Tub to Shower Conversion
Replace dated tubs with cleaner, lower-step walk-in shower systems. Bergen Restoration delivers tub-to-shower conversions with proper waterproofing and modern finishes.
Modern Walk-In Showers
Tub-to-shower conversions open up bathroom space and improve accessibility. We handle drain relocation, waterproofing, tile installation, and glass enclosures — all coordinated as one project with clean results.
- Tub removal & drain relocation
- Waterproof membrane & backer board
- Custom tile walls & shower floor
- Glass enclosure & door installation
- Built-in niches & corner shelving
- Grab bars & accessibility features
Serving Bergen County homeowners across Englewood, Tenafly, Fort Lee, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, Hackensack, Closter, Alpine, Cresskill, Demarest, Bergenfield, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, and Oradell — plus every town in between.
Plan Your Conversion With Confidence
From acrylic insert to barrier-free walk-in, planned with waterproofing that lasts.
Conversion Cost Tiers
Tub-to-shower conversions in Bergen County run from $6,000 acrylic inserts to $35,000 barrier-free walk-ins for 2026. Tile grade, glass enclosure, and plumbing relocation drive the spread.
- Acrylic / fiberglass insert: $6,000–$12,000 · 3–5 days. Pre-fab pan + surround.
- Custom tile walk-in: $12,000–$22,000 · 1–2 weeks. Full waterproofing, tile, glass.
- Barrier-free accessibility-focused walk-in: $18,000–$35,000 · 2–3 weeks. Curbless, linear drain.
- Glass enclosure: framed $700–$1,500; semi-frameless $1,500–$2,800; frameless $2,500–$5,000+.
- Tile selection: porcelain $6–$15/sqft; natural stone $15–$50+/sqft.
- Plumbing relocation: $1,500–$4,000 if moving drain or valve location.
Planning a project like this? Get an estimate.
Walk-In Options
Walk-in showers span from standard curbed pans to fully barrier-free installations. Design decisions drive both daily feel and accessibility.
- Curbed walk-in: traditional low step-over; simpler to waterproof; standard cost tier.
- Curbless / barrier-free: zero threshold; requires sloped subfloor + linear drain; higher installation cost.
- Linear drain: slot drain at one end of shower; cleaner look, easier slope.
- Enclosure: framed glass cheapest; frameless most premium; shower door swing vs slider.
- Built-in seat: tiled bench (built during framing) or teak fold-down seat; useful for accessibility.
- Niche storage: tiled recessed niche in shower wall; size for product bottles.
Planning a project like this? Get an estimate.
Waterproofing Systems
Shower waterproofing is the single most important line item in a tub-to-shower conversion. Cheap systems fail within 5–10 years; quality systems last decades.
- Schluter Kerdi: bonded orange waterproofing membrane; industry standard for tile showers.
- Wedi: foam-core panels with pre-waterproofed surface; faster install, slightly higher material cost.
- Laticrete HydroBan: liquid-applied waterproofing; used for large-format tile or complex geometry.
- Avoid: plain cement backer board without waterproofing; felt/tar paper membranes; untested liquid sealers.
- Pan construction: pre-slope + dam + waterproofing + mortar bed + tile; or Schluter Kerdi-shower pan module.
- Warranty: manufacturer warranties when installed by certified installers.
Planning a project like this? Get an estimate.
Fixtures & Hardware
Fixture selection affects daily experience more than most homeowners expect. 2026 Bergen County pricing benchmarks:
- Shower valve + trim: budget $150–$400; mid-range $400–$900; premium $900–$2,500+.
- Shower head: basic fixed $60–$200; rain head $200–$800; handheld wand $100–$350.
- Combined systems (fixed + handheld + body spray): $1,200–$4,000+.
- Thermostatic valve: +$200–$400 over pressure-balance; worth it for consistent temperature.
- Properly backed grab bars: $80–$250 per bar installed into blocking.
- Glass door: framed $700–$1,500; semi-frameless $1,500–$2,800; frameless $2,500–$5,000+.
Planning a project like this? Get an estimate.
Aging-in-Place Design
Accessibility design adds $4,000–$15,000 to a tub-to-shower conversion but extends usability for decades and improves resale for aging homeowners.
- Curbless entry: zero threshold; requires subfloor slope; wide-opening door or no door.
- Grab bar blocking: plywood blocking installed in walls at 33", 36", and 48" for future or current bars.
- Built-in bench seat: tiled bench at 18" height.
- Handheld shower on slide bar: adjustable height for seated or standing use.
- Slip-resistant tile: minimum DCOF 0.42 per TCNA / ANSI.
- Lighting: waterproof recessed fixtures over shower + motion-sensor night light.
Planning a project like this? Get an estimate.
Conversion Timeline
Conversion timelines vary dramatically by tier. Insert conversions take days; custom tile walk-ins take weeks; barrier-free installs push into the 2–3 week range.
- Acrylic insert: 3–5 days from demo to shower ready.
- Custom tile walk-in: 1–2 weeks; waterproofing + grout cure time are non-negotiable.
- Barrier-free: 2–3 weeks; subfloor work adds complexity.
- Permit turnaround: 1–3 weeks depending on Bergen County town.
- Fixture + glass lead time: in-stock 1–2 weeks; specialty items 4–8 weeks.
- Only bathroom in house: we can phase work to maintain a usable shower most of the project.
Planning a project like this? Get an estimate.
Pricing and timelines are planning ranges. Final cost and schedule depend on site conditions, access, structural requirements, materials, permit review, inspections, weather, material lead times, and scheduling availability.
Your Tub to Shower Conversion Process
Consultation
We visit your home, review scope and priorities, measure, and align on materials and timeline.
Design & selections
We finalize materials, finishes, schedule, and a written scope so the project starts with clear expectations.
Build
Crew executes the build with organized scheduling, regular check-ins, daily cleanup, and trade coordination.
Walkthrough
Final walkthrough together, punch-list closeout, warranty registration, and project sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tub removal, waterproofing system installation, new shower pan and walls (tile or insert), fixture installation, glass enclosure, tile or insert finish, grout/sealant. Permits and inspections handled as part of the project.
For resale purposes, yes — especially if buyers in your neighborhood tend to be young families. Removing the last tub can narrow your buyer pool. If you have multiple bathrooms, convert the one used least.
For most homeowners staying 5+ years, yes. Tile showers last longer, look better, and add more resale value than inserts. Inserts are better when budget is tight or timeline is compressed.
Every project uses a milestone payment schedule tied to agreed phases — set out in writing in your contract. Homeowners who want to finance work typically use third-party home-improvement lenders; we're happy to share the names of lenders other clients have used. Any financing arrangement is between the homeowner and the lender.
For most Bergen County residential projects, 3 to 8 weeks from contract signing to on-site start. Summer and early fall fill fastest. Tub-to-shower conversions are scheduled in advance after site assessment, plumbing rough-in plan, and waterproofing system selection. Most projects complete in 5–10 working days.
Bergen Restoration provides written workmanship warranty terms with every contract. Manufacturer warranty coverage depends on the selected product, installation requirements, and manufacturer terms. Coverage is reviewed before you sign. If something isn't right within the warranty window, we come back and fix it.
Schluter Kerdi is our default for custom tile. Wedi for large-format or specialty. Laticrete HydroBan for complex geometry. Cheap waterproofing fails within years.
Yes. Requires sloped subfloor, linear drain, wider entry, grab bar blocking, accessible fixtures, slip-resistant tile. We plan barrier-free from framing up.
Yes. Many older homes have galvanized water lines or old drains. We upgrade what affects the new work and include it in the written estimate.
All 70 Bergen County municipalities. Residential only.
Yes. Bergen Restoration is a registered New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor (NJHIC# 13VH08865500) with commercial general liability and workers’ compensation coverage; documentation available on request.
Get Your Estimate
Reach us by phone or email and tell us about your tub-to-shower conversion project. We will follow up with the next best step for your home.
Commercial general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Documentation available on request.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Tell us what you have in mind — we'll follow up with a plan.