A tub-to-shower conversion replaces a bathtub, or a tub-shower combo, with a walk-in shower in the same space. In San Antonio, our tub-to-shower conversions typically start at $9,000 for the tub area, before a custom glass door. A turnkey conversion with a custom glass door starts at $12,000. Most projects begin within 7–10 business days after ordering. It is worth it when nobody in the house uses the tub and the shower is the fixture you fight with every day.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it?
| Convert if | Keep a tub if |
|---|---|
| Nobody has used the tub in years | It is the only tub in the house and you have young children |
| Stepping over the tub wall is getting harder | Someone in the home uses the tub regularly |
| The tub takes the best wall in the room | You plan to sell soon and want to appeal to families with young children |
| You want a bench, a handheld shower, or room for two | The budget only covers a surface refresh |
The simplest test: if the house has another tub, the case for converting this one gets much stronger.
What it costs
Where your project lands above $12,000 depends on four things:
- Size: building inside the old tub footprint costs less than enlarging the shower. A larger two-person shower with dual heads costs more.
- Tile: standard porcelain costs less than natural stone or large porcelain panels, and simple layouts cost less than mosaics and patterns.
- Glass: the $12,000 turnkey price includes a custom glass door, which is optional. A single fixed panel costs less than frameless glass with several panels.
- Plumbing: a simple fixture setup with the drain in the same spot costs less than a more complex fixture setup, a moved drain, or a recessed floor for a curbless entry.
For a full breakdown, see our walk-in shower cost guide.
What changes in the plumbing
A shower drain often needs a larger pipe than a tub drain. In a San Antonio home built on a concrete slab, the drain lines run under the concrete, so a 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. A second-floor bathroom still needs the new shower drain set up, but without trenching concrete. That is why we check where the existing drain and valve sit before we price the job.
Do you need a permit?
Yes, when the work changes plumbing, electrical, or structure, and permit approval is one of the things that sets the timeline. We pull the permits for you.
How long it takes
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Consultation and measure | We check the drain, valve, and walls, and you choose tile, fixtures, and the layout |
| Order and permit | Materials ordered, and the permit pulled where the plumbing changes |
| Demolition and plumbing | Tub out, drain and valve reworked as needed, inspected where a permit applies, then the slab patched |
| Waterproofing and tile | Backer board, shower pan, and waterproof membrane, then wall and floor tile |
| Glass and finish | If you choose a custom glass door, it is measured after the tile is finished and goes in last |
A tub-to-shower conversion can take as little as 7 business days of work, and 1.5–2 weeks at most. Before work starts, you get a clear timeline, so you know which days the bathroom is out of use. For a full remodel, see our bathroom remodel timeline.
Planning for aging in place and special needs
A conversion is a good time to make the shower safer for the years ahead, even if nobody needs it today:
- Low or curbless entry: no tub wall to step over, and room for a walker or shower chair.
- Grab bar backing: solid blocking in the walls now, so grab bars can go in later without opening the tile.
- Handheld shower on a slide bar: usable seated or standing.
- Built-in bench: a place to sit while washing.
- Slip-resistant floor: a small mosaic floor gives more grip underfoot where the floor gets wet.
- Controls you can reach from the bench: place the valve so it can be used without standing under the water.
These choices fit the way we plan every bathroom: will this room still work for you in 5–15 years?
Common tub-to-shower mistakes
- Converting the only tub in the house. Think about resale to families first.
- Treating the drain as a small detail. On a slab, it is concrete work.
- Skipping the grab bar backing. It costs little during the build and a lot after the tile is up.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in San Antonio?
In San Antonio, our tub-to-shower conversions typically start at $9,000 for the tub area, before a custom glass door. A turnkey conversion with a custom glass door starts at $12,000. Size, tile, glass, and the plumbing setup decide where your project lands above those starting prices.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
A tub-to-shower conversion can take as little as 7 business days of work, and 1.5–2 weeks at most. You get a clear timeline before work starts, covering demolition and plumbing, waterproofing and tile, then the glass door, if you choose one. Most projects begin within 7–10 business days after ordering.
Do I need a permit to convert a tub to a shower?
Yes, when the plumbing changes. A conversion that changes the drain or valve needs one. We pull the permits for you.
Can I convert a tub to a shower for an elderly parent?
Yes. Ask for a low or curbless entry, grab bar backing, a handheld shower, and a built-in bench, so the shower works now and later.
What happens next
- Book a free design consultation, or schedule an in-home measurement.
- We measure and check where the existing drain and valve sit.
- You choose tile, fixtures, and the design layout with a designer.
- You get a clear, customized estimate before work starts, and installation is backed by a one-year labor warranty.
See our bathroom remodeling service or contact us. We serve San Antonio, including Stone Oak and Encino Ranch, and the surrounding areas, such as 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.
