Tub to Shower Conversion in Austin TX
Custom tile walk-in showers. Curbless conversions. Full waterproofing. Done right the first time.
Austin's Most Requested Bathroom Upgrade
Walk-in shower conversions are the single most requested bathroom upgrade in Austin homes right now. Homeowners are removing old, underused bathtubs and replacing them with custom tile showers that are easier to use, easier to clean, and significantly more attractive to buyers when it comes time to sell.
We've done hundreds of tub to shower conversions across Austin, Westlake, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and the surrounding Central Texas area. We know what works, what lasts, and what buyers in this market respond to.
Every conversion we do starts with proper waterproofing — not just cement board and a prayer. We use full membrane systems that protect your walls and subfloor for the life of the shower. That's the difference between a shower that looks great for 20 years and one that leaks into your subfloor in five.
Tub to Shower Conversion Cost in Austin TX
Pricing varies based on shower size, tile selection, curbless vs. standard, and whether plumbing needs to be relocated. Here are realistic ranges for Austin in 2026.
| Conversion Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Standard conversion — prefab pan, tile walls | $3,500 to $6,500 |
| Custom tile shower — standard curb | $6,000 to $10,000 |
| Curbless walk-in shower — custom tile | $8,000 to $14,000 |
| Curbless shower with bench and niche | $10,000 to $18,000 |
| Full master bath remodel with shower conversion | $18,000 to $45,000 |
All pricing includes labor, waterproofing, tile setting materials, grout, and caulk. Tile material cost is separate and varies by selection. Plumbing relocation is quoted separately if needed.
What's Included in Every Conversion
- Full demo and haul-off of existing tub and surround
- Subfloor inspection and repair as needed
- Full waterproofing membrane — walls and floor
- Shower pan or curbless floor construction
- Tile installation — walls and floor
- Built-in niche (optional, recommended)
- Bench or seat (optional)
- Grout, caulk, and sealing
- Shower valve and showerhead installation
- Glass door or frameless enclosure (optional)
- Final cleanup and walkthrough
Our Conversion Process
Every tub to shower conversion follows the same proven sequence. No shortcuts, no skipped steps.
Free In-Home Estimate
We visit the job site, measure the space, assess the existing plumbing and subfloor, and walk you through your tile and layout options. You get a written estimate before we leave.
Demo and Removal
We remove the existing tub, surround, and any damaged substrate. We inspect the subfloor and framing for moisture damage — common in Austin bathrooms with older tubs — and address any issues before building new.
Waterproofing System
This is the most important step. We install a full waterproofing membrane (Schluter Kerdi or equivalent) over the shower walls and floor before any tile goes down. Proper waterproofing is what separates a shower that lasts 20 years from one that leaks in five.
Tile Installation
We set the shower pan or build the curbless floor slope, then install wall tile from floor to ceiling. We use large-format tile with minimal grout lines for a clean, modern look. All work is done by experienced tile setters — not general laborers.
Grouting and Sealing
We grout all joints, caulk all corners and transitions with color-matched silicone (never grout in corners — it cracks), and seal the grout. Austin's hard water makes grout sealing especially important.
Fixtures and Finish
We install the shower valve, showerhead, glass door or frameless enclosure, niche trim, and any accessories. Final cleanup and walkthrough with you before we consider the job complete.
Serving All of Central Texas
We perform tub to shower conversions throughout the Austin metro and surrounding Central Texas area.
What Austin Homeowners Say
"We had a dated garden tub that nobody used. Capital City Flooring Austin converted it to a beautiful curbless tile shower. The waterproofing and tile work are flawless. We've had zero issues in two years."
Jennifer M.
Westlake Hills, TX
"From estimate to completion in 10 days. The team was professional, the tile work is excellent, and the price was fair. Our master bath looks completely different. Highly recommend."
Robert K.
Cedar Park, TX
"Dan walked us through every option and was honest about what would add value vs. what was unnecessary. We got a stunning walk-in shower for less than we expected. Great experience."
Sarah L.
South Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tub to shower conversion cost in Austin TX?
A tub to shower conversion in Austin TX typically costs $3,500 to $8,500 for a standard conversion with tile walls and a prefab shower pan. A custom tile shower conversion with a curbless entry, niche, and bench runs $7,000 to $18,000 depending on tile selection and size. The main cost drivers are tile choice, shower size, waterproofing system, and whether plumbing needs to be relocated.
How long does a tub to shower conversion take in Austin TX?
A standard tub to shower conversion in Austin takes 5 to 10 business days from demo to final cleanup. A custom tile shower with a curbless entry, built-in niche, and bench typically takes 10 to 15 business days. The tile work and waterproofing require cure time between steps, which is why the timeline is longer than it might seem.
Do I need a permit for a tub to shower conversion in Austin TX?
A permit is required in Austin if you are relocating the drain or moving plumbing supply lines. If the drain stays in the same location and no plumbing is moved, a permit is typically not required for a cosmetic conversion. Your contractor should confirm permit requirements based on the specific scope of work before starting.
What tile is best for a tub to shower conversion in Austin TX?
For Austin tub to shower conversions, large-format porcelain (12x24 or 24x48) is the most popular choice for shower walls — it's durable, easy to clean, and has fewer grout lines. For shower floors, a smaller mosaic tile (2x2 or 3x3) provides better slip resistance and drainage. Avoid natural stone in showers without proper sealing, as Austin's hard water can stain unsealed stone quickly.
Does a tub to shower conversion add value to an Austin home?
Yes, in most Austin homes. Homes with at least one bathtub are preferred by buyers with young children, so if you are converting the only tub in the home, it can affect resale. If the home has a second bathroom with a tub, converting the master bathroom tub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular and well-received upgrades in the Austin market. Walk-in showers are a top buyer request in Austin homes priced $500,000 and above.
What is the difference between a standard and curbless tub to shower conversion?
A standard conversion uses a shower pan with a low curb (2 to 4 inches) that contains water and is easier to waterproof. A curbless (zero-threshold) conversion has no curb — water is contained by the slope of the shower floor toward the drain. Curbless showers look more modern, are easier to clean, and are accessible for aging-in-place. They cost more to build correctly because the waterproofing and floor slope must be precise.
Ready to Replace That Old Tub?
We serve Austin, Westlake, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Leander, Kyle, Buda, and all of Central Texas. Call or request a free estimate online — we respond same day.
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