Bathroom Refresh- Shower, Storage & Trash Bin

Kelly-n-Tony
by Kelly-n-Tony
11 Materials
$576
2 Weeks
Medium

Initially we were just going to change our dated bathroom up a little bit with a new vanity. But as we went along we realized it ALL needed a refresh! So in the post I'll show how we took out the bathtub and ended up with a more useful shower and gained storage space for towels, toilet paper and a trash bin!

We're shower people - why do we have a bathtub?!


The bathtub took up almost all the space on this wall with the 60" tub space. There was an additional 7 inches off on one side but it was an enclosed inaccessible wall space. And no closet storage at all in this bathroom.

GUT IT!


Go ahead and take the plunge- take the old tub out and open up that space to something more useful!

CREATE A SPACE THAT WORKS FOR YOU


Insulate, frame, drywall, caulk as needed.


We dropped in a new shower measuring 48" on the right which left us 19" on the left to create a shelving unit.

TRIM & PAINT


Since the new shelving space is right beside the toilet we decided it would be nice to use a lower shelf for TP storage- no more running out and not being able to reach it- my shelf can hold 30 rolls!


We used toilet paper rolls and towels to decide our shelving height for the top 3 shelves which still left us space on the bottom for a trash bin.

INSTALL A TRASH BIN


Since this trash space was beside the toilet we wanted it to be obvious what it was. So I painted the words "trash" onto the hinged access door. It swings easily in both directions.

The trash can itself can be accessed via a tip out that is hinged at the bottom.

ENJOY!


It feels more spa like and this makeover is so much brighter and cheerier. Perfect for our Spring Refresh!


I'm so glad we did this- we gained an easy access shower plus storage space for towels and toilet paper and a trash bin!

This is an estimate of what it would cost you for the same size space if you went to the store today and didn't search for the best prices. We paid much less because I look for sales, rebates, scratch n dents, and whatever else I can do to get the rock bottom price. Don't forget Habitat for Humanity because they often have new or near new with a great price.


48" shower stall kit about $389

Oil Rubbed Rain Shower System about $89

Shower vent fan w/bluetooth speaker about $81

Lumber about $64

Drywall about $13

Trim about $14

Bathroom adhesive/caulks about $38

Bathroom paint- about $20


Timewise I'd say if you have nothing to do but this it can be done in a few weeks. But if you have an outside job like most of us count on doing it over weekends for several months. In that case make sure you have access to another bathroom shower! In the end it will be well worth it doing it yourself because of the savings!

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3 of 4 questions
  • Chispe Chispe on Apr 22, 2020

    I love the new look. I am curious about the shower drain. In the old picture with the tub it's on the end and the shower it looks moved to the middle. did you have to break up the concrete to do that?

  • Susan Susan on May 26, 2020

    How can I make my 30”x30” shower with broken slider doors into a step in shower with shower curtain? I need to add to edge of base to make it higher by a few inches, what can I use?

  • Marisa Marisa on Jan 28, 2021

    What type of hinge did you use on the trash door? I love what you did to maximize your space, very creative!

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  • Rebecca Rebecca on Nov 19, 2020

    I've asked the same thing, "Why do I have a tub?" Other than cold mid-life soaks it's showers all the way! You have given me assurance & great inspiration. This would add so much usable space to a small 6x9 bathroom. Add a pocket or barn door & booyah!!! Space!

  • Debbie Pera Hardy Debbie Pera Hardy on Mar 27, 2021

    I would love to do this in my master bath, but then neither bathroom would have a bathtub. I don't care, but for resale down the road I'm afraid it would be a problem.

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