How much does it cost to convert a garden tub to a walk-in shower in Katy?

In 2026, most Katy garden tub to walk-in shower conversions are done as part of a primary bath remodel that runs $25,000–$45,000, including a tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass, a double vanity and quartz tops. Removing the tub for a shower adds roughly $3,000–$6,000 compared with swapping in a new tub. High-end primary baths with custom tile, a freestanding tub or layout changes run $45,000–$75,000+.

Why does removing a tub for a walk-in shower cost more than replacing the tub?

A walk-in shower usually needs a new floor drain location, framing changes and a complete waterproofing system on the walls and floor. That structural and waterproofing work adds about $3,000–$6,000 over a tub-to-tub swap.

Will removing my tub hurt resale value in Katy?

Not if there is still a tub somewhere in the house. Houston-area buyers expect at least one tub, so we usually recommend a walk-in shower in the primary bath and keeping a tub in a secondary bath. If you want a tub in the primary bath, a compact freestanding tub keeps that box checked without the footprint of a garden tub.

What shower glass is best for Katy's hard water?

Much of the Katy area has hard water, so we steer clients toward coated shower glass and fixtures that resist mineral spotting. Standard rectangular glass panels also cost about half as much as custom shapes.

Tub to Shower Conversion Cost in Katy (2026)

By Debbie McKelvey, Co-Founder & Principal Designer · 30+ years remodeling Houston homes

Replacing a garden tub with a tiled walk-in shower in Katy usually happens as part of a primary bath remodel that runs $25,000–$45,000 in 2026. That range covers taking out the garden tub, building a tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass, and adding a double vanity with quartz tops. The tub removal itself adds roughly $3,000–$6,000 compared with dropping in a new tub, because the drain, framing and waterproofing all change. High-end versions with custom tile, a freestanding tub or a new layout run $45,000–$75,000+.

Swapping the garden tub for a walk-in shower is the Katy bathroom project we do most often. Here is what it costs, what moves the price, and how to decide whether to keep a tub.

How much does a garden tub to walk-in shower conversion cost in Katy?

Katy pricing as of October 2026, by scope:

Scope	Typical 2026 cost	What's included
Primary bath with a new walk-in shower	$25,000–$45,000	Garden tub out, tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass, double vanity, quartz tops, tile floor, updated fixtures.
High-end primary bath	$45,000–$75,000+	Custom tile, freestanding tub, heated floors, layout changes, premium fixtures.
Hall or guest bath with a new shower or tub surround	$12,000–$25,000	Full guest bath remodel: new tile floor, tub or shower surround, vanity, lighting and exhaust fan.

For the full bathroom price picture, including powder rooms and luxury spa baths, see our Houston bathroom remodel cost guide.

What did a recent Katy conversion cost?

In 2025 we remodeled a primary bath in Cinco Ranch that started with an unused garden tub. We took the tub out and built a large walk-in shower with frameless glass, then added a freestanding soaker tub, a double quartz vanity, heated floors and Calacatta-look porcelain tile throughout. The project came in at about $58,000 and took 6 weeks. Because it included a freestanding tub and heated floors, it sits in the high-end tier above. Skip those two and keep the layout, and the same conversion usually lands in the $25,000–$45,000 range.

What drives the cost of a tub to shower conversion?

Cost driver	Typical cost	Notes
Removing the tub for a walk-in shower	+$3,000–$6,000 over a tub swap	Floor drain relocation, framing changes and a new waterproofing system.
Walk-in shower with frameless glass	$3,500–$8,000	The shower and glass line item within the overall bath budget.
Moving other plumbing	$1,500–$5,000 per fixture	Relocating the toilet or vanity to rebalance the room.
Adding a freestanding tub	$1,500–$6,000+	If you want to keep a tub in the primary bath.
Expanding the footprint	$5,000–$15,000	Claiming closet or hallway space for a larger shower.
Heated floors	$6–$12 per sq ft	Worth it in a primary bath used every day.
Steam shower	$4,000–$8,000	Generator, controls and a sealed enclosure.

Two things don't change the price much but decide whether the shower lasts. The first is waterproofing: we use cement backer board and a membrane system such as Schluter Kerdi or RedGard behind every tiled shower, because Houston humidity finds every shortcut within 3–5 years. The second is the shower floor: we keep it in 2×2 or smaller tile so the grout lines give you grip when it's wet.

Why are so many Katy homes replacing the garden tub?

Many Katy homes built in the 1990s and 2000s, in communities like Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch and Firethorne, still have the original builder-grade primary bath: a drop-in garden tub, a small fiberglass shower and a cultured-marble vanity. Most homeowners tell us they use the garden tub a few times a year at most. That footprint does more as one large walk-in shower with frameless glass.

Hard water is the other Katy-specific factor. Much of the area has it, so we steer clients toward coated shower glass and fixtures that resist mineral spotting. Glass shape matters for budget too: standard rectangular panels cost about half as much as custom shapes.

See more about bathroom remodeling in Katy or everything we do in Katy.

Should you keep a tub somewhere in the house?

Yes. Houston-area buyers expect at least one tub in the home, so the usual answer is:

Primary bath: a large walk-in shower. It gets used every day.
Secondary or kids' bath: keep the tub-shower combo for resale and for families with young children.
If you want a tub in the primary bath: a compact freestanding soaker tub keeps the "has a tub" box checked without the footprint of a garden tub.

Planning ahead for aging in place? A curbless walk-in shower, grab bars and non-slip tile can go into the same project while the walls and floor are already open. See our bathroom remodeling services.

How long does a garden tub to shower conversion take?

A primary bath remodel with custom tile and frameless glass typically takes 5–7 weeks from demo to final walkthrough:

Week 1: Demo of the tub and old shower, rough plumbing and electrical changes, framing for the new shower.
Week 2: Waterproofing system installed. This step decides whether the shower lasts 5 years or 20.
Weeks 2–3: Tile installation. Large-format and patterned tile take longer than simple layouts.
Week 4: Grout, shower glass measured, vanity and lighting installed.
Weeks 5–7: Shower glass installed (about a two-week lead time after measuring), plumbing fixtures, trim and paint touch-up.

McKelvey Designs is a family-owned remodeling company serving Katy and the Greater Houston area since 1991. NARI member. Get a free in-home consultation or call (281) 499-0581.

Garden Tub to Walk-In Shower Conversion Cost in Katy (2026)