Turning Bathtub Into Walk In Shower Ideas

Converting a standard bathtub into a walk-in shower can provide a range of benefits for your bathroom and lifestyle. With careful planning and execution, it can improve accessibility, enhance aesthetics, and add valuable functionality to your home.

You'll discover the advantages of switching to a walk-in shower, considerations around cost and design, steps for seamless execution, and even ideas for retaining some tub utility if desired.

Benefits of Switching Bathtub to Walk-In Shower

Why might you consider undertaking a bathtub-to-shower conversion in your bathroom? There are a few key motivations that typically drive this type of remodeling project.

Enhanced Accessibility and Safety

For many homeowners, the difficulty of stepping over a high bathtub wall is what initially prompts the thought of switching to a walk-in shower. The threshold-free entrance of a shower enclosure provides much greater accessibility for those with mobility limitations, injuries, or age-related conditions. This

• eliminates fall risks
• improves ease of entry/exit
• accommodates wheelchairs or walkers

More Open and Spacious Feel

The enclosed feeling induced by bathtub walls can make small bathrooms feel even more cramped. Switching to a spacious walk-in shower lined with glass doors can create an airier, less confined sensation. Going barrier-free with a completely open wet room shower can maximize light and the perception of space as well.

Updated, Contemporary Style

For many homeowners, the motivation behind a tub-to-shower conversion is purely aesthetic. Walk-in showers feel fresh, modern, and highly-functional. Tile, stone, or glass surfaces also provide endless options for contemporary, even spa-like style. This shower transformation can update the entire feeling of your bathroom.

Key Cost Considerations for Tub-to-Shower Conversions

What can you expect to budget for if you decide to switch your bathtub to a walk-in shower configuration? As with any remodeling project, many factors influence overall costs.

Typical Expenses for Tub to Shower Conversion

In general, you can expect to invest

• $3,000-$8,000 for a tub to fiberglass shower conversion
• $7,500-$15,000+ for a custom tiled walk-in shower enclosure

Strategies to Save on Your Walk-In Shower Conversion

To reduce expenses, consider:

• Choosing a manufactured shower unit rather than custom build
• Using a smaller shower size; avoid moving walls or plumbing
• Installing yourself if experienced with plumbing
• Keeping existing towel bars/accessories when possible
• Selecting affordable porcelain, ceramic tile
• Using shower door rather than glass enclosure

Potential Additional Costs to Factor In

Be aware - opening up walls/ceilings during demolition can reveal needed repairs. Build contingencies for:

• Plumbing upgrades - $200-$1000+
• Electrical updates - $100-$500+
• Drywall repair/replace $100-$500
• Floor/subfloor repair $150-$700

Key Design Decisions for Your Shower Conversion

Carefully considering a few key elements of design is crucial for achieving your dream shower within constraints of your space and budget.

Carefully Measure Your Bathroom

Precision is vital. Factor in:

• Overall room dimensions
• Exact tub size & drainage/plumbing locations
• Doors/halls impacting layout
• Potential ceiling height restrictions

Shower Enclosure vs Wet Room

Key considerations:

• Glass enclosure preserves warmth, contains splashes
• Wet room feels open yet requires waterproofing
• Shower door is cheaper but slightly less luxurious

Select Your Dream Fixtures

Personalize with design finishes you'll enjoy for decades. Choose:

• Floor tile - ceramic, porcelain, stone tiles
• Accent niches, shelves, grab bars if needed
• Designer shower heads, body sprays, benches
• Glass finish, framing, and hardware for enclosure

Step-By-Step Tub to Shower Conversion Process

Converting your existing tub alcove into a fresh walk-in shower involves careful sequencing and precision at each stage. Here is a simplified overview.

Step 1: Remove the Bathtub

After locking off water supplies and disconnecting plumbing:

• Sawzall to slice tub in manageable pieces
• Pry tub from ledgers; pry walls to remove
• Demo walls down to studs/subfloor
• Carefully discard tub debris

Step 2: Update Infrastructure

With the room opened up:

• Assess if subfloor needs reinforcement
• Install additional framing for new shower walls
• Reroute drain pipes to optimal new location

Step 3: Construct New Walk-In Shower

Build from scratch with waterproof layers:

• Waterproof shower pan sloped to drain
• Waterproof walls using cementboard, kerdi membrane
• Tile/stone walls and shower floor
• Install glass enclosure or door

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

With the walk-in shower fully constructed:

• Install shower bench, shelves, grab bars as needed
• Mount showerhead, body sprays, controls
• Make sure all joints/seals watertight
• Finally, enjoy your new walk-in shower!

Integrating Bathtub Utility into Your Shower Conversion

While many homeowners choose to eliminate the tub completely when converting to a walk-in shower, others still wish to retain some ability to bathe young children or even enjoy a soak. There are a few ways to achieve this hybrid design:

Tub-Shower Combo

For those who still rely on a tub fairly often, installing a tub-shower combination may be ideal. This allows you to enjoy the accessibility of a walk-in shower while preserving the functionality of a smaller bathtub when preferred.

Include Built-In Shower Seat

Installing a waterproof tiled seat or bench area within the walk-in shower itself essentially allows this space to operate as a small tub when needed. It still allows barrier-free shower access but provides space to sit and bathe when required.