Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Denver Metro (2026 Guide)
Are you tired of stepping over a high, outdated bathtub wall just to take a shower every morning? You are not alone.
One of the most requested projects for our bathroom remodeling Denver CO teams is the classic tub to shower conversion Denver. Many homeowners in the Denver Metro realize they simply never use their bathtubs, preferring the safety, accessibility, and sleek aesthetic of a modern walk-in shower.
But before you begin tearing out that old fiberglass tub, you need to know what to budget. In this 2026 guide, we are breaking down exactly what a bath to shower conversion cost looks like in the Denver area, from budget-friendly acrylic options to luxury custom tile.
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Average Tub to Shower Conversion Cost Denver
The total cost to remove a bathtub and install a shower in Denver depends heavily on the materials you choose and what happens to the plumbing beneath the floor. Here are the realistic price ranges for 2026:
| Project Type | Average Cost (2026) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Acrylic Conversion | $8,000 — $12,000 | Tub demo, plumbing drain upgrade, prefabricated acrylic shower pan and wall surrounds, basic sliding glass door. |
| Custom Tile Walk-In Shower | $12,000 — $18,000 | Tub demo, Schluter waterproofing system, custom tile pan and walls, recessed niche, heavy frameless glass enclosure. |
| Luxury Spa Shower Expansion | $18,000 — $25,000+ | Expanding footprint, relocating drains, custom mosaic tile, rain shower head, handheld wand, built-in bench, premium frameless glass. |
Code Requirement Warning
A proper bathtub to shower conversion Denver requires a plumbing update. Building codes dictate that standard bathtubs use a 1.5-inch drain pipe, but showers require a 2-inch drain pipe to handle the water flow without a tub basin to catch it. Your contractor must open the floor to upgrade this pipe.
Deep Dive: Walk-In Shower Installation Cost Denver
1. The Budget-Friendly Route (Acrylic / Fiberglass)
If your primary goal is functionality and keeping your tub replacement cost Denver as low as possible, prefabricated acrylic is the answer. A one-piece or multi-piece acrylic shower pan and surround is entirely waterproof, requires no grout (meaning no scrubbing mildew), and installs very quickly. You can expect this shower conversion cost to stay in the $8,000 to $12,000 range.
2. The Premium Route (Custom Tile)
If you want a highly customized, luxury look, you will be looking at a custom tile shower installation Denver CO.
A tiled walk-in shower conversion Denver requires immense skill. Your contractor must perfectly slope the shower pan to the drain (a "mud bed" or a prefabricated foam slope like Schluter), apply a watertight membrane over every inch of the wet area, and painstakingly lay the tile and grout. Because of this specialized labor and the cost of the tile itself, expect a custom tile tub to shower remodel Denver to cost between $12,000 and $18,000.
What Else Impacts the Tub to Shower Conversion Cost?
Moving the Plumbing
If we can install your new shower drain in the exact same spot as the old bathtub drain, you will save a significant amount of money in plumbing labor. If you want to move the shower to the opposite side of the room, the plumber will have to reroute water supply lines and drain pipes through the subfloor and wall studs, adding thousands to the final bill.
Frameless Glass Enclosures
Shower curtains are out; heavy glass is in. While a standard sliding glass door with an aluminum frame might cost $600 to $900 installed, a custom 3/8-inch thick heavy frameless glass enclosure requires custom measuring, tempering, and professional installation. These luxury doors alone can add $1,500 to $2,500 to your walk-in shower installation cost Denver.
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We provide detailed, written estimates for your walk-in shower conversion that include all materials, labor, and required permits.
Is a Bath to Shower Conversion Worth It?
Absolutely. If you are worried about home resale value, the general rule of thumb in real estate is that a home should retain at least one bathtub (usually in a hallway or guest bathroom) for families with small children.
However, if you are considering converting the tub in your master bathroom into a large, luxurious walk-in shower, do it. Buyers in the Denver Metro market strongly prefer sprawling, spa-like master showers over cramped tub/shower combos. It is considered one of the highest ROI projects in bathroom remodeling.
How to Save Money on Your Shower Conversion
- Keep the Drain Where It Is: Avoid moving plumbing lines to save on labor.
- Use Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tile mimics the high-end look of natural stone (like marble or travertine) but is cheaper, more durable, and completely waterproof.
- Skip the Niche: Built-in recessed wall niches are beautiful, but they require extra framing and tedious tile work. Opting for corner shelves is much more cost-effective.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tub to shower conversion cost in Denver?
A standard tub to shower conversion cost Denver typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. This includes demolition, upgrading the plumbing drain to 2 inches, and installing a new shower pan and surround.
What is the walk-in shower installation cost Denver?
For a completely custom tiled walk-in shower installation cost Denver, expect to pay between $12,000 and $20,000. This higher price point includes premium porcelain tile, Schluter waterproofing, and heavy frameless glass doors.
Is a bath to shower conversion worth the cost?
Yes, especially if you rarely use your bathtub. A bath to shower conversion cost is easily offset by the daily convenience, improved safety (no stepping over high tub walls), and the high ROI it brings when selling a home in the Denver Metro.
Do I need a building permit for a bathtub to shower conversion Denver?
Yes, because converting a tub to a shower requires modifying the plumbing drain line (code requires a larger 2-inch drain for showers), a plumbing permit is required in Denver and surrounding municipalities.
Can I convert my tub to a walk-in shower Denver without moving plumbing?
Usually, yes. By placing the new shower drain in the same location as the old tub drain, you minimize plumbing work, keeping the overall shower conversion cost much lower.
How long does a tub replacement cost Denver project take?
A standard tub-to-shower remodel Denver takes about 1 to 2 weeks from demolition to final glass installation.
What is the cheapest way to do a tub to shower conversion?
The most budget-friendly bathtub to shower conversion Denver involves using a high-quality prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass shower pan and wall surround, rather than custom tile.
Will removing my only bathtub hurt my home's resale value?
Real estate experts generally recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the house for families with small children. If it is your only tub, consider carefully. If you have another tub in the house, converting your master tub is highly recommended.
What factors increase the tub to shower conversion cost Denver?
Moving the drain location, opting for custom tile over acrylic pans, adding built-in shower niches, and installing multiple shower heads (like a rain head and handheld wand) will increase the total price.
How do I get an accurate tub to shower remodel Denver estimate?
Schedule a free in-home consultation. We will assess your existing plumbing, subfloor, and design goals to provide a firm, itemized quote.
Related Reading
- Walk-in Shower vs Tub Conversion: Which Adds More Value?
- What to Expect During a Bathroom Remodel in Lakewood, CO
- Bathroom Remodel Cost in Denver, CO (2026 Complete Guide)