A modern free-standing bathtub can be a luxurious feature and a focal point in any bathroom, but that older alcove tub (inside 3 walls) may not fit your style or needs. An outdated bathtub can be an eyesore and may not function properly in a busy home. In such cases, transforming your bathtub into a walk-in shower is a practical solution, and you may even consider having both a free-standing tub and a walk-in shower if space permits. Converting an old tub into a shower is generally straightforward, but there are several important factors to consider before starting the project.
Is Converting a Bathtub to a Shower Right for Your Home?
First, assess the needs of your household. Bathtubs are useful for bathing young children or pets, but stepping in and out of a bathtub can be quite a gamble for older adults with mobility issues. Walk-in showers are especially suitable for multi-generational homes, offering easy access with low thresholds or curbless entries for those using wheelchairs or walkers.
Consider incorporating safety features such as grab bars, built-in or folding benches, anti-slip flooring, storage, improved lighting, and ventilation. For individuals with health concerns or injuries, these design elements can make showering safer, more comfortable, practical, and enjoyable instead of a chore or a painful experience. Additionally, showers provide convenience for busy households, allowing for quick rinses to fit demanding schedules. On average, a shower uses up to 50L of water, which can be reduced to 25L if you choose to install a low-flow fixtures, while a bathtub uses up to three times that amount, approximately 150L.
Assessing Your Space & Correct Shower Size
Once you decide to proceed, consult a qualified contractor to determine if your desired shower will fit the available space. Typically, showers are designed to fit the footprint of the old bathtub, but you might be able to make your shower bigger if your bathroom’s layout permits it. If you are replacing a standard alcove tub, typically 60” x 32”, most kits or custom tiled showers are designed to fit the existing alcove. It is possible to increase the width, but the length usually remains unchanged.
Plumbing adjustments, such as relocating the drain and water supply lines, may be necessary. These modifications can be complex, potentially increasing both time and cost. Make sure you know how your contractor plans to manage unexpected problems and always have all agreements in writing.
Choosing Between a Pre-Made Kit and a Custom Tiled Shower
The decision to install a pre-made shower kit or opt for a custom tiled shower may come down to budget and time. Tiled showers are prized for their timeless beauty, durability and salability. You can have the shower of your dreams with a steam generator, multiple body sprays, or a waterfall/rain shower heads with lights & music. With the growing popularity of larger porcelain tiles in a dizzying selection, any theme is possible. The costs for installation, fixtures, waterproofing and tiles can be significant, running into the thousands of dollars – and they take much more time to install and build.
High-end shower kits, including installation and plumbing, may cost nearly as much as a custom tiled shower. Lower-end kits are typically made of fiberglass or acrylic. While higher end kits are made of PVC, or composite stone panels. Some kits may include a glass door, skid-proof flooring with a drain, and sometimes extras like built-in seats or shelving. Purchasing a kit can simplify the process of shopping around for fixtures, but these mostly plastic kits require special care when cleaning and may not be as durable as a custom-tiled shower.
The Importance of the Shower Floor
The shower pan is a key element influencing both the budget and style of your new shower. The two main types of shower pans are curbed and curbless. Curbed shower pans form a complete enclosure that contains and channels the water into the drain. They are generally easier and more affordable to install than curbless options.
Curbless shower stalls are increasingly popular and can be a more complex installation, as the shower floor slope must be constructed below the level of the surrounding floor. This adjustment may involve raising the surrounding floor or lowering the shower pan itself. In either case, the entire bathroom floor will need to be waterproofed.
New on the market is a hybrid stone composite shower base that combines the features of a curbless shower but eliminates the installation challenges. It is about 1” thick, and sits on top of the waterproofed floor.
Final Note
From a practical standpoint, walk-in showers are more functional for daily use, provide better water control, and can be designed with slip-resistant floors, grab bars, and seating. Modern walk-in showers also update the look of a bathroom and can increase buyer appeal, particularly in homes where at least one bathtub remains elsewhere. Go ahead: dream of your perfect shower, then give Edan Home Repair & Contracting a call to discuss how to make it a reality.
