What to Know if You’re Planning a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a warm, bubbly bath to let your cares fade away, but showers are more practical and efficient for busy people. Newly constructed or remodeled homes often include a shower in every full bath, but if you have an older home, you may be looking to do a tub-to-shower conversion. Similarly, small bathrooms (often a 5x8-foot space or smaller with a toilet, a small vanity, and a tub) don't leave room to add a shower without blowing out some walls or reconfiguring the existing tub. If you're facing a similar conundrum, consider the following options for a tub-to-shower conversion in your bathroom.

Option 1: Tear Out the Tub and Build a New Shower

Tub Removal and Shower Installation

One way to update a bathroom is to remove the bathtub and add a new shower unit. This isn't a small job, so call a professional contractor to help you assess the space and potential solutions. In the footprint where the tub stands, you'll likely have plenty of room for a tub-to-shower conversion, but you'll want to add a tile or solid surface curb to keep the water from spilling into the bathroom.

One downside to consider before replacing your tub with a shower is the effect on your home's resale value. Many homeowners want a tub for bathing children—particularly if the bathroom being remodeled is a shared family space. If this concerns you, consider updating the bathtub instead of replacing it entirely.

Shower Door Considerations

Consider how the shower door will factor into the layout when planning a tub-to-shower conversion, especially in a small space.  If you plan to have a shower door, make sure there's room for the door to swing open without hitting the toilet or sink. Or, skip the shower door entirely. A properly placed hanging curtain or a partial glass panel can easily keep the water contained. These options can, however, let in cool air. So, make sure the room is warm, and consider adding a heated floor to your shower. (Bonus: The heat will keep the floor dry and reduce the possibility of slips.)

Option 2: Retrofit the Plumbing to Create a Shower-Tub Unit

Update Plumbing and Waterproof the Area

The less invasive solution to a complete tub-to-shower conversion is retrofitting the existing bathroom plumbing to create a combination shower-tub unit. This allows you to keep the original bathtub while adding the required plumbing for a shower. You’ll need to open the wall (usually from the room adjacent to the bath) and ensure the plumbing is up to code.

If the walls surrounding your tub aren't already waterproof, consider installing tile on the walls as a durable barrier against water damage. Similarly, if the tub area includes a low window that might get wet, wall the window off and tile over it or replace it with glass blocks, which will stand up to water. If these options don't fit your budget or design plans, talk with your builder about other possible waterproofing solutions.

Add an Enclosure

For a tub-to-shower conversion, you’ll need an enclosure. You can add sliding doors that mount to the top of the tub, but a less expensive and more decorative solution is to hang a shower curtain with a plastic liner. For shower curtain hardware, you can buy a tension-mount rod or a wall-mount rod, which could be straight or curved. Keep in mind that curved curtain rods can make the shower feel more spacious.

Regardless of which solution you choose, a tub-to-shower conversion also presents opportunities to update the rest of the bathroom. Consider upgrading venting and bathroom lighting or building amenities that improve the experience, such as a bench, shelves, or a niche for soap and shampoo.