How to Convert Your Tub Into a Glass Block Shower

A glass block shower is a stylish alternative to a bathtub.

A glass block shower is a stylish alternative to a bathtub. If climbing in and out of the bath is a hassle for you, consider this kind of shower. The shower uses glass blocks of different colors or patterns as the front wall of the shower. You can have wheelchair access built in as well if you need it.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Backer board
• Glass blocks or prefabricated sheets of blocks

Instructions

1. Measure the space in which you intend to put the shower. The space must be at least 60 inches wide by 34 inches deep. Remember that you are going to be removing the tub, so you should include the tub's dimensions in the space you are measuring.

2. Talk to an engineer if your floor sags. A sagging floor might not be able to support the weight of a glass block shower.

3. Decide how high you want your block walls to go. In most cases, the walls will go up to the shower head. However, you can leave a little bit of space between the top of the walls and the shower head for ventilation.

4. Build the back walls using waterproof material such as the backer board put out by Wedi corporation. Cut the board to the desired height with a utility knife and attach it to your wall studs with system fasteners.

5. Choose colors and patterns for your glass blocks. You can used colored glass or in some cases get blocks that have a custom-made pattern. Purchase pre-made wall sections and anchors to install. If you aren't comfortable installing the glass blocks yourself, hire a contractor who specializes in glass to install your glass block walls.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase glass block prefabricated shower wall sections to ensure a higher project quality

• Try not to use the custom mud set pan bases to minimize the risk of a faulty shower base down the road

References

• Bath Doctor.net: Bath to Shower Conversion