Make Self-Care Easy By Switching Showers to Roomier Bathtubs

Do you ever wish your tiny shower stall offered more room to truly relax? Does soaking in a warm, bubbly bath seem indulgent yet out of reach? Converting an existing stand-up shower to a spacious bathtub can provide that spa-like experience right at home. With some planning, structural adjustments, and finishing touches, you can switch out a cramped shower for a comfortable place to unwind. Read on to learn why and how to change wasted shower space into your personal sanctuary.

Why Convert Your Shower into a Bathtub?

There are several compelling reasons to invest time and money swapping a plain shower for a welcoming bathtub. First, nothing beats soaking in a warm bath after a long day to de-stress muscles and joints. Showers simply cannot provide the same full-body immersion. Plus, having a tub creates space to enjoy bath rituals like oils, masks, candles, music, and reading material more easily. You also gain versatility--bathe kids or pets, hand wash laundry, or give the bathroom a deep cleanse when needed. Finally, improving your bathroom with a tub can increase home value by 4-6% for resale appeal down the road.

Before taking the plunge into this project, weigh considerations like your budget, effort involved, and existing plumbing infrastructure that may complicate things. With proper planning and skills though, these hurdles are surmountable. The luxurious, spa-like results will feel worth it!

Planning Your Shower to Tub Conversion Project

Select the Right Bathtub

Choosing a bathtub tailored to your space and functional needs jumpstarts an efficient installation. Here are popular options:

• Freestanding tubs: These contemporary, sculptural styles stand on their own without being surrounded by walls. Their independence means easier placement, and they instantly become a focal style piece.
• Alcove tubs: Set into a recessed space and then tiled-in on the surrounding sides, these efficient tubs maximize small areas but involve some customization.
• Extra-deep tubs: For lovers of leisurely soaking, deeper models allow full body immersion. Just account for the extra framing and floor support required below.

Think about your preferred soak length, bath depths, sizes that fit the existing area, and any preferred characteristics like jet massage, bubbly air bath features, or even digital chromatherapy lighting. There are many great options to transform your stand-up shower into a customized spa tub.

Prepare the Shower Area

Prepping the shower enclosure space means removing any existing structure and materials that could hinder placing the new bathtub properly. Definitely dismantle the original shower stall frame, glass doors or curtain, and any surround tile. This exposes the underlying walls and floor.

Assess if water damage underneath requires addressing mold or repairs before moving forward. Use this demolition phase to widen walls out further too if feasible, allowing more bathtub sizes to potentially fit. Finally, determine if plumbing lines should relocate now so the tub can situate desirably. Installing fresh piping from scratch grants flexibility compared to working around existing drains and supply hookups.

Structural Modifications

Build Out Frame and Foundation

Once demolition clears the way, building up structural supports readies the bare bones shower area for a bathtub. Construct a sturdy wood framework secured to the studs that will reliably hold hundreds of pounds of water weight. Use weather-resistant materials like moisture-barrier coated plywood. Level and square the framework by measuring diagonals and corners methodically so the tub sits evenly. Any gaps risk cracking or shifting over time from repeated water pressure and use.

Waterproofing the walls and especially floor underneath finishes the foundational prep. Applying sheets of acrylic liner across all surfaces essentially creates a watertight basin sealed from leaks seeping into framing and sheetrock behind. Extending the liner several inches past the tub flange lets you integrate a finished surround later. Maintaining structural integrity and water-resistance behind the scenes ensures your beautiful soaking tub lasts.

Adjust Plumbing Lines

With the enclosure now primed for install, adjusting or adding new plumbing allows waterlines and drain hookups to interface with the tub. Have compatible pipe fittings, p-traps, shut-off valves, riser tubes, and elbow joints on hand that match your model tub's rough-in specifications. Creating a proper downward slope in drainage provides effective gravity-based water evacuation. Pressure testing water flow through spout openings checks for drips and optimal fill speed before covering up walls.

Tub Installation and Finishing Touches

Insert and Secure New Bathtub

Moving a bulky bathtub into position takes patience and helpers. Protect finished flooring along the way. Before sealing things up, verify tub alignment matches planning diagrams, test-fit any surround tile, and attach plumbing fixtures securely. Apply tub and tile caulk around edges and let set per direction. Mixing up lightweight concrete backer to pour around the underside perimeter stabilizes the tub base permanently, preventing subtle shifting or cracks over a lifetime of use.

Add Tiling and Decorative Details

Applying finished tile, paint, or decorative panels around the newly placed tub completes your shower to bathtub transformation with style. Check that waterproofing barriers wrap all walls adjoining tub edges first. Then have fun choosing complementary colors and materials to make the bathing area your personal signature space. Consider encircling the whole room with shower-friendly tile for a seamless, easy-clean aesthetic that makes the smaller bathroom feel more expansive. Extra touches like new lighting, storage cabinets, mirrors, or creative niche shelving introduce form and function.

Put your upgraded bathroom oasis to good use! Follow these tips to keep the bathtub in top shape:

• Clean regularly with non-abrasive tub and tile sprays to prevent soap scum and mildew buildup.
• Re-apply fresh waterproof grout over any cracks developing around tiles to maintain watertight joints.
• Refresh old caulk beads annually to prevent seeping and moisture damage behind walls.
• Consider installing a fan or vent to manage humidity.
• Finally - relax and enjoy long, tranquil soaking sessions!

Soon you'll have an at- home escape that will deliver mental and physical renewal. Turn wasted square footage into your own custom spa without the luxury price tag!