Tub to Walk-In Shower Conversion: What It Costs and What to Expect

# Tub to Walk-In Shower Conversion: What It Costs and What to Expect If you have a bathtub in your primary bathroom that you have not used in years, you are not alone. The most common bathroom renovation request we receive in Rockland County is converting an existing bathtub alcove into a full walk-in shower. This guide covers everything you need to know before starting. ## What Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion? A tub-to-shower conversion removes your existing bathtub and converts the space — typically a 60-inch alcove — into a walk-in shower. In a full conversion, this includes: - Removing the existing tub and tile surround - Waterproofing the shower walls and floor with a membrane system - Installing new backer board and cement board substrate - Setting tile on walls, floor, and any bench or niche - Installing a linear or center drain - Framing and installing a frameless glass enclosure - Installing a new shower valve, head, and handheld unit - Replacing the vanity, toilet, and flooring if doing a complete bathroom renovation at the same time ## How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Rockland County? **Basic conversion (tile, standard glass, basic fixtures):** $18,000–$24,000 New tile surround, prefabricated shower pan or custom tile floor with linear drain, framed glass door, and standard Moen or Delta shower valve. **Mid-range conversion (full custom tile, frameless glass):** $24,000–$35,000 Custom tile walls and floor, built-in niche, bench, frameless heavy glass enclosure, thermostatic valve with volume controls, and designer showerhead. Most popular scope for primary bathrooms. **Luxury conversion (designer tile, steam, body sprays):** $35,000–$55,000 Book-matched stone tile, steam generator, multi-function valve with body sprays, ceiling rainfall head, custom glass, and LED lighting. Often combined with full primary bathroom renovation. These prices include all labor, tile, waterproofing, glass, and fixtures. The surrounding bathroom (vanity, toilet, flooring) is typically done at the same time and costs additional. ## The Most Important Part: Waterproofing This is where cheap conversions fail. A properly waterproofed shower uses a full membrane system — not just cement board — applied to every surface before tile is set. We use Schluter Kerdi or similar systems on all shower installations. Cement board alone is not waterproof; it slows water penetration but does not stop it, which leads to mold and substrate failure within 3–7 years. A properly waterproofed shower will not leak for the life of the tile — typically 20–30+ years. ## Drain Options for Walk-In Showers **Center drain with traditional tile floor:** The classic approach. Works well with a sloped tile floor that pitches to a center or corner drain. Lower cost, excellent durability. **Linear drain:** A recessed channel along one wall or the entry of the shower. Allows a fully flat floor tile with a single edge slope. Creates a very clean, contemporary look. Adds $500–$1,200 to cost. **Barrier-free (curbless) entry:** No step between the bathroom floor and shower floor. Requires a recessed shower floor pan or special substrate system to create proper slope. Adds $800–$2,000 depending on the floor construction. Popular for accessibility and for the open-plan aesthetic. ## How Long Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Take? In our experience with Rockland County homes, a tub-to-shower conversion as part of a full bathroom renovation takes 3–5 weeks from demo to final walk-through. The breakdown: - Day 1–2: Demo (tub removal, tile removal, substrate inspection) - Day 3–5: Plumbing rough-in changes (drain relocation if needed, valve installation) - Day 6–8: Waterproofing and backer board installation - Day 9–16: Tile setting, grouting, and curing time - Day 17–20: Glass enclosure template, fabrication (7–10 days off-site), and installation - Day 21–25: Vanity installation, fixture trim, flooring, punch list ## Do I Need a Permit for a Tub-to-Shower Conversion? In Rockland County, a tub-to-shower conversion that involves moving or modifying plumbing (changing drain location, replacing the shower valve) requires a building permit from your town's building department. We file all permits as the licensed contractor of record. A permit is not typically required if the conversion uses the existing drain location and valve rough-in. ## What to Look for When Hiring a Contractor Ask any contractor you consider about their waterproofing method. If they cannot describe their specific waterproofing system (Schluter Kerdi, WEDI, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or similar), move on. Cement board only is not a waterproofing system. Ask for proof of license (NY State Home Improvement Contractor or equivalent) and current certificate of insurance. Ask to see photos of completed tile shower installations, specifically the niche, bench, and linear drain — these details reveal the quality of the tile setter. We are happy to show you completed projects in our photo gallery and provide references from homeowners in your town.