What is a Tub to Shower Conversion?
Homeowners are often looking for innovative ways to increase space in their homes or improve safety. One particular option that is gaining popularity in Ottawa is a tub-to-shower conversion.
As the name suggests, this involves removing an existing tub from a bathroom and replacing it with a shower. Showers take up less space than tubs and are safer – they are easier to step in and out of, resulting in fewer injuries. Showers also typically use less water than baths.
In this article, we’ll discuss the types of tub-to-shower conversions and what to consider if you’re planning to convert your tub to a shower.
Types of Tub-to-Shower Conversions
When converting a bathtub to a shower, there are two ways you can go about it. You can either have the whole shower area tiled, or you can have acrylic as the base and/or walls with the option of adding in some tile.
The size of your shower will depend on the available space and should be appropriately sized so that the bathroom doesn’t look too cramped.
Accessible Shower Conversions for Residential Homes
Replacing a tub with a shower is a great idea if someone in your household has mobility issues or is elderly. Having an accessible shower allows safe use of the shower by everyone in the household.
When designing this kind of shower, it is important to ensure that the entrance is wide enough. The shower user also needs to easily reach for the shower head and controls. Additional aids can be added such as handrails, benches, and non-slip mats.
Walk-in Showers for Residential Homes
A walk-in shower, also known as a barrier-free shower, is a kind of accessible shower that accommodates wheelchair users. It has no barriers on the floor and no glass door. When constructing this shower, it is important to consider water drainage.
You might need to move the drain closer to the wall to keep the rest of the bathroom dry. A ramp might also be necessary. As with other accessible showers, you can add handrails and benches.
Tub to Shower Conversion For Condos/Apartments
Converting a bathtub to a shower in a condo often needs a little extra planning. We recently completed a tub-to-shower conversion for a client whose bathroom was in good condition, but he wanted to have an accessible shower. Typically, space is limited in condo bathrooms, but in this case, there was plenty of room between the toilet and the tub.
So we chose to extend the shower space, which worked out perfectly because the client wanted a custom shower with a bench installed. The customer also wanted a wall niche, which tends to be difficult in condos due to the walls not having sufficient depth. But this particular building was a lowrise condo, so we had no problem installing the niche. In the end, we had a very happy client.
Key Takeaways to Consider with Tub-to-Shower Conversions
There are so many tub-to-shower conversion ideas that boil down to the features you’d like included in the shower. Features include a door, handrails, a fixed bench, jets, etc., and they will vary based on the needs of your household. The amount of space you’re working with will also determine what features or designs you can opt for.
If you plan to sell you house, do keep in mind that many buyers would prefer to have at least one tub in the house because it’s easier to bathe young children in.
Should You Add a Shower Door or a Curtain Rod?
Choosing between a shower door or curtain rod in your tub shower replacement partly depends on personal preference.
Glass often looks better, but if you have mobility issues, then glass can be an impractical or even dangerous barrier. One option is to have a glass panel without a door or curtain.
Adding an Enclosure
Part of replacing a tub with a shower is adding an enclosure. There are two main options.
You can either hang a shower curtain over the tub using a tension rod or have a sliding glass door that rests on the tub.
Update the Plumbing and Waterproof the Shower Area
Tub-shower replacement requires several changes to the plumbing. The location of the drain might have to be changed and a shower head will need to be added.
The walls and any windows will also need to be altered so that they are waterproof.
Ready To Change Your Tub To A Shower?
Replacing a tub with a shower is a great option to open up your bathroom, make it safer, and conserve water. Look through our portfolio to see more tub to shower conversion before and after pictures. Contact us to get more information or to get started with your tub shower replacement.