Schluter Systems
Schluter products can provide integrated membranes, shower trays, drains, niches, and related components for tiled shower conversions.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion on Cape Cod
Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Replace an existing bathtub with a practical walk-in shower built around the room and the way you use it.
A tub-to-shower conversion can include demolition, drain and valve adjustments, framing and blocking, a new shower base or pan, waterproofing, tiled or panel walls, custom storage, glass preparation, and final cleanup. The exact scope is defined around the existing bathroom and the selected shower system.
Converting a Bathtub Into a Walk-In Shower
The old tub footprint is only the starting point. The finished shower has to work with the existing structure, plumbing, and selected finish system.
A tub-to-shower conversion is more than removing the bathtub and installing new wall finishes. Once the tub and surround are opened up, the framing, subfloor, drain location, valve position, wall condition, and available shower dimensions need to be evaluated before the new assembly is built.
Depending on the bathroom, the conversion may use a prefabricated shower base, a tiled shower pan, tiled walls, or an approved shower panel system. The project can also include custom niches, benches, grab-bar blocking, handheld fixtures, glass preparation, and localized repairs where the new shower meets the surrounding bathroom.
What's Included in a Tub-to-Shower Conversion
The written estimate confirms the exact construction, plumbing, waterproofing, and finish work included in your conversion.
Every conversion is planned around the existing bathroom, the selected shower system, and the approved layout. Drywall, painting, vanity or toilet work, and other finish upgrades outside the immediate shower area can be added by request and priced separately.
Typically Included
Tub and surround removal
Remove the approved bathtub, wall finishes, trim, and related materials while protecting adjacent surfaces and managing demolition debris throughout the planned work.
Preparation and localized repairs
Prepare framing, walls, blocking, and floor areas that affect the new shower, completing localized repairs required to create suitable surfaces for the approved installation.
Licensed plumbing adjustments
Licensed plumbing work may relocate the shower drain, move or replace valves, and adjust supply lines or fixture positions required for the approved walk-in shower layout.
Shower base or pan installation
Install the approved prefabricated base, foam shower system, or custom tiled pan with the required slope, drain connection, transitions, and surrounding preparation.
Waterproofing and wall finish
Build the approved wet-area assembly and install tile or shower wall panels with coordinated waterproofing, seams, penetrations, edges, grout, sealant, and transitions.
Cleanup and final walkthrough
Complete approved punch-list items, remove remaining project debris, clean the work area, and review the finished tub-to-shower conversion with the homeowner.
Custom Shower Features
Recessed niches and shelves
Add built-in storage positioned around framing, plumbing fixtures, waterproofing requirements, and the selected tile or wall-panel layout.
Built-in bench
Incorporate a bench when the shower footprint and selected system support proper framing, waterproofing, slope, and comfortable use.
Handheld shower systems
Coordinate handheld fixtures, slide bars, or multiple shower outlets with the required licensed plumbing work and the final fixture layout.
Grab-bar blocking
Install concealed reinforcement behind finished walls so grab bars can be securely mounted during the remodel or added later.
Glass preparation
Prepare curbs, walls, finished edges, and concealed blocking around the intended fixed panel, hinged door, or other glass enclosure.
Large-format or mosaic tile
Coordinate tile format, layout, cuts, slopes, edges, and transitions with the actual shower dimensions and selected finish design.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Process
A coordinated sequence from the existing bathtub through the finished walk-in shower.
-
Review the existing tub area
Confirm dimensions, drain and valve locations, wall conditions, shower entry, finish selections, storage features, and any required specialty-trade work.
-
Remove the tub and expose conditions
Protect adjacent areas, complete the approved demolition, and evaluate framing, subfloor, plumbing, and wall conditions before rebuilding begins.
-
Complete framing and plumbing adjustments
Perform approved localized framing and blocking work and coordinate licensed drain, valve, or supply changes required for the new shower layout.
-
Build and waterproof the shower
Install the approved shower base or pan, wet-area backing, waterproofing system, tile or wall panels, niche or bench details, and finished transitions.
-
Complete glass preparation and cleanup
Finish approved shower details, prepare the opening for glass, address punch-list items, remove debris, and review the completed conversion.
Discuss Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Tell us about the existing tub area, preferred shower layout, and custom features you want to include.
Why Convert
Why Convert a Tub to a Shower?
The conversion can make the bathroom easier to use while creating a shower layout that better fits the available space.
-
Easier shower access
A walk-in shower can reduce the step-over height of a traditional bathtub and create a more convenient entry for everyday use.
-
More usable shower space
Replacing the tub can provide a larger standing area and allow the shower footprint, entry, storage, and fixtures to be planned more intentionally.
-
Built-in storage options
Recessed niches, shelves, and benches can be incorporated during construction instead of relying on temporary shower organizers.
-
Flexible finish choices
The new shower can use tile, approved wall panels, different base systems, custom glass, and fixture layouts selected around the project goals.
Waterproofing and Shower Systems We Use
The selected system depends on the shower base, substrate, drain configuration, finish material, and approved conversion scope.
We use established shower and waterproofing systems selected around the actual assembly. Components must work together from the shower base and drain through wall backing, penetrations, transitions, and preparation for tile or approved wall panels.
LATICRETE
LATICRETE systems can coordinate waterproofing, tile-setting materials, shower preparation, and compatible finish components.
wedi
wedi panels and shower components provide an integrated wet-area system with lightweight waterproof building panels.
GoBoard
GoBoard provides lightweight waterproof tile backing when installed with the required fasteners, sealant, and joint treatment.
Shower and Bathroom Remodeling Projects
Examples of custom shower construction, tile work, niches, glass preparation, and complete bathroom remodeling by OB Remodeling.
Full Bathroom Remodel with Large-Format Tile
Marble-Look Shower with Custom Niche
Tub-to-Shower Conversions Across Cape Cod
Serving homeowners throughout Barnstable County.
Tub-to-shower conversion projects are available across Cape Cod based on the existing bathroom, requested scope, selected shower system, and scheduling.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Questions
Common questions about replacing an existing bathtub with a walk-in shower.
Not always. Some shower bases and layouts can work with the existing drain location, while others require licensed plumbing work to relocate the drain for the approved shower system.
Yes. Licensed plumbing work can relocate or replace valves, shower heads, handheld fixtures, and related rough plumbing when those changes are part of the approved scope.
Yes. Niches, shelves, and benches can be planned with the framing, waterproofing system, shower dimensions, fixtures, and selected wall finish.
Yes. Depending on the selected system and bathroom layout, the shower can use an approved wall-panel system instead of tiled walls.
Yes. The project can include preparation of the curb, walls, finished edges, and concealed blocking for the intended glass enclosure.
Yes. Concealed reinforcement can be installed before the walls are closed so grab bars can be mounted securely now or added later.
Yes. Flooring, drywall, painting, vanity or toilet work, and other bathroom upgrades can be added to the project scope when requested and priced separately.
Trusted by Valued Clients
Our work speaks through the words of our clients
Planning a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?
Tell us about the existing tub area, preferred shower layout, project timing, and any custom features you want to include.