The Complete Tub-to-Shower Conversion Guide: Everything You Need to Know

That bathtub you never use? You're not alone. Across Raleigh and the Triangle, thousands of homeowners are making the switch from underused tubs to beautiful, functional walk-in showers. And for good reason.

A tub-to-shower conversion isn't just a cosmetic upgrade — it's a complete reimagining of how you use your bathroom. Whether you're motivated by accessibility, aesthetics, or simply wanting more space, this guide covers everything you need to know about the process.

Why Homeowners Are Converting

The reasons for ditching the tub are as practical as they are personal:

• •You never use it. If you can't remember the last time you took a bath, that tub is wasting valuable bathroom space.
• •Accessibility concerns. Stepping over a tub wall becomes more difficult with age or mobility issues. A walk-in shower is safer and easier to use.
• •Modern aesthetics. Walk-in showers with real tile, frameless glass, and modern fixtures are what today's homeowners want.
• •More usable space. Removing a tub can open up the bathroom, making it feel larger and more functional.
• •Home value. Buyers increasingly prefer showers over tubs in secondary bathrooms.

If any of these resonate, a tub-to-shower conversion might be the right move for your home.

The Process: Step by Step

At Showerly, we've refined our conversion process to be efficient, clean, and predictable. Here's what happens from start to finish:

Step 1: Demolition (Day 1)

We remove the existing tub, surrounding tile or surround, and any damaged backer board. All debris is hauled away. We protect your floors, vanity, and other bathroom features during demo.

Step 2: Plumbing (Day 1-2)

With the tub removed, we address plumbing. This includes relocating the drain from the tub position to the optimal shower drain location, adjusting the valve height and placement, and ensuring proper slope for drainage. This is one of the most critical steps — improper plumbing is a leading cause of shower failures.

Step 3: Waterproofing (Day 2-3)

We install the Schluter KERDI waterproofing membrane over all shower surfaces. This bonded membrane creates a continuous waterproof barrier that protects your walls, subfloor, and framing from moisture damage. Every seam, corner, and penetration is sealed. This is what separates a professional installation from a DIY disaster.

Step 4: Tile Installation (Day 3-6)

With waterproofing complete, tile installation begins. Each tile is hand-set with precision — proper spacing, level surfaces, and clean lines. Niches are built during this phase, and any accent tile or mosaic work is installed. After the tile sets, grout is applied and sealed.

Step 5: Fixtures (Day 6-7)

Shower valve trim, showerhead (or rain head), and any additional fixtures like handheld sprayers are installed. This is where your finish selection — chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, or brushed gold — comes to life.

Step 6: Glass Installation (Day 7-8)

If you've selected a glass enclosure, it's measured after tile is complete (for a perfect fit) and installed as the final step. Choose from frameless or semi-frameless options to complete the look.

Final Walkthrough

We walk through the completed project with you, test all fixtures, verify everything meets our quality standards, and clean up thoroughly. Your new shower is ready to use.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

• •Smart Start panel conversion: 2-3 days
• •Essential tile conversion: 5-8 days
• •Signature tile conversion: 7-10 days
• •Masterpiece tile conversion: 8-12 days

Timelines can vary based on bathroom size, plumbing complexity, and tile design. We'll give you a specific timeline during your consultation and keep you updated throughout the project.

Cost Breakdown by Package

Tub-to-shower conversions are available at every Showerly price point:

• •Smart Start: $3,500 - $5,500 (composite stone or panels)
• •Essential: $6,000 (real porcelain/ceramic tile, KERDI waterproofing)
• •Signature: $9,000 (designer tile, premium fixtures, mosaic accents)
• •Masterpiece: $12,000 (natural stone options, rain head, custom niches)

Every package includes complete demolition, plumbing adjustments, waterproofing, installation, fixtures, and cleanup. Glass enclosures are priced as add-ons.

Plumbing Considerations

Converting from a tub to a shower involves meaningful plumbing work:

• •Drain relocation: Tub drains are positioned at one end. Shower drains are typically centered. Moving the drain requires access to the subfloor.
• •Valve placement: Tub/shower combo valves are positioned lower than shower-only valves. The valve needs to be relocated to the proper height.
• •Supply lines: Existing supply lines may need to be extended or rerouted.
• •Slope: The shower floor must slope properly toward the drain. This is critical for preventing standing water.

All plumbing work is handled by our team and is included in every package price.

Structural Considerations

Beyond plumbing, there are structural factors to evaluate:

• •Subfloor condition: Removing a tub exposes the subfloor. If there's water damage, rot, or structural weakness, it needs to be addressed before the shower is built.
• •Load-bearing walls: In some homes, the wall behind the tub is load-bearing. This doesn't prevent a conversion but may affect how we approach the build.
• •Shower base: We build a proper shower pan with appropriate slope, drainage, and waterproofing. This is not a pre-fab base — it's custom-built for your space.

We assess all structural factors during your initial consultation and include any necessary repairs in your project scope.

Glass Options

The right glass enclosure transforms your shower from good to stunning. Visit our glass options page for details, but here's an overview:

• •Frameless glass: Clean, modern look with minimal hardware. Thick tempered glass (3/8" or 1/2") with polished edges. The premium choice.
• •Semi-frameless glass: A balance between frameless aesthetics and traditional framed doors. More affordable than full frameless.
• •Glass panel (no door): A fixed glass panel with an open entry. Perfect for curbless, accessible designs.

Accessibility: The Curbless Option

If accessibility is a priority — now or in the future — consider a curbless (zero-threshold) entry. This eliminates the step into the shower, creating a seamless transition from the bathroom floor into the shower.

Curbless showers are ideal for:

• •Aging-in-place planning
• •Wheelchair accessibility
• •A modern, spa-like aesthetic
• •Easier cleaning

Learn more on our accessible showers page.

Already thinking about a tub-to-shower conversion in Raleigh? Visit our dedicated tub-to-shower page or our Raleigh-specific guide for local information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will removing a tub hurt my home's resale value?

It depends on the bathroom. Real estate experts recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the home (usually in the hall or kids' bathroom). Converting a second or master bathroom tub to a shower typically increases resale value, especially when done with real tile and quality finishes.

Can any tub be converted to a shower?

In most cases, yes. Standard alcove tubs, drop-in tubs, and even some corner tubs can be converted to walk-in showers. The main variables are plumbing access and available space. We evaluate feasibility during your consultation at no cost.

Do I need to be out of the house during the conversion?

No. Most homeowners stay in their home during the project. You'll need to avoid using that specific bathroom during construction, so it works best if you have a second bathroom available. We contain dust and debris and clean up daily.

How do I maintain my new tile shower?

Real tile is low-maintenance. Wipe down after use to prevent water spots, clean with a pH-neutral cleaner weekly, and reseal grout every 1-2 years. That's it. A properly installed tile shower with KERDI waterproofing will last 25-50+ years with basic care.

What happens if there's water damage under my tub?

It's more common than you'd think. If we discover water damage during demolition, we'll document it, discuss repair options with you, and address it before building your new shower. Repair costs depend on the extent of damage and are quoted separately.