Updated July 5, 2026 · 7 min read
A tub-to-shower conversion reuses the tub's existing footprint and, usually, its existing plumbing — which is exactly why it tends to be one of the more affordable bathroom projects. But "affordable" still spans a wide range: a simple prefab stall swap and a fully custom tiled, curbless conversion can differ by tens of thousands of dollars.
This guide gathers cited 2026 figures from This Old House and a 2024 Bob Vila breakdown to show what drives a conversion's cost from the low end to the high end, plus the specific plumbing and glass line items that add up. We also state Boise Bath's own published range for the Treasure Valley.
Key takeaways
- This Old House (2026) prices tub-to-shower conversions nationally at $2,000–$12,000, depending on shower type; Bob Vila (2024) prices a basic swap specifically at $1,200–$3,600.
- Cost tiers by type: prefab stall $2,000–$6,000, walk-in shower $5,000–$12,000, tile shower $6,000–$12,000, curbless $8,000–$15,000 (This Old House, 2026).
- Plumbing changes (moving a drain line, relocating supply lines) and glass choice (framed vs. frameless vs. custom) are the line items most likely to move your total.
- Boise Bath's published range for a Tub-to-Shower Conversion is $8,000–$15,000, reflecting a tiled surround and glass enclosure as standard rather than a prefab kit.
The short answer
This Old House (2026) prices a tub-to-shower conversion at $2,000–$12,000 nationally, depending on the type of shower installed and how much plumbing work is involved. Bob Vila's 2024 shower-remodel breakdown narrows a straightforward bathtub-to-shower conversion specifically to $1,200–$3,600 — a tighter range that reflects a simpler, same-footprint swap without a full custom build.
The two figures aren't contradictory; they describe different scopes. The type of shower you install inside the old tub footprint is what separates them, which is why we break that out next.
Cost by conversion type
This Old House (2026) breaks a tub-to-shower conversion into four tiers based on what replaces the tub.
| Conversion type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Prefabricated shower stall | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Walk-in shower (same footprint) | $5,000–$12,000 |
| Tile shower | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Curbless / zero-threshold shower | $8,000–$15,000 |
Source: This Old House (2026). A basic bathtub-to-shower swap without a custom build runs lower — Bob Vila (2024) puts that narrower scope at $1,200–$3,600.
Plumbing and glass line items
Beyond the shower type itself, two categories of line items move a conversion up or down within its tier: plumbing work and the glass enclosure. This Old House (2026) breaks both out.
- Moving a drain line: $900–$1,100 (This Old House, 2026)
- Installing or upgrading the shower valve: $700–$1,200 (This Old House, 2026)
- Relocating supply lines: $700 or more, added on top (This Old House, 2026)
- Tub removal and disposal: $300–$1,200 (This Old House, 2026)
- Framed glass doors: $400–$1,200; frameless glass doors: $1,200–$3,000; custom glass enclosures: $3,000 or more (This Old House, 2026)
Boise Bath's published range
Boise Bath's own published range for a Tub-to-Shower Conversion is $8,000–$15,000, which lands in the walk-in-to-curbless portion of the national data above rather than the basic prefab-stall end — our conversions typically include a tiled surround and a glass enclosure rather than a prefab acrylic kit. For the fuller picture of what a bathroom project costs in the Treasure Valley, see our Boise bathroom remodel cost guide.
None of the sources above price conversions at the Boise or Idaho level specifically, so treat the national figures as the planning band and our published range as the local anchor. NerdWallet's 2026 general bathroom data (roughly $70–$250 per square foot) is consistent with this range once labor and materials are priced into a typical Treasure Valley tub footprint.
3-year workmanship warranty
Every tub-to-shower conversion we install is backed by a 3-year workmanship warranty, in addition to the manufacturer warranties on the tile, glass, and fixtures we install.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Boise?
- Boise Bath's published range for a Tub-to-Shower Conversion is $8,000–$15,000. For national context, This Old House (2026) prices conversions at $2,000–$12,000 depending on shower type, while Bob Vila (2024) prices a basic swap at $1,200–$3,600. Your final number depends on whether plumbing moves and what materials you choose.
- What is the cheapest way to convert a tub to a shower?
- A prefabricated shower stall installed in the existing tub footprint, without moving plumbing, is the least expensive path — This Old House (2026) prices this at $2,000–$6,000, and Bob Vila (2024) prices a basic conversion at $1,200–$3,600. Costs rise from there with tile, a curbless entry, or plumbing relocation.
- Does converting a tub to a shower require moving plumbing?
- Not always. If the shower stays in the same footprint and uses the existing drain and supply lines, no relocation is needed. If you want to reposition the drain or valve, This Old House (2026) prices moving a drain line at $900–$1,100 and installing or upgrading a shower valve at $700–$1,200, plus $700 or more if supply lines also need to move.
Sources
- This Old House — How Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost? (2026)
- Bob Vila — Shower Remodel Cost Guide (2024)
- NerdWallet — Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026
Claims and figures are drawn from the sources above and provided for general guidance; your project may vary. Photography is illustrative of design concepts. For a fixed price on your specific bathroom, request a free estimate.
