A shower takes up less space in the bathroom, allowing more space for other features.

Then, the wet wall is tiled over again (or covered with a new surround panel).

This is not a good option if aging-in-place is the goal.

Converted shower with open sliding glass doors

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

A project that takes a DIYer a week may take a professional team only a day or two.

But one element can make the project a bit easier for DIYers: a prefabricated shower kit.

It’s generally fairly easy to find shower pans and surround kits to match standard bathtub sizes.

Materials and tools to convert a bathtub to shower

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

In many municipalities, replacing a tub with a shower requirespermitssince plumbing lines must be moved.

Check with your local permitting agency for information.

Shut Off the Water Supply

Before beginning work, shut off the water to the bathtub.

Bathtub measured to plan for shower pan footprint

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

For a wall covered with ceramic tile, a hammer and pry bar are the main tools needed.

confirm to wear eye protection and hearing protection during demolition.

The amount of demolition needed will depend on theshower kityou have selected.

Water supply shut off with lever turned down on main valve

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Bathtub removal is often simpler if the wall surfaces of all three alcove walls are removed.

double-check to cut the necessary opening in the subfloor for the shower pan’s drain opening.

Some DIYers choose to hire a plumber to do this piece of technical work.

Oscillating multi-tool removing bath wall surfaces

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The standard height for the showerhead is 78 inches.

There are a number of ways to connect the faucet and showerhead to the existing water supply pipes.

Most people find PEX easier to work with than copper pipes and fittings.

Bathtub drain removed with screwdriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Measure the dimensions of the shower pan and its drain opening, then extend the drain lines as needed.

The riser will be cut down to size when you test-fit the pan.

Inspection is normally required for any work that requires a building permit.

bathtub removed and placed on its side to clean debris underneath

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

plant the Shower Surround Panels

Install theshower’s surround panels,as directed by the kit instructions.

In most cases, the large back panel is installed first, followed by the solid end wall.

The faucet/showerhead panel is installed last.

Subfloor being repaired with cut plywood for new shower drain opening

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Installation methods may vary somewhat, depending on the design of the shower surround kit.

Use considerable care here to ensure a watertight fitting.

Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the escutcheon plates to prevent water from seeping into the wall.

Pencil marking shower faucet location on wall stud next to tape measure

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

In some communities, a second plumbing inspection is required when fixture connections are completed.

If so, now is the time to arrange for the final inspection.

implement the Shower Door

implement the shower door, according to directions supplied by the manufacturer.

Long PVC pipe placed through subfloor shower drain line

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Methods will vary, depending on whether the door is a sliding model or a swing-out door.

The kit instructions will give you details on where you should caulk.

Shower pan positioned around PCV drainpipe riser with height marked by pencil

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Shower surround panels installed in front of wall studs

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Sealing gasket inserted into drain pipe with fitting

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Shower faucet handle installed to faucet body

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Sliding door tracks installed on edge of shower pan and end walls

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Caulk applied between shower pan and wall joints

The Spruce / Kevin Norris