Transform your bathroom with a modern walk-in shower. Complete conversion from start to finish.
Call {{PHONE}} NowA tub to shower conversion makes sense for many Portland homeowners. Walk-in showers are easier to access, require less maintenance, save water, and can actually increase your home's resale value. If you're looking to modernize your bathroom or make it more functional for your daily routine, this remodel delivers real benefits.
The conversion process sounds complex, but it's straightforward when you work with the right contractor. We'll guide you through layout decisions, material choices, waterproofing details, and all the finishing touches that make the difference between a good shower and a great one.
When you decide to convert your tub to a shower, the contractor starts by assessing the existing plumbing and structural layout. They'll discuss where you want the shower head positioned, whether you want a bench or alcove, and what style of enclosure suits your space.
Your bathroom size and current wall conditions will guide decisions about the shower pan, the type of surround material, and where the drain should sit. A smaller bathroom might benefit from a corner shower, while a larger space could accommodate a walk-in with more open feel.
The difference between a shower that lasts 10 years and one that lasts 30 comes down to workmanship during the rough-in phase. The contractor won't cut corners on waterproofing or substrate prep, even though you won't see those layers in the finished bathroom.
Proper slope of the floor, sealed transitions, and correct plumbing venting prevent costly water damage down the line. These details take more time and attention, which is why choosing an experienced contractor in Portland pays off.
Here's how a professional handles your bathroom conversion from start to finish:
The contractor measures your space and discusses your vision. They determine whether existing plumbing can be reused, identify structural obstacles, and finalize the layout.
The old tub and surrounding wall material are removed carefully. Plumbing lines are capped or redirected as needed. The space is prepped down to the studs in the shower area.
Plumbing drains and supply lines are installed or relocated. Vent pipes are run to code. All lines are tested before moving forward.
Waterproof membranes are applied to the subfloor and walls. Tile or surround material is installed. Fixtures, enclosure, and trim complete the job.
Before any new materials go in, the old tub has to come out. The contractor will turn off water supply to the existing tub and disconnect the drain plumbing. The surround walls come down carefully, and the deck or alcove supporting the tub is removed. This usually takes a day or two depending on how solidly everything was built.
Once the space is cleared, the real planning happens. The contractor will determine if the existing drain can be reused or needs to be repositioned. Walk-in showers typically need a floor that slopes slightly toward the drain, so the floor framing might need adjustment. They'll also decide on the final shower dimensions. A 36 by 36 inch corner shower works well in smaller bathrooms, while a larger space might support a 36 by 60 inch layout or a spacious open design.
The placement of the shower head, body spray locations, bench or seating, and the enclosure or glass wall all depend on your bathroom's dimensions and your personal preferences. A corner shower maximizes space efficiency. A niche or recessed shelf provides storage for bottles without taking up floor space. Bench seating can be built in or freestanding depending on your layout and needs.
Your contractor in Portland will also consider the approach to the shower. Do you want a step, or should the floor be flush with the rest of the bathroom? A threshold-less design looks cleaner but requires careful waterproofing. A low curb is easier to build and provides more control over water flow. Both work well when done correctly.
The shower surround material you choose affects both aesthetics and durability. Ceramic or porcelain tile is the most common choice in Portland bathrooms. It handles moisture well, comes in endless styles and colors, and lasts decades. Glass tile has become popular for its clean, modern look, though it requires careful grouting and maintenance. Natural stone like marble or slate adds luxury but needs sealing and more attention to water exposure.
Some homeowners prefer acrylic or fiberglass surrounds for their lower cost and easier installation. These are durable and come in solid colors or patterns, though they can discolor over time with heavy use. Solid surface materials like Corian offer a seamless, premium look but carry a higher price tag.
This is where the real work happens, even if you don't see it. Before tile or surround material goes up, the substrate needs protection. A waterproof membrane is applied to the shower walls and floor. This stops water from seeping behind the tile and causing rot in the framing.
The membrane goes on the subfloor and up the walls, typically 60 inches or more. Every seam and penetration is sealed. For tile showers, cement board or hardiboard is installed over the membrane. This gives tile a solid base to bond to. The entire assembly works together to keep water where it belongs, inside the shower.
The shower floor slopes gently toward the drain, usually at a 1/4 inch drop per foot. This slope keeps water flowing to the drain instead of pooling. A properly sloped floor is crucial for preventing water backup and mold growth.
The drain itself needs to handle the water volume without backing up. A quality linear drain or traditional pan drain works well. Traps and vent lines are run to prevent sewer gases from entering the bathroom. All plumbing meets Portland building codes for safety and functionality.
Grout and caulk finishes the tile installation. Grout fills the gaps between tiles and hardens into a seal. Caulk goes at corners and transitions where grout would crack if used. Quality grout is sand-based and colored to match your tile. Caulk is flexible and color-matched as well. These finishing touches prevent water from getting behind the tile.
Once the tile or surround is complete and waterproofed, the focus shifts to finishing. The shower head mounting, body spray installation, valve trim, and enclosure hardware all come together now. The contractor will install the mixing valve if it was relocated during rough-in, and test all lines for proper function and no leaks.
The enclosure or glass doors go in last. Frameless glass doors have become popular for their sleek appearance, though framed doors are more budget-friendly and easier to repair. Shower curtains are always an option if you prefer a softer, adjustable look. Whatever you choose, it should seal properly at the bottom and sides to contain water spray.
Your shower head, trim finishes, and accessory hardware should coordinate with your overall bathroom style. Modern chrome and brushed nickel finishes are versatile and hide water spots well. Oil-rubbed bronze and matte black finishes deliver a more dramatic look. Rainfall shower heads give a luxurious spa feel, while traditional fixed heads are simpler and more economical.
Shelving, soap dispensers, towel bars, and other accessories are installed after the tile and enclosure are done. The caulk is applied at all interior corners and where the tile meets the tub rim or floor. The entire space is cleaned and inspected before handoff. Your new shower is tested to ensure proper drainage and water pressure.
Portland bathrooms often come with older tubs that don't suit modern living. Families with mobility concerns find that a walk-in shower is safer and more practical. Younger homeowners prefer the efficiency and space-saving benefit of a shower-only layout. Some just want the visual refresh that a new shower brings to an aging bathroom.
The investment in a tub to shower conversion typically runs between $5,000 and $15,000 in Portland, depending on the scope, materials chosen, and any unexpected structural issues discovered during demolition. Quality matters at every stage, from waterproofing to tile installation, because the durability of your shower depends on workmanship you won't see after the walls are closed up.
If you're considering other bathroom upgrades alongside your conversion, a bathroom tile installation expert can also handle accent walls or flooring. If plumbing needs attention, bathroom plumbing upgrades can run new lines or upgrade fixtures. Many homeowners pair their tub conversion with vanity installation or bathroom lighting installation for a cohesive update.
We work with contractors throughout Portland and the surrounding areas. Whether your bathroom is in the downtown core, the Pearl District, Northeast, Southeast, or outer neighborhoods, our network has experienced professionals ready to handle your tub to shower conversion.
A tub to shower conversion is often the centerpiece of a larger bathroom update. Our contractor network offers a full range of services to complement your shower project. If you're already remodeling, consider coordinating related work for a truly comprehensive refresh.
Let's discuss your tub to shower conversion and find the right contractor for the job. Our network includes experienced professionals throughout Portland who handle everything from design through completion.
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