Project Snapshot
The goal was simple: remove an outdated tub and turn the space into a modern walk-in shower. The real value came from the prep work behind the finished tile.
The Starting Point
"The tub is outdated, hard to use, and doesn’t match what we want anymore. We want a cleaner shower that feels modern."
This is one of the most common bathroom upgrades homeowners ask for. A tub takes up space, can be harder to step into, and often makes the bathroom feel older than it is. A walk-in shower gives the room a cleaner, more useful layout.
Before: old yellow tub, dated tile, and a layout ready for a cleaner walk-in shower.
Demo: Opening the Space
The tub and surround came out first. Once the area was opened, we could rebuild the shower bay properly instead of trying to dress up an old system.
Demo phase: tub removed, walls opened, and the old surround cleared out for the new shower build.
Framing and layout work: the shower area was opened and rebuilt to support the new walk-in shower system.
Prep Work: The Part That Matters Most
The finished shower is what everyone sees, but the prep is what determines whether the project lasts. For this conversion, the walls were rebuilt with cement board, niches were framed, and the shower was prepared for waterproofing and tile.
- Old tub surrounds are not a proper base for a new shower — the area needs to be opened and rebuilt correctly.
- Wet areas need the right substrate — cement board and proper prep protect the finished tile installation.
- Niches need careful layout — they have to look good, drain properly, and be integrated into the tile design.
- Tile showers are only as good as what is behind them — this is where quality matters.
Backer board installed: the shower walls were rebuilt with cement board before tile went in.
Niche and prep detail: storage was built into the shower while keeping the system ready for a proper tile install.
Custom Tile Installation
Large-format wall tile gave the shower a modern look and reduced visual clutter. Built-in niches added function without needing hanging racks or bulky corner shelves.
Tile installation in progress: large-format tile around the window and custom niche layout.
Progress view: the shower starts to take shape as tile wraps the walls and window area.
Finished view: modern walk-in shower with glass enclosure, rainfall shower head, and clean tile walls.
Cost Reality: What a Tub to Shower Conversion Can Run
Costs depend on demo, plumbing adjustments, wall prep, tile choice, glass, and finish level. This type of project is not just replacing a tub — it is building a new shower system.
| Scope Area | Typical Range | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Demo and tub removal | $1,000–$2,500 | Remove tub, tile surround, debris, and open the space |
| Framing / prep / substrate | $1,500–$4,000 | Rebuild walls, install cement board, prep niches and shower area |
| Plumbing adjustments | $1,000–$2,500+ | Licensed plumbing work when valves, drains, or fixtures need changes |
| Tile and installation | $5,000–$10,000+ | Large format tile, niches, layout, setting, grout, finish work |
| Glass and fixtures | $2,000–$4,000+ | Sliding glass, shower head, trim kit, hardware |
| Realistic total range | $12,000–$20,000+ | Depends on materials, glass, layout, and required adjustments |
A tub-to-shower conversion is not just a swap.
It is a full shower rebuild.
The finished glass and tile sell the look. The framing, substrate, prep, and waterproofing are what make it last.
The Finished Result
The old tub was gone. In its place: a clean, modern shower with a white pan, custom tile walls, built-in niches, glass enclosure, and updated fixtures.
Finished tub-to-shower conversion: this is the main featured image for the case study hub.
Final detail view: custom tile, glass enclosure, rain head, hand wand, and clean finished layout.
The Outcome
- Outdated tub removed and replaced with a modern walk-in shower
- Shower area opened, reframed, and prepped correctly
- Cement board installed behind the tile
- Built-in niches added for clean storage
- Custom tile and glass created a cleaner, more useful bathroom
Thinking About Replacing a Tub With a Shower?
Devco Construction can help you understand what is involved, what it may cost, and what needs to happen behind the finished tile.