Tub-to-shower conversions and walk-in showers

How a conversion works

The old tub and surround come out, the drain is moved to suit a shower base, and the walls are rebuilt with a waterproofing membrane before the new finish goes on. The valve is usually replaced too, so the controls end up where you can reach them from outside the spray.

Your options

• Tiled shower. Fully custom: any size, niches, a built-in bench and the tile you want. Takes longer and costs more, but it's the most flexible.
• Acrylic or solid-surface panels. Fewer grout lines, quicker to install and easy to clean, especially with Oxford County's hard water.
• Low curb or curbless. A curbless entry needs the floor recessed or built up, which is worth planning if anyone in the house uses a walker or wheelchair.
• Glass. A fixed panel, a hinged door or a slider, cut to fit once the tile is done.

Should I keep a tub somewhere?

If it's your only bathroom and you have young kids, or you might sell to a young family, keeping one tub in the house is often a good idea. If there's a tub in another bathroom, converting the main one to a shower rarely hurts resale.

Safety and accessibility

A conversion is the right time to add blocking in the walls for grab bars, a handheld shower and a fold-down or built-in seat. See accessible bathrooms for more.