If you rarely use your bathtub, why keep stepping over it? For many Columbus homeowners, replacing a traditional tub with a walk-in shower is a simple way to make the bathroom easier to use, easier to clean, and more comfortable for the years ahead.
If you’re considering a tub-to-shower conversion in Columbus, this guide walks you through what to expect, from the reasons homeowners make the switch and the steps involved to design options, project timelines, and choosing a remodeler you can trust.
Why Columbus Homeowners Are Converting Tubs to Showers
There are plenty of reasons homeowners choose to replace a tub with a shower, but four tend to come up most often:
Aging in Place
Many people want to stay in their homes as they get older, and the bathroom is often one of the first spaces that needs to adapt. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults 65 and older fall each year. Stepping over a traditional tub wall can become more difficult with age, especially on a wet bathroom floor. Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower can make getting in and out of the shower easier and reduce the need to navigate that high step.
Walk-in Accessibility
A low-threshold or curbless shower helps everyone in the household get around the bathroom more easily, from kids learning to shower independently to family members with limited mobility, visiting parents, or anyone recovering from surgery. It’s a practical upgrade that improves comfort and accessibility today while preparing your bathroom for whatever needs come next.
Modernizing a Dated Bathroom
An older tub can make an otherwise functional bathroom feel stuck in another era. Almond fiberglass surrounds, builder-grade finishes, and bulky jetted tubs are common examples. Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower can give the room a noticeable update without changing its overall footprint. With the right shower walls, fixtures, and glass enclosure, the bathroom can feel more open, brighter, and better suited to your style.
Low-Maintenance Living
A walk-in shower can also make everyday bathroom cleaning easier. Unlike with a tub, you can clean most of the shower while standing, without kneeling or reaching into hard-to-access corners. Choosing solid-surface wall panels or large-format groutless tile can make maintenance even simpler by reducing the traditional grout lines where soap scum and mildew can build up. The result is a shower that’s easier to clean and easier to keep looking fresh.
How to Choose a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Company in Columbus
The quality of your new shower depends as much on who installs it as on the materials you choose. When comparing tub-to-shower conversion companies, look for:
Licensing and Insurance
Confirm the company is properly licensed and insured for plumbing and remodeling work in your area.
Relevant Experience
Ask how many tub-to-shower conversions they’ve completed and whether they can show photos of similar projects.
A Clear Warranty
Find out what’s covered, for how long, and whether it covers both products and workmanship.
In-Home Consultations
A remodeler should measure your space, check your floor and plumbing, and walk you through options before giving a quote.
What Happens During a Tub-to-Shower Conversion
A tub-to-shower conversion involves more than simply removing the tub and installing a shower. Multiple steps happen behind the scenes to make sure the finished shower looks good, functions properly, and is protected from moisture.
Demolition
The existing tub, surround, and any damaged drywall or tile are removed. Once the area is opened up, your remodeler can also look for hidden issues, such as water damage or problems with the subfloor, that may need to be addressed before installation begins.
Plumbing Adjustments
Because tubs and showers have different plumbing requirements, the drain may need to be relocated or adjusted. The shower valve and showerhead are also typically positioned for comfortable use. If you’re updating older plumbing, this can be a good opportunity to install a pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve.
Waterproofing
Proper waterproofing is one of the most important parts of a shower installation. A well-designed waterproofing system helps protect the walls, floor, and surrounding structure from moisture and leaks. Ask your remodeler what waterproofing system they use and how it is installed.
Walk-in Shower Installation
Once the plumbing and waterproofing are in place, the shower itself can be installed. Depending on your design, this may include a shower pan or tiled floor, wall panels or tile, fixtures, accessories, and a glass enclosure or shower curtain.
How Long Does a Shower Remodel Take?
The timeline for a tub-to-shower conversion depends on the scope of the project and the materials you choose. A straightforward conversion with a prefabricated shower base and wall panels may take just a few days, while a more involved project with custom tile, plumbing changes, curbless entry, or built-in features can take longer.
There is also work that happens before installation begins. Design, material selection, and ordering all need to be completed before demolition starts. During your consultation, your remodeler should be able to give you a clear timeline so you know what to expect and how long your bathroom will be out of commission.
Walk-In Shower Design Options
A tub-to-shower conversion gives you the opportunity to rethink how your shower looks and functions. Depending on your bathroom’s layout, you can choose features that make the space more accessible, comfortable, convenient, or simply more suited to your style.
Features to consider include:
- Curbless entries: A zero-threshold design creates a seamless transition into the shower and can make it easier to walk or roll in. Since the floor needs to be properly sloped for drainage, this type of installation requires careful planning.
- Low-profile curbs: A lower curb can provide easier access when a fully curbless shower isn’t practical for your bathroom’s floor structure.
- Built-in seating: A built-in bench or fold-down seat provides a comfortable place to sit while showering, shaving, or rinsing.
- Grab bars: Today’s grab bars come in finishes that match your fixtures, so planning for safety doesn’t have to look clinical. They should be securely anchored to appropriate structural backing.
- Handheld showerheads: A handheld showerhead makes it easier to rinse while seated or standing and can also make cleaning the shower more convenient.
- Niches and shelving: Recessed niches and built-in shelving keep shampoo, soap, and other essentials organized without taking up valuable floor space.
- Glass vs. curtain enclosures: Frameless or semi-frameless glass can make a bathroom feel more open and is relatively easy to maintain. A shower curtain is typically a more budget-friendly option and provides a wider opening, which can be helpful for homeowners with accessibility needs.
The right combination depends on who uses the bathroom, how much space you have, and your budget. An in-home consultation is the best way to see which features fit your layout.
Shower Replacement or Full Bathroom Remodel?
Not every bathroom needs a complete overhaul. Sometimes replacing the tub is enough to make the space work better, while other bathrooms need a more comprehensive update. The right choice comes down to the condition of the rest of the room and how much you want to change.
A shower replacement or tub-to-shower conversion makes sense when the rest of your bathroom is in good shape. Your vanity, flooring, and lighting still work for you; it’s the tub that’s the problem.
A full bathroom remodel may be the better fit if you’re also dealing with an outdated vanity, worn flooring, poor lighting, or a layout that doesn’t work. It can also make sense if you’re planning for long-term accessibility throughout the room, such as a wider doorway or a comfort-height toilet. If several parts of the bathroom need attention, addressing them at the same time can be more efficient than tackling them in stages.
Start Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion in Columbus with Simple Bath + Kitchen
If your bathroom needs an update, Simple Bath + Kitchen can help. We handle tub-to-shower conversions, walk-in shower remodels, and full bathroom renovations throughout Central Ohio.
Our designers and installers are our own employees, not subcontractors. One team manages your project from start to finish, so you won’t have to wait on outside crews or schedules we don’t control, which helps keep your project on time and on budget. Visit our Hilliard showroom to see full-size displays and explore your options in person.
Thinking about converting your tub to a walk-in shower? Contact our team today to get a personalized quote.
