Climbing over a tub wall every morning gets old, and for a lot of folks it gets risky. A walk-in or curbless shower is one of the most popular bathroom upgrades we do, whether it's for aging in place, a family member with a disability, or just a cleaner, more open look. Here's how these projects work and what to think about.
Walk-in, low-curb or curbless?
Tub-to-shower conversion. The old tub comes out and a shower goes in its place. This is the most common version and fits most standard bathrooms.
Low-curb shower. A short curb, just a few inches, keeps water in while being much easier to step over than a tub wall.
Curbless (zero-threshold) shower. The floor slopes gently to the drain with no curb at all, so you can walk or roll right in. These take more planning, because the floor has to be built to slope correctly and the waterproofing has to be done right.
What matters behind the tile
The part you see is the tile. The part that matters is underneath it.
- Waterproofing. A shower needs a proper waterproof system under the tile. Shortcuts here are why some showers leak into the floor a few years later.
- Slope to the drain. The floor has to pitch the right way so water doesn't pool or run out of the shower.
- Checking for damage. When the old tub or shower comes out, we check for rot or water damage in the floor and walls and fix it before building the new shower.
Grab bars that actually hold
A grab bar is only as strong as what it's anchored to. Bars screwed into drywall alone can pull out right when someone needs them. During a remodel we add solid blocking inside the wall exactly where the bars go, which is why it's best to plan grab bars as part of the job instead of adding them later.
Other upgrades that make a big difference
- Comfort-height toilets, which are easier to sit down on and get up from
- A handheld shower head on a slide bar, so you can sit or stand
- A built-in or fold-down shower bench
- Slip-resistant floor tile
- Wider doorways, if a walker or wheelchair needs to get through
- Lever handles instead of knobs
- Good lighting, including a night light
How the project usually goes
- Walk-through and estimate. Paul looks at the space and talks through who will use the bathroom and how.
- Choices. Shower type, tile, fixtures, vanity, toilet and grab bar locations.
- Demo. Out with the old tub or shower, then check for hidden damage.
- Rough-in and waterproofing. Plumbing changes, blocking for grab bars, and the waterproof shower system, with inspections where required.
- Tile and finish. Tile, glass or curtain, fixtures, vanity and trim.
Tile work and drying times can't be rushed, so a full bathroom remodel usually runs a couple of weeks or more of work time. If it's your only bathroom, Paul will talk through how to keep you up and running during the job.
Older homes
If your home was built before 1978 and the job disturbs painted surfaces, lead-safe work rules may apply. We'll go over that at the estimate.
Planning for the future
Many families plan an accessible bathroom before they truly need one. Adding blocking for grab bars, choosing a low-curb shower and picking a comfort-height toilet during a regular remodel costs far less than tearing things out later. If a parent may move in, or you plan to stay in your home for the long haul, it's worth talking through now.
Questions to think about before the estimate
- Who will use this bathroom, and do they use a cane, walker or wheelchair?
- Do they prefer to sit or stand in the shower?
- Is this the only bathroom on that floor?
- Do you want to keep a tub anywhere in the house?
Those answers help Paul recommend the right shower type and layout for your family.
Make it safer, and nicer
A well-done accessible bathroom doesn't look clinical. With the right tile and fixtures, it just looks like a great modern bathroom that happens to be easier to use. GRD Construction builds walk-in and accessible showers across Clanton, Chilton County and Central Alabama. Call or chat with Paula to set up a free detailed estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn my tub into a walk-in shower?
Yes. Tub-to-shower conversions are one of our most common bathroom projects.
Why can't grab bars just be screwed into the wall?
Drywall alone can't hold a person's weight. We add solid blocking inside the wall so the bars hold when you need them.
Is a curbless shower possible in my bathroom?
Often, but it takes planning for floor slope and waterproofing. Paul will tell you what your bathroom allows.
How long will I be without my shower?
It depends on the scope. A full bathroom remodel usually runs a couple of weeks or more of work time. Paul gives you a timeline up front.
