Cement board
Replaces standard drywall on every surface inside the enclosure, so the substrate does not soften.
- All wet-zone walls
- No drywall behind tile
- Framing checked first
- Home
- Services
- Residential Interior Renovations
- Bathroom Renovation
- Shower and Tub Installation
Shower and tub installation in New Orleans
At TurnKey Renovators, we install walk-in showers, tub and shower combos, freestanding tubs and tub-to-shower conversions across Greater New Orleans, and every one gets full waterproofing and a properly sloped drain. Get your free estimate and we will assess what is behind your current walls.
2 to 3 daysTub and shower combo with a prefabricated surround
1 to 2 wkCustom tile walk-in with waterproofing and glass
4 layersCement board, membrane, sloped pan and sealed grout
2.0 gpmMaximum flow for a WaterSense labeled showerhead
What we install
Showers and tubs, built from the studs out
Tile can look fine while moisture works into the framing behind it. Pick an installation type to see what goes into it.
Walk-in tile showers
Tiled walls and floor with frameless glass, built-in niches and bench seating, drained to a properly pitched pan.
- Frameless glass
- Niches and bench
- Rain or handheld head
- Pressure-balanced valve
Tub-to-shower conversions
When a combo only ever gets used as a shower, converting it reclaims the space and removes the step-over.
- Tub removal
- New shower pan and drain
- Low or no curb entry
- Tile and glass
Tub and shower combos
A new tub with a tiled or prefabricated surround, a practical fit for hall baths and rentals.
- New tub and spout
- Tile or acrylic surround
- Updated mixing valve
- Glass or curtain rod
Freestanding soaking tubs
A master bath upgrade that needs new supply lines and drain placement, and sometimes floor reinforcement for the weight.
- New supply lines
- Drain placement
- Floor reinforcement check
- Tub filler install
Glass enclosures and doors
Measured after the tile is done for an exact fit. Frameless is the most popular choice on walk-in showers.
- Frameless panels
- Semi-frameless
- Framed doors
- Curtain rod option
Tile installation
Walls, floor, niches, bench tops and accent bands, set with thinset rated for wet areas and finished with sealed grout.
- Porcelain and ceramic
- Natural stone
- Large-format tile
- Mosaic accents
Behind the tile
The waterproofing system under every shower
This is the step low-bid installs skip, and it decides whether a shower lasts or fails. We build all four layers on every job.
Waterproof membrane
A liquid-applied or sheet membrane covers the cement board as one continuous barrier.
- Walls and floor
- Seams and corners sealed
- Fastener heads sealed
Sloped shower pan
A membrane pan or prefabricated base pitched toward the drain, so water never pools in corners or at the curb.
- Pitch to the drain
- Pan liner or prefab base
- Correct drain assembly
Tile and sealed grout
Wet-area thinset and sealed grout keep water on the surface where it belongs.
- Wet-rated thinset
- Sealed grout joints
- Water kept on the surface
Surround choices
Prefabricated surround or custom tile?
We install both. The right one depends on the room, the budget and how long you plan to stay.
| Factor | Prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass | Custom tile |
|---|---|---|
| Install time | Two to three days for a combo replacement | One to two weeks with waterproofing, curing and glass |
| Cost | The most affordable path | Costs more, rising with tile choice and pattern |
| Best fit | Guest baths and rental properties | Master baths and higher-end renovations |
| Details | A one-piece or panel surround | Niches, benches, accent bands and mosaic floors |
| Aging | Can yellow, crack or flex over time, and patches do not hold | Porcelain absorbs little water and resists mold |
How it works
Six stages, tear-out to glass
Every shower follows the same order, because each layer depends on the one under it.
- 01
Demolition and inspection
Old tile, surround, tub or base and damaged substrate come out, and we inspect the framing behind them.
- 02
Plumbing rough-in
New mixing valve, showerhead supply, tub spout where needed and drain assembly. Old two-handle setups get pressure-balanced or thermostatic valves.
- 03
Waterproofing
Cement board, membrane and a sloped pan or prefabricated base go in before any tile.
- 04
Tile
Walls, floor, niches and bench surfaces set with wet-area thinset, then grouted and sealed.
- 05
Glass
We measure for the enclosure once tile is complete, then install the door or panels.
- 06
Fixtures and accessories
Showerhead, grab bars and shelves go on blocking planned during design, before the tile went up.
Cost
What sets the cost of a shower or tub
Four decisions move the number more than anything else.
1
Scope of work
A straight combo replacement with a prefabricated surround costs least. A custom tile walk-in with glass, bench and niches costs more.
2
Tile selection
Standard porcelain on walls and floor is the baseline. Large-format, natural stone, mosaics and patterns add material and labor.
3
Plumbing changes
Keeping the drain and valve in place keeps costs lower. Moving either on a slab adds concrete cutting and rerouting.
4
Glass enclosure
A framed door is the entry point. Semi-frameless and frameless panels run higher.
You get a detailed written estimate before work starts, with no vague allowances.
Why TurnKey
Why homeowners trust us with wet areas
- 01
We have torn out the failures
Tile set straight on drywall, pans with zero slope. We know what failure looks like here and build to prevent it.
- 02
No shortcuts on waterproofing
Membrane, cement board, sealed grout and sloped pans on every installation.
- 03
Plumber and tile setter together
Both work on one schedule under one project manager, so nothing falls between trades.
- 04
Framing inspected first
Once the old shower is out, we check the framing for moisture damage or mold and fix it before rebuilding.
Service areas
Showers and tubs across Greater New Orleans
Concrete slabs, century-old shotgun doubles or new construction, we install showers and tubs across the metro.
Questions
Shower and tub questions
Timing, materials and waterproofing, filtered by topic.
How long does a shower installation take?
A tub and shower combo with a prefabricated surround can finish in two to three days. A custom tile walk-in with waterproofing, curing, grout and glass takes one to two weeks.
Is a tub-to-shower conversion worth it?
If nobody uses the tub, yes. You gain a bigger shower and lose the step-over. Buyers with young children may want a tub somewhere, so it works best when another bathroom has one.
What is the best shower tile for New Orleans?
Porcelain. It absorbs little moisture, resists mold and cleans easily. Natural stone works on walls with regular sealing, and for floors we suggest porcelain or small textured mosaic.
Do you install prefabricated panels or only tile?
Both. Acrylic or fiberglass surrounds are a practical, lower-cost option for guest baths and rentals. Custom tile is the standard for master baths.
Can you add a rain showerhead to my shower?
Usually. A ceiling-mounted rain head needs a new supply line through the ceiling or wall, enough flow and enough ceiling height. It is simple to add during a shower renovation.
What does waterproofing actually involve?
Cement board replaces drywall inside the enclosure, and a liquid or sheet membrane covers it as one barrier. The pan gets a membrane or prefabricated base sloped to the drain, and seams, corners and fastener heads are sealed.
What should I do if my shower leaks behind the wall?
Act quickly. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. A leak that stains the other side of the wall usually means the waterproofing has failed and the shower needs to come out.
Free estimates
Ready for a shower built to last?
Tell us about the project and we will come out, measure and hand you a clear written estimate with no hidden fees.
504-527-8711