Walk-In Shower Conversion in South Florida
Henry Remodeling installs walk-in shower conversions across Palm Beach and Broward County — curbless or low-threshold entry, linear or center drain, custom tile, and frameless glass. Licensed plumbing work coordinated where required.
What Walk-In 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.
- Demo of existing shower or tub
- Subfloor inspection and repair as needed
- New drain installation — center or linear
- Mortar bed with single-plane slope (linear drain) or four-plane slope (center drain)
- Waterproof membrane — flood-tested 24 hours
- Floor and wall tile installation
- Niche installation if applicable
- Frameless glass or fixed panel — measured post-tile
- Licensed plumbing: drain, valve, and supply coordination
Types of Walk-In Shower Conversion
Curbless Walk-In — No Glass
Barrier-free entry with an open walk-in design. Tile floor slopes continuously from bathroom floor into shower area. $7,000–$10,000.
Walk-In with Fixed Glass Panel
A single fixed glass panel keeps water spray contained without a full enclosure. Popular in contemporary designs. $9,000–$13,000.
Walk-In with Frameless Glass Enclosure
Full frameless 3/8″ glass — bypass, swing, or fixed panel with a swing return. Complete enclosure with curbless entry. $12,000–$18,000.
Custom Walk-In — Linear Drain, Large-Format Tile
Linear drain with single-plane slope. 24×48 or 32×32 large-format tile. Custom size 48×60+. Frameless glass. $16,000–$24,000+.
Benefits of Walk-In Shower Conversion
Aging-in-Place Design — No Curb, No Fall Risk
A curbless shower eliminates the step that causes most bathroom falls. Henry Remodeling builds curbless entries with a continuous slope from the bathroom floor into the shower. Popular in Palm Beach and Broward County’s active 55+ communities.
Linear Drain Enables Large-Format Tile
A center drain requires the floor to slope in four directions — which makes large tiles look warped. A linear drain allows a single-plane slope, letting 24×48 or larger tile lay flat and level.
More Usable Shower Area
A curbed shower uses 3–4″ of floor space for the curb and entry. A curbless conversion uses the full floor dimension.
Frameless Glass Adds Visual Space
Frameless glass keeps the eye moving through the shower rather than stopping at a heavy framed threshold. Standard in South Florida master baths.
When You Need Walk-In Shower Conversion
- Existing shower has a high curb that’s a trip hazard — especially for 55+ homeowners
- You’re replacing a tub with a shower and want a barrier-free design
- Preparing to sell in a South Florida community where buyers expect a walk-in shower in the master bath
- Current shower is too small — a walk-in conversion using the full alcove footprint provides more usable space
- Large-format tile is desired — requires a linear drain to install without visible lippage at the slope
- Existing tile is dated and the conversion is part of a full master bath remodel
The Transformation
Every project starts with a real problem and ends with a measurable result.
Before
The master bath has a 36×36″ tiled shower with a 4″ curb. The tile is 4×4 beige from 1999. The shower pan shows signs of grout failure at the curb base and the 36″ dimension feels cramped.
After
Full demo. 48×36″ curbless walk-in. Mortar bed with single-plane slope to wall-mounted linear drain. 24×48 large-format porcelain walls and floor. Frameless 3/8″ bypass glass measured post-tile. Licensed contractors coordinate plumbing: linear drain and new valve trim.
What Sets Us Apart
Written Estimates
Itemized, line-by-line. You approve scope and price before we schedule.
Permit-Required Work
All permit-required plumbing and electrical 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 Walk-In Shower Conversion Process
- Free On-Site Estimate
We assess the existing shower or tub, evaluate drain location options, and produce a written estimate. - Permit Application
Plumbing permit submitted for drain installation. Confirmed before scheduling. - Demo
Existing shower or tub removed. Subfloor and walls inspected. Existing drain rough-in assessed. - Drain Rough-In and Pan Construction
Linear or center drain set. Mortar bed formed with correct slope. - Waterproofing and Flood Test
Schluter Kerdi membrane applied. 24-hour flood test before tiling. - Tile Installation
Wall tile installed. Large-format floor tile set to drain with correct plane. Niche tiled. All inside corners caulked. - Glass Measurement and Install
Frameless glass measured from installed tile. 2–3 week lead time. Fixed panel or full enclosure fabricated and installed.
Common Problems We Solve
Existing drain is centered — linear drain requires wall location
Linear drain rough-in is different from a center drain. We evaluate the existing drain location and determine if new P-trap work is required. Permitted and coordinated with licensed plumber.
Large-format tile showing lippage on shower floor
Lippage on large-format shower floors usually means the slope was done with a four-plane approach (center drain) rather than a single-plane slope. We recommend linear drain for any tile 12×24 or larger on shower floors.
Curbless shower leaking into the bathroom floor
Curbless showers require a continuous waterproof membrane extending onto the bathroom floor and a floor that slopes toward the drain. We inspect the slope and membrane at the transition.
Frameless glass doesn’t align with the tile wall
Glass ordered before tile is installed will not account for tile thickness and grout. We measure after grout is complete.
What Can Go Wrong — Walk-In Shower Conversion
Real-job failure patterns specific to Walk-In Shower Conversion in South Florida — climate, code, HOA, and substrate issues that surface on actual jobsites.
Linear Drain at Wrong Elevation
Walk-in shower linear drain installed without accounting for the mortar bed slope. Water runs away from the drain — not toward it. Requires full demo of the shower floor.
Entry Threshold Too High
Zero-threshold walk-in shower framed with a raised curb — defeating the entire purpose. Walk-in showers require a fully flush entry or a maximum 1/2″ transition to qualify as barrier-free.
Glass Panel at Wrong Angle
Walk-in wet wall glass panel templated before tile is installed — tile thickness shifts the wall face by 3/8″. Glass arrives and doesn’t fit. Retemplating fee and 2-week delay.
No Steam Barrier for Steam Options
Walk-in shower with steam option built without a vapor-sealed ceiling membrane. South Florida attic temps amplify steam damage — ceiling delamination within 12 months.
Frameless Glass Without Proper Header
Large frameless glass panel (60″+ wide) installed without a header or wall anchor on one side. Deflection in South Florida heat causes the glass to loosen at pivot points within 1 season.
Drain Incompatible with Slab Depth
Linear drain body selected without checking available slab depth. Standard linear drains require 3.5″–4″ below finished floor — older Florida slabs may only have 2.5″. Wrong drain specified, full replacement required.
Timeline Reality — Walk-In Shower Conversion
Best Case
5–7 days
Scope confirmed. Permit in hand. Material on-site. No hidden conditions. Crew available.
Typical
10–14 days
Standard South Florida project with permitting, material lead time, and minor field conditions.
Delayed
3–5 weeks
HOA approval cycle, special-order material, permit backlog, or discovered substrate issues.
What Causes Delays in South Florida
- Linear Drain Lead Time: Specialty linear drain bodies from Miami or Pompano Beach distributors: 5–10 days. Standard center drain: same-day.
- Glass Fabrication: Large walk-in panels (72″×80″+): 10–18 days from South Florida glass fabricators. Must template after tile is complete.
- Permit for Barrier-Free Shower Construction: Walk-in shower with plumbing relocation: permit required. Boca Raton: 10–18 days. West Palm Beach Building Division: 15–25 days.
- Steam Generator Lead Time: If steam is included: generator and control unit: 7–14 days shipping. Must be roughed-in before cement board goes up.
What Affects the Cost of Walk-In Shower Conversion
Drain type — center vs. linear
Center drain: standard footprint, four-plane slope. Linear drain: wall-mounted, single-plane slope, additional rough-in work ($600–$1,500).
Shower size
36×36″: lower end. 48×60″: mid to upper range. Larger dimensions add tile, material, and glass fabrication cost.
Glass type
No glass: no glass cost. Fixed panel: $800–$1,400. Frameless swing: $1,200–$2,200. Frameless bypass: $1,400–$2,800.
Tile format
4×12 subway: moderate labor. 12×24 large-format: more layout precision. 24×48: requires flatter substrate and more precise slope.
Subfloor condition
Sound subfloor: no added cost. Water damage from previous shower: $400–$1,200.
Real Project Scenarios — Walk-In Shower Conversion
Representative Walk-In Shower Conversion projects completed by Henry Remodeling across South Florida — real scope, real timelines, real challenges.
Full Walk-In 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: $6,000–$24,000 | Timeline: 10–14 days
Walk-In 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: $6,000–$24,000 | Timeline: 10–14 days
Family home Walk-In 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: $6,000+ | Timeline: 5–7 days
Coastal Walk-In Shower Conversion — Lantana, Florida
Client Profile: Retirees
Key Challenge: Salt air — Condo HOAs
Location Context: Salt damage
Investment Range: $6,000–$24,000 | Timeline: 3–5 weeks
Difficulty Factors — Walk-In Shower Conversion
What makes Walk-In Shower Conversion harder in South Florida than in most other US markets.
- Barrier-Free Slope Engineering:
A zero-threshold walk-in shower floor that slopes properly to a linear drain in all directions requires a custom mortar bed — not off-the-shelf products. This is a skilled tile-setter specialty. - South Florida Salt Air and Glass Maintenance:
Frameless glass in coastal-adjacent properties (Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton) requires marine-grade hardware at all pivot points and hinges — standard chrome fails in 18 months. - Large-Scale Waterproofing Surface Area:
Walk-in showers are typically larger than alcove showers — more wall surface, a larger floor, and multiple wall angles. Waterproofing a 6×8 or larger walk-in is a full-day task before any tile goes on. - HOA Footprint Restrictions:
Expanding a bathroom footprint to accommodate a walk-in shower conversion in a Boca Raton, Coral Springs, or Fort Lauderdale condo may require structural review and HOA approval of the scope.
Who Needs Walk-In Shower Conversion
Aging-in-Place Homeowners in Boca Raton and Jupiter
Zero-threshold walk-in as the primary aging-in-place upgrade — safe entry, bench, handheld, grab bars. $8,000–$16,000.
Luxury Remodelers in Palm Beach Gardens and Wellington
Spa-style walk-in with steam, body sprays, and large-format natural stone. $16,000–$24,000+.
Condo Owners Remodeling Primary Baths in Fort Lauderdale
Walk-in within existing bathroom footprint — removing alcove tub to gain shower space. $6,500–$12,000.
Pre-Sale Upgraders in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach
Walk-in shower conversion as the highest-impact bathroom upgrade for resale. $7,000–$14,000 scope.
Materials & Methods — Walk-In Shower Conversion
Linear Drain
Wall-mounted trough drain with removable grate. Set at the lowest point of a single-plane slope. Allows large-format tile on shower floor.
Mortar Bed — Single-Plane Slope
For linear drain applications: mortar floated to slope in one direction. Standard for walk-in conversions.
Waterproofing — Schluter Kerdi
Sheet membrane bonded to substrate. Extended across the bathroom floor transition at the curbless entry. Flood-tested before tiling.
Large-Format Tile (24×48, 32×32)
Most popular in walk-in shower conversions. Fewer grout lines, contemporary appearance. Requires flat substrate and single-plane slope (linear drain).
Frameless Glass — 3/8″ Tempered
Measured post-tile. 2–3 week lead time. Bypass, fixed panel, or swing options. Hardware in brushed nickel, matte black, or chrome.
Cost of Walk-In Shower Conversion in South Florida
Walk-in shower conversion cost is driven by drain type, shower size, tile format, and glass selection. All scopes include new drain, waterproofing, and a plumbing permit.
Palm Beach & Broward County pricing as of 2026. Written estimate before work begins.
Past Projects
Curbless Walk-In Conversion — Boynton Beach 33426
36×48″ alcove. Mortar bed with linear drain. 12×24 porcelain walls and floor. Frameless fixed panel. Licensed plumbing. 12-day project. Total: $11,200.
Custom Walk-In — Boca Raton 33432
54×42″ walk-in. Single-plane slope to linear drain. 24×48 large-format porcelain. Frameless bypass glass. Niche. 15-day project. Total: $18,800.
Basic Curbless Conversion — Delray Beach 33444
36×36″ shower. Tub removed, mortar bed, Schluter membrane. Subway tile. Center drain. No glass. 9-day project. Total: $8,100.
Cities We Serve
Henry Remodeling serves homeowners, investors, and condo owners across South Florida for Walk-In 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 — Walk-In Shower Conversion by Henry Remodeling
- Service: Walk-in shower conversion — curbless entry, linear drain, tile, and frameless glass — Palm Beach & Broward County, FL
- Who needs it: Homeowners wanting barrier-free access, large-format tile, or a frameless walk-in design
- Cost range: $7,000–$24,000+ depending on size, drain type, tile, and glass
- Linear drain enables single-plane slope — required for large-format tile on shower floors
- All pans flood-tested for 24 hours | Frameless glass measured post-tile
- 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 is a walk-in shower conversion?
A walk-in shower conversion replaces an existing shower or tub with a curbless or low-threshold entry. Henry Remodeling handles demo, new drain, waterproofing, tile, and frameless glass.
How much does a walk-in shower conversion cost in South Florida?
$7,000–$24,000+ depending on size, drain type, tile, and glass selection.
What is a linear drain?
A linear drain runs along one wall, allowing the floor to slope in one direction — making large-format tile easier to install without lippage.
Is a permit required for a walk-in shower conversion?
Yes — a new drain installation requires a plumbing permit.
Can you do a fully barrier-free curbless entry?
Yes. A continuous slope from the bathroom floor into the shower eliminates any threshold.
How is a walk-in shower different from a standard shower?
A walk-in shower has no curb or a very low threshold. You step directly onto the shower floor rather than over a curb. Curbless designs also allow larger format tile without the slope complexity of center drains.
What cities do you serve for walk-in 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 — Walk-In Shower Conversion
Henry Remodeling — Walk-In Shower Conversion Summary
Service: Walk-In Shower Conversion in South Florida (Palm Beach & Broward Counties)
Cost Range: $6,000–$24,000 depending on scope, materials, and permit requirements
Timeline: Best case 5–7 days | Typical 10–14 days | With HOA/permit delays 3–5 weeks
Crew: 2–3 tradespeople
Key Tools: linear drain kit, Schluter waterproofing system, tile leveling clips, wet saw, frameless glass templating, silicone gun, blocking materials
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 Walk-In Shower Conversion Project
Written estimates, permitted work, licensed contractors. Call (305) or request a free estimate online.