At a glance

Who
Homeowners replacing a bathtub with a shower.
What
$2,000 to $12,000 overall in a national 2026 guide. We have no verified Florida figure.
When
Price it before you pick a shower type, because type sets most of the range.
Where
National figures. Your price depends on your bathroom, and we quote after a visit.
Why
It stops a national number from becoming your expectation.

The short answer

A tub-to-shower conversion costs $2,000 to $12,000 in This Old House's 2026 national guide. That guide draws on a survey of 1,000 US homeowners and on Homewyse and Home Depot pricing. These are national figures. We did not find a verified Florida or South Atlantic number for this project, so treat them as a starting point, not a local price.

Cost by type of shower

This Old House gives these ranges for the new shower, by type.

National figures, This Old House 2026 guide
Type of showerCost range
Prefabricated stall$2,000 to $6,000
Walk-in$5,000 to $12,000
Tile$6,000 to $12,000
Curbless$8,000 to $15,000

A prefabricated stall is a ready-made unit. A tiled shower is built in place. A curbless shower has no step at the entry. We cover that last one on its own page, curbless shower cost.

This Old House's separate walk-in shower guide gives different numbers for some of these, so expect sources to disagree. That is normal for a project that varies this much.

Want a price for your tub-to-shower conversion?

Leave your name and number. We call back by the next business day to set up a free in-home visit and a written estimate.

Prefer to talk now? Call or text (941) 284-2218.

Add-ons that raise the price

The same guide lists three jobs that often come with a conversion:

  • Moving the drain: $900 to $1,100.
  • Installing or upgrading the shower valve: $700 to $1,200.
  • Removing and disposing of the old tub: $300 to $1,200.

Safety add-ons are priced there too. Grab bars run $150 to $500 each, and a fold-down shower seat runs $300 to $800. For more on those, see universal design bathroom cost.

What decides your number

A national range cannot know your house. On a visit we look at:

  • Which type of shower you want.
  • Whether the drain has to move, and what is behind the wall and under the floor.
  • The size of the opening where the tub sits now.
  • Tile, glass and fixture choices.
  • Whether you want grab bars, a seat or an entry without a step.

In an older home, what we find behind the walls can change the plan. A cushion in your budget helps. See how to budget for a remodel.

What we could not confirm

We could not verify a Florida cost for this project. We also did not find a verified price for a one-day liner system compared with a full tile conversion, because the figures we found cover different scopes. If you see a very low price online, ask exactly what it includes.

For permit rules on bathroom work, read do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Florida.

How to read a conversion quote

A good written estimate separates the pieces so you can compare. Look for a line or a note on each of these:

  • Removal and disposal of the old tub.
  • The shower type and its size.
  • The valve, and whether it is new or upgraded.
  • Whether the drain moves.
  • Tile, glass and fixtures.
  • Grab bars, a seat or a step-free entry.
  • Permits and inspections.

If a number is much lower than the others, check which of these it leaves out. For help comparing, read how to compare remodeling estimates.

Choosing a type of shower

Price is one factor. A prefabricated stall is the lowest in the national guide. A tiled shower gives you more control over the look. A walk-in or curbless design is easier to enter. Our guides on tile shower vs acrylic surround and walk-in shower vs bathtub compare them in more detail.

One question belongs to you alone: do you want a tub left anywhere in the house? Decide before you demolish the one you have.

How Hildebrand handles tub-to-shower conversions

Tub-to-shower conversions are part of our bathroom remodels. We price each one after a free in-home visit, with a written estimate and no trip fee. Plumbing and electrical are done by licensed trade partners that we manage and coordinate, under one licensed contractor. We pull the required permits and meet Florida Building Code inspections. The price does not change without your written approval.

We serve Manatee and Sarasota counties and south Hillsborough, including Bradenton. Call or text (941) 284-2218.

Questions homeowners ask

How much does it cost to convert a tub to a shower?

This Old House's 2026 national guide gives $2,000 to $12,000. Prefab stalls are at the low end and curbless showers are at the high end. We quote local jobs after a visit.

What costs extra in a tub-to-shower conversion?

The same guide lists moving the drain ($900 to $1,100), a new or upgraded valve ($700 to $1,200) and tub removal and disposal ($300 to $1,200). These are national figures.

Is a tub-to-shower conversion cheaper than a full bathroom remodel?

It is a smaller project. We did not find a verified Florida figure for either one that compares like for like, so ask for a written estimate that lists each item.

Do grab bars and a shower seat cost extra?

Yes. This Old House gives $150 to $500 per grab bar and $300 to $800 for a fold-down seat, installed. Those are national figures.

Get a written estimate for your shower conversion

Free in-home consultation and written estimate from a Florida licensed contractor serving Manatee County, Sarasota County and south Hillsborough.

Sources