Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower is one of the most requested bathroom changes we see. It is often the right choice — but not always. The answer depends on who uses the bathroom and how many bathrooms the house has.
Why People Choose a Walk-In Shower
- More usable space in a small bathroom
- Easier to step into — no high tub wall
- Larger, more comfortable shower area
- A modern look with a glass panel and tile to the ceiling
- Room for a bench and a niche
Reasons to Keep a Tub
- Young children who need baths
- It is the only tub in the house — many buyers with families look for one
- You actually use it for soaking
A common compromise: convert the primary bathroom to a walk-in shower and keep a tub in the hall bathroom.
Curbless or Low-Curb
A curbless shower — level with the bathroom floor — is the most accessible and looks clean, but it needs the floor recessed or built up so water drains properly, which adds cost. A low curb is simpler and still easy to step over.
What Makes a Shower Last
- A continuous waterproofing membrane behind the tile and under the floor
- The pan sloped correctly to the drain
- A flood test before tile goes on
- A properly sized exhaust fan to remove moisture
Costs
A tub-to-shower conversion is usually less than a full bathroom remodel because the rest of the room can stay. Costs rise with curbless construction, frameless glass and tile complexity. A written price after a site visit tells you exactly where your project lands.
More on our shower remodels and tub-to-shower conversions.
Design Details That Make a Walk-In Shower Better
- A recessed niche for bottles instead of a corner caddy
- A bench — built-in or a fold-down seat
- A handheld shower on a slide bar, useful for cleaning and seated showering
- A linear drain, which allows larger floor tiles and a single-direction slope
- Controls placed so you can turn the water on without getting wet
What a Conversion Involves
- Removing the tub and wall finishes
- Inspecting and repairing framing and subfloor
- Moving the drain and installing a new valve
- Building and waterproofing the shower pan and walls
- Flood testing and inspection
- Tile, glass and fixtures
Because the drain and valve change, the work usually needs a permit, which includes an inspection of the plumbing before it is covered.
Not sure where to start? Send a few photos with the estimate form — we can often price a job from them, and we reply within 3–6 business hours.
Common Questions
Will removing my only bathtub hurt resale?
In homes likely to be bought by families with young children, having at least one tub is often valued. If you have more than one bathroom, converting one tub to a shower is usually not an issue.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
Construction typically takes a few weeks, including waterproofing, inspection, tile and glass. Glass is measured after the tile is complete, which adds some time at the end.
Do I need a permit to replace a tub with a shower?
Usually yes, because the drain and the valve change. The permit includes inspections that check the plumbing and, in many cities, the shower pan before tile.
