blog-banner

Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

How to transform an old bathtub into a shower

By Équipe éditoriale

Updated on September 4, 2024

A bathtub can be a serious luxury and a beautiful addition to any bathroom. But when a bathroom is outfitted with an older bathtub and you’d rather have a modern, walk-in shower, it can be an eyesore. In this case, you may be looking to transform your bathtub into a shower and wondering if this is possible.

Luckily, converting an old tub into a shower is fairly straightforward. If you’re ready for a change, this article will offer some considerations for this project as well as an overview of this process.

How to transform an old bathtub into a shower

Modern and bright bathroom with a walk-in shower, wooden vanity, and green plants.

Source : Construction Rubix Inc.

Converting a bathtub into a shower: is it right for your home?

First, it’s important to determine your needs when it comes to your home and family. Bathtubs have their place and are useful when it comes to bathing small children or pets. If you’re living with someone from an older generation, it may be difficult for them to step in and out of the tub over and over again.

Showers are ideal for multi-generational homes, as their modern design is accessible and includes features such as entry ramps, rocker-style light switches, built-in benches, and lever-style door handles. For those with chronic health issues or injuries, this design flexibility is ideal. 

Also, for convenience's sake, a shower allows for a quick soak or rinse. If you’re managing a busy schedule or multiple commitments on a daily basis, then the convenience of a shower may be the right move for your home. 

Will a shower work in your space?

Once you’ve decided that you want to move forward with this project, we’d recommend reaching out to a qualified contractor to discuss whether or not your desired shower will fit in the space. If you get the go-ahead, come up with a plan that includes the size of the shower, location of pre-existing windows, light fixtures, exhaust fan and any additional features you wish to include.

Another important consideration is the current location of the plumbing. If you plan to keep the shower drain in the same location, then this project will move forward swiftly. If you need to move the drain or any plumbing features, the costs of this project will rise and it will become further complicated. 

Would you like to have more space in your bathroom? Check out our article How to optimize space in your bathroom.

Materials for a shower conversion project

Modern bathroom with a glass shower and light wood vanity

Source : Ontera Homes Inc.

If the tub you’re removing is an alcove, you can remove it and should be left with a space that should fit your shower. As mentioned, if your drain line and plumbing will remain in the same place, the materials required for this project will be less. 

Shower stall kits are a low-cost option that is made to fit directly into old bathtub alcoves or corner areas. These kits typically consist of fibreglass or acrylic and they cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. They will include the following:

  • premade sides;

  • skid-proof flooring with drain hole;

  • glass door;

  • extras such as built-in seats or shelving.

If you’re more interested in custom shower tile, the costs will be a little bit steeper. The starting price for tiles is around $1,000 and can jump to $4,000 depending on complexity, size, tile type, and fixtures you choose. If this project includes custom carpentry or will require you to move the plumbing, the project price will jump even further.

Choosing the right shower size

Once you’ve chosen the materials you want to use, you’ll need to think about the correct size for your shower. First, check with local and municipal building codes and determine whether or not a shower stall has a set size. We’d recommend no smaller than 30 by 30 inches and no larger than 38 by 38 inches. In some cases, you’ll need to add short sections of wall to a tub alcove. Make sure to take careful measurements of the space so that everything can fit correctly. Some tips are as follows:

  • Leave an area of 15 inches minimum measured from the center of the toilet to the wall, though 18 inches is recommended.

  • Leave an area of at least 21 inches from the front of the toilet bowl to the wall, though 30 inches is recommended.

  • The shower door should be able to swing free and clear of all obstructions. If this isn’t possible, consider glass doors or shower curtains.

Would you like to read more on the subject? Read our article Showers: how to choose the right size.

The shower floor: a crucial step

The shower pan is a lot more important than one may initially think. This piece will have an impact on the budget as well as style. There are two basic styles of shower pans on the market: curbed and curbless.

Shower pans with curbs: This model work by forming a complete enclosure that channels the water spray and channels it into the drain. This style of shower floor is generally easier and cheaper to install than a curbless installation.

Curbless shower stalls: These are popular though more difficult to install. This is because the draining slope of the floor must be built below the level of the surrounding floor surface. This will require raising the level of the surrounding floor or lowering the shower pan itself. 

Would you like to continue reading on the subject to be well-prepared for your renovation project? We have two articles to suggest:

Would you like to have an estimation of the cost of your bathroom renovation project? Try our cost calculator!


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

5 min read

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

6 min read

Editorial Team • 03 Jul 2024

Custom Kitchen Cabinets: Ideas for Styles and Materials

Kitchen cabinets can be the centrepiece of the space, and beautiful, well-designed ones will make a huge difference in both the layout and feel of the room. Custom kitchen cabinets are an excellent way to add a unique element to your home as well as increasing the resale value.

Interior renovations
6 min read

Cynthia Pigeon • 02 Aug 2024

Masonry Materials: Must-Have Items

When you start building or renovating your house, you’re faced with many choices, especially in terms of land location, the type of house you want (or have), the types of materials to be used, etc. Regarding the latter, it's imperative to select quality masonry materials to have a solid foundation, which will withstand heavy loads and the test of time. That said, are you looking to make an informed decision about which products to use? This article will allow you to get an overview of the types, brands, and prices of commonly used masonry materials.

Interior renovations
6 min read

Editorial Team • 07 Nov 2023

Renovating a Restaurant: Suggestions and Tips

Among the aspects that make guests enter and return to a restaurant, there is the way they are treated upon arrival, the quality and variety of the dishes offered, but also the comfort of the place. It's on this specific point that we will elaborate in this article. 

Commercial renovation
4 min read

Editorial Team • 09 Aug 2024

How to Use Plumber’s Tape the Right Way

Teflon tape, also known as PTFE tape, is an essential plumbing product best known for its ability to guarantee perfectly sealed fittings and connections. Whether used to prevent leaks or ensure a long-lasting installation, understanding its use and advantages is of utmost importance for all wannabe or professional plumbers. 

2 min read

Équipe éditoriale • 07 Nov 2023

3 tips to improve the insulation of an exterior door

It’s difficult to deny that as soon as the chilly weather arrives, rushing to the thermostat to crank up the heat seems like the only way to keep the inside of the home warm and comfortable. What you may not realize is that even if your heaters are on full blast, the indoor temperature will only stay cosy if your home is insulated correctly.


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!