Tub to Shower Conversion Ottawa

Tub to shower conversion is one of the most commonly requested services in the Bathroom renovation industry in Ottawa. In fact, it’s so common that we will dedicate a page to it.

Tub to Shower Conversion Types


There are mainly two ways you can convert a tub to a shower.

You can convert a tub into an acrylic base shower with tile or acrylic walls, or you can convert a tub into a custom tile-based shower with tiled walls.

Obviously, there will be variations on the shower size, and various options to open up space with the removal of partition walls and various types of glass enclosures.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Benefits

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Benefits

Has your bathtub become more of a hassle than a haven? iBathrooms can give you back your comfort. There are a range of benefits to a bathtub conversion, including:

  • Added Accessibility: Limited mobility, injuries, and/or muscle and joint pain can make stepping into a tub challenging. We can also customize your shower with seating, a barrier-free entry, a handheld showerhead, and grab bars.
  • More Usable Space: In many Ottawa homes, older bathtubs are uncomfortable and take up too much space. Replacing the tub with a shower helps open your bathroom, making the most out of your bathroom’s square footage.
  • Long-Term Comfort: Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is the ideal upgrade for aging-in-place. You have more independence, comfort, and a safer environment. This means you can live in your home longer without risks.
  • Easier to Clean: The depth and shape of a bathtub often make areas difficult to reach and scrub. Showers are easier to access, making them faster to clean with less strain.

 Tub to Shower Conversion Cost


One of the very first questions in any bathroom renovation in Ottawa is:  what has the Tub to shower conversion cost?

Many different factors go into what will constitute a final cost for the tub to shower conversion in Ottawa. As general guidance for 2026 iBathrooms tub to shower conversion price starts from $7,999 plus HST for Labour Trades and all rough materials that go into converting the tub into a shower. That is in a relatively modern, up to the 50-year-old home. Or basically, a typical 2×4 constructed home. Older homes or century homes may see this price higher due to labor costs and additional materials, also Condo bathroom renovation usually carries a premium cost. 

Finished materials for a typical tub to shower conversion would include an acrylic shower base, tile for the walls, sliding glass doors, a mixing valve, and a few more optional items. These would usually run about $3,000. 

Accessible Walk-in Shower Installation

Very often we hear our customers asking for a walk-in shower, or converting an alcove bathtub into a walk-in shower. Though it is possible very often what people think of walk-n showers are what’s known as barrier-free showers, or showers without a ledge to step over. Barrier-free or walk-in showers are not only very practical but really nice looking. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, for the most part, to do a walk-in or barrier-free shower we will need to build a custom shower using Schluter materials, the cost of such a shower system is usually higher, you can see one in our pricing page. Also, there is usually a location and sizing requirement for a shower to be walk-in or barrier-free. 

In recent years more and more manufacturers have been producing high-quality low threshold acrylic shower bases. Though they are not considered to be truly barrier-free, they are as close to a walk-in shower as you can get and reduce the cost of the tub-to-shower conversion significantly.

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Plumbing Adjustments

Our team modifies your plumbing and drainage connections as needed to support your new shower layout and fixtures.

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Waterproofing

Before the shower base goes in, we waterproof the walls and flooring. That helps prevent water damage caused by leaks and trapped moisture.

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Shower Base Installation

We prep the area, making sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. We’ll then secure the shower base to the wall and flooring.

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Fixtures & Finishing

Our team installs your chosen fixtures (showerhead, valve, wall nozzles, etc.). We’ll complete the space with your selected tile, glass, and trim.

How Long Does It Take to Do a Bathtub-To-Shower Conversion?


Typically for a standard 30×60 tub to shower conversion, the work will go on for about a week. A lot will depend on the type of finished materials selected. For example, our standard wall tiles are 12×24 or 24×24” and an acrylic base with tiles like these will be installed and ready to use within about a week.  An acrylic shower base with subway tiles will take a little bit longer due to the number of tiles and intrecathy of installation involved, so say 1.5 weeks maximum.

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Why Choose iBathrooms to Do Your Tub to Shower Conversion?


It’s actually very simple, as you can see reading thru the pages of our website, our work philosophy and old school values are what allow us as an Ottawa bathroom contractor to serve our clients in the best way possible, if you choose the best construction materials, implement proper installation practices, genuinely care for the final result of your product with pride of the craftsman, put an effort to give your customers quality service, results always come out nice.  Though a tub to shower conversion is only a partial bathroom renovation, we take each project with the same amount of dedication and care, big or small.

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FAQs

Yes, a tub-to-shower conversion is worth the investment of time and money. Showers are more accessible, modern, and customizable, which makes them an attractive feature to potential buyers. A bathtub to shower conversion in Ottawa is especially worthwhile, as many homes are older with outdated plumbing systems and fixtures.

In many cases, yes. Showers maximize square footage, whereas tubs often occupy more space than they provide.

A standard tub-to-shower conversion typically takes 1-2 days to complete. However, custom shower installations may take 1-2 weeks to finish. Factors that alter timelines include finding plumbing damage and/or structural issues.

Related article How Long Does a Bathroom Remodel Take?

While it’s possible to replace a bathtub without major plumbing adjustments, this’ll depend on individual project details. This includes your current plumbing system’s age and layout, as well as the shower base we install.

We include the following in our Ottawa tub-to-shower conversion services:

  • Demolition work
  • Tub removal
  • Material and waste disposal
  • Wall and flooring preparation
  • Shower base installation
  • Plumbing changes
  • Fixture installations
  • Finishing applications

Yes, typically permits are required for a tub-to-shower conversion. Permits are necessary when projects involve moving, installing, or altering plumbing and drainage systems, electrical wiring, and structural elements.