Shower Remodel Minneapolis & Twin Cities, MN
A shower remodel is the most popular single-room upgrade in Twin Cities bathrooms — and for good reason. Whether you want to convert a dated bathtub to a sleek walk-in shower, refresh a tired acrylic surround with custom tile, or build an indulgent steam shower from scratch, Minneapolis Kitchen & Bath delivers expert shower remodeling at every price point. Most projects complete in one to two weeks. Free on-site estimates within 48 hours.
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The Twin Cities' Most Popular Bathroom Upgrade
Shower remodels range from $4,500 for a straightforward acrylic refresh to $15,000 or more for a custom tile walk-in shower with frameless glass and a rain head system. They consistently rank as the highest-ROI bathroom investment in Twin Cities real estate — a quality shower remodel typically returns 60–80% of its cost at resale, while dramatically improving daily quality of life. More importantly, a well-executed shower remodel transforms the feel of your entire bathroom.
Minneapolis Kitchen & Bath has completed hundreds of shower remodels across the Twin Cities, from quick acrylic-to-tile conversions in St. Louis Park ramblers to full steam shower builds in Wayzata custom homes. We are licensed plumbing and tile contractors — meaning every trade that touches your shower is performed by our own employees, not subcontractors, and every project is permitted and inspected when required. Your shower will be waterproofed correctly, tiled by experienced craftspeople, and built to last 20 or more years.
This page walks through every shower remodeling option we offer, with real cost data, material comparisons, and actual project examples from recent Twin Cities jobs. If you are ready to get started, use the form on this page or call us at (612) 555-0100 for a free on-site estimate.
Walk-In Shower Conversions: Removing the Tub
Tub-to-shower conversion is the single most common shower project we do. Most Twin Cities homeowners — particularly those with a second bathroom that retains a tub for kids or guests — discover that the tub in their master bathroom is rarely if ever used. Removing it and converting the space to a generous walk-in shower reclaims 12–20 square feet of usable space and creates a bathroom that feels modern, spa-inspired, and significantly more enjoyable.
The Conversion Process: Step by Step
- Demo: The existing tub, surround tile, and backer are removed down to the studs and subfloor. Plumbing is capped at the stub-outs.
- Drain evaluation: The existing tub drain location may or may not align with the ideal shower drain position. For a curbless shower, we often need to open the floor and reposition the drain. This adds $400–$800 in plumbing work but is often worth it for a clean, barrier-free entry.
- Shower pan: We set a custom mortar-bed pan (for tile), install a prefab acrylic pan, or install a stone resin pan based on your budget and tile plan.
- Waterproofing: Schluter Kerdi membrane or RedGard liquid membrane is applied to all walls and the floor pan before any tile goes on. This step is non-negotiable — it is what prevents water from reaching the wood framing behind the tile.
- Tile installation: Wall tile, floor tile, and any built-in niches are set and grouted. Tile installation typically takes 2–4 days depending on shower size and tile complexity.
- Shower system: New pressure-balance or thermostatic valve, showerhead(s), and trim are installed. The shower pan drain is connected and tested.
- Glass enclosure: After grout cures (typically 3–5 days), frameless or framed glass panels and doors are installed.
Waterproofing Systems: Schluter Kerdi vs. RedGard
The two waterproofing systems we specify most frequently are Schluter Kerdi membrane and RedGard liquid-applied membrane. Both are significantly superior to the traditional tar paper and plastic liner methods that were standard in Minneapolis showers through the 1990s and early 2000s.
Schluter Kerdi
- Sheet membrane bonded to wall with thin-set mortar
- Creates a fully bonded, fabric-reinforced waterproof layer
- Works over cement board, drywall, or concrete
- Integrated corner and seam pieces ensure watertight transitions
- Schluter Kerdi-Drain for matching drain system
- Our premium-grade waterproofing standard
RedGard
- Liquid-applied; brushes or rolls onto substrate
- Excellent for complex geometries and curved surfaces
- Cures to a continuous elastomeric membrane
- Two coats required; second coat applied at 90° to first
- More flexible in applications with unusual configurations
- Slightly lower cost; our standard for complex custom pans
Both systems carry manufacturer warranties and meet or exceed IRC (International Residential Code) requirements for tile shower waterproofing. We do not install tile over cement board alone — a dedicated waterproofing layer is always included in our shower projects.
Shower Surround Comparison: Custom Tile vs. Acrylic vs. Stone Resin
Three main categories of shower surround material are available to Twin Cities homeowners, each with distinct trade-offs in cost, appearance, maintenance, and longevity. Here is an honest breakdown.
Pros
- Unlimited design options — any size, color, pattern, texture
- Custom sizes fit any shower footprint perfectly
- Tile lasts 20–30+ years with proper care
- Built-in niches, benches, and special features possible
- Highest resale value appeal
Cons
- Highest upfront cost
- Grout requires annual sealing and periodic deep cleaning
- Longer installation time (tile + grout cure)
- Cracked tiles or grout require skilled repair
Best for
Homeowners wanting a custom, high-end look. Long-term owners. Pre-sale renovation where ROI on materials is important. Any shower over 36"×36".
Pros
- Lowest upfront cost
- Fast installation — typically 1–2 days
- No grout to maintain
- Integral surround-and-pan systems available
Cons
- Standard sizes only — no custom dimensions
- Can scratch or dull over time
- Lifespan 10–15 years (vs. 20+ for tile)
- Limited color and texture options
- Can flex underfoot, especially in large formats
Best for
Budget-conscious projects. Rental properties. Guest bathrooms. Buyers who want a clean, functional shower at the lowest possible price. Standard 36"×36" or 36"×60" footprints.
Pros
- Premium look and feel — heavier, more solid than acrylic
- Warm to the touch (unlike ceramic tile in a cold Minnesota morning)
- No grout maintenance
- Very durable — minimal scratching
- Faster install than custom tile
Cons
- Limited to standard sizes (some custom sizing available at premium)
- Mid-range cost — not as affordable as acrylic
- Fewer design options than custom tile
- Some brands require special cleaner
Best for
Homeowners who want a quality shower with minimal maintenance, are on a moderate budget, and are comfortable with the manufacturer's available colors and sizes. Popular for secondary bathrooms.
Frameless Glass Enclosures, Framed Doors & Shower Curtains
The glass enclosure decision is one of the most visually impactful choices in a shower remodel. Here are the options, their costs installed in Minneapolis, and guidance on which suits which project.
Frameless Glass Enclosure
$1,200 – $3,500Uses 3/8" to 1/2" tempered safety glass supported by wall-mounted hinges and a simple handle — no metal frame around the perimeter. Provides an open, spa-like look and allows full tile visibility. The premium choice for any custom tile shower.
Cost depends on glass width, hinge count, and hardware finish. Pivot doors vs. hinged doors affect price marginally.
Framed Shower Door
$400 – $1,200Metal frame (aluminum, usually powder-coated) surrounds the glass panel on all edges. Lower-cost entry point, widely available in standard sizes. A solid choice for acrylic surround showers where the frameless premium is not warranted by the surround material.
Available in chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze. Match to fixture finish for cohesion.
Bypass / Sliding Glass Door
$600 – $1,500Two glass panels slide past each other on a track — a popular choice for wider shower openings (60" or more) where a swing door would be impractical or intrude into the bathroom. Framed or semi-frameless options available.
Track cleaning is the primary maintenance consideration — water mineral deposits can accumulate in the bottom track over time.
Shower Curtain
$50 – $300The simplest and most flexible option — no installation required beyond a tension or wall-mounted rod. Curtains can be changed seasonally or with decor shifts. A practical choice for guest bathrooms, curbless showers that drain away from the curtain line, or accessibility-focused designs where a curtain is easier to manage than a door.
Curtain rods from $30 (tension) to $250+ (ceiling-mounted or custom). Add a weighted liner for splash control.
Our recommendation: for any custom tile shower, invest in frameless glass. The clean look elevates the entire bathroom and the tile work is fully visible. For acrylic and prefab showers, a quality framed or bypass door is the right investment level.
Steam Showers: A Home Spa in Your Minneapolis Bathroom
A steam shower takes a standard custom shower and adds a generator that produces therapeutic steam, turning your bathroom into a personal spa. Steam showers are particularly popular in Minnesota, where cold winters make a warm, humid retreat feel especially valuable. A complete steam shower installation in Minneapolis typically costs $8,000–$20,000 depending on size and generator capacity.
Steam Generator: The Core Component
The steam generator is a tankless, electric water heater that converts water to steam on demand. Generator cost ranges from $1,500 (entry-level 6kW units for small showers) to $4,000+ for premium 15–20kW units suitable for larger shower volumes or dual-steam configurations. Key generator specs:
- Sizing: Generator BTU output must be matched to the cubic footage of the shower. Oversize is better than undersize — an undersized generator will run continuously and wear out prematurely.
- Power: Requires a dedicated 240V/30A or 240V/40A electrical circuit, adding $400–$800 in electrical work.
- Location: The generator mounts outside the shower — typically in an adjacent cabinet, closet, or utility space — connected to the steam head inside the shower by a single pipe. Distance from shower can be up to 25 feet in most systems.
- Controls: Most premium generators include digital or touch-screen controls that set temperature, duration, and optional features like aromatherapy.
Steam Shower Waterproofing Requirements
A steam shower has more demanding waterproofing requirements than a standard shower because steam is more penetrating than liquid water and because the entire shower — including the ceiling — is exposed to steam under pressure. The ceiling must be fully waterproofed and tiled (no painted drywall ceilings in a steam shower). The ceiling should also slope slightly toward the shower area to prevent condensed water from dripping on bathers. All seams, corners, and transitions must be waterproofed with precision. We use Schluter Kerdi on all steam shower projects because its fully bonded membrane system is the most robust option available.
The door and any glass panels in a steam shower must seal tightly — frameless glass with good magnetic door seals or specialized steam-rated framing is required. A standard shower door with gaps at the top is not appropriate for steam use.
Steam Shower Features & Add-Ons
Fold-Down Teak Bench
Wall-mounted fold-down bench in teak or eucalyptus. Folds flat when not in use. $400–$900 installed.
Aromatherapy Port
Essential oil reservoir connects to steam head or generator. Disperses aromatics through steam. $150–$400.
Chromotherapy Lighting
LED color-changing lighting integrated into the steam shower for mood and therapeutic light therapy. $300–$800.
Shower System Options: Valves, Heads & Body Jets
The shower system — the valve, showerhead(s), and any body sprays — is the functional heart of the shower. Here is a breakdown of the options from basic to luxury.
Single-Head Pressure Balance System
$300 – $800A pressure-balance valve (required by code in Minnesota) controls a single fixed showerhead. The pressure-balance cartridge prevents scalding when a toilet is flushed or another fixture runs. This is the standard setup in most Minneapolis homes and the base spec for our shower remodels. Upgrade the showerhead from builder-grade to a quality rainfall or high-flow head for $150–$400 without changing the valve.
Rain Head + Handheld Combo
$600 – $1,500A diverter valve allows switching between an overhead rain head (ceiling-mounted or high wall-mounted) and a handheld showerhead on a slide bar. This combination is the most popular upgrade in our shower remodels — the rain head provides a full-coverage, gentle experience while the handheld allows targeted rinsing, pet bathing, and accessibility for seated users. Requires a diverter-capable valve and a second water outlet.
Full Luxury System with Body Jets
$2,000 – $5,000A thermostatic valve (volume and temperature controlled independently) feeds multiple outputs simultaneously: ceiling rain head, wall-mounted rain head, body jets on both walls, and a handheld. This system requires a thermostatic valve (approximately $800–$2,000 for the valve trim and cartridge), a water heater with sufficient recovery rate to supply multiple simultaneous outlets, and a dedicated shower manifold. We specify Kohler DTV+ or Hansgrohe ShowerSelect systems for luxury shower builds.
Recent Twin Cities Shower Remodeling Projects
Tub-to-Shower Conversion — Edina
$6,200A 1970s builder tub was removed from a master bathroom in a rambler-style Edina home. The floor was opened to center the drain for a curbless entry. We installed a 36"×60" custom mortar-bed shower pan, Schluter Kerdi waterproofing, 12"×24" light gray porcelain wall tile, a single built-in niche, a white subway tile floor mosaic, and a basic framed glass door. The project included a new Kohler pressure-balance valve and a handheld showerhead with slide bar.
Full Custom Tile Walk-In Shower — North Loop Condo
$11,800A small North Loop condo bathroom received a complete shower transformation. The original 32"×32" prefab shower was demolished back to studs. We expanded the shower footprint to 36"×54" by repositioning one non-structural wall. Schluter Kerdi waterproofing was installed throughout. Large-format 24"×48" matte white porcelain tile was installed floor-to-ceiling with minimal grout lines. A frameless 3/8" glass panel and pivot door completed the enclosure. A Kohler Statement rain head (ceiling-mounted) and separate handheld were included. Two built-in niches and a linear drain finished the spa-inspired design.
Steam Shower Installation — Minnetonka
$16,500A generous 5-foot by 5-foot steam shower was built from scratch in a newly renovated master bathroom suite in Minnetonka. All six surfaces — four walls, floor, and ceiling — were waterproofed with Schluter Kerdi. Large-format 12"×24" natural quartzite tile was installed throughout, including the ceiling. A Mr. Steam iTempo Plus generator (10kW) was installed in the adjacent utility closet and plumbed to the steam head. A dedicated 240V/30A electrical circuit was run to the generator. A fold-down teak bench, rainfall showerhead, and handheld were included. Aromatherapy port and the Mr. Steam controller with digital temperature readout completed the system.
Shower Remodel Cost Breakdown — Minneapolis & Twin Cities
| Scope | Cost Range (Minneapolis) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Shower Refresh | $4,500 – $7,000 | Acrylic surround replacement or regrout + reseal, new fixtures, showerhead, and door hardware |
| Tub-to-Shower Conversion | $6,000 – $10,000 | Tub removal, mortar bed or acrylic pan, tile surround, handheld showerhead, curtain rod or basic door |
| Custom Tile Walk-In Shower | $9,000 – $15,000 | Full demo, Kerdi waterproofing, large-format tile, built-in niche, frameless glass, rain head + handheld |
| Steam Shower | $12,000 – $22,000 | All custom tile items plus steam generator, sealed ceiling, teak bench, 240V circuit, aromatherapy port |
Prices reflect 2024–2025 project data. Final pricing depends on shower size, tile selection, glass type, plumbing modifications, and finish selections. Free on-site estimates within 48 hours.
What Our Shower Remodeling Clients Say
Sheila T.
Minneapolis, MN
Project: Small Bathroom Remodel
“Our 1950s bungalow bathroom was tiny and dark. They converted the tub to a walk-in shower, added a niche shelf, installed a floating vanity, and the room feels twice as large. Outstanding craftsmanship.”
December 2024
Tom K.
Maple Grove, MN
Project: Shower Remodel
“The tile work in our shower is perfect. A few scheduling hiccups in the middle of the project, but the end result is everything we wanted. Would definitely recommend.”
September 2024
Shower Remodeling FAQ — Minneapolis & Twin Cities
Shower Remodeling Service Areas — Twin Cities
We serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, and all major Twin Cities suburbs. Click your city for local pricing and details.
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Ready for a Shower You Love?
From a simple acrylic refresh to a full custom tile steam shower, Minneapolis Kitchen & Bath delivers expert shower remodeling across the Twin Cities. Get a free, detailed on-site estimate within 48 hours.
Licensed Minnesota plumbing & tile contractor · Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul & all Twin Cities suburbs