[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Have you considered converting your old tub to a spacious shower? If so, you’re not alone!
In the last 38 years of business, this has become our #1 project type for bathroom remodels. There are many reasons people ditch their tub for a shower including function, accessibility, safety, and style. Here we will explore these topics more in-depth and hopefully you can decide if this is the right project type for you.
Plus, check out Tom Poulin, owner of Poulin Design Center, talk about his favorite aspects of Tub to Shower Conversions.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/QWAQ3f6L458″ align=”center”][vc_column_text]
Function
When considering an update to your bathroom, think about the way you use your bathing area the most and what is important for lasting function.
Do you prefer baths? Or showers? Do you plan to stay in your home longer? Do you have any injuries? These are just a few questions to ask before customizing a design for your space.
If you are a shower person, then ditching the tub should be an option. Removing your tub gives you extra space in your shower to stand and allows you the option of adding other features such as seating and a slip-resistant shower base.
If you value your baths, check out walk-in tubs as an option. These are ADA accessible, incorporate grab bars for extra safety, and are very therapeutic. I like to think of walk-in tubs as a personal jacuzzi for everyday use. You may not know that walk-in tubs are actually a tub and shower combo by simply placing a curtain around the area and placing a handheld shower head with a hook on the wall surround to give you the shower experience.
If you plan to Age in Place, updating your home with your future needs in mind would be a wise investment and can make your home more marketable if you decide to sell it.
If you’re facing an injury that makes stepping over a tub difficult or nearly impossible, consider a tub to shower conversion. We have numerous clients that need an ADA accessible space for bathing, including many of our veterans.
When you’re facing any type of chronic physical injuries, it can be difficult to take a shower safely or without help when there’s a traditional tub in your space. Many times, ditching the tub (or installing a walk-in tub) gives people back their independence of showering without worrying about their safety. It allows your bathroom a place of rejuvenation again, instead of a hazard.
If you are a veteran or know one, check out the program by Veteran’s Affairs here.
Safety
As we have talked about in our past blog Safety Bathroom Guide over 80% of the falls in your home is from getting in and out of your bathtub! And the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that your bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in your entire home.
Creating a safe bathing environment is important for any age, but can be more of a concern for those that would like to Age in Place, or have their parents stay in the home instead of moving to assisted living.
Depending on your needs, converting your tub to a shower will let you control the height of your shower pan (threshold): curbless, low threshold, or standard threshold.
When you convert, be sure to go with a company that offers slip resistance technology for the shower base, to keep safety top of the mind.
Style
Let’s face it, if you’re considering an update, most people will want their remodel to be in-style! And the standard tub and shower combo is traditional! Having a larger shower space with built-in seating is the new way— it’s MODERN. As the homeowner you have the freedom to make your bathroom reflect your style and give you the function you need! Why not make it safer and more functional in the long run as well?
Below are our Top Tips to “Deck Out” Your New Shower Area
- Showerheads
- Install Handheld shower head
- Have multiple shower head installed
- Install smart showerheads
- Functional and stylish grab bars
- Use easy-to-clean wall surrounds like our Durabath™ SSP or Natural Stone
- It’s non-porous, mold & mildew resistant and easy-to-clean
- Add niches to store bathing supplies, instead of using a hanging storage unit around your showerhead
- Add seating to your shower: Fold down seats or built-in benches
- Add a footrest to make shaving easier
Final Thoughts
In addition to making your bathroom more functional, safer, and stylish, tub to shower conversions are a cost-effective way to update your space. This is a trending style in the remodeling industry and will keep the look of your home fresh.
If you would like to learn more, check out a few of our resources below:
- Safety Bathroom Guide– more information on making your bathroom safer
- Bathroom Visualizer– start designing your bathroom online
- Free Design Consultation– meet with a Professional Designer to discuss your project goals
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