Tub-to-shower conversions, done properly
Walk-in shower conversions are one of our most popular bathroom projects, especially for empty nesters and homeowners planning to age in place. Removing an old tub and installing a curbless or low-curb walk-in shower opens up the bathroom visually and improves accessibility.
A proper walk-in shower install in The Woodlands area runs $8,000–$18,000 depending on tile choice, glass enclosure, and any plumbing relocations needed.
What's included
- Demo of existing tub and surround
- Plumbing rough-in adjustments (typically minor — same general location)
- Cement board (HardieBacker or GoBoard) wall prep
- Schluter Kerdi waterproofing membrane (or RedGard liquid membrane)
- Pre-slope mud bed for proper drainage
- Tile install (subway, marble, large-format porcelain — your choice)
- Curb (low or curbless) with proper waterproofing
- Drain install (linear or center)
- Glass enclosure (frameless or semi-frameless)
- Shower fixtures install
- Caulking, grout sealing, final cleanup
Timeline
2–3 weeks from start to finish for most walk-in shower conversions. Glass measurement happens after tile install (Day 8-10), with glass install 1-2 weeks later.
Cost breakdown by tier
Walk-in shower pricing in The Woodlands area falls into three rough tiers based on materials and complexity:
- Standard ($8,000–$12,000) — Subway tile or basic porcelain walls, semi-frameless glass enclosure, standard chrome or brushed-nickel fixtures, low curb. Most popular tier for guest bathrooms or secondary master suites.
- Premium ($12,000–$15,000) — Large-format porcelain or natural stone, frameless glass, designer fixtures (matte black, brushed gold, or polished nickel), built-in niche, linear drain. Common for primary master baths.
- Luxury ($15,000–$25,000+) — Marble or quartzite slab walls, curbless (zero-entry) design, multiple shower heads or rainhead system, integrated bench seating, heated tile floors, frameless 10mm glass with custom hardware.
Why proper waterproofing is non-negotiable in Texas
The Woodlands averages 75% relative humidity year-round. A bathroom that already operates in a humid environment cannot tolerate any waterproofing shortcuts in the shower assembly. We see callbacks on competitor work most often because of three failures:
- Cement board behind tile only, no membrane. Water passes through grout over time. Without a continuous waterproofing membrane (Schluter KERDI, GoBoard, or quality liquid membrane), the wall cavity stays damp and grows mold within 18-36 months.
- Improper pre-slope on the pan. A flat or back-sloped shower floor traps water against the curb and corners. We always set a properly pitched (1/4" per foot) pre-slope mud bed.
- Wrong drain type for the pan. Linear drains require single-direction slope; center drains need 4-way slope. Mismatched assembly is a guaranteed leak point.
We use Schluter KERDI on most projects (full membrane system including KERDI-BAND seam treatment, KERDI-DRAIN, and KERDI-SHOWER-LT pre-sloped tray for curbless designs). For tighter budgets we'll use GoBoard with KERDI-BAND on seams.
Glass enclosure options
Glass adds 15–25% to total project cost but changes the visual presence of the shower significantly. Three common options:
- Frameless 3/8" or 1/2" glass — clean, modern look, custom-templated to fit. Lead time 2–3 weeks after tile install. ~$1,800–$3,500.
- Semi-frameless — small profile at top and along door hinges. Lower cost (~$900–$1,500), still looks current.
- Walk-in with no door — works only with longer shower length (60"+). Cheapest option (no glass installer needed). Requires careful drain placement to avoid splash.
Aging-in-place features
About 40% of our walk-in shower conversions in The Woodlands are for clients planning long-term residency. Common upgrades that future-proof the bathroom:
- Curbless (zero-entry) shower — wheelchair accessible, eliminates trip hazard
- Linear drain set against the back wall — keeps the shower floor flat and grout joints minimal
- Integrated bench seating (built into the shower frame, not a stick-on add)
- Grab bars installed at proper code heights (we install backing during framing)
- Hand-held shower head on adjustable slide bar in addition to a fixed head
- Slip-resistant tile (DCOF rating 0.42 or higher per ANSI A137.1) on shower floor
