Project Story · Alamo Ranch · 78253
Tub to Shower Conversion in Alamo Ranch
By Rey Trevino · Published 2026-04-21 · 5-7 day build
The most common call we take in Alamo Ranch is a tub-to-shower swap. Here is exactly how it goes — what drives cost, how long it takes, what materials hold up in San Antonio hard water, and why most homeowners do not regret it.
Why homeowners convert
In Alamo Ranch (78253) we pull out more tubs than anywhere else we work. Three reasons drive it. First, the tub is never used — kids grew up, or the master just has a second tub elsewhere and nobody misses this one. Second, aging in place: a curbless or low-profile shower is safer and easier than stepping over a tub wall. Third, resale — a clean walk-in shower shows better than a dated 2000s drop-in tub. We always recommend keeping at least one tub somewhere in the home for buyers with small children.
Cost: $8,000 to $15,000
A basic conversion with a pre-fab shower pan, ceramic tile surround, and a semi-frameless sliding glass door lands near $8,000–$9,500. Upgrade to porcelain tile, a custom niche, and a hinged frameless door and you are at $11,000–$13,000. A full-tile curbless shower with Schluter waterproofing, linear drain, and frameless 3/8" glass runs $13,000–$15,000. That top range is what we see most often in Alamo Ranch master baths.
More on full remodel scope at Alamo Ranch bathroom remodel and the tub-to-shower conversion service page.
Timeline: 5 to 7 days
- Day 1: Protection, tub and surround demo, haul-off.
- Day 2: Plumbing rough-in — valve swap, new drain location, pressure test.
- Day 3: Waterproofing (Schluter or Wedi), cement board, preslope.
- Day 4: Wall tile set, niche trim, grout prep.
- Day 5: Grout, silicone, fixture install, glass measure.
- Day 6–7: Glass install, silicone cure, final punch, walkthrough.
Materials that hold up
San Antonio hard water is hell on cheap finishes. We spec porcelain over ceramic for durability, Schluter or Wedi waterproofing (never green board), and matte black or brushed nickel fixtures that hide water spots better than polished chrome. Grout gets sealed at the 30-day mark. Glass coating (ClearShield or EverClean) matters — it extends squeegee life from months to years.
Doing a larger scope? See full bathroom remodel pricing, and project stories for Stone Oak master bath and Helotes tile shower install.
Book a free estimate in Alamo Ranch
30-minute walkthrough with Rey. Fixed-price written estimate before he leaves.
Alamo Ranch tub-to-shower FAQ
- Tub-to-shower conversions in Alamo Ranch (78253) run $8,000–$15,000. A straightforward swap with a pre-fab pan, tile surround, and semi-frameless glass lands near $9,500. A full-tile curbless shower with Schluter waterproofing and frameless glass runs $13,000–$15,000. We quote fixed-price in writing after the walkthrough.
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