How Do I Convert a Tub to a Walk-in Shower?

September 23, 2021

Converting your old, unused bathtub into a walk-in shower will not only help you make better use of your space but can also help increase your home’s value. A walk-in shower is a stylish and practical way to update your bathroom. If you’re ready to install a new, luxurious walk-in shower, here’s how the process works.

Materials Needed

To convert your tub, you will need a few materials to get the job done.

Plywood to protect the floor
Screwdriver
Wrench
Putty or utility knife
Saw
Prybar
Jigsaw
*10-yard dumpster

Renting a 10-yard dumpster, although optional, helps dispose of construction waste. Most towns and cities won’t accept construction debris for curbside pickup.

Steps to Conversion

There are five steps to converting your old tub into a walk-in shower.

Step 1: Determine Spacing and Placement

It’s always best to install your new shower in the space left behind by your bathtub. You will need to assess the space to ensure that it’s right for your new shower. Your walk-in shower will need:

A minimum of 30 inches by 30 inches of space
A minimum of 80 inches in height
A minimum of 15 inches between the side of the toilet and the shower wall
Or a minimum of 21 inches between the front of the toilet and the shower wall

Step 2: Decide on Shower Design

Although you are installing a walk-in shower, there are different design options. The most significant design option you will need to decide on will be whether you want to build a curbed or curbless walk-in shower. A curbed shower has a pan that forms a complete enclosure, and the user must step over it to enter the shower. A curbless shower has a pan that sits flush with the floor and doesn’t have an enclosure.

Step 3: Remove Tiles and Wall Sections

After you’ve assessed the space and chosen a design, it’s time to start construction. Start construction by removing the old tiles and wall sections around the bathtub. Carefully cover the floor, turn off the water supply, and start cutting.

Step 4: Remove the Bathtub

Next, it’s time to remove the actual bathtub. Remove any nails or screws that attach the bathtub to wall studs and use a knife to cut through any caulk. Afterward, use a pry bar to uplift and remove the tub from its position. Dispose of the tub accordingly.

Step 5: Install Your New Shower

Once your bathtub is removed, it’s time to install your new shower. Follow the instructions on your specific shower stall kit for a seamless installation. If your bathroom has a slab floor, you will need the help of a professional MD bathroom renovation company to complete the installation.

Leave it to the Experts

Installing a new walk-in shower isn’t easy. Let the bathroom renovation experts at Bath Doctor convert your tub for you. We have over 40 years of bathroom remodeling experience and can seamlessly install your new walk-in shower. From design to installation, we’re here to help.

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