25 to 50 percent between installers in the same metro for the same job. Compare estimates from at least 3 vetted installers before deciding. Take our 60-second matching quiz to get connected with up to 3 local installers.
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Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost FAQ
Common questions about pricing