Converting an old bathtub into a walk-in shower is one of the most requested bathroom upgrades we see in Jackson and across West Tennessee. Many homeowners rarely use their tub, find stepping over it harder each year, or simply want a cleaner, more open bathroom. A well-planned conversion can make the room safer, easier to clean, and far more enjoyable to use every day.
This guide covers the shower options available, what a high-quality conversion costs, how long it takes, and the plumbing and waterproofing details that separate a shower that lasts from one that leaks. If you are planning a larger update, our bathroom remodeling services in Jackson, TN cover the full room, from layout to finishes.
Most tub-to-shower projects start with one of a few goals:
One question to consider early: if this is your home’s only bathtub, think about whether a tub matters for young children or future buyers. In many homes with more than one bathroom, converting the primary bath to a shower is a smart, popular choice.
The right shower depends on your space, budget, and how you want the room to work.
A curbless shower has no step at all. The floor slopes gently to the drain, so you walk straight in. It is the best option for aging in place and creates the most open, modern look, but it requires careful floor framing and drain planning.
A low curb, usually just a few inches tall, keeps water contained while still being far easier to enter than a tub. This is a common choice when a fully curbless floor is not practical.
Tile gives you the most design freedom: niches for storage, built-in benches, accent walls, and a wide range of materials. A tiled shower is only as good as the waterproofing behind it, which we cover below.
Frameless or semi-frameless glass keeps the room bright and shows off the tile. Fixed glass panels can also work with walk-in designs that do not need a door at all.
Our bathroom remodel selections guide walks through how to choose tile, fixtures, and finishes in the right order so decisions do not stall the project.
Wolfe Construction focuses on higher-end bathroom remodeling, and our bathroom projects typically start around $25,000. Where a specific project lands above that depends on its scope.
The factors that move the cost most are:
For a broader look at pricing, see our 2026 bathroom remodel cost guide for Jackson, TN. If you want to spread the investment out, we also offer remodeling financing options.
Timelines depend on the scope of work, the shower design, and how quickly selections are finalized. A conversion that stays within the existing footprint moves faster than one that changes the layout or includes a full bathroom remodel.
The biggest factors are:
Our post on how long a bathroom remodel takes in Jackson, TN breaks down each phase in more detail.
This is where a quality conversion is won or lost. Many homes in Jackson and the surrounding area were built 20 to 50 years ago, and removing a tub often reveals:
A shower floor and walls must be fully waterproofed behind the tile, not just sealed on the surface. Proper slope to the drain, a continuous waterproof membrane, and correct transitions at the curb or entry are what keep water where it belongs for decades. Cutting corners here is the most common reason showers fail, which is why it appears in our list of bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid.
A tub-to-shower conversion is often the single most valuable change for homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term. Helpful features include:
Designed well, these features look like part of a beautiful bathroom, not a medical space. Learn more in our guide to bathroom remodeling for seniors in Jackson, TN.
A tub-to-shower conversion that moves plumbing, changes a drain, or involves electrical work usually requires a permit in Jackson or Madison County. Purely cosmetic updates typically do not. A licensed contractor should confirm the requirements and pull any permits in their own name.
Wolfe Construction’s bathroom projects typically start around $25,000. The final cost depends on the shower size, curbless or curbed design, tile and glass choices, fixtures, and any repairs needed behind the walls.
Most can. The main considerations are drain location, floor structure, and whether you want to keep the existing footprint or enlarge the shower. An in-home consultation answers these quickly.
For homeowners planning to stay long-term or who want the most open look, yes. It takes more floor and drain work, but it offers the easiest access and a clean, modern design.
If the home has another bathtub, converting the primary bath to a walk-in shower is generally well received. If it is the only tub in the home, it is worth weighing who is likely to buy the home in the future.
Both. Many clients start with the shower and decide to update the vanity, flooring, and lighting at the same time so the room feels cohesive.
A walk-in shower should look beautiful and perform for decades. Wolfe Construction has served Jackson and West Tennessee for more than 30 years, with a design-build process, 3D renderings so you can see the finished space before work begins, and a 3-year warranty.
Before hiring anyone, review our 10 questions to ask a remodeling contractor. When you are ready, schedule a consultation and we will walk through your options, budget, and timeline.