Guides · Planning
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Guide
A tub-to-shower conversion is worth it when nobody in the home uses the tub and the shower you get in return is genuinely better: larger, easier to step into and properly waterproofed. The decision to think hardest about is whether this is the last tub in the home, because some buyers, especially families, expect at least one.
Is it worth it? A quick test
| Your situation | Converting usually makes sense? |
|---|---|
| Tub hasn't been used for baths in years, used only as a shower | Yes |
| Someone in the home struggles to step over the tub wall | Yes, often a priority |
| Another bathroom in the home still has a tub | Yes |
| This is the only tub and you have young children or may sell to a family | Think carefully; consider keeping a tub |
| Condo unit, second bathroom, owner is retired or plans to age in place | Usually yes |
There's no universal rule on resale. In many Miami condos, a well-built walk-in shower is an attraction. In a four-bedroom house in a school-focused neighbourhood, removing the only tub may put some buyers off. If you're unsure, keep a tub in one bathroom and convert the other.
What actually changes behind the wall
From the front it looks like a swap: tub out, shower in. The real work is in the parts you won't see afterwards.
The drain
A tub drain sits at one end, close to the wall and fairly high. A shower drain needs to be in the floor where the slope can reach it, often in the centre or along a linear drain at the back. In a house on a slab that means cutting concrete to move the drain and trap. In older Miami homes from the 1950s to 70s, this is often where we meet original cast-iron drain lines, and their condition affects the plan.
The floor slope
A shower floor needs to fall toward the drain, typically about 1/4 inch per foot. A curbless shower needs the floor recessed so the slope starts at the bathroom floor level, which is easy on some slabs and difficult or impossible on others, especially upper floors of concrete towers.
The valve
Tub valves have a spout outlet and the controls are set low. A shower valve is set higher and may feed a handheld, a fixed head or both. Most conversions replace the valve, and it's the moment to move to a pressure-balance or thermostatic valve if yours is old.
The waterproofing
A tub only needs waterproof walls above its rim. A shower needs a waterproof pan and the full walls, joined into one continuous system. This is the most important part of the job; bathroom waterproofing in South Florida explains how that system is built.
Decisions to make before you get a quote
- Curb or curbless
A low curb is simpler and works on almost any floor. Curbless is best for accessibility but depends on the structure.
- Same footprint or larger
A standard tub alcove is about 60 by 30 inches. Borrowing a few inches from a linen closet or the vanity wall makes a much more comfortable shower.
- Glass
Fixed panel, hinged door or sliding. A fixed panel is simplest but needs enough length to contain splash. See frameless shower glass options.
- Built-in features
Niche, bench, grab bars or blocking for future bars. Decide now, because they go in before the tile.
- Tile or solid panels
Tile gives the most design freedom. Large-format porcelain or solid-surface panels mean fewer grout lines to clean.
Things that surprise people
- Wall damage behind the old tub. Once the tub comes out, it's common to find soft backer board, rusted metal lath or old leaks. It's better to find it now than to tile over it.
- The floor tile outside the tub. Removing a tub usually disturbs the adjacent floor. If you can't find matching tile, plan to replace the floor too.
- Condo approvals. Moving a drain in a tower can involve the association and the unit below. Our condo association guide covers what they tend to ask for.
- Permits. Changing plumbing generally requires a permit from the local building department. The requirement is confirmed for your specific scope during planning.
What drives the price of a conversion
Without quoting numbers, the main drivers in order of weight are: whether the drain has to move through a slab, curbless versus curbed, the size and type of glass, the tile you choose and how much of it, and whether the rest of the bathroom (floor, vanity) is included. A conversion that also replaces a damaged subfloor or corroded drain line is a different job to one where everything behind the tub is sound.
Common questions
Can a conversion be done without replacing the whole bathroom?
Yes. Many conversions leave the vanity and toilet in place. The floor near the old tub is the part most likely to need attention, so matching or replacing it is worth discussing early.
Is a prefabricated shower base a good idea?
It can be, especially on a budget or tight timeline. A tiled floor with a proper membrane allows any size and a curbless entry; a quality base is quick and very reliable. Either works when it's installed correctly.
How long is the bathroom out of use?
It depends on the scope and inspections, but plan on the bathroom being unavailable for the full duration. If it's your only bathroom, talk about scheduling before work starts.
If the answer to the worth-it test is yes, our tub-to-shower conversion service is the next step, and you can compare it with a full walk-in shower build if you want to enlarge the space.