By Jasmine Harding | Published Aug 31, 2023 12:45 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more. Car Parts Lock
Tub-to-shower conversion kits can make a bathroom renovation easier and more affordable, simplifying switching out a tub for a new shower. There are several reasons to get rid of an old tub and install a shower instead. Showers can free up bathroom space and they tend to use less water, so they’re more energy efficient. They’re safer to use since there’s no tall edge or climbing in and out, which means they’re more suitable for those with mobility concerns. Converting a tub to a shower is a big project, but it’s well worth it for many households.
When it comes to converting a tub to a shower, there are a few options ranging from add-ons to an existing tub, to luxurious walk-in showers and shower stalls. Replacing a tub with a shower kit is one of the most cost-effective and straightforward ways to convert a tub to a shower. We’ve rounded up the best tub-to-shower conversion kits ahead for tackling this major bathroom project.
There are essentially two options when switching out a tub with a shower: tiling a new shower or installing a shower enclosure kit, which is essentially a premade, ready-to-install shower enclosure. Installing a shower kit is often cheaper and easier than tiling a new shower, and the best shower kits on our list can look just as stylish as a tiled option. Choosing the best shower surrounds for a bathroom comes down to budget and preferred finished look.
When removing a bathtub, especially an old tub, there’s always the possibility of finding damage beneath. Since a new shower should last upward of a decade before the need to repair or update, it’s important to make sure the foundation it’s built on will last at least that amount of time as well.
Once the bathtub is pulled out, make sure to check the condition of the floor and subfloor, framing, and the existing plumbing. Look for signs of water damage and repair as needed. Repair any areas of subfloor or studs that might have been damaged in the removal process. It’s also a good idea to update the plumbing fixtures as part of the project to lower the chance of leaks in the future.
With the amount of time and money that goes into converting a tub to a shower, it’s vital to choose the right shower kit. Since every bathroom remodel is different, we chose a range of tub-to-shower conversion products, from products that can retrofit an existing tub to different styles of walk-in shower kits.
Regardless of the product type, we looked for a few key features. We chose kits with high-quality materials that we believe will hold up for the decade-plus that a new shower should last. Through reading product specs and shopper reviews, we prioritized products that are easy to install so DIYers can tackle the job, at least in part. Lastly, a shower is a main piece of the bathroom, so we also considered style, choosing shower conversion kits that look attractive.
Replacing a tub with a shower is a major reno, but the best shower kits make it an easier task. We’ve rounded up the best shower enclosures to buy for this big bathroom renovation.
Modern, durable, and with a touch of glam, the DreamLine shower base and QWALL-5 backwall kit is an attractive choice for contemporary bathrooms. As part of its contemporary silhouette, this shower has a low pan threshold and a textured floor surface to improve safety. The diamond tile pattern gives this shower a distinctive luxe look, and it comes with two built-in glass shelves to complete the look and add useful storage.
This shower kit measures 76.75 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 30 inches deep, so it will fit in most bathtub alcove spaces. It’s made from an acrylic and ABS (polymer) material with a glossy finish that holds up nicely to scratches and stains. A right, left, or center drain configuration is available to suit most bathroom layouts.
Get the DreamLine shower base and backwall tub-to-shower conversion kit at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Appliances Connection.
Affordable and easy to install, the Delta Classic 500 three-piece alcove shower kit is top choice for renovators on a budget. This alcove shower kit includes the three shower walls and a low-threshold shower pan, suitable for replacing 60-inch-wide by 32-inch-deep bathtubs. This shower installs directly onto the wall studs and features a caulkless design, which means simpler installation. Shoppers can choose from a left-, right-, or center-drain configuration as well to make it easier to match current plumbing locations.
This shower is made from white acrylic, which looks sleek and is sturdy and easy to clean. To add to its utility, it has built-in shelving to keep toiletries organized as well as an accessory ledge along the top to store smaller items (like razors and jewelry) out of the splash zone and out of reach of children.
Get the Delta tub-to-shower conversion kit at The Home Depot.
It can be tricky to move around a one-piece or even three-piece shower kit. Those looking for an option that’s easy to transport and install might consider this five-piece shower kit from Craft + Main. This shower includes a five-panel wall kit and a shower pan. The finished shower measures 78 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 32 inches deep and has an elegant white Carrara marble appearance to give the shower an aesthetic upgrade.
This shower kit can be installed over existing tile or waterproof backer board. For those who don’t want to pull the tub out, it’s possible to cut the walls to fit around a tub or existing shower-pan configuration. However, the set comes with a durable acrylic shower pan that features a low threshold and slip-resistant floor for safety. The walls are made of acrylic, fiberglass, and resin composite, so it’s as durable as it is stylish.
Get the Craft + Main tub-to-shower conversion kit at The Home Depot.
If storage and organization are concerns for the shower, the Sterling Store+ shower base with shower walls is a stellar choice. This shower kit includes 10 accessories for organizing toiletries: two caddies, two soap dishes, two hooks, and four rimmed shelves. All of the bins and shelves are dishwasher-safe as well for easy cleaning. Plus, there’s a built-in shaving ledge footrest for extra utility.
Of course, this kit includes the shower walls and pan as well, in either a left- or right-drain configuration. It measures 72.5 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 30 inches deep, and its drain aligns with most existing baths, so it’s ideal for fitting in the alcove left by many standard bathtubs. This enclosure is made from solid Vikrell, a composite fiberglass and resin material that is lightweight but durable.
Get the Sterling tub-to-shower conversion kit at The Home Depot.
With its marble appearance and composite stone material, the Castico solid composite stone shower kit is an attractive choice for modern bathrooms. This alcove shower kit includes the shower walls and pan to create a walk-in shower that is 84 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 32 inches deep.
This shower is made of a stain- and scratch-resistant mineral composite material that looks more elegant than glossy acrylic. It’s finished with a continuous marble stone look, plus the upkeep is easy since it’s groutless. The shower pan also has a natural textured finish (that looks and feels like stone) and can be installed in a left- or right-drain configuration.
Get the Castico tub-to-shower conversion kit at The Home Depot.
Converting a tub to a shower is a popular choice for seniors who want to make their bathroom more accessible. Add even more accessibility features with the Laurel Mountain Almedia alcove shower kit. It has all the benefits of any good shower kit, with a durable textured shower pan and four-piece easy-to-install shower walls. The kit construction is acrylic and fiberglass with a high-gloss finish that’s simple to keep clean.
It’s the extra accessories that make this shower senior-friendly. It features three stainless steel grab bars to help bathers move around the shower safely, plus a built-in seat. Four accessory shelves (with one right next to the seat) keep shower accessories within easy reach. To suit different bathroom layouts, this shower comes in a left- or right-drain option.
Get the Laurel Mountain tub-to-shower conversion kit at Lowe’s.
If tearing out the bathtub and putting in a shower isn’t in the budget, there are other options. The CleanCut wide-step bathtub conversion kit makes it possible to convert a bathtub to a “shower.” All it takes is cutting out a portion of the existing bathtub and adding this conversion kit to finish and protect the cutout area.
This process makes a bathtub more accessible by lowering a portion of the shower wall to step into the tub much like a shower. However, it requires a fraction of the cost of a shower renovation. Measuring 10.25 inches tall by 28 inches wide by 8.25 inches deep, this conversion kit can be installed on all types of bathtubs (provided the user can cut it to shape). It includes a cutting template, industrial-grade adhesive, and a nonslip step.
Get the CleanCut tub-to-shower conversion kit at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Menards.
Installing a tub surround is another way to avoid the cost of completely replacing a tub with a shower. The Bootz NexTile alcove tub wall kit can turn an existing alcove tub into a tub and shower by adding a shower-height waterproof enclosure. Just install the appropriate plumbing and the tub surround, then add a shower head for this more affordable renovation option.
This tub surround measures 60 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 30 inches deep. It’s a four-piece system that installs directly to studs for straightforward setup. Both stylish and practical, it’s made from a glossy composite material and features a subway tile pattern (complete with realistic grout texture lines). A built-in wall-to-tall storage shelf adds extra utility.
Get the Bootz tub-to-shower conversion kit at The Home Depot.
Hoping to reclaim more bathroom floor space? Replacing a tub with a shower stall is one way to get some space back. For an easier bathroom renovation, the Maax Mediterranean III shower kit includes almost all the bits and pieces needed to install a shower, including three polystyrene shower walls, a textured shower pan, and sliding shower doors.
This shower is a corner stall and measures 74 inches tall by 32 inches wide by 32 inches deep. This size means some floor renovations will likely need to be done in the old tub space, but it’s well worth it if the tub feels too large for the bathroom. To really maximize space, this shower features a sliding door with a central opening (which means no swinging door clearance to account for, so it can be placed in pretty much any bathroom corner). Also, it has four built-in shelves to help with shower organization.
Get the Maax tub-to-shower conversion kit at The Home Depot or Menards.
A shower door kit is the right choice for shoppers who plan on tiling the shower walls (or have a specific shower enclosure in mind already). The DreamLine Encore Bypass shower door and base kit works for these bathroom renovations and offers an elegant, finished look. This kit includes a sliding shower door and a shower pan. Once installed together, the kit measures 78.75 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 30 inches deep—a standard size that will fit many bathtub alcoves.
Designed for both style and utility, this shower door and base kit is excellent for modern bathrooms. The sliding door is made of tempered glass (with a water- and stain-resistant coating) and has a contemporary frameless look. Towel bars double as the door handle. The black trim matches the black shower pan, which features a slip-resistant texture to improve safety. The kit comes in other finishes as well.
Get the DreamLine Encore tub-to-shower conversion kit at Amazon or Lowe’s.
The best shower enclosures look beautiful and are easy to install, making it possible to convert a tub to a shower on a budget. These kits often include the wall panels and shower pan (though sometimes the pan is sold separately), and can include a shower door as well. When shopping for a tub-to-shower conversion kit, consider the shower’s size, shape and location, floor, installation process, and materials.
Size is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing between the best showers for a bathroom renovation. The new shower needs to fit the space, so make sure to measure carefully.
Many standard alcove and drop-in tubs measure around 60 inches wide by 30 or 32 inches deep. When it comes to a shower, the National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends a minimum interior shower size of 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep. Small prefabricated showers can measure as little as 32 inches wide by 32 inches deep, and can go up in increments up to around 60 inches wide by 36 inches deep. It’s not too difficult to find shower kits to fit in an old tub space, though sometimes there might be a need to alter wall or flooring finishes to gain an extra few inches of width. Choose a shower the same footprint size as the bathtub for an easier renovation.
Corner tubs measure around 60 inches wide by 60 inches deep, so there is usually more than enough space to replace these large tubs with a stall or walk-in shower. If installing a swinging shower door, make sure to account for clearance space.
Some of the most common bathtub types include alcove, drop-in, and corner bathtubs. The bathtub shape and location can determine the ideal shower kit, although it’s often possible to work around these factors with more renovation work. There are many shower stalls or walk-in showers that can fit into alcove or drop-in tub spaces. Corner shower kits are also common, making it fairly straightforward to replace a corner bathtub. Whether the shower is installed in the previous tub location or elsewhere in the bathroom, the plumbing fixtures and drain location may need to be modified.
Shower kits can come in one piece or in several pieces to assemble on-site. While the best one-piece shower stall options are appealing, larger ones might not fit through the bathroom door. In this case, a multipiece shower kit is the right choice.
Another consideration is the shower floor. Many of the best shower kits include a shower pan, often with a curb. As the name suggests, these have a raised curb and an appropriate slope to keep water contained and direct it down the drain.
Curbless showers are the other option. Since these don’t have a raised curb, they require a bit more renovation work. The bathroom flooring often needs to be altered to create a drainage slope and allow the shower pan to sit flush with the floor. While these pans are more difficult to install, curbless showers are more accessible and can make the bathroom look more open. Regardless of the shower floor type, look for a textured surface to help prevent slips and improve safety.
Shower kits come in alcove, corner, and freestanding options and can have rectangular, square, round, or angled configurations. Choose a design depending on the installation location and preferred look.
Installing one of the best shower inserts is much simpler than tiling a new shower, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy task. When converting a tub to a shower, drain and water connections will likely need to be moved. Many shower kits have a center drain instead of a drain on one end (common for bathtubs). It might also be necessary to add a shower head or raise the height of the existing shower head to accommodate the new shower height. Many homeowners call in a professional to deal with these aspects, especially since some municipalities may require a permit and inspection to modify plumbing locations.
Shower kits are usually made of acrylic, fiberglass, or composite materials. These materials are lightweight and durable, but each comes with its own pros and cons. Acrylic showers tend to be pricier than fiberglass showers, but they also tend to be more durable and last longer since the material is more scratch-, puncture-, and stain-resistant. Fiberglass is more susceptible to damage, including scratches and discoloration.
Fiberglass showers have a couple of benefits as well; they tend to be more affordable and easier to repair than acrylic showers. Some showers have a fiberglass or mixed-material base with an acrylic finish that helps bring some of the benefits of this material. Other options are composites made to look like other materials, such as composite stone.
Converting a tub to a shower is a major bathroom renovation project, but it’s one that will pay off for those wanting to take on this task. Whether with the help of professionals or as a DIY project, renovating with the best shower stalls and kits make the job easier. Still wondering if a shower kit is the right choice for your project? Read on for some frequently asked questions about tub-to-shower conversions below.
Switching a tub for a shower is a multistep (and often multiday) process. You’ll need tools like a pry bar, hammer, or oscillating multi-tool to demolish the existing tub and surrounds. Remember to have the necessary eye and ear protection to do the job safely. Once the old tub is removed, basic plumbing and repair materials will likely be needed to fix any damage and set up the plumbing for the new shower. To install a new shower kit, you’ll need the tools and materials specified by the manufacturer for installation.
Yes, with special tub cutouts, it is possible to cut out a portion of the tub’s side to make it similar to a walk-in shower. It won’t look as nice as a true walk-in shower, but it’s a budget-friendly option.
It’s almost always cheaper to buy and install a shower kit. Tiling a new shower is a pricey and lengthy process. While tiled showers are beautiful and worth the cost for many homeowners, those on a strict budget will find that a shower kit is often the economical choice.
Yes, experienced DIYers can try to install a shower kit without professional help. It does take a wide range of know-how though, and only those comfortable with demolishing the old tub, updating the plumbing, and installing the shower kit should take on the job. Otherwise, hire a professional.
Prices range depending on the size, material, design, and accessories. Expect to pay between $400 for basic shower kits and up to $2,000 for more luxurious options.
As the host of hit TV shows like “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” Bob Vila earned his reputation in American homes as a trusted source for home improvement. The Bob Vila team continues the original goal of sharing professional home knowledge, whether through buyer’s guides on the best home products or how-to articles about renovating a bathroom. Jasmine Harding has been writing about all things home since 2020. In preparation for this guide, she thoroughly researched all of the factors that go into a tub-to-shower conversion. To choose the best shower kits, she considered all parts of the bath-to-shower conversion process, from demolition and installation steps to the top sizes, materials, and features for a new shower.
Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.
Metal Championship Trophy © 2023 Recurrent. All rights reserved.