An old tub that has been in use is a great way to update your home. Your bathroom will feel larger and more modern with a walk-in bathtub. In addition, people with mobility issues will find it easier to move around.
Do you need help converting your bathtub to a shower? Our step-by-step guide will make the process much easier.
Can I use a shower to replace my tub?
Although a walk-in shower is appealing, some may have better choices. It would be best if you considered your family’s needs and bathroom layout before starting this project.
Your Family
You might consider keeping your tub clean if you have young or pregnant children. Do you have a pet who loves to dig in the dirt and run around? A quick way to clean your pet is to bathe it.
How to set up your Bathroom
Your house may not be your home every day. But, according to the National Association of Home Builders, most homebuyers need at least one tub. So you might keep the tub in your current bathroom if you don’t have a second one.
Your Budget
Your budget should include all costs associated with a DIY tub-to-shower conversion. This is particularly important regarding shower kits and the tools required to put them together. Also, consider renting a dumpster to cover any additional costs associated with cleaning up.
What is the cost of removing my bathtub and replacing it with a shower enclosure?
Converting a bathtub to a shower costs anywhere from $800 to $15,000 Costs for converting a tub to a shower depend on the size of your shower and the materials used. You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $8,000. If you are looking to purchase a complete shower kit, the cost will be around $8,000 to $9,000. You will need to tile the entire walk-in shower from floor to ceiling. It will cost between $3,500 to $15,000. No matter which design you choose, DIY will save you approximately $1,000
In 7 Easy Steps, Convert your Tub into a Walk-In Shower
Now that you have a plan and a budget, you can start your tub-to-shower remodel. This project should take two to three days.
1) Get your equipment
Before you begin to remove your bathtub, make sure that you have all the materials necessary. These tools are essential before you start working:
- Plywood floor protection
- Tape measure
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Wrench and/or Allen wrench
- Utility knife and Putty knife
- Drywall saw and reciprocating see
- Prybar
- Jigsaw
- Niveau
- Caulk gun and caulk gun
- 10-yard dumpster
- PPE includes gloves and eye protection
2) Spacing and positioning are essential.
Your walk-in tub should replace your bathtub. The installation will be easy because the water supply and drain lines will already be in place. However, you will need to hire a plumber for the correct structure. Moving plumbing can be costly. Use a tape measure for proper spacing.
Spacing is required for a walk-in shower.
- Minimum 30 by 30 inches of floor area
- Minimum 80 inches in height
- Between the toilet and the shower stall, at least 15 inches
- At least 21 inches from the toilet to the shower stall.
- If you plan to install a swinging or sliding door, leave a minimum of 4″ between the shower and the door.
3) Choose a walk-in shower design.
Shower kits might be appealing when you’re looking to convert a tub into a shower. These kits are easy to install and available in many styles. You can choose a tile pattern. You can also choose from square-corner, round-corner, and alcove shower designs.
Choose whether you want a curbless or curbed shower stall kit when selecting a shower stall.
4) Recycle tiles and sections of the wall
Before you convert your bathtub to a shower, remove some of the tile and drywall. This will make it easier to remove your bathtub from the wall. In addition, these steps will help you prepare for bathtub removal.
How to prepare the area
- Cover the floor with plywood to prevent damage from the tile.
- Turn off the water supply to your bathroom from the main water shutoff valve.
- Take off the drain cover, overflow drainage cover, and knobs. Use an Allen wrench to remove the faucet from the tub.
- Disconnect the main drain, and the overflow drains from your access panel behind the tub or in your basement.
- The wrench will turn the locking nuts counterclockwise. Using a utility knife, you can remove the tub tile to a height of 8 inches. Then, use a knife to score the grout and pry the tiles with a putty blade.
- Use a drywall saw to cut through the drywall, taking care not to damage any studs. For plaster walls, a reciprocating saw is required.
5) Remove your Tub
The tub can be removed. These are the five steps you need to take to get rid of your tub and make your walk-in bathtub ready. First, remove any screws or nails holding the tub to the wall.
How to throw away your bathtub
- Take out all nails and screws holding the tub to the wall studs.
- You can use a utility knife or a utility knife to remove any caulk between your tub and the floor.
- Use a pry bar to move the tub just a few inches from the wall.
- Use your prybar or a friend to lift one end of the tub and then turn it upside down. Check first to make sure it fits through your doors.
- Place the tub in the dumpster you rented, and then put up the drywall you removed.
When you remove the concrete backing board and subfloor beneath your bathtub is exposed. This is the best time to repair any damage. Too much moisture can cause most subfloor damage. It is best to replace your subfloor as soon as possible. This will save you time and reduce stress.
6) Install your walk-in bathtub
You can now switch your tub to a shower. If you’re using a shower-stall kit, follow the instructions. You will need to lower the shower floor if you desire a walk-in bathtub without a curb. This allows the pan to sit at the same level as the rest of the bathroom floor.
A concrete worker will be needed if your bathroom floor is made from a slab. This simple job won’t cost a lot and can be done quickly.
If the subfloor is not a slab, you can get a permit from the city’s building department to remove the tops of floor joists underneath the shower pan, so it is level. The level will help you ensure that your shower pan is correctly placed. Your shower can leak if it is not level.
7) After you have changed your bathtub to a shower, clean up
You should be proud of what you have done and not worry about how to clean up after you transform your bathtub into a walk-in shower.
We recommend dumpster rental Melbourne FL, to eliminate old tubs, broken tiles, and drywall. It would help if you also remembered that dumpsters are only available for large trash. This means that you can clean up quickly and easily.
