Bathroom safety and accessibility are now key concerns for many homeowners facing mobility challenges. Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower is more than a style upgrade, it’s a smart home renovation and lifestyle improvement.
An accessible shower setup doesn’t just reduce fall risks; it also provides dignity, autonomy, and comfort for those with limited mobility.
If your goal is to increase home safety, boost resale value, or simplify daily routines, understanding how to complete a tub-to-shower conversion is essential. Here’s everything you need to know.
Benefits of a Curbless Walk-In Shower
Replacing an old bathtub with a walk-in shower brings a range of advantages that go far beyond style preferences. This type of bathroom renovation is often driven by safety concerns and the demand for accessible living solutions.
- Enhanced safety: A walk-in shower eliminates the need to step over high tub walls, significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially for seniors or people with mobility issues.
- Simplified access and maintenance: With fewer surfaces and a seamless entry, walk-in showers are easier to clean and use on a daily basis.
- Modern and functional design: Walk-in showers contribute to a more open, updated look, boosting both aesthetics and property value.
- Custom fit: Showers can be tailored to fit the exact dimensions and limitations of your existing bathroom layout.
Converting your tub to a safer solution or upgrading from a tub to shower setup is a transformation that addresses evolving mobility needs while supporting broader home improvement goals.
Drawbacks of Replacing a Tub with a Walk-In Shower
While the benefits of a walk-in shower are numerous, this type of renovation doesn’t come without its challenges. Homeowners should weigh these drawbacks before proceeding with a full tub-to-shower conversion.
Removing a bathtub means permanently eliminating the option of soaking baths, which some users find essential for relaxation or therapeutic needs. Additionally, resale value might be affected in family-oriented markets where bathtubs are preferred for bathing young children.
Cost and construction time can also be significant. Converting a tub into a walk-in shower often requires demolition, plumbing modifications, and several days of work, all of which can disrupt daily routines. Moreover, unexpected structural issues, such as water damage under the tub, can drive costs higher than initially planned.
These drawbacks are important to consider, especially for households seeking a quick, cost-effective, and reversible solution. That’s where an innovative option like Secur-O-Bain’s bath lift chair becomes particularly compelling.
What to Know Before Starting a Tub to Shower Conversion
Making the shift from a tub to a walk-in shower involves both planning and understanding your existing setup. Here’s what must be assessed before any work begins.
Plumbing and structural requirements
Before installing a new shower, a thorough evaluation of your home’s plumbing is necessary. The existing drain lines, water supply, and overall layout need to be examined to determine whether modifications are needed. A professional plumber can verify if your current setup supports a conversion, particularly when it comes to shower drain placement or drain opening adjustments.
You’ll also need to assess structural elements such as the subfloor condition, existing drywall, and surrounding tile or shower wall structures to ensure water resistance and long-term durability.
Materials and fixtures you’ll need
To convert a bathtub into a curbless shower, you’ll need specific components that suit both your mobility goals and design tastes. These include:
- An acrylic or fiberglass shower pan
- Grab bars and safety rails
- A faucet and showerhead combination suited to reduced mobility
- Moisture-resistant drywall and waterproof panels for the walls
These materials are often included in a shower conversion kit or prefabricated shower kit, which streamlines the installation process.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Tub with a Walk-In Shower?
Budget is often one of the main concerns when planning a tub-to-shower conversion. The total cost of converting a tub depends on several variables:
- Labour and contractor fees
- Plumbing modifications and fixture upgrades
- Materials such as tile, shower floor panels, and wall protection
- The condition of your old tub and whether removing the tub creates additional repair needs
In Quebec, average conversion costs typically range between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on the scope of work.
For those looking for a more cost-effective route, there are practical alternatives that maintain the existing bathtub in the home: a bath transfer chair can serve as a more affordable solution, improving safety and ease of use without requiring any demolition or major modifications.
This approach not only respects tighter budgets but also delivers immediate accessibility improvements, ideal for households that need results without the disruptions of a full-scale bathroom remodel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert a Tub into a Walk-In Shower
Transitioning from a traditional tub to a walk-in shower involves several stages. Each step must be executed with precision to avoid water damage and ensure long-term performance.
Step 1: Shut off the water supply
Begin by turning off the main water supply to prevent leaks or flooding. Disconnect any existing fixtures and prepare the space for demolition.
Step 2: Remove the existing bathtub (using a reciprocating saw)
To take out the old bathtub, use a reciprocating saw to cut through the rim and free it from the wall. Be cautious not to damage surrounding materials or plumbing lines.
Step 3: Prepare the space (remove drywall, clean up debris)
Remove any drywall or tile around the bathtub and clean up debris. This clears the way for new panels and allows proper inspection of the wall and floor.
Step 4: Install the shower base and connect plumbing
Place the acrylic shower pan and ensure it aligns with the drain opening. Connect plumbing and secure the base using waterproof adhesive.
Step 5: Add waterproof panels and install fixtures
Install water-resistant shower wall panels or shower surround kit to prevent moisture infiltration. Mount the faucet and showerhead, as well as any shower door or curtain rods.
Step 6: Final touches – grab bars, accessories, and sealants
Complete the setup by installing grab bars, seal joints with caulk, and check that everything is aligned and leak-free. Your stylish and practical update is now ready.
A Smarter Alternative to Bathroom Renovation: Try Secur-O-Bain
Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower requires major renovation, a sizeable budget, and professional coordination. For some households, especially those with only one bathroom or one tub this might not be the most feasible option.
Secur-O-Bain provides a simplified alternative: bath chair lifts that can be installed directly into your existing bathtub with no demolition, no plumbing changes, and no maintenance required. In under 2 hours, your tub becomes a safe, comfortable, and accessible bathing space, without compromising the structure of your bathroom.
- High-quality, discreet design
- 5-year warranty
- Adaptable to almost any tub
- Eligible for senior tax credits in Quebec
This is a reliable solution for homeowners looking to improve accessibility without undergoing a full remodel. For more information or to get a personalized quote, don’t hesitate to contact Secur-O-Bain!