How to Convert a Sunken Bath Shower Walk-in

A sunken bath shower can be a beautiful and luxurious feature in a bathroom, but it can also be a hassle to get in and out of. If you're looking for a way to make your bathroom more accessible and safe, converting your sunken bath shower into a walk-in shower is a great option.

Converting a sunken bath shower to walk-in involves several steps, including:

1. Demolishing the existing bathtub. This is typically done using a sledgehammer or a reciprocating saw.

2. Installing a subfloor. This is a layer of plywood that will support the new shower floor.

3. Installing a shower pan. This is a waterproof membrane that will prevent water from leaking into the subfloor.

4. Installing the shower walls. These can be made of tile, fiberglass, or another waterproof material.

5. Installing the shower door. This can be a framed or frameless door, depending on your preference.

6. Installing the shower fixtures. This includes the shower head, faucet, and drain.

Once all of these steps are completed, you will have a beautiful and functional walk-in shower.

Materials Needed:

* Sledgehammer or reciprocating saw

* Plywood

* Shower pan

* Tile, fiberglass, or other waterproof material

* Shower door

* Shower head

* Faucet

* Drain

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Demolish the existing bathtub.

* Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.

* Remove any fixtures that are attached to the bathtub, such as the faucet, shower head, and drain.

* Use a sledgehammer or a reciprocating saw to demolish the bathtub.

* Be careful not to damage the surrounding walls and floors.

2. Install a subfloor.

* Cut the plywood to fit the space of the old bathtub.

* Install the plywood over the bathtub flange, using nails or screws.

* Make sure that the subfloor is level.

3. Install a shower pan.

* Place the shower pan in the space of the old bathtub.

* Make sure that the shower pan is level.

* Attach the shower pan to the subfloor, using nails or screws.

4. Install the shower walls.

* Cut the tile, fiberglass, or other waterproof material to fit the size of the shower walls.

* Install the shower walls, starting at the bottom and working your way up.

* Make sure that the shower walls are level and plumb.

5. Install the shower door.

* Measure the opening for the shower door.

* Cut the shower door to fit the opening.

* Install the shower door, using the provided hardware.

6. Install the shower fixtures.

* Install the shower head, faucet, and drain.

* Make sure that the shower fixtures are properly connected to the water supply.

Converting a Sunken Bath Shower to Walk-in Without Replacing the Tub

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can convert your sunken bath shower to walk-in without replacing the tub. This involves building a platform around the tub to raise the shower floor to the same level as the bathroom floor.

Here's how to do it:

1. Build a frame for the platform.

- Cut 2x4 lumber to the following lengths:

- 4 pieces at 30 inches long

- 4 pieces at 20 inches long

- Assemble the frame using 3-inch wood screws. The 20-inch pieces should be placed between the 30-inch pieces, creating a rectangle.

2. Attach the frame to the tub.

- Place the frame around the tub, making sure that it is centered.

- Use a drill and 1-inch wood screws to attach the frame to the tub.

3. Install plywood on the platform.

- Cut a piece of plywood to fit over the frame.

- Attach the plywood to the frame using 1-inch wood screws.

- Make sure that the plywood is level.

4. Install tile on the plywood.

- Apply thinset mortar to the plywood using a trowel.

- Set the tile in the thinset mortar, starting in one corner and working your way out.

- Allow the thinset mortar to dry completely before grouting the tiles.

5. Install a shower curtain or door.

- If you're not installing a shower door, you can hang a shower curtain from a tension rod.

- If you're installing a shower door, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

Your new walk-in shower is now complete! Enjoy the ease and convenience of a barrier-free shower.