Cost to Replace a Tub With a Shower – 2021

| Last Updated: August 24, 2021

National Average Improvement and Repair Cost

Pro

DIY

Hours:

24.3

40

Cost:

$ 2800

$ 1320

Would you do this project? According to our survey, 31% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.

The average price to Replace a Tub With a Shower noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

Remodeling a bathroom and want to know how much it costs to replace a bathtub with a shower? For a tub to shower conversion, a contractor charges $2,800 to create a new shower from an existing tub. A very handy homeowner can make the switch for $1,320.

When kids move out the extra bathroom can go unused, but you can convert it to a nice big standalone shower stall with a shower receptor and create a convenient shower unit designed to fit into the alcove of an old stepover bathtub.

A bathroom remodel with a walk-in shower is barrier-free and ideal for anyone with limited mobility, kids, even bathing a large dog, so there are many good reasons for converting a tub to a shower.

The Sterling Ensemble shower receptor is a base that fits into a standard 5-foot bath alcove space, and it comes in both left and right drain configurations. The receptor measures 60 inches by 30 inches and installs directly into a wall stud pocket at the subfloor.

To prevent pooling water, it is molded with a slight draft toward the drain. To complete the project, install tile or a solid surface on the three surrounding walls to create a comfortable walk-in shower.

Compare the costs: A plumber will charge $2,800 to remove the old bathtub and fixtures and install new receptor and wall surfaces. The cost will be considerably more if you decide to upgrade the enclosure material to a solid surface or ceramic tile.

If you have tools and experience with carpentry and plumbing projects, you can dismantle and remove the old bathtub and fixtures, and buy the receptor and wall surround kit for $1,320 and install it. You’ll find them at bath and home centers.

For inspiration and ideas go to Pinterest Tub to Shower Conversions.

The average price to replace a tub with a shower noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself. 

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.