Tub-to-Shower Conversion in South Florida
Henry Remodeling converts tubs to showers across Palm Beach and Broward County — tub removal, new drain, mortar bed or foam base, waterproof membrane, tile, and frameless glass. Licensed plumbing work coordinated where required.
What Tub-to-Shower Conversion Includes
Every scope is backed by a written line-item estimate. Henry Remodeling provides remodeling labor and services. Permit-required work is performed by licensed contractors where required. You approve before we schedule.
- Tub removal and disposal
- Subfloor inspection for water damage
- New drain installation — center or linear
- Mortar bed or Schluter foam base
- Waterproof membrane — flood-tested 24 hours
- Floor and wall tile installation
- Niche installation if applicable
- Frameless glass, swing door, or bypass — measured post-tile
- Licensed plumbing: drain and valve coordination
Types of Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Basic Conversion — Tile Surround, No Glass
Tub removed, shower built in the same footprint. Tile surround with a curtain rod or fixed tile half-wall. Fastest, lowest-cost option. $5,500–$8,500.
Conversion with Swing Door
Tub removed, tile shower built, swing door added. Semi-frameless or frameless swing door. $7,000–$10,500.
Custom Conversion — Linear Drain, Frameless Glass
Curbless or low-threshold entry. Linear drain. Frameless 3/8″ glass. $9,500–$14,000.
Walk-In / Curbless Conversion
Barrier-free entry — no curb, no threshold. Requires drain relocation and precise slope work. Common for aging-in-place.
Benefits of Tub-to-Shower Conversion
South Florida Homeowners Don’t Use Bathtubs
In the Palm Beach and Broward County market, tubs in master baths sit unused in most households. Converting to a walk-in shower is one of the most-requested updates before selling.
More Usable Shower Space in the Same Footprint
A 30×60″ tub produces a 30×30″ or 30×40″ shower in the same alcove if the curb limits the entry. A full conversion using the entire tub footprint produces 30×60″ of shower floor.
Curbless Entry Available — No Step Into the Shower
A properly sloped mortar bed with linear drain eliminates the curb entirely. The floor slopes continuously from the bathroom floor into the shower floor.
Flood-Tested Before Tiling — Always
Tub-to-shower conversions require a new pan and drain. We flood-test every pan before tiling.
When You Need Tub-to-Shower Conversion
- Bathtub hasn’t been used in years — wasted space in the master bath
- Preparing to sell — South Florida buyers in the $350K–$700K range consistently prefer a walk-in shower over a tub in the master bath
- Aging-in-place — stepping over a tub curb is a fall risk
- Existing tub is cracked, discolored, or has surface erosion that can’t be re-glazed
- Guest bath tub is being used as a shower — the curtain setup is inconvenient and the surround is degrading
- Fiberglass tub surround is delaminating — replacement is the better long-term value
The Transformation
Every project starts with a real problem and ends with a measurable result.
Before
The master bath has a 30×60″ fiberglass tub-shower combo from 1997. The surround is yellowed and has a hairline crack at the base. The homeowner showers daily and has never used the tub for a bath.
After
Full demo. Mortar bed shower pan with Schluter Kerdi membrane — flood-tested. 4×12 subway tile walls. 2×2 mosaic shower floor with center drain. Frameless swing door measured post-tile. Licensed contractors coordinate plumbing: new P-trap and valve trim.
What Sets Us Apart
Written Estimates
Itemized, line-by-line. You approve scope and price before we schedule.
Permit-Required Work
Permit-required work is performed by licensed contractors where required.
One Point of Contact
Permit-required work is performed by licensed contractors where required.
Clean Job Site
Daily cleanup, floors protected, dust barriers in occupied areas.
Written Schedule
Timeline provided before demo starts. Changes communicated immediately.
Our Tub-to-Shower Conversion Process
- Free On-Site Estimate
We measure the tub opening, assess the drain location, and produce a written estimate. - Permit Application
Plumbing permit submitted — new drain installation requires a permit. - Tub Demo
Tub removed. Subfloor and walls inspected for water damage. Drain rough-in assessed. - Pan Construction
Mortar bed pre-slope formed. Drain set at correct height. - Waterproofing and Flood Test
Schluter Kerdi membrane applied. 24-hour flood test. - Tile Installation
Wall tile set. Floor tile set to drain with correct slope. Niche tiled. Inside corners caulked. - Glass Measurement and Install
Frameless glass or door measured post-tile. Lead time 2–3 weeks. Installed after tile is complete.
Common Problems We Solve
Drain in the wrong location for a shower — tub drain position differs from ideal shower drain
Tub P-traps are typically offset from the ideal shower drain position. We relocate the drain and P-trap. Licensed plumber, permitted.
Subfloor rotted under the tub from years of slow overflow drainage
We expose the subfloor during demo, photograph the damage, get written approval, and replace the rotted section before building the new shower pan.
Tub alcove is narrow — 30″ — not enough for a comfortable shower
30″ is the minimum practical shower width. If width is a constraint, we can extend into a neighboring closet or discuss a different layout option.
Existing tub surround tile damaged walls behind it — paper-faced drywall got wet
Bathroom walls should never be standard drywall behind a wet area. We demo and replace with cement board before waterproofing.
What Can Go Wrong — Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Real-job failure patterns specific to Tub-to-Shower Conversion in South Florida — climate, code, HOA, and substrate issues that surface on actual jobsites.
Drain Elevation Wrong After Alcove Removal
Tub drain stub-out sits below shower pan elevation. Relocating the drain into the concrete slab requires a permit and jack-hammering — $1,200–$2,800 added cost that wasn’t in the original quote.
Structural Tub Support Flange Left in Wall
Alcove tubs have a nailing flange embedded in the stud wall. Improper demo leaves flange in place — new substrate can’t sit flat against studs, causing lippage in the shower tile.
Shower Entry Width Below ADA
Conversion creates a shower entry narrower than 32″ clear — failing Florida accessibility guidelines for new bathroom construction and reducing the home’s resale appeal to aging buyers.
Subfloor Rot Under Tub Pan
South Florida tubs that have been slowly leaking for years leave rotted subfloor/blocking that isn’t visible until the tub is removed. Adds $600–$1,800 in subfloor repair before waterproofing can start.
Valve at Wrong Height for Shower
Tub valve rough-in is at 28″–32″ AFF — too low for a comfortable shower position. Relocating valve adds plumbing scope and a permit.
No Blocking for Grab Bar
Converting to a walk-in shower for aging homeowners without installing blocking in the walls for future grab bars. Retrofit blocking after tile is installed requires tile demo — an avoidable callback.
Timeline Reality — Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Best Case
4–6 days
Scope confirmed. Permit in hand. Material on-site. No hidden conditions. Crew available.
Typical
7–10 days
Standard South Florida project with permitting, material lead time, and minor field conditions.
Delayed
2–4 weeks
HOA approval cycle, special-order material, permit backlog, or discovered substrate issues.
What Causes Delays in South Florida
- Demo and Subfloor Inspection: 2–4 hours demo, then 1–2 days for subfloor assessment and repair if rot is found. Cannot start waterproofing until substrate is confirmed.
- Permit for Drain Relocation: Any slab penetration for drain relocation requires a permit — Boca Raton, West Palm Beach: 10–20 days. Schedule around this.
- Glass Door Lead Time: Frameless glass for a new custom shower opening: 7–14 days. Neo-angle or corner entries require templating after tile is complete.
- HOA Approval for Condo Units: In condos across Palm Beach and Broward, tub-to-shower conversions that modify plumbing require HOA notification. Building shutoffs require board-approved scheduling.
What Affects the Cost of Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Tub size — alcove vs. freestanding vs. corner
Standard 30×60″ alcove is the most common conversion scope. Corner or jetted tubs require additional drain work.
Drain type — center vs. linear
Center drain: standard, lower cost. Linear drain requires new rough-in and precise slope work — adds $600–$1,500.
Glass type
No glass: no glass cost. Swing door semi-frameless: $700–$1,200. Frameless 3/8″ swing: $1,200–$2,200. Bypass frameless: $1,400–$2,800.
Tile format and scope
4×12 subway on walls and 2×2 mosaic floor: mid-range. Large-format 12×24 or 24×48: adds substrate prep and precise layout work.
Subfloor condition
Sound subfloor: no added cost. Rotted from tub overflow: photographed, approved, repaired — typically $400–$1,200.
Real Project Scenarios — Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Representative Tub-to-Shower Conversion projects completed by Henry Remodeling across South Florida — real scope, real timelines, real challenges.
Full Tub-to-Shower Conversion — Boca Raton, Florida
Client Profile: Retirees, seasonal residents, investors
Key Challenge: High humidity + salt air → mold + corrosion — HOA delays, moisture issues, high finish expectations
Location Context: City of Boca Raton Building Division
Investment Range: $4,500–$16,000 | Timeline: 7–10 days
Tub-to-Shower Conversion with HOA coordination — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Client Profile: Investors, developers
Key Challenge: Zoning + HOA mix — Flood risk, permitting delays
Location Context: Las Olas premium
Investment Range: $4,500–$16,000 | Timeline: 7–10 days
Family home Tub-to-Shower Conversion — Coral Springs, Florida
Client Profile: Families, move-up buyers
Key Challenge: Sandy/limestone base → minor settling — Heavy rain → water intrusion
Location Context: Ramblewood 33071 older homes (settlement cracks)
Investment Range: $4,500+ | Timeline: 4–6 days
Coastal Tub-to-Shower Conversion — Lantana, Florida
Client Profile: Retirees
Key Challenge: Salt air — Condo HOAs
Location Context: Salt damage
Investment Range: $4,500–$16,000 | Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty Factors — Tub-to-Shower Conversion
What makes Tub-to-Shower Conversion harder in South Florida than in most other US markets.
- Slab Drain Relocation:
Tub drain bodies sit lower in the slab than a shower drain. If elevation doesn’t work, cutting concrete is required — a licensed plumber-only task with a permit. - Waterproofing the Full Conversion Zone:
The entire converted area — floor, walls, curb transition, and entry — must be waterproofed as a single system. Conversions done as ’tile-overs’ without a membrane fail within 2 years in South Florida. - Aging-in-Place Compliance:
Tub conversions for senior homeowners in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens often require ADA clearances (36″ turning radius, roll-in entry option) that change the whole bathroom layout. - Hidden Wall Condition:
Alcove tub walls conceal 10–20 years of moisture history. Mold, rot, and compromised backer board are standard findings — not exceptions — in South Florida bathroom demos.
Who Needs Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Aging-in-Place Retirees in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach
Primary use case: replacing a tub with a zero-threshold, accessible shower. High demand in 55+ communities in Palm Beach County.
Families in Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines
Guest bath tub converted to a second stand-up shower for adult household members. $4,500–$8,000 scope.
Pre-Sale Sellers in Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale
Tub removal in a secondary bath to add shower utility — appeals to young professional buyers who don’t use tubs.
Condo Investors Across Broward and Palm Beach
Tub-to-shower conversion as part of a unit refresh between tenants or before listing. Fast scope, high value add per dollar.
Materials & Methods — Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Pan Construction — Mortar Bed
Traditional method. Float mortar to form the slope. Required for larger conversions and linear drain applications.
Pan Construction — Schluter Foam Base
Pre-sloped foam unit. Available in standard sizes. Faster installation for standard 30×30″ and 36×36″ conversions.
Waterproofing — Schluter Kerdi
Sheet membrane bonded directly to substrate. Flood-tested before tiling on every scope.
Tile — Wall (Subway, Large-Format)
4×12 subway in running bond: most common. 12×24 large-format: requires flat wall substrate.
Frameless Glass
3/8″ tempered. Measured post-tile. Swing, bypass, or fixed panel. Lead time 2–3 weeks after measurement.
Cost of Tub-to-Shower Conversion in South Florida
Tub-to-shower conversion cost depends on tub size, drain type, tile selection, and glass. All scopes include new drain, waterproofing, and a coordinated by licensed contractors where required is coordinated where required permit.
Palm Beach & Broward County pricing as of 2026. Written estimate before work begins.
Past Projects
Tub-to-Shower Conversion — Boynton Beach 33426
30×60″ alcove. Mortar bed pan, Schluter membrane. 4×12 subway walls, 2×2 mosaic floor. Semi-frameless swing door. Licensed plumbing. 10-day project. Total: $8,400.
Curbless Conversion — Boca Raton 33432
36×60″ alcove. Mortar bed with linear drain. 12×24 porcelain walls. Frameless 3/8″ bypass glass. Licensed plumbing. 13-day project. Total: $13,200.
Basic Conversion — Delray Beach 33444
30×32″ alcove. Foam base, Schluter membrane. Subway tile walls and mosaic floor. Curtain rod. Licensed plumbing. 8-day project. Total: $6,200.
Cities We Serve
Henry Remodeling serves homeowners, investors, and condo owners across South Florida for Tub-to-Shower Conversion. Each market has distinct permit requirements, HOA constraints, and climate conditions that shape every project.
Boca Raton, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Retirees, seasonal residents, investors | Real estate: High home values justify full remodels
Climate factors: High humidity + salt air → mold + corrosion. Sandy soil → minor shifting → hairline cracks.
Permit: City of Boca Raton Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Strong HOA + condo board control
Neighborhoods we work in: East Boca 33432 luxury coastal homes (salt air → corrosion issues). HOA delays, moisture issues, high finish expectations.
Boynton Beach, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Landlords, mid-income homeowners | Real estate: Mix of rentals and flips
Climate factors: Humidity + storms → repaint cycles. Sandy soil, drainage issues.
Permit: City of Boynton Beach Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: HOAs in newer builds
Neighborhoods we work in: Leisureville 33426 older homes (aging drywall/electrical). Moisture damage, budget limits.
Coral Springs, Florida — Broward County
Who hires: Families, move-up buyers | Real estate: Stable mid-upper housing
Climate factors: Heavy rain → water intrusion. Sandy/limestone base → minor settling.
Permit: City of Coral Springs Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: HOA-heavy
Neighborhoods we work in: Ramblewood 33071 older homes (settlement cracks). Aging homes, HOA limits.
Deerfield Beach, Florida — Broward County
Who hires: Retirees, landlords | Real estate: Condos + rentals dominate
Climate factors: Salt air + humidity. Sandy soil, coastal exposure.
Permit: City of Deerfield Beach Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Condo restrictions strong
Neighborhoods we work in: The Cove 33441 coastal homes (salt damage). Salt damage, HOA delays.
Delray Beach, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Investors, affluent buyers | Real estate: Strong flip market
Climate factors: Humidity, storm exposure. Sandy soil.
Permit: City of Delray Beach Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Historic + HOA constraints
Neighborhoods we work in: Lake Ida 33444 older homes (full remodels). Permit delays, high costs.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Broward County
Who hires: Investors, developers | Real estate: Wide price range
Climate factors: Flooding + humidity. Sandy soil, flood zones.
Permit: City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Zoning + HOA mix
Neighborhoods we work in: Las Olas 33301 luxury (high-end finishes). Flood risk, permitting delays.
Greenacres, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Budget homeowners | Real estate: Lower-cost housing
Climate factors: Humidity. Sandy soil.
Permit: City of Greenacres Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: HOAs in some areas
Neighborhoods we work in: Buttonwood 33463 older homes. Lower budgets.
Jupiter, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Affluent homeowners | Real estate: High property values
Climate factors: Coastal humidity. Sandy soil.
Permit: Town of Jupiter Building Department | HOA/Permit constraints: Strict HOA in luxury areas
Neighborhoods we work in: Abacoa 33458 planned community. Access + HOA limits.
Lake Worth Beach, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Investors, landlords | Real estate: Flip-heavy market
Climate factors: Humidity. Sandy soil.
Permit: City of Lake Worth Beach Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Historic constraints
Neighborhoods we work in: Downtown 33460 historic homes. Aging homes.
Lantana, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Retirees | Real estate: Small market
Climate factors: Salt air. Sandy soil.
Permit: Town of Lantana Building Department | HOA/Permit constraints: Condo HOAs
Neighborhoods we work in: Old Lantana 33462 older homes. Salt damage.
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Affluent homeowners | Real estate: High-end homes
Climate factors: Humidity. Sandy soil.
Permit: City of Palm Beach Gardens Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Strong HOA
Neighborhoods we work in: PGA National 33418 gated. HOA limits.
Pembroke Pines, Florida — Broward County
Who hires: Families | Real estate: Mid-tier housing
Climate factors: Rain, humidity. Sandy soil.
Permit: City of Pembroke Pines Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: HOA heavy
Neighborhoods we work in: Silver Lakes 33029 HOA. HOA limits.
Pompano Beach, Florida — Broward County
Who hires: Investors | Real estate: Mixed income
Climate factors: Salt + humidity. Sandy soil.
Permit: City of Pompano Beach Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Condo HOAs
Neighborhoods we work in: Beach 33062 condos (salt damage). Salt damage.
Wellington, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Affluent families | Real estate: Stable high-income
Climate factors: Humidity. Sandy soil.
Permit: Village of Wellington Building Department | HOA/Permit constraints: HOA strict
Neighborhoods we work in: Equestrian 33414 estates. HOA limits.
West Palm Beach, Florida — Palm Beach County
Who hires: Investors, residents | Real estate: Mixed housing
Climate factors: Humidity, flooding. Sandy soil.
Permit: City of West Palm Beach Building Division | HOA/Permit constraints: Historic + HOA
Neighborhoods we work in: El Cid 33401 historic. Permitting delays, flooding.
At a Glance — Tub-to-Shower Conversion by Henry Remodeling
- Service: Tub-to-shower conversion — tub removal, new pan, waterproofing, tile, and glass — Palm Beach & Broward County, FL
- Who needs it: Homeowners who don’t use the bathtub, are aging-in-place, or are preparing to sell in South Florida
- Cost range: $5,500–$19,000 depending on size, drain type, tile, and glass
- Every pan flood-tested for 24 hours before tiling | Frameless glass measured post-tile
- Licensed plumbing and permit required — included in every scope
- Phone: (305) | 14 cities, Palm Beach & Broward County
What Our Clients Say
“Henry Remodeling waterproofed our shower correctly — something our previous contractor skipped. Two years later, zero leaks.”
— Homeowner, Boynton Beach FL
“Written estimate, written schedule, no surprises. The kitchen came in exactly at the quoted price.”
— Homeowner, Delray Beach FL
“They found a rotted subfloor behind our tub, photographed it, and showed us before proceeding. That’s the transparency you want.”
— Homeowner, Boca Raton FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tub-to-shower conversion include?
Tub removal, subfloor inspection, new drain installation, mortar bed or foam base, waterproof membrane, floor and wall tile, and frameless glass or door. Licensed plumbing work coordinated where required.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in South Florida?
$5,500–$19,000+ depending on size, drain type, tile selection, and glass.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
8–12 business days for most conversions. Larger scopes with frameless glass: 10–14 days plus the glass fabrication lead time of 2–3 weeks.
Do I need a permit for a tub-to-shower conversion?
Yes. A new drain installation requires a plumbing permit. Henry Remodeling pulls all required permits.
Can you do a curbless / barrier-free conversion?
Yes. A curbless conversion requires a mortar bed with a linear drain or carefully sloped center drain.
Why do South Florida buyers prefer showers over tubs?
In Palm Beach and Broward County, most homeowners shower daily and rarely use the bathtub. A walk-in shower is the most-requested upgrade in the $350K–$700K price range.
What cities do you serve for tub-to-shower conversions?
Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Worth Beach, Greenacres, Lantana, Deerfield Beach, West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Wellington, Pembroke Pines, and Palm Beach Gardens.
Summary — Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Henry Remodeling — Tub-to-Shower Conversion Summary
Service: Tub-to-Shower Conversion in South Florida (Palm Beach & Broward Counties)
Cost Range: $4,500–$16,000 depending on scope, materials, and permit requirements
Timeline: Best case 4–6 days | Typical 7–10 days | With HOA/permit delays 2–4 weeks
Crew: 2–3 tradespeople
Key Tools: demo sledge, reciprocating saw, Schluter waterproofing kit, new drain body, wet saw, level, frameless glass templating kit
South Florida Specific: High humidity and salt air require waterproofing upgrades, marine-grade hardware, and mold-resistant substrates. HOA approvals in gated communities across Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, and Coral Springs add 1–4 weeks to scheduling.
Service Area: Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Greenacres, Jupiter, Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach
Why Henry Remodeling: Licensed South Florida contractor with direct experience in HOA-governed communities, condo board approvals, and the moisture and salt-air conditions that determine long-term remodel success in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Start Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion Project
Written estimates, permitted work, licensed contractors. Call (305) or request a free estimate online.