Why people convert
A standard tub takes up about 5 feet of wall and gets climbed over every day by people who never take a bath. A walk-in shower in the same space is easier to step into, easier to clean and, with a glass panel or door, makes a small room feel larger. Conversions are one of the most common requests in older houses around Croton, where the original bathroom often has a built-in cast iron tub.
Prefab base or tiled shower
The low end of the cost range is a prefabricated shower base with acrylic or solid surface wall panels. It goes in quickly and has few seams. The high end is a fully tiled shower with a waterproof membrane, a tiled or linear drain, a built-in niche and frameless glass. Tile gives you more choice of size and look but takes more labor.
Between those, there are many options: a solid surface base with tiled walls, a low curb or a curbless entry, sliding or hinged doors. Tell the contractor how the shower will be used and by whom, and they can suggest what fits.
- Prefab base and wall panels: fastest and usually least expensive
- Tiled shower with membrane: more labor, more choice
- Low-curb or curbless entry: easiest to step into, needs careful floor work
- Glass: framed, semi-frameless or frameless, each at a different price
What happens to the old tub
Cast iron tubs are heavy, often 300 pounds or more, and usually get broken up in place to remove them. Steel and acrylic tubs come out in one piece. Once the tub is out, the contractor checks the floor framing and moves or resizes the drain for a shower, which needs a different drain than a tub. Shower valves are often replaced at the same time, since many older valves lack the anti-scald protection newer ones have.
Before you remove the last tub
If this is the only tub in the house, think it through. Families with small children often want one, and some buyers look for at least one tub. If you have a second bathroom with a tub, converting the one you use daily is an easy decision. If not, a tub with a good shower over it may be the better choice for now.
How to send a request
Use the estimate form and choose tub to shower conversion. Tell us the town, the size of the current tub alcove if you know it, and if you want glass or a curtain. We pass your request to a local bathroom contractor who will contact you to measure and price it.
Typical conversion costs
National ranges from Fixr. Not quotes.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Tub to shower conversion, including tub removal | about $1,200 to $10,000 |
| Shower or tub fixture, installed | about $1,500 to $4,500 |
Rounded national averages from Fixr, not quotes. Tiled showers, frameless glass and curbless entries push toward the top of the range.
Sources: Fixr, bathroom remodel
Questions homeowners ask
How much does it cost to turn a tub into a shower?
Fixr puts most conversions at about $1,200 to $10,000, including taking out the tub. Prefab bases and panels sit at the low end. Fully tiled showers with glass sit at the high end.
Will removing my only tub hurt resale?
It can matter to some buyers, especially families with young children. If you have a tub elsewhere in the house, it is rarely an issue.
Can a cast iron tub be removed without damaging the room?
Usually yes. Contractors often break a cast iron tub into pieces in place, then carry it out. The surrounding tile is normally being replaced anyway in a conversion.
How long does a conversion take?
A prefab conversion can be done in a few days. A tiled shower takes longer because the waterproofing, tile and grout need time, and glass is usually measured after tile is set.
Other services
Bathroom remodeling
Full and partial remodels, from new fixtures to a gut renovation.
Bathroom tile
New floor tile, shower walls and tub surrounds.
Vanity installation
New vanities, tops, sinks and faucets.
Accessible bathrooms
Grab bars, low-threshold showers and safer layouts.
Small bathroom and powder room updates
Half baths, powder rooms and quick refreshes.