How can I convert a bathtub bathroom into a walk in shower bathroom?
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http://removeandreplace.com/2014/05/28/turn-a-bathtub-into-a-shower/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCdmQBSUC_s
I had a walk - in shower once and over time, the tile floor sagged and the water all ran out since the floor didn't tilt towards the drain anymore. Ceramic tile, stone, etc., is very heavy, make sure your floor is reinforced. Also, using some sort of foam gasket strips, a bit like the seal on a refrigerator door will act as a berm for the water, yet be soft enough to step on or roll a wheelchair over. I've seen some that is about 1.5" high/thick.
If that doesn't excite you, I've also seen extra long shower curtains that have an thick, heavy-ish hem material that doesn't really soak up the floor water, but blocks in from leaving the shower floor area. Kind of like how sandbags work in floods, but not that heavy.. probably a synthetic to be mold and mildew resistant AND machine washable.
There are track drains, like a long, grated track in the floor which is supposed to keep the water in the shower area, but cleaning them involves removing the grate and digging out soap scum, hair, on your knees, etc. My experience with those is that they are SO flat and smooth, with such small holes, the water can go right over it onto the outside floor. I tried a curtain as described above WITH a track drain and they worked okay together. Good Luck, and remember to take pictures!!!
A bathtub can be removed and replaced by a shower. If money is not a problem, a walk in bathtub with a shower is an option.
A transfer bench and grab bars are also a good cheap choice.
We replaced one of our tub and showers with a 5' shower. The base and walls locked together so it was well sealed. A much safer option for you than climbing into a tub.
We just had this done by a professional and it turned out to be a very hard job for him...and us. I would do it again but would choose a different contractor. Stepping into a shower that took the place of a whirlpool tub is so nice, wish we had it done earlier.
The suggestion of a walk-in bathtub with a shower will give you pause to think about it. You have walked into the tub and sit there buck naked waiting for the water to fill, add in a few shivers. Same deal when the water drains out, unless you start the shower until it all drains out. You are stuck there until the water drains.
Yes, I agree that walk-in showers are physically much easier to use compared with conventional bathtubs, and are also easier to clean.
Although conversions are possible, unfortunately, in spite of the sq footage being small, the job will involve skills in removal, plumbing, carpentry, tiling, flooring and finishing, with electrical and painting also possible.
Fortunately though, there are many choices available in materials, and if your budget permits, you should be able to get a shower built with features that meet your needs for many years to come.
Hi Dar, hope this helps you out,
https://www.thespruce.com/convert-tub-to-shower-4156975
When we bought our Manufactured (mobile) home two of the bathrooms had been stripped out... one of these is a Jack and Jill situated between 2 bedrooms and it originally had a tub/shower combination. The doors to the bath did swing INTO the bathroom... we removed those and replaced them with sliding barn doors that were installed on the bedroom sides of the doorways... this created a lot more room in the bathroom. We replaced the tub combo with a Sterling Accord 36in x60in x74.5in Standard fit shower kit with seat. It has a minimal entry on the front but has the tub height base on the back and sides. The seat is removable an can be placed at either end of the shower. We chose the option that included the glass shower doors. The one in the photo is currently listed at Home Depot for under $1200 but does not include the glass doors. In our case the install was relatively easy as we were replacing a similar style. Access for plumbing worked out well because it is a manufactured/mobile home and all we had to do for the drain was pivot the pipe from center back to reach the center/center drain on the new shower pan. A new shower head with integrated hand held sprayer completed the install.