What is a tub-to-shower conversion?
A tub-to-shower conversion removes a bathtub and builds a shower in the same space, typically a walk-in shower with a low threshold. It involves more than swapping fixtures: the drain moves from the end of the tub to the center of the shower floor, the valve changes, the walls and floor are rebuilt and waterproofed, and new finishes go in. It's one of the most requested bathroom projects, especially for homes where safety and ease of use matter more than a soak. See also bathroom remodeling in Kirkland for how it fits with other projects.
The conversion process
Assess the space
A standard alcove tub is about 60 inches long and 30 to 32 inches wide, which leaves room for a roomy shower. The contractor checks the walls, floor framing, drain location and ventilation.
Decide on shower type
Choices include a prefabricated base with a wall surround, a tile shower on a sloped pan, or a curbless layout. Our shower remodel page covers each type.
Demolition
The tub, surround and often a section of floor are removed. The subfloor under a tub is a common place to find hidden moisture damage.
Plumbing changes
The drain, valve and showerhead are positioned for the new layout, and wall blocking is added for benches and grab bars.
Waterproofing and finish
Walls and floor are waterproofed and tested, then tile or wall panels, trim and glass are installed.
How long a conversion takes
A simple prefabricated conversion with no layout changes is on the shorter end, often about a week once materials are on site. A custom tile shower with new waterproofing, floor repairs or custom glass takes longer, since tile and waterproofing need curing time and glass is fabricated after measuring. Special-order fixtures and tile can stretch the schedule more than the construction itself, so choose materials before demolition. Our bathroom remodel timeline outlines each phase.
Plumbing changes in a conversion
Plumbing is where a conversion departs from a simple swap, and it's also where the work becomes permit-sensitive.
Moving the drain
A tub drain sits at one end of the tub and connects through the wall or floor near it. A shower drain is usually centered in the shower floor. Relocating it means opening the floor, adjusting the drain line and re-establishing the slope to the drain. On a ground floor over a crawl space this is usually manageable, while on an upper floor it depends on the joist layout.
Valve and showerhead
The valve is usually replaced and often raised. Washington's plumbing code calls for pressure-balancing, thermostatic or combination valves that protect against sudden temperature changes and limits showerhead flow to 2.5 gallons per minute.
Permits for plumbing work
In Kirkland, work that changes plumbing lines or removes drywall is permit work, so a conversion generally involves the city. Ask your contractor who applies for the permit and whether the schedule includes inspections.
Accessibility benefits
For many homeowners, accessibility is the reason to convert. Stepping over the tall side wall of a typical tub is the hardest part of bathing for anyone with limited mobility or balance, and a shower removes that step. A conversion also allows:
- a low or zero threshold at the entry
- a built-in bench or fold-down seat
- a handheld showerhead on a slide bar
- solid blocking in the walls for grab bars
- a wider opening than a tub-and-curtain setup allows
Our page on accessible bathroom remodeling covers these in more depth, and walk-in shower vs. bathtub helps you weigh the trade-offs.
Should you give up the tub?
If the home has only one bathtub, many owners keep it, especially for households with young children or for resale reasons. If there's a second tub elsewhere, or the household uses the bathroom as a shower-only space, conversion is easy to justify. The answer depends on who uses the bathroom and how long you plan to stay. If you want a tub and a better shower, replacing the tub while upgrading the surround can be the better route.
What affects cost
Cost depends on shower type (prefabricated versus tile), size, whether the drain moves, floor repair, tile and glass choices, and the need for a permit. A conversion that relocates the drain costs more than one that keeps it near the same spot. The bathroom remodel cost guide explains how to compare estimates.
Conversions in Kirkland and nearby
Much of Juanita was built out in the 1960s, when a compact bathroom with a single tub-shower combination was common, so a conversion is a natural project there, and the same goes for older homes in Kenmore, Lynnwood and Bothell. If you're considering a conversion, a local contractor can tell you quickly whether your drain location and floor allow it, so it's worth starting with a call about bathroom remodeling near Kirkland.