The Cheapest Way to Convert a Bathtub to a Shower

Whether you don't have children who need a bathtub or you just want a dreamy walk-in shower, you might be considering converting your tub into a shower. But what exactly is the cheapest way to do this? Doing the work yourself can save you a lot of money — however, the project can vary in price dramatically, depending on your choice of building materials and finishes.

Thinking about converting your bathtub to a shower? Here's what you need to know.

Take in the overall picture as you plan this project. The bathroom's layout will dictate how the shower will fit into the room. The simplest way to convert a tub to a shower is to extend the plumbing, add a showerhead, and hang a curtain, but you may want more than that. For example, you may decide that you want a frameless glass shower door that has no threshold — or you may decide on a sliding glass shower door. Once you hammer out the details of how the project will look, decide on how much money you can afford to spend, choose the type of conversion, and gather up your tools.

The cheapest way to convert a bathtub to a shower is to use a shower stall kit. However, you should note that these work best when you are replacing bathtubs in alcoves. Once the tub is out, the space should measure approximately 5 feet wide by 30 to 34 inches deep. You will also need 80 or more inches of height, plus 15 inches or more from the shower wall to the front of the toilet.

The drain lines and water supply should already be where you need them. Most shower stall kits are made out of fiberglass or acrylic with skid-proof floors, curbs, premade sides, and drain holes. They can also have hinged glass doors, along with upgrades like built-in shelves and seats.