Tub-to-Shower Conversions: Everything You Need to Know
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The Tale of the Neglected Bathtub
Be honest: when was the last time you soaked in your bathtub?
If you’re like most of our clients, your tub is doing less bathing and more acting as a towel-and-laundry holder.
At Multi-Trade Building Services, one of the most common requests we get — hands down — is to convert that under-used alcove tub into a walk-in shower.
It’s not that tubs have vanished from homes. It’s just that busy lifestyles, sore knees, and the universal desire for low-maintenance living have made them less appealing for daily use.
We still install soaker tubs and statement stand-alone tubs — absolutely, and they’re gorgeous — but we often hear the same story a few months later:
“I love my bathroom, but I never use my tub.”
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone — and this blog is for you.
Prefer to listen?
Why Walk-In Showers Are Taking Over
Life has changed. We want quicker routines, safer entry, easy cleaning, and a little spa-like indulgence every day.
Here’s what makes the walk-in shower a crowd-pleaser.
Pros of Converting Your Tub to a Walk-In Shower
1. Ease of mobility:
Climbing over a tub wall is a hassle at any age — but when you’re dealing with aching knees, stiff hips, or recovering from surgery, it can become downright dangerous. A walk-in shower removes that obstacle entirely, offering a safer, more accessible option for everyday use.
You wouldn’t believe how often we hear: “My knees are so bad — I’m booked for knee replacement surgery next month, and I need my tub out before then!” Unfortunately, a quality tub-to-shower conversion doesn’t happen overnight. Between consultations, detailed quotations, material selections, and proper scheduling, a professionally executed renovation takes time. And you want it done right the first time — not rushed by someone who promises a one-week turnaround only to leave you calling us later to fix their shortcuts.
That’s why planning ahead matters. If your knees are starting to ache, if you’re noticing it’s getting harder to step in and out of the tub, or even if you’re simply thinking ahead to the next stage of life, now is the time to consider a walk-in shower. Think of it as future-proofing your home — an investment in your independence, comfort, and peace of mind.
A walk-in shower doesn’t just make bathing easier; it makes it possible to age safely and confidently in your own home. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, living with mobility issues, or simply planning ahead, the convenience and safety of a barrier-free shower can make a world of difference every single day.
2. Bigger, brighter space:
Remove the tub, and suddenly you’ve got a five-foot-wide shower. That means more elbow room, a light-filled enclosure, and space to move without banging into the walls.
3. Bench benefits:
A large walk-in shower often allows room for a built-in bench — handy for shaving, storing bottles, or simply sitting and relaxing. You can even find a spot for a removable bench made of teak or even sturdy plastic. There when you need it; remove it when you don’t.
4. Accessibility & future-proofing:
Many homeowners now add low-curb or curbless entry, grab bars that look stylish, and slip-resistant flooring. These upgrades make a shower not only beautiful but safe for aging-in-place.
Curbless showers have become incredibly popular — they’re stylish, practical, and ideal for anyone thinking about long-term accessibility. Not sure whether a curbless or traditional curb design is right for you? Check out our blog “Curb or Curbless: Which Type of Walk-In Shower Is Right for You?” to weigh the pros and cons.
Transforming bathrooms, transforming homes.
Choosing the right team for your bathroom renovation can make all the difference. Discover why clients trust Multi Trade Building Services to create stunning, functional spaces with ease.
5. Gorgeous focal point:
A properly tiled walk-in shower is often the showstopper of the bathroom. It instantly elevates the space — especially when paired with features like custom niches, decorative banding, glass panels, or a rainfall showerhead. The right tile pattern or accent wall can turn a simple shower into a true design statement.
Beyond looks, there’s also a feeling that comes with stepping into a beautifully designed shower — it’s like starting your morning in your own private spa. Whether you prefer sleek and modern, warm and natural, or bold and dramatic, a walk-in shower lets you express your personal style while adding lasting value to your home.
6. Modernizes your bathroom:
Nothing dates a bathroom faster than a big old corner tub. Removing it for a sleek shower instantly refreshes the whole room’s look.
7. A selling feature:
Many buyers — especially downsizers and empty-nesters — prefer a large, walk-in shower over a traditional tub. If you have at least one tub elsewhere in your home, the conversion can absolutely be a resale win.
That said, it’s important to consider your neighbourhood and who your likely buyers are. For example, in my neighbourhood in Oshawa, where many first-time homeowners and young families are moving in, keeping a tub might still make sense — parents with toddlers and babies need that practicality.
But if you live in a more established neighbourhood where most homeowners are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, the picture changes. Teenagers and adults rarely use a bathtub; they prefer showers. And for older homeowners, accessibility and ease of use become top priorities. In those areas, eliminating the tub entirely can actually add appeal, not reduce it.
The key is to know your home and your market. If you’re unsure, talk to a local real estate agent — they can help you determine what buyers in your area are looking for. A well-designed, accessible walk-in shower can absolutely be a strong selling feature when it aligns with your neighbourhood’s needs.
If you’re local to Durham Region, I can’t say enough good things about Paul Rayment. He’s been a highly successful, award-winning real estate agent for 36 years, and I’ve personally worked with him several times. He’s someone I’ve confidently referred to countless clients and friends because he always delivers honest, expert advice.
8. Easy Maintenance
Let’s be honest — scrubbing around a tub, bending over to clean the corners, and wrestling with a grimy shower curtain isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. Walk-in showers are not only modern and beautiful, they’re designed to make cleaning so much simpler. With fewer nooks and crannies for soap scum and mildew to hide, and no shower curtain to collect that lovely pink film (you know the one), a walk-in shower can be cleaned in a fraction of the time.
Most designs use large-format tiles, which means fewer grout lines and a smoother, low-maintenance finish. Add a handheld showerhead, and you can rinse everything down in seconds — no gym-style stretching or balancing acts required.
If you’re tired of feeling like cleaning your tub is a full-body workout, a walk-in shower is a welcome upgrade. It’s sleek, practical, and perfect for anyone who wants to spend less time scrubbing and more time actually enjoying their bathroom.
Cons of Converting Your Tub to a Walk-In Shower
1. Losing the only tub:
If it’s your only bathtub, you might reduce appeal to families with small children who need a tub for bath time. If resale is a concern, it’s worth talking to a local real-estate agent before deciding.
2. Investment cost:
A well-built custom shower is an investment. It’s worth it for long-term comfort, but you’ll want to plan your budget (we’ll talk numbers below).
3. Temporary disruption
Any renovation that involves plumbing, waterproofing, and tiling will cause some disruption to your daily routine — especially if it’s your only bathroom. A proper tub-to-shower conversion takes time to do right, so it’s worth planning for a few days of limited bathroom use. (The good news? Once it’s done, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!)
4. Design limitations
Depending on your existing plumbing layout and the size of your bathroom, there may be some design constraints. For example, drain locations or window placement can influence where fixtures go or what type of shower door works best. An experienced contractor (like us!) will guide you through those options so the finished shower looks beautiful and functions perfectly.
5. Future needs
If you plan to age in place, a walk-in shower is almost always the better choice — but if you’re thinking of selling in a few years, consider your buyer demographic. What’s perfect for accessibility might not appeal to a young family. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t convert — it just means being thoughtful about timing and who your home will appeal to.
Design Trends for Walk-In Showers
We’ve come a long way from the days of basic white tile and chrome trim.
Here’s what’s hot right now:
Large-format tiles (think 12"x24" or larger) with minimal grout lines for a modern, low-maintenance look.
Matte black or brushed gold fixtures that feel luxe without overpowering the design.
Curbless, barrier-free entries with sleek linear drains.
Built-in LED lighting in shower niches for a soft glow.
Natural textures: reeded or fluted glass, stone-look porcelain, warm-toned tiles.
Spa-inspired features: rainfall shower heads, body jets, and built-in benches.
Custom tempered-glass doors: frameless glass makes the shower feel bright, open, and seamless.
The Practical Stuff: Cost & Timeline
In 2025, the average tub-to-shower conversion cost around $9,000–$15,000. Add a custom glass enclosure and doors, and add another $2,500 - $4,000.
A typical conversion takes about 1.5–3 weeks, depending on tile choice, plumbing changes, and glass fabrication.
The Process: How We Do It at Multi-Trade Building Services
We’ve refined this process over decades so it’s smooth and transparent:
1. Demolition:
We remove the existing tub, old tile, and wall board. We inspect behind the walls for any hidden issues (because surprises behind tile are more common than you’d think).
2. Plumbing adjustments:
If needed, we relocate the drain to suit the new shower base or linear drain and update supply lines for new fixtures.
(This is always done by our Licensed Plumber.)
3. Shower base installation:
You can choose a high-quality acrylic base or a custom-built tiled base.
We strongly advise against cheap $200–$300 bases — they tend to crack within a few years. Quality bases start at $600–$1,200 and last far longer. However, our best recommendation is just to go with a tiled floor for your shower. Tile, when done right, will outlive us all.
4. Wall prep:
We install DensShield — our go-to backer board because it’s lighter, moisture-resistant, and has a built-in barrier.
5. Tiling:
We tile the floor with smaller floor tiles, 2"x2" or less for efficient drainage. Wall tiles can be any size or shape. We match accent tile thickness with the main tile to keep surfaces flush and professional.
6. Grout sealant:
We purchase a grout that has sealant right in the mix making it water-repellent and stain-resistant for easier cleaning.
7. Fixtures:
We install your chosen shower controller, shower wand, or rainfall head. If we need to drill through tile for a rail or wand, we use a diamond bit to protect the tile.
8. Glass doors or curtains:
For a budget-friendly option, a high-quality shower curtain works. Most clients opt for standard sliding shower doors or hinged glass enclosures. These can be off the shelf or custom tempered-glass doors — prices for custom work typically range $2,200–$3,300, but they’re worth it for the polished, frameless look.
Ways to Save Without Compromising Style
If you’re going tiled, an easy trick is to choose an affordable main wall tile — such as a classic white 4"x12" subway — and use a small band of accent tile for a designer finish.
Since accent tiles can run $10–$30/sq ft, you often only need 5 sq ft to make an impact (such as in a shower niche or band).
Optional Extras That Add Luxury
Shower niches: built-in storage that looks sleek and keeps bottles off the floor.
Benches: corner benches, fold-down benches, or full-width built-ins for added comfort.
Body jets or rainfall heads: for a spa-like experience every day.
Grab bars: modern designs that double as towel bars — safe without screaming “hospital rail.”
So… Should You Do It?
If you’re planning to stay in your home for 5+ years, let your lifestyle lead the decision.
A home should suit you, not just some hypothetical future buyer.
If you’ll use the shower daily and barely touch the tub, then go ahead and make the change — you deserve to enjoy your space.
Our clients consistently tell us it’s one of the most satisfying bathroom upgrades they’ve ever done.
Final Thoughts
A tub-to-shower conversion can transform your bathroom’s look, feel, and function. It’s practical, modern, and can add value to your home — but most importantly, it adds value to your everyday life.
Let’s build the bathroom of your dreams.
Whether you’re ready to book or just have questions, we’re here to guide you through the process. Let’s create a space you’ll love for years to come!
