A walk-in shower remodel or tub-to-shower conversion in San Antonio typically costs from $10,000 and up. depending on size and materials. A shower rebuilt in its existing footprint with porcelain tile sits toward the lower end. An enlarged shower with stone tile, frameless glass, and new plumbing sits at the top.
It is tempting to price a walk-in shower by the glass door. Size, tile, and plumbing move the number far more.
What moves the cost of a walk-in shower
| Factor | Lower end of the range | Higher end of the range |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Fits the existing tub or shower footprint | Enlarged, or room for two |
| Tile material | Porcelain or ceramic | Natural stone or marble |
| Tile layout | Large tile, straight lay | Mosaic, patterns, floor to ceiling |
| Glass | Framed door or single fixed panel | Frameless, multiple panels |
| Waterproofing | Standard membrane on a curbed pan | Curbless entry, larger wet area |
| Plumbing | Drain and valve stay put | Drain moves or upsizes, new valve, dual heads |
| Extras | None | Bench, niches, linear drain |
| Permit | Usually not needed for a cosmetic refresh | 150–500 when plumbing changes |
1. Size: a major lever
A walk-in shower built inside the footprint of the old tub or shower keeps framing, waterproofing, and tile area to a minimum. Every added square foot adds all three. In one bathroom we remodeled, we removed a dated shower and tub combo and built a spacious two-sided shower with dual shower heads and room for two. Layouts like this push toward the top of the range.
2. Plumbing: what happens under a slab floor
In a home built on a concrete slab, the drain lines run under the concrete. A shower drain often needs a larger pipe than a tub drain, so a tub-to-shower conversion often means cutting and patching the slab even when the drain stays in the same spot. Moving the drain, or recessing the floor for a curbless entry, means more concrete work. It is a common hidden cost in a tub-to-shower conversion, and it is why the existing plumbing should be checked before the job is priced.
Changing plumbing also means a permit. San Antonio permit fees run from $600 and up depending on scope, and we pull the permits for you.
3. Tile material: porcelain versus stone
- Porcelain and ceramic: low maintenance and a popular choice for shower walls and floors. Porcelain is the denser of the two. See our tile selection.
- Natural stone and marble: distinctive veining and a high-end look, with more cost and more upkeep. In our Blue Shower Project, blue marble wall tile became the focal point of the bathroom.
Behind any tile sits the waterproofing layer, and it is not the place to save money. It is what keeps water out of the walls and the slab for years, and it is part of every custom tile shower price.
4. Tile layout: the hidden labor
Two showers with the same tile can be priced very differently because of layout. Mosaics, herringbone, and other patterns take more cuts and more hours per square foot, and floor-to-ceiling tile adds area. A mosaic shower floor still earns its cost because it adds grip underfoot.
5. Glass door options
- Framed door: a metal frame around the glass, usually the lowest-cost door.
- Fixed panel, no door: one glass panel for a true walk-in, when the shower is deep enough to keep water in.
- Frameless glass: thicker glass, minimal hardware, an open look, and fewer edges to clean.
- Sliding door: useful when there is no room for a swinging door.
Custom glass is measured after the tile is finished, so it is the last piece installed. Plan for a short wait at the end of the project while the glass is cut to fit.
Common walk-in shower budgeting mistakes
- Pricing the glass first. Size, tile, and plumbing decide where you land in the range.
- Assuming the drain is a small detail. On a slab foundation, a moved or upsized drain means concrete work.
- Doing the shower alone when the vanity and floor need work too. One team doing it all at once avoids paying for setup, demolition, and cleanup twice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a walk-in shower cost in San Antonio?
A walk-in shower remodel or tub-to-shower conversion typically starts from $6500 and up. A shower rebuilt in the same footprint with porcelain tile sits toward the low end. Enlarged showers with stone tile, frameless glass, and new plumbing sit at the top.
How much does it cost to redo a shower?
In the same footprint, with new tile and no plumbing moves, it usually lands in the lower to middle part of the range, starts from $8,000.
Is a tile shower more expensive than a prefab unit?
Yes. A custom tile shower costs more than a prefab kit because of waterproofing and tile labor, and it gives you full control over size, layout, and finish.
Do I need a permit for a walk-in shower?
You need a permit when the work changes plumbing, electrical, or structure. Permit fees in San Antonio starts from $500, and we pull them on your behalf.
How long does a walk-in shower remodel take?
Most projects begin within 7–10 business days after ordering. A complete bathroom remodel averages about 2 – 4 weeks, and the timeline for a shower depends on its scope.
What happens next
- Book a free design consultation at our showroom, 6739 Northwest Loop 410 #109, or schedule an in-home measurement.
- We measure the space and check where the existing drain and valve sit.
- You choose tile, glass, and fixtures with a designer.
- You get a clear, customized estimate before work starts, and installation is backed by a one-year labor warranty.
See the full bathroom remodeling service, the bathroom design guide, or contact us. We serve San Antonio, including Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Helotes, and Shavano Park.
New Generation Kitchen & Bath
Trusted Kitchen & Bath Remodeling in San Antonio
New Generation Kitchen & Bath is a full-service remodeling company with over 10 years of experience serving the greater San Antonio area. From complete kitchen remodels and custom cabinetry to bathroom renovations, we deliver quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and dependable service designed to bring your vision to life.
