Asked on Sep 09, 2015

Anyone use barn tin for a shower?

I am wanting to redo our shower. Has anyone made a shower out of tin? Was wanting to make shower base, frame up and use tin as the walls? Anyone have any experience with this?? Saw this idea on Pinterest, but wanting to get some hands on suggestions!! Thanks!
Photo from Pinterest
  27 answers
  • S S on Sep 09, 2015
    No, but I always wanted too. The only thing I know is the ends are sharp. So plan carefully where they end up. If the tin is just normal galvanized it will eventually rust. If you don't want that look just spray paint with metal paint. ( after the screws have been put in. You don't want them to rust either) Good luck! I love the idea.
    • See 1 previous
    • Dawn Dawn on Aug 04, 2020

      Hi, Shawn

      We are looking to do this in an RV. We don't want to use the existing shower pan, but it does fit best. To clarify, did you do the river rock directly to the shower pan?

  • Z Z on Sep 09, 2015
    Though I think it's sharp looking, no pun intended, and I love the sound on rain on the roof, rain on a tin roof is loud. I would take that into consideration before going ahead with this plan. How close would this shower to be others that may be asleep at the time someone else is taking a shower? Would those taking a shower in it want a calm and quiet relaxing shower? Or would they enjoy the sound and find that relaxing? Personally there would be times when I loved the sound and others when all I wanted was the water quietly soothing achy muscles.
  • Swan Road Designs Swan Road Designs on Sep 09, 2015
    I can only think of one thing...rust. I should think that would be an issue.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 09, 2015
    not advisable it will be your worse nightmare
  • Barb Barb on Sep 09, 2015
    I believe if you use corregated galvanized steel it will be coated with zinc which prevents rust.
  • Lynn Montgomery Paul Lynn Montgomery Paul on Sep 09, 2015
    I guess I should have clarified we would be using galvanized metal that should prevent any rust
    • Z Z on Sep 09, 2015
      I assumed you would, it's the only thing that makes sense. My comments are still something to think about. M'Daddy was a tinner, so I love the look. I just wanted to add somethings to think about before you move forward with the plan. Personally I would love to do this when we finish the bathroom in the basement woodwork shop.
  • B. Enne B. Enne on Sep 09, 2015
    It's creative...I've seen similar outdoor cottage showers made with this and corrugated plastic. It is easier to repair. If it is well sealed, I guess it could work indoors. Here's a Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxGp3vveqJY
  • JM JM on Sep 10, 2015
    My grandfather did this year's ago. After several years of use it did begin to corrode and/or rust. I was a child at the time, so memory is fuzzy. I would wonder if soap and perhaps bleach or harsh cleaner contributed to this. If it was dried with a towel after every use, I would think this would last for years. This looks awesome by the way for a truly rustic decor theme!
  • Silvan Johnson Silvan Johnson on Sep 10, 2015
    I've seen it done by the Junk Gypsies at their B&B, it is a great rustic look....
  • Cindy tustin Cindy tustin on Sep 10, 2015
    Galvanized will rust, come look at my barn. Depends on how long you expect it to last. Any place it is standing on a solid surface will be a problem. I like the corrugated plastic can be painted....
    • Z Z on Sep 10, 2015
      @Yes it will eventually Cindy, if the shower is not completely dried each time, it will do so faster. There's always a chip in the protective cover somewhere.
  • Debby Mason Anderson Debby Mason Anderson on Sep 10, 2015
    Yes,coat it with Rainex or some like product to keep soap scum away.
  • Shelly Harnagel Burkhart Shelly Harnagel Burkhart on Sep 10, 2015
    I love this idea!
  • Linda Parrish Linda Parrish on Sep 10, 2015
    The galvanized metal must be sealed with metal sealer, several coats, or you can purchase it already sealed, or painted if you want it painted.
  • HouseLogic.com HouseLogic.com on Sep 10, 2015
    Corrugated galvanized steel roofing panels are perfect for creating grout-less shower stalls! This post explains how to waterproof them: http://goo.gl/FQgcJv
  • Barbara Chase Barbara Chase on Sep 10, 2015
    The metal will rust badly,you will need to put several layers of rust proof paint on it
  • Peggy wages Peggy wages on Dec 20, 2015
    I did mine 5 1/2 years ago, left it rustic plain and love it. I go in about once a month and clean the metal good. It has never rusted and has that worn look to it.
    • See 3 previous
    • Cindy Cindy on Mar 17, 2019

      Can you please share the specific details of how you did the process?

  • Peggy wages Peggy wages on Feb 15, 2016
    Oh sure. You have to take into consideration I love in a tiny house
  • Peggy wages Peggy wages on May 12, 2016
    Us ranches, I just put Mr Bubbles on mine and let it do it job about every other week. And clean the bottom just like I do a regular shower stall. It has dulled over the years but no rust or scum. And believe me it gets used daily. Lol
  • Ginger Faul Cantrell Ginger Faul Cantrell on Jun 28, 2016
    We used the galvinized roof panels just like what we have on our roof and they are perfect. No rust, They are made for roofing so they shouldn't rust like the aluminum pans do.
  • Kerri Steenbeeke Kerri Steenbeeke on Oct 22, 2016
    allow for expansion and make sure you use the metal trim shown in the pic! The only place we had rust was where the cat wee'd when he was ill... so we cut away the lower section at that point and used half height floor tiles (3-4 inches high) - but I was disappointed that we lost the "shine"... although it does still have a 'sheen'...
  • Rhonda Rhonda on Feb 25, 2017

    How are you sealing at the bottom of the panels so that water doesn't wick up to the backer on the wall and create mold issues?

  • JUDY JUDY on Mar 16, 2017

    I want to put some already somewhat weathered rusted roofing around a bathtub....but my brother insists the metal will sweat and create issues? I love the rustic look but don't want to ruin the house. ( it has enough issues of it's own lol) Pinterest is flooded with photos... this delima is killing me suggestions please


    • Lindsay Gault Lindsay Gault on Dec 08, 2020

      Check out YouTube, most processes are presented with a step by step easy to follow video. I YouTube just about everything, that's really the very best way to learn.

  • Debra Smith Debra Smith on Mar 28, 2017

    Hi I'm getting ready to do two bathrooms with the galvanize steel . As a painter I know before you can paint the metal you have to take vinegar and water and wash the galvanized zinc off of it . then you put a clear seal over it. How about them should be done in about 5 to 6 weeks with the tiling in the galvanized walls so I'll give you an update when I get it done

  • Karen Kirkland Karen Kirkland on Jul 16, 2017

    I grew up with galvanized shower and a cement floor. I'm 65 years old and it is still going strong.


  • Richard Standish Richard Standish on Dec 15, 2020

    Rusting problem is easily mitigated with one simple step. After installation is complete, spray the surface with clearcoat and allow to dry. Follow that with a annual coat of *Turtle Wax, and the surface should remain rust free.


    *I have been assured that no turtles have been harmed in the making of this product.

  • AnnCN AnnCN on Apr 11, 2021

    If you are just after the look and worried about rust and maintenance, Fasade now makes a thermoplastic panel that looks like corrugated tin. I've used this product in several houses and love it.

  • Sta52227991 Sta52227991 on Aug 21, 2021

    If you get new galvanized corrugated tin, you will never rust through it during your lifetime. I would recommend buying one of the fiberglass bases from Home Depot. I'm in the middle of doing the same thing. I bought a 3 ft by 5 ft base for $160. Just use a really good waterproof sealant. You can buy the fixed glass panels through home Depot also. I'm going to do that and just leave the shower open on one end. Trim it out on the exterior with barn wood. It will look awesome!