The tub-to-shower conversion pictured above is at the Metropolitan Place condominiums, Madison WI.

Consider A Tub To Shower Conversion To Gain Space or Age-In-Place

If you're a fan of the cable home improvement shows, you've probably seen plenty of examples of tub to shower conversions and sleek threshold free showers. It's a growing trend that has really taken off along with homeowners' growth choosing to age-in-place. 

While those shows feature bathrooms the size of a studio apartment, the reality is most of us have bathrooms that are about 50 square feet. To convert your tub into your dream shower can only become a reality if it fits into the tub's footprint. But what's the best way to proceed with your conversion?

It's a two-step process that we're going to explore in this post. The first step is planning. Before you start ripping out tile and searching for the perfect showerhead and grout color, you need to measure, plan, research. 

Step 1: Measuring and Planning Your Bathroom Remodel

The first thing you want to do is measure the bathroom precisely to know what type of space you have to work with. Draw the wall measurements down to the 1/8 inch. Most standard tubs are 60-inches wide, which is the perfect width for a shower. The depth is the kicker. Look for at least 32 to 34 inches from the finished tile wall to the shower door.

You'll also need to have a finished ceiling height of 80 inches minimum. To comply with the National Kitchen and Bath Association guidelines, you'll want a shower space that's at least 30 X 30 inches. You'll also want to record the toilet location. A distance of 15 to 18 inches from the toilet center to the glass on the new shower door is comfortable.

Did You Know Abe Degnan is a CAPS - Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist? View Our Aging-In-Place Remodeling Projects

Think about the shower-door swing. You want to put your new shower door where it will not interfere with the toilet or vanity. Use a large piece of scrap wood or drywall to lay out the potential swing. Make sure to double-check the size of the shower itself. Stand in the place where the shower will be. A 32 -inch depth is the minimum to consider, but 34 to 34-inches is better. Don't crowd the toilet and double-check with your local building codes to determine minimum distances.

If the door is causing an issue, consider a doorless shower and radiant floor heat, helping keep the floor dry. Make sure to plan every element of your new bathroom, including lighting. The way to create a polished looking shower is to consider lighting and tile from the start. Make sure to include lights in the shower, not just in the room. 

Depending on the size of your shower, one to four lights might look the best. When you remove your old tub and surround is the perfect time to check if your lighting system can be installed as planned. Often, the ceiling framing above the new shower can be adjusted to accommodate your new light design. Before you start tiling, make sure your lighting is in place. Plan your tile layout early using the ceiling height as a reference. Draw out your layout and all aspects of your design to be sure everything works together. If you are working with a designer or design-build professional, providing them with sketches and accurate measurements can help them create a finished design.

Step 2: Determining Mechanical Needs and Buying Quality Fixtures

As mentioned earlier, converting your tub into a shower during your bathroom remodel is a two-step process. Step one is measuring and laying out your bathroom. The second step is to determine the space's mechanical needs and research and purchase the highest quality fixtures you can afford.

Before you begin shopping for shower fixtures, you need to have a basic understanding of your basic options for shower controls.

There are three basic systems for controlling water temperature and flow rates. They are:

• Simple single levers or knobs to control both temperature and flow

• Combination temperature controls, which can include two or three additional fixtures

• A separate thermostatic control valve for temperature and a flow valve for flow volume

Regardless of the system, the fixture will come in two parts. The rough-in fitting is the guts of the fixture and is typically made of brass. The fitting is connected to the water lines. The second part is the tile trim. The plumber will install the trim before determining the depth of the fixture. This will allow you to see the finished look. 

Thermostatic control valves come in a range of styles and versions, so that it can be confusing. A well-designed control will have a separate temperature setting in the collar and the handle's flow valve. Before you begin shopping, work with your plumber and determine how many temperature and flow zones you want. There are many options for shower plumbing set-ups, so knowing what you want early can speed up the entire bathroom remodel process.

If you're designing an aging-in-place bathroom, including a handheld nozzle in your shower is a great idea. If your shower design includes a bench, ensure that you can reach and control the handheld while sitting on the bench. A dedicated flow valve for the handheld is convenient, but the controls can often be reached in the center of the shower unless it's unusually large. For minimal splashing and easy startup, consider placing the controls close to the entry.

If you're on a budget, consider mixing and matching fixtures. When shopping, don't walk by the tub packages! These typically include a control, tub filler, and showerhead. The tub filler can be omitted, and the waterline sent straight to the showerhead. A simple set like this is perfect for a one fixture shower. Often these packages are priced better than shower only fixtures. Mixing and matching a couple of flow valves or a handheld and tub package can save you a significant amount of money and give you a custom look!

When choosing your fixture, look for adjustable flow rates. This is perfect for families with young children or any rain showerhead. Plus, it makes cleanup easier since the water doesn't blast full-strength from the handheld!

Another quality option to check when buying fixtures is to make sure that your showerhead has a high-quality arm; look for chrome-plated brass. This not only looks great, but it also has some weight to it and will last over time. Many cheaper fixtures have a shower arm that is made from chrome-plated plastic. These are far inferior to chrome-plated brass and can fail over time with regular use.

Leaks in the wall can cause thousands of dollars in damage if they go undetected! If several household members are of different heights, share the shower, and adjust the showerhead daily, cheaper mechanicals and fixtures can fail and create problems. Always check the quality of the shower arm, fixtures, and valves. It's essential to have a quality arm or sliding bar with your handheld sprayer to prevent problems. Always buy the highest quality items you can afford.

With a little bit of planning, careful measuring, and smart shopping, your dream shower can be right where that old tub currently lives!

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering a bathroom remodeling project, give the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Whether you're planning a powder room upgrade, a complete gut bathroom remodel of your Master en suite or converting the tub surround to a shower in the basement in-law suite. We can help! Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project. 

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/2/2022.