Bathtub Remodel Ideas and Time Lapse of Tub to Shower Conversion

When you are thinking about a bathtub remodel, there are a few factors to consider. Primarily, you will need to decide if you are refinishing your bathtub or if you are converting your tub into a shower. If you only have one bathtub in your home, we wouldn’t recommend converting it into a shower.

The value of a home without a tub pales in comparison to one with a tub, no matter how gorgeous your walk-in shower may be. This is especially true if you live in an area with growing families. Parents with small children will want a bathtub.

However, if you have two bathtubs in your home there is no need to keep both as most adults prefer the convenience of a shower over a soak. Plus, if you have two bathtubs you can have the best of both worlds: a fantastic walk-in shower as well as a separate bathtub with a shower.

Bathtub Remodel Ideas: Refinishing Your Bathtub

If you only have one bathtub in your home or simply wish to retain the existing bathtub/shower combination, there are a variety of way to improve the appearance.

Bathtub Reglazing

If you are handy and like the DIY approach, you can breathe new life into your worn, cracked bathtub with a reglazing kit. Such kits allow you to repair cracks, chips, and other damaged areas.

However, these bathtub reglazing kits do not allow for a true resurfacing and you will see brush or roller marks when you apply the new surface. If you are looking to restore the surface of your bathtub to like-new condition, call in a professional bathtub remodeling company. They will have access to superior adhesion materials to provide the fresh look you are seeking.

Bathtub Tile Ideas

If your current bathtub is too damaged or you want to completely change the style, you can retile your bathtub. There are numerous styles available including marble, glass, and even metal. You can also use traditional materials in interesting designs or punchy colors to bring personality to your bathroom oasis. Whether you opt to relgaze, retile, or hire a professional, there are numerous ways to refinish your bathtub.

Bathtub Remodel Ideas: Tub to Shower Conversions

If you’re unsatisfied with your current bathtub/shower combination, you can always opt to convert it into a large, luxurious walk-in shower. With a project of this size, you will definitely want to bring in a professional bathtub remodeling company.

A professional will be able to come in and make sure your project is up to code. Some states require remodels to be handicap accessible. If you planned on expanding your bathroom, there may also be restrictions on how far. Some state codes limit your expansion to “wet” areas only so as to avoid wet-over-dry areas. If your bathroom is already fairly small and such codes exist, you will often have to stick with your current footprint.

Sizing issues often only come into play in small apartments. If your bathroom is larger than the typical 5X8 foot bathroom, you are not likely to run into this problem. A professional should be able to tell you what you can and cannot do before you begin the demo phase of your bathtub remodel.

You will also want to make sure you have the time and budget for such a project. A tub to shower conversion typically takes three to four weeks (sometimes longer) and costs anywhere from $8,000-$12,000.

The Best Method of Tub to Shower Conversion

After making sure your remodeling plans are up to code, your budget is set, and you have the time to do the renovation, you have one major step left: deciding on materials. For most individuals, the best option is an acrylic shower base.

Benefits of Acrylic Shower Bases

Budget friendly: Aside from fiberglass, acrylic shower bases are the most affordable option. Tile, marble, and other solid surface shower bases will come with a heftier price tag.
Aesthetics: Tile may be pretty, but unless you are looking to shell out the money for in-floor heating, it is also much colder. Unlike tile, acrylic is warm to the touch upon stepping into your shower. The same holds true if your shower has a bench.
Maintenance: You can clean an acrylic shower with simple soap and water. There is no grout to grow mold and you don’t need to worry about waterproofing as acrylic is non-porous is already waterproofed as is.

Need more ideas for your tub to shower conversion? See a short, time lapsed video of this type of project.