Shower Remodel Contractor in Boise, Idaho
Licensed shower remodel contractor specializing in walk-in conversions, tub-to-shower, frameless glass, Schluter waterproofing, and custom tile for Boise homeowners
A shower is the most water-intensive space in your home. Properly built, a tile shower with correct waterproofing lasts 20–30 years without moisture problems. Improperly built — with inadequate waterproofing, incorrect slope, or shortcuts in the membrane installation — it begins failing within 5–7 years, causing mold growth in the wall cavity, structural damage to floor joists, and eventually a complete tear-out and rebuild at significantly greater cost than the original project.
Boise's housing market has seen an explosion of bathroom remodeling activity over the past decade as homeowners invest in their properties. Unfortunately, the demand has also attracted inexperienced contractors and handymen who install tile over foam board without proper waterproofing, skip the sloped mortar bed, or use inappropriate caulk at tile-to-fixture transitions. These failures are invisible for years — until the day you notice soft flooring, black mold around the drain, or tile separating from the wall.
Iron Crest Remodel builds every shower to exceed the standard — Schluter KERDI membrane on every installation, proper slope to every drain, full waterproofing at all penetrations, and glass enclosures installed after tile is complete and cured. Idaho RCE License #6681702 backs every project.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The most common shower project in Boise — converting an underused bathtub alcove into a walk-in or step-in shower. We remove the tub, reconstruct the alcove with proper waterproofing and slope, and build a fully tiled shower with your choice of door or frameless glass panel. The existing alcove framing typically accommodates a 36x60 inch shower footprint without structural changes.
Walk-In Shower Expansion
For Boise homeowners who want a larger shower footprint, we can expand into adjacent space — removing a wall, reconfiguring the toilet or vanity, or capturing square footage from an adjacent closet or bedroom. This requires structural assessment, plumbing relocation permits, and careful planning, but delivers a dramatically different primary bathroom experience.
Curbless / Zero-Threshold Walk-In Shower
A curbless shower eliminates the step-over threshold, creating flush entry from the bathroom floor. This is the ADA-accessible standard and is also aesthetically cleaner than curbed showers in modern design. Proper execution requires precise subfloor modification to create the slope within the shower without a visible curb. Iron Crest builds curbless showers with linear drains for Boise clients prioritizing accessibility and contemporary design.
Wet Room Conversion
A wet room waterproofs the entire bathroom floor, allowing the shower to flow into the larger space without a defined enclosure boundary. Popular in Boise's higher-end primary bathrooms, wet rooms require full-floor waterproofing, a floor drain or linear drain positioned for the largest wet area, and frameless glass walls rather than fully enclosed barriers. This is the most technically demanding shower scope Iron Crest builds.
Schluter KERDI Membrane — Our Standard
Every tile shower Iron Crest builds receives a full Schluter KERDI waterproofing membrane installation. KERDI is bonded directly to the substrate and creates a continuous waterproof barrier at every surface the tile is set over. All seams, corners, and penetrations receive KERDI-Band reinforcement tape. This system is the industry gold standard and carries a manufacturer warranty when installed by trained applicators.
Large-Format Porcelain Wall Tile
12x24, 24x24, and larger porcelain tiles are the current design standard for Boise shower walls. Large-format tile reduces grout lines, making walls easier to clean and visually more refined. Rectified tile (precision-cut to exact dimensions) allows for minimal grout joints of 1/16 inch or less. Iron Crest installs large-format tile with appropriate back-buttering technique and lippage control to ensure a flat, professional wall surface.
Shower Floor Tile with Proper Slope
Shower floors require a precise 1/4 inch per foot slope to the drain. Small-format mosaic tile (1x1, 2x2, or penny tile) accommodates the curved slope surface and provides more grout lines for traction on a wet floor. Large-format shower floor tile requires a precisely flat and sloped mortar bed — a more technically demanding installation. Iron Crest uses laser levels to confirm slope accuracy before any tile is set.
Frameless Glass Enclosures
Frameless glass doors and panels are the finishing element that completes a properly built tile shower in Boise. We work with licensed glass contractors to install 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch tempered glass with minimal hardware. Glass is measured and fabricated after tile installation is complete, ensuring proper fit against the finished tile surfaces.
Boise has a significant and growing population planning for aging-in-place, and accessible shower design is one of the most requested features Iron Crest incorporates into Boise shower remodels. Accessible shower features we build include:
Tub-to-Shower Conversion (5' alcove)
Tile, Schluter waterproofing, frameless panel
$5,000 – $12,000
Walk-In Shower Remodel
Custom tile, frameless glass, Schluter system
$12,000 – $30,000
Curbless / ADA Walk-In Shower
Linear drain, subfloor modification, full accessibility features
$15,000 – $35,000
Heated Shower Floor Add-On
Electric mat, thermostat, electrical permit
$800 – $2,000
Wet Room Conversion
Full floor waterproofing, linear drain, frameless glass walls
$25,000 – $50,000+
All costs include permits, waterproofing, tile, glass, and fixtures unless noted. Boise's older homes may incur additional costs for structural or plumbing issues discovered during demolition.
The following government agencies, industry organizations, and official resources provide additional information relevant to your remodeling project.
What does a shower remodel cost in Boise, Idaho?
Shower remodel costs in Boise vary significantly based on scope, tile selection, and fixture quality. A tub-to-shower conversion in a standard 5-foot alcove space typically runs $5,000–$12,000 including demolition, Schluter waterproofing system, tile, and a frameless glass panel. A full walk-in shower build with custom tile, frameless enclosure, linear drain, and premium fixtures runs $12,000–$30,000+. Primary bathroom wet room conversions in Boise's larger North End and Southeast Boise homes can exceed $40,000 for high-end finishes. Boise's older homes — particularly pre-1970 properties — often have plumbing and structural surprises behind tile that add cost. Iron Crest provides a fully itemized estimate before any work begins.
What is Schluter waterproofing and why does it matter for Boise shower remodels?
Schluter Systems produces the industry-leading waterproofing membranes used in properly built tile showers — most commonly the KERDI membrane and DITRA tile underlayment system. Traditional mortar-bed showers relied on a sloped pre-slope and topical waterproofing that is prone to failure over time. The Schluter system creates a continuous, bonded waterproof membrane directly bonded to the substrate that tile adheres to — eliminating the cavity where water can migrate behind tile and cause mold growth and structural damage. In Boise's older housing stock, we frequently find failed traditional shower pans behind walls when we demolish existing showers. Iron Crest installs Schluter KERDI on every tile shower we build — it is not an upgrade option, it is our standard.
What is the process for a tub-to-shower conversion in a Boise home?
A tub-to-shower conversion in a Boise home involves: demolishing the existing tub, surround, and alcove framing to the studs; inspecting the structural framing and subfloor for any moisture damage from the previous installation; repairing any damage found; installing cement board or Schluter Kerdi-Board on walls and floor; applying the Schluter KERDI waterproofing membrane; installing the drain and slope; setting and grouting tile; installing a frameless glass panel or door; and installing final fixtures. The project typically requires a plumbing permit from the City of Boise Building Department. Iron Crest handles every permit, and the process takes approximately 5–8 business days from start to completion in a Boise home.
Do Boise's older North End homes present specific shower remodel challenges?
Yes. Boise's pre-1960 North End homes present shower remodel challenges not found in newer construction. Original cast-iron plumbing requires careful handling during rough-in modifications. Plaster walls behind tile require different fastening and waterproofing approaches than modern drywall. Old galvanized supply lines, if not already updated, may present pressure and corrosion issues that become visible during a bathroom remodel. Floor joists in 1920s–1940s North End homes may require reinforcement to support the weight of a modern tile shower on the second floor. Iron Crest has extensive experience with Boise's historic housing stock and performs a thorough pre-construction assessment to identify any structural or plumbing issues before construction begins.
What tile should I choose for a Boise shower remodel?
Tile selection for a Boise shower remodel depends on your design vision, budget, and the specific application within the shower. For shower floors, small-format tile (2x2 or 3x3 mosaic) or 4x4 porcelain provides more grout lines — which create traction and a safer surface than large-format tile on a wet floor. For shower walls, large-format porcelain tile (12x24, 24x24, or larger) is the current design standard in Boise and significantly reduces grout lines, making walls easier to clean and visually more streamlined. Natural stone (marble, travertine) is popular in Boise's higher-end remodels but requires sealing and more maintenance than porcelain. Iron Crest works with multiple tile suppliers and brings samples to your home for in-context selection.
What are the ADA and accessibility considerations for Boise shower remodels?
Boise has a significant and growing population of homeowners who are planning for aging-in-place or accommodating family members with mobility limitations. ADA-compatible shower design principles include: curbless (zero-threshold) entry with a linear drain for wheelchair access; a minimum 36x36 inch interior dimension, ideally 36x60 or larger for turn radius; a fold-down teak bench; grab bars installed into blocking within the wall framing — not just drywall; a handheld showerhead on an adjustable bar; and non-slip floor tile. Iron Crest designs and builds accessible showers throughout Boise, including grab bar blocking installation that allows for future grab bar addition even if not installed immediately. We can incorporate any or all of these features into your Boise shower remodel.
Can I add a heated shower floor during a Boise shower remodel?
Yes — electric in-shower floor heating is one of our most popular upgrade requests in Boise, particularly for primary bathroom shower remodels. A heated shower floor is far more practical than heated tile in other areas of the home because it is used daily in a wet environment where cold tile is genuinely uncomfortable. We install Nuheat or Schluter DITRA-HEAT electric mat systems beneath the tile, connected to a programmable thermostat so the floor reaches temperature before your morning shower. The installation is completed during the mortar bed and tile phase of the shower build. It requires an electrical permit and dedicated circuit from the City of Boise Building Department. Iron Crest handles all permit applications and coordinates the electrical work with our licensed electricians.
How long does a shower remodel take in Boise?
A standard tub-to-shower conversion or shower replacement in a Boise home takes 7–12 business days from permit issuance to completion. This includes demolition (1–2 days), any structural or plumbing rough-in work (1–2 days), waterproofing membrane installation and cure (1–2 days), tile setting with mortar cure time (2–3 days), grouting and fixture installation (1–2 days), and glass enclosure installation (1 day, often scheduled after tile completion). Boise's Building Department permit timeline typically adds 1–2 weeks before work can begin. More complex projects — walk-in shower builds with custom features, heated floors, or wet room conversions — take longer. Iron Crest provides a detailed schedule at estimate time so you can plan for the bathroom being out of service.
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