If you live in an East Plano home built in the 1970s or 1980s, your master bathroom probably came with a large garden tub. It takes up floor space, it is hard to step into, and for most homeowners it gets used a handful of times a year. Replacing it with a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom changes we help Plano homeowners plan.
What a garden tub conversion involves
A conversion removes the tub and replaces the footprint with a shower, typically with a glass enclosure. In most cases it is a focused remodel rather than a full gut, which keeps the timeline shorter. A typical project includes:
- Demolition of the tub, old surround, and any dated tile or fixtures in the space.
- Plumbing changes to relocate the drain and supply lines for a shower pan and new fixtures.
- Waterproofing of the shower walls and pan — the most important step for a shower that lasts.
- New tile, shower pan, and glass, sized to the existing footprint where possible to control cost.
- Lighting and ventilation updates so the new shower area is bright and stays dry.
How long does it take?
Because the plumbing and waterproofing stay within the tub's existing footprint, most garden tub conversions wrap up in about two to four weeks of active construction. That is noticeably faster than a full bathroom remodel, which typically runs four to eight weeks.
What it costs
A garden tub conversion is usually quoted within the same range as a full bathroom remodel in Plano — roughly $20,000 to $40,000 — depending on the size of the shower, the tile you choose, and whether the plumbing can stay where it is. Moving drains and supply lines across the room is the biggest cost driver; keeping the shower on the tub's existing footprint is the best way to stay closer to the low end of that range.
For a detailed breakdown of what drives bathroom pricing in Plano, see our kitchen and bathroom cost guides.
Design ideas for a converted shower
- Zero-threshold entry — a barrier-free shower that is easier to use and makes the room feel larger.
- Glass panels instead of full enclosures — keep the space open and bright.
- Built-in niches and benches — use the space the tub wasted for soap storage and a place to sit.
- Large-format tile — fewer grout lines, a cleaner look, and less to maintain.
Is a garden tub conversion right for you?
It is a great fit if you rarely use the tub, want a safer and easier-to-enter shower, or want to reclaim floor space. If a soaking tub matters to you, an alternative is keeping a compact tub elsewhere in the home and converting the master. Every situation is a little different — reach out for a free consultation and we will walk through your options honestly.