What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?

The thought of having a tub is nice, but it might not make sense for your space. Consider the trade-offs before you commit. A shower-to-tub conversion fits a narrow set of situations.

Shugarman's Bath helps over 500 homeowners work through this exact decision every month. The right answer depends on a few specific factors.

This article breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of a shower-to-tub conversion and outlines questions to ask a contractor before moving forward.

Table of Contents:

• What is a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?
• What Are the Benefits of a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?
  
• What Are the Drawbacks of a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?
• What to Ask Yourself Before a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?
• Is a Shower-to-Tub Conversion Right for You?
  

What is a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?

A shower-to-tub conversion replaces an existing shower with a bathtub. Most homeowners will keep a shower, turning it into a tub-and-shower combo. It’s rare for homeowners to only have a tub in their shower space.

What Are the Benefits of a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?

Here are a few benefits to a shower-to-tub conversion:

• You don’t have a tub in the home and really want one. You may have been dreaming of enjoying a personalized bathtub experience in your own home.
  
  
• A tub will help you bathe young children or pets.
  
  
• The kitchen and the bathroom sell homes. Installing a tub can help you with your home’s resale value. If your home has only one bathroom and no tub, some realtors recommend a tub-shower combo, particularly in areas with younger buyers or families. Check with a local realtor before deciding.

What Are the Drawbacks of a Shower-to-Tub Conversion?

Here are some drawbacks to consider before a shower-to-tub conversion:

• You have another obstacle to step over. A tub has a higher threshold to go over before you can comfortably get in. This is easy to manage when you’re young, but can be problematic when you get older, have mobility issues, or are dealing with an injury.
  
  
• A tub takes up horizontal space, shrinking your shower width. The width, combined with the threshold height, can make the space feel tighter.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before a Shower-to-Tub Conversion

Before you sign a contract, there are 3 important questions you need to ask:

• Do I have a clear reason I need a tub in this space?

1. • If you cannot point to a specific reason for installing a new tub, it might not be the right addition to your home.
     

• Will I still want a tub here in the next 10-15 years?

1. • The thought of soaking in a tub might sound appealing. Consider how often it will be used and if stepping over a high threshold will be worth it. What feels manageable now might not feel the same way after an injury or as you get older.
     

• If you have young children or pets, would a simpler solution serve the same purpose for now?

• Many families get creative, using a small basin, a small rubber pool, or bathing their toddlers in the kitchen sink. That, or they can effectively wash their kids or pets in a walk-in shower, using installed seats or handheld shower heads.

Please consider whether it’s a practical long-term solution. While it’s a valid reason to have a tub as a “nice to have,” the drawbacks could win out over time.

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

You came here wondering whether a shower-to-tub conversion was worth doing. Now you know it comes down to one question: do you have a strong, lasting reason to add a tub to your space?

Now that you know the benefits and drawbacks of a shower-to-tub conversion, learn about the benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion.

Still weighing your options? Schedule a free design consultation with Shugarman's Bath, and we will help you decide what makes sense for your home.