Interior Bath Tub Shower Ideas
Having a tub inside a shower enclosure provides the best of both worlds - allowing you to enjoy a relaxing soak or an invigorating shower. With creative design and proper planning, a tub shower combo can be installed in most bathrooms to upgrade your bathing experience.
An interior tub shower creates an upscale, spa-like atmosphere while maximizing your bathroom footprint. It brings together the functionality of a tub for bathing children or pets with the convenience of a walk-in shower. The right layout and features will provide an eye-catching focal point to your bathroom design.
Design Concepts and Layouts
Several configurations are available when incorporating a tub in a shower enclosure. The options differ based on the shape and size of your bathroom, but typically fall into one of these categories:
Alcove Tub-Showers
Alcove tubs are installed between three walls, with the front opening into the shower area. This traditional layout works well in small or narrow bathrooms. An alcove tub can be combined with a partial glass enclosure to separate the shower while retaining an open feel.
Corner Tub-Showers
Locating a tub shower combo in the corner maximizes floor space. The two adjacent walls provide support for installing a ledge to hold bath necessities. Corner tubs work especially well for creating soaking tubs with rows of massaging jets.
Walk-In Tub-Showers
For a seamless, expansive effect, walk-in tubs feature doors that swing open allowing easy access inside extra-wide openings. Choosing this style will provide an accessible and wheelchair friendly solution. Walk-in tub showers promote relaxation with options like chromotherapy mood lighting.
Tub and Shower Combos
The most significant advantage gained by combining a tub and shower is the sheer size and elegance it affords. Tubs strategically placed inside wide shower enclosures give you the flexibility to bathe comfortably or enjoy a customizable shower.
Spacious and Luxurious Options
Having ample room for a spacious tub and multi-head showers fosters a sense of luxury. These high-end bathroom retreats may include extras like benches, grab bars, and fold-down seating to turn standard tubs into spa-style soaking tubs.
Space Saving Configurations
For smaller baths, corner tub-shower combos streamline footprint and function. Custom sizes allow tubs to tuck neatly into corners while angular shower units, frames, and doors protect against water.strategically placing fixtures conserves space.
Tub to Shower Conversions
Converting a standard tub to a tub-shower combo requires proper planning. Assess your bathroom layout along with your budget to meet expectations. Be prepared for adjustments to plumbing and electrical systems to accommodate new layouts and features.
Remove Existing Bathtub
The first step entails removing the old tub without damaging tiles or plumbing. Professionals will disconnect and cap supply lines before freeing the tub. The original tub alcove then gets rebuilt to accommodate a new fixture. This saves time and mess instead of breaking up flooring.
Install New Shower Pan and Walls
After retiling and releveling floors, the new tub gets correctly positioned and secured. Shower pans must have proper pre-pitch for drainage beneath the tub. Next, cement backerboard and waterproof membranes get attached before installing tiles and plumbing fixtures. The end results integrate old with new for an upgraded bath.
Customization and Features
Tub shower combos allow you to combine favorite bath features with practical shower must-haves. Choose options that promote leisurely soaks along with invigorating showers for the best of both worlds.
Tub Shapes, Sizes and Materials
An interior tub shower lets you customize the soaking tub starting with shapes like rectangular, oval, round, and corner models. Arrange seamless synthetic wall surrounds or natural stone tile backsplashes and ledges to hold candles and bath accessories.
Shower Heads, Controls and Accessories
Strategically place showerheads, wands, body sprays, and rainfall heads to target sore muscles while cradled in the tub. Programmable digital interfaces activate temperature, pressure, and flow settings. Use corner caddies, shelves, and hooks to keep essentials handy but out of direct water contact.
Costs and Considerations
Bathroom remodeling projects require significant financial planning for unforeseen issues. Be prepared for possible structural changes, rerouting plumbing lines, or moving electrical and HVAC components when combining tubs and showers.
Remodeling Expenses
Converting standard tubs alcoves into spacious tub shower enclosures costs between $4,000-$8,000 on average. Luxury installations with high-end tubs, custom tile, and smart shower systems can approach $15,000. Secure quotes from several highly reviewed pros before committing.
Installation and Plumbing Factors
Installing inward opening doors on walk-in tubs requires more floorspace. Plumbing must be roughed into surrounding walls to accommodate hand showers, body sprays, and tub fillers. Consider creating access panels at pipe locations for easier maintenance down the road.
Interior Style Ideas
An interior tub shower lets you integrate elegant designs with functional features. Include attention to textures, colors, lighting and accessories to create a spa-worthy oasis right at home.
Tile, Finishes and Hardware
Use premium porcelain, ceramic, or stone tiles sized appropriately to limit grout lines inside steam showers. Smaller tiles around soaking tub decks allow intricate designs. Unify enclosure hardware finishes like oil-rubbed bronze with pendant lighting and plumbing fixtures.
Lighting, Windows and Enclosures
Recessed ceiling cans ensure even illumination inside large enclosures to reduce shadows. Waterproof glass block windows boost natural light levels while obscuring views. Frameless glass doors promote free movement between both tub and showering areas.
Get the best of both bathing worlds by incorporating a tub inside your shower enclosure. Assess your needs, budget, and style to devise the perfect spa-worthy combo for relaxing and revitalization.
Benefits of a Tub Inside a Shower
Installing a tub inside a shower enclosure provides many helpful benefits compared to having separate standalone tub and shower units. Some of the key advantages include:
- Larger walk-in showers accommodate both a relaxing soaking tub and invigorating shower sprayers.
- Tubs inside enclosures are convenient for bathing children, pets or shaving legs.
- Waterproof shower pan tiles and tilted floors allow quick drainage around an interior tub.
- Easy-clean finishes like solid surface surrounds and glass block walls simplify wiping away soap scum.
- Tub and shower combos centralize bath fixtures like rainfall shower heads in one unified space.
Additionally, an enclosed tub can provide safety for children and seniors while keeping splash mess contained. Built-in seating around the tub perimeter assists getting in and out of the bath. By sharing the same smoothed-edged tiles and deck space, tubs feel like a seamless part of shower enclosures.