Tub-to-Shower Conversions: The Ultimate Space Saver for Tiny Bathrooms

Why Ditching the Tub Could Be the Smartest Small-Bathroom Upgrade You’ll Ever Make

If you’re like most homeowners with a small bathroom, you know the struggle: there’s never enough space. Towels pile up, toiletries clutter the counter, and the tub seems to take over the entire room.

But here’s the good news: you can reclaim that space without knocking down walls. The smartest—and often simplest—solution? Converting your tub into a sleek, modern shower.

A tub-to-shower conversion can open up your bathroom, make it safer, simplify cleaning, and even increase your home’s resale value. 

Let’s explore why showers are the ultimate space savers, what the conversion process looks like, and how to decide if it’s the right move for you.

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Tub vs. Shower Space Comparison

• Standard Tub: 13–15 sq. ft.
• Walk-In Shower: 7–9 sq. ft. (but with better layout + storage)

That’s up to 40% less floor space used—with more usable area gained!

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Why Tubs Dominate Small Bathrooms

Most bathtubs are 60 inches long and 30 inches wide. In a small bathroom, that’s nearly half the footprint of the entire space. For homeowners who rarely take baths, it’s wasted real estate.

Tubs also:

• Create barriers with high walls that you have to step over.
• Visually shrink the space by blocking sightlines.
• Collect clutter—from kids’ toys to shampoo bottles that don’t have a home.

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Did You Know?

In surveys, up to 70% of homeowners report using their shower daily, while only 17% use their bathtub more than once a week.

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The Space-Saving Magic of a Walk-In Shower

Replacing a bulky tub with a walk-in shower does more than just free up floor space. It completely transforms the bathroom's ambiance.

• Open Sightlines: Clear glass doors or open-entry showers make the room feel larger.
• Flexible Layouts: Showers can be built into corners, alcoves, or even custom-shaped to fit awkward spaces.
• Storage Built In: Recessed niches and corner shelves keep products tidy without cluttering surfaces.
  

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Quick Check: Is Your Bathroom Ready for a Space Upgrade?
 

Put a ✔️ by any statement that applies to you:

• My tub takes up most of my bathroom.
• I only use the shower, never the tub.
• I wish my bathroom felt more open.
• Cleaning grout and caulk is a constant battle.
  

If you've checked two or more, a tub-to-shower conversion could be the perfect fit for you.

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Benefits Beyond Space

1. Safety First

Small bathrooms aren’t just cramped—they can be risky. Stepping over a 14–16 inch tub wall is one of the leading causes of slips and falls in the bathroom. A walk-in shower:

• Eliminates the high step.
• Allows for grab bars or built-in seating.
• Offers non-slip flooring for peace of mind.
  

Especially valuable for homeowners 55+ or anyone planning to age in place.

2. Style Upgrade

Tubs can feel outdated, but a modern shower instantly elevates the room. Options include:

• Frameless glass for a clean, spa-like look.
• Sleek wall panels that mimic natural stone without the upkeep.
• Rainfall showerheads or handheld options for a customized experience.

3. Easy Maintenance

Showers often mean fewer grout lines, especially with today’s wall systems. That translates to:

• Less scrubbing.
• Mold-resistant materials.
• A bathroom that looks newer, longer.

4. Resale Value

Homebuyers love showers. In fact, walk-in showers rank among the top 3 bathroom features buyers look for.

• Great for condos, small homes, and single-bath houses.
• Transferable warranties (like our Lifetime Plus Warranty) add buyer confidence.

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Myth vs. Fact

• Myth: “I need at least one tub in my house for resale value.”
• Fact: Most buyers now prefer at least one walk-in shower. If you have a second bathroom with a tub, converting it to a shower-only increases its appeal.

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Cost Breakdown — What’s Typical?

• Basic tub-to-shower conversion: $6,000–$9,000
• Mid-range (with glass doors, shelving, fixtures): $9,000–$12,000
• High-end (custom tile, multiple showerheads, frameless glass): $12,000+
  

With Five Star Bath Solutions, many conversions are done in 1–2 days—saving you both time and labor costs.

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What to Expect From a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

The Timeline

Unlike full remodels, a tub-to-shower conversion can be completed in just one to two days.

The Process

1. Remove the existing tub.
2. Prep the space with waterproof systems (no shortcuts here).
3. Install the shower base and wall system.
4. Add doors, fixtures, shelving, and finishing touches.

The Clean House Promise

At Five Star Bath Solutions, we take extra steps to protect your home: runners, drop cloths, HEPA filters for dust, and daily cleanups. Your bathroom remodel doesn’t have to feel like a construction zone.

Design Ideas to Maximize Small Showers

Even in tight spaces, a shower can feel stylish and functional. Try these ideas:

• Corner showers to open up floor space.
• Sliding glass doors instead of swinging ones.
• Built-in bench seating for comfort and storage.
• Light-colored wall panels to make the room feel larger.
• Vertical patterns to create the illusion of height.

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Design Your Dream Shower
Imagine your perfect shower setup. Which feature excites you most?

• Frameless glass doors
• Built-in seating
• Recessed shelving
• Rainfall showerhead

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Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right for You?

This remodel is ideal if:

• You rarely or never use your tub.
• You want to maximize limited square footage.
• You’re planning to age in place.
• You want a faster, lower-cost alternative to a full remodel.

But it might not be the best fit if:

• You have young children who need a tub.
• You only have one bathroom in the home and rely on that tub.
  

A tub-to-shower conversion isn’t just about removing a tub—it’s about transforming how you live in your bathroom. More space. More safety. More style. And less hassle.

At Five Star Bath Solutions, we make it simple:

• Waterproof solutions that last for life.
• Certified installers who complete the job in 1–2 days.
• A clean, disruption-free process.
• A fully transferable Lifetime Plus Warranty for peace of mind.

Ready to Reclaim Your Bathroom Space?

It all starts with a quick, free, 5-minute call. No pressure. No obligation. Just answers.

Let’s make your small bathroom work harder, look better, and feel bigger—starting today.

FAQs: Tub-to-Shower Conversions for Small Bathrooms

How much space can I actually gain by replacing my tub with a shower?

A standard tub takes up about 13–15 sq. ft., while a walk-in shower uses only 7–9 sq. ft. With open sightlines and better layouts, that can feel like reclaiming 40% of your bathroom.

Will a shower make my small bathroom look bigger?

Yes! Clear glass doors, lighter wall panels, and vertical patterns create the illusion of space, while corner or alcove showers free up more of the floor plan.

Are tub-to-shower conversions safe for older adults?

Absolutely. Removing the high tub wall reduces fall risk. You can also add grab bars, built-in seating, and non-slip flooring—ideal for aging in place.

How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?

Most projects can be completed in just 1–2 days with Five Star Bath Solutions, thanks to expert installation and our clean, disruption-free process.

Do I need at least one bathtub in my house for resale value?

Not necessarily. Most buyers now prefer at least one walk-in shower. If you have a second bathroom with a tub, converting one to a shower usually increases your home’s appeal.

How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?

Costs vary based on materials and features:

• Basic: $6,000–$9,000
• Mid-range: $9,000–$12,000
• High-end: $12,000+

Your design choices and finishes determine the final price.

Is a shower easier to maintain than a tub?

Yes. Modern wall systems mean fewer grout lines, mold-resistant materials, and surfaces that wipe clean in minutes—no more endless scrubbing.

What design options do I have for my new shower?

Popular upgrades include frameless glass doors, recessed shelving, sliding doors, light-colored panels, and rainfall or handheld showerheads.

How disruptive is the remodel process?

With our Clean House Promise, your remodel doesn’t feel like a construction zone. We use runners, drop cloths, HEPA filters, and daily cleanups to keep your home comfortable.

Is a tub-to-shower conversion right for me?

It’s the perfect fit if you rarely use your tub, want to maximize space, need a safer bathroom, or want a faster, lower-cost remodel. If you have small children who use a tub, you may want to keep at least one in your home.