Bathtubs are great for taking long relaxing baths, but they’re not so great when you’re trying to take a quick shower. If you’re tired of struggling with your bathtub, then you may want to consider converting it into a walk in shower. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to convert a bathtub into a walk in shower, so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
What You Will Need
If you’re looking to convert your bathtub into a walk in shower, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to remove the tub and all of the surrounding materials. This includes the tile, drywall, and any other materials that are in the way. Next, you’ll need to install a shower base. This can be done by using a pre-fabricated base or by customizing one yourself. Once the base is installed, you’ll need to add walls around it. These can be made of either glass or tile, depending on your preference. Finally, you’ll need to add a door to your new shower. This can be a sliding glass door or a traditional swinging door.
Step One: Remove The Tub
If you’re planning on converting your bathtub into a walk-in shower, the first step is to remove the tub. This can be a difficult and hazardous task, so it’s important to take all the necessary precautions.
First, make sure that you have turned off the water to the tub. There should be a shut-off valve somewhere near the tub. Once the water is turned off, drain any remaining water from the tub by opening the drain plug.
Next, disconnect any pipes or drains that are connected to the tub. You may need a wrench to do this. Be careful not to damage the pipes as you disconnect them.
Now it’s time to start removing the actual tub. Depending on how your tub is installed, you may need to remove some tiles or other materials before you can access the tub itself. Be careful not to damage anything as you work.
Once you have access to the tub, there are a few different ways to remove it. If it’s a freestanding tub, you may be able to simply lift it out of its location. If it’s installed in a alcove or other built-in area, you’ll need to remove it in pieces. Start by removing any screws or bolts that are holding it in place, then carefully pull it out of the space.
disposing of your old tub properly
Step Two: Prep The Area
If you’re planning on converting your bathtub into a walk-in shower, the first thing you need to do is prep the area. This means removing any and all items from the space, including towels, rugs, and decorations. You’ll also want to make sure the floor is clean and free of any debris. Once the area is prepped, you can move on to the next step.
Step Three: Install The Shower Base
Assuming you have a cast iron or steel tub, the first thing you’ll need to do is determine if your tub is alcove or freestanding. Alcove tubs have three sides that are enclosed by drywall, while freestanding tubs only have two. Once you know which type of tub you have, measure the dimensions so you can purchase a shower base that will fit properly.
If your tub is alcove, the next step is to remove the drywall on the side of the tub that will remain open. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to avoid breathing in dust particles. Cut through any caulk that’s sealing thetub to the surrounding surfaces using a utility knife. Next, use a pry bar to remove any nails or screws holding the drywall in place. With the help of a friend, lift the drywall panel away from the studs and set it aside.
If your tub is freestanding, you’ll need to remove any molding or other trim around its base before proceeding. Use a putty knife to loosen and remove any caulking aroundthe perimeter of the tub. Next, use a pry bar to carefully remove any nails or screws holding the trim in place. With the help of a friend, lift the trim away from the wall and set it aside.
Now that you have access to the studs framing your tub, it’
Step Four: Add The Walls
After the subfloor is installed, you can add the walls. For a standard walk in shower, you will need two walls and one partial wall. The partial wall will go on the side where the tub faucet is located. You will also need to install a shower pan before adding the walls.
When installing the walls, use waterproofing membrane and make sure all seams are properly sealed. Also, make sure the walls are sloped correctly so that water drains properly.
Step Five: Install The Door
Installing the door to your new walk in shower is a pretty simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure that the door is the correct size for your opening. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to close properly and if it’s too big, it will be difficult to install.
Next, you’ll need to install the frame for the door. This is usually done with screws or nails and takes just a few minutes. Once the frame is in place, you can then put in the actual door. Again, make sure that it fits snugly into the frame so that it can close properly.
Once the door is installed, you’ll need to caulk around it to make sure that there are no gaps. This will help keep water from coming into your shower and making it wetter than it needs to be. Finally, put on the handles or knobs for the door and you’re all set!
Conclusion
Converting a bathtub into a walk in shower is a great way to save space and make your bathroom more accessible. With a few simple tools and some elbow grease, you can easily convert your tub into a shower in just a few hours. Be sure to follow the steps carefully and take your time so that you end up with a watertight seal and a safe, functional shower.
