Tub to Shower Conversions – Everything you need to know

Benefits of Tub to Shower Conversions

A smart, stylish upgrade for modern living

When it comes to bathroom renovations, one of the most impactful updates you can make is converting an old tub into a modern walk in shower. This renovation isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about function, flow, and improving the way you live in your space. At Star Renovations NY, we’ve seen firsthand how this upgrade can transform both the look and usability of a bathroom. Whether you’re planning for future needs or just ready to give your bathroom a fresh start, a tub-to-shower conversion could be the perfect solution.

Improved Accessibility

Making everyday life more comfortable

One of the biggest benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion is increased accessibility. Traditional bathtubs often require stepping over a high ledge, which can be a challenge for people with limited mobility or those planning to age in place. Walk-in showers eliminate this barrier entirely, offering a safer and more convenient option for everyone in the household.

Typically these types of conversions are especially popular among homeowners who are looking to future-proof their homes. By incorporating grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, and low-threshold entries, a bathroom becomes a space that supports independence while maintaining its visual appeal.

Star Renovations | Hudson Apartment Gut Renovation

At Star Renovations NY, we work closely with clients to customize these upgrades to their specific needs. Whether that means designing a curb-less shower or selecting matte tile for added traction, accessibility can be both thoughtful and beautiful.

Modernized Aesthetics

Elevating the look and feel of your space

Beyond functionality, replacing an old tub with a shower instantly modernizes the entire bathroom. Tubs, especially older built-in models, can make a space feel dated. A sleek new shower introduces cleaner lines, more open sightlines, and endless options for contemporary finishes.

Better Homes & Gardens notes that frameless glass enclosures, large-format tiles, and floating vanities are all on trend in 2025, and they pair perfectly with a spacious walk-in shower. These features not only create a more luxurious environment, they also help your bathroom feel bigger and brighter.

This isn’t just about keeping up with trends. For New Yorkers with compact layouts, modern materials and minimalist design choices can completely refresh a space that once felt cramped or outdated.

Star Renovations | Luxurious Lilac-Inspired Bathroom Renovation

Space Optimization

Smart design for small bathrooms

In many city apartments, bathrooms are compact, and every square foot matters. Removing a rarely used tub and replacing it with a walk-in shower can open up the room visually and functionally. The added space makes room for custom storage, dual showerheads, or even just easier movement around the bathroom.

From our experience, it is understood that showers take up less physical space than tubs and offer more flexibility when planning layouts. Whether it’s a corner installation or a linear design, showers can be tailored to suit the unique dimensions of your home. This flexibility is especially valuable in New York City, where maximizing functionality without sacrificing design is always a top priority.

At Star Renovations NY, we often guide clients through these choices by balancing their lifestyle needs with structural possibilities. The goal is to enhance flow and comfort while creating a space that feels intentional and elevated.

Safety Enhancements

For many homeowners, especially in New York City where multi-generational living and aging in place are common considerations, safety is a top priority when renovating a bathroom. A tub-to-shower conversion is a smart move for improving safety in a meaningful way without sacrificing design.

Walk-in showers eliminate the need to step over a high tub wall, which is one of the most common causes of slips and falls in the bathroom. Installing grab bars and using slip-resistant surfaces are simple enhancements that make a big difference in daily use. According to West Shore Home, adding support features like these not only helps those with mobility issues but also makes the space safer for everyone, children, guests, and aging homeowners alike.

More homeowners are also thinking long-term when renovating. The idea of creating a home that adapts with you is at the heart of aging-in-place design. As Model Remodel notes, “Even if you don’t need accessibility features now, it’s wise to think ahead.” Features like built-in benches, wider shower entries, and low-threshold designs offer both function and peace of mind.

In a city like New York, where accessibility and space efficiency go hand-in-hand, converting it to a safer, more usable shower layout is a practical investment. We consider how clients use their space today and how those needs might evolve in the future, always prioritizing thoughtful solutions over short-lived trends.

Step-by-Step: Tub-to-Shower Conversion Basics

While every renovation is unique to the space and client needs, here’s a high-level look at the general process behind a tub-to-shower conversion. These steps are simplified to give homeowners a clear understanding of what’s involved:

1. Demo and Removal

The old tub, surround, and plumbing fixtures are carefully removed & everything is cleared down to the studs.

2. Plumbing Prep

Plumbing is reconfigured to align with the new shower layout. This may include adjusting and upgrading the drain locations and size pipe and raising the valve height to suit a standing user.

3. Shower Pan Installation

A pre-formed or custom-built shower pan is installed and waterproofed. This forms the foundation of the shower and ensures proper drainage.

4. Wall Board and Waterproofing

We install cement board or another moisture-resistant backer, then apply a waterproof membrane to fully seal the area behind the tile or panels.

5. Tile or Panel Installation

Tile, stone, or waterproof wall panels are installed with precision, followed by grouting and sealing for long-term durability.

6. Fixture and Accessory Install

We fit the new shower valve, head, trim, and any added safety features like grab bars or seating.

7. Glass or Curtain Setup

Frameless glass or a curtain rod is installed depending on the client’s preference and layout, completing the space.

These are the core steps we follow, though every project is tailored. As always, we handle the full scope—from demo to finish—with permits, inspections, and long-term functionality in mind.

Sources: Star Renovations NY | Greene Ave Townhouse

Walk-In Shower Designs

Source: Star Renovations NY | Upper West Side Condo

This UWS bathroom is all about celebrating personality without sacrificing sophistication. The standout feature is the warm-toned Calacatta marble tile throughout the bathroom floors—bold, yet elegant. Paired with bright chrome Kohler fixtures and thoughtful detailing, the space takes on a boutique-hotel charm that’s warm and stylish without being overly formal.

Source: Star Renovations NY | Whale Pond Jersey Shore

This serene New Jersey bath transformation is the definition of understated luxury. We leaned into a clean, architectural palette using elongated matte subway tile in soft gray for both texture and tone, wrapping the walls to create a unified and calming experience. A frameless glass enclosure lets the space breathe, keeping the shower area bright and inviting.

Spa Sanctuary Designs

When our clients come to us asking for a bathroom that feels like an escape, we always say it starts with the bath. A freestanding tub doesn’t just function — it sets a tone. These next few projects are great examples of how we’ve created that spa-like experience in real New York homes without losing sight of local code compliance or spatial limitations.

This bathroom designed and built by our team at Star Renovations leans into a warmer, more natural palette. We used large-format polished marble with soft beige and gold veining, which glows beautifully with the Wainscott details and dark hex flooring. Everything from the integrated niche to the sculptural vanity-wall detail was thought through with the goal of creating a daily luxury that doesn’t feel over-designed.

Source: Star Renovations NY | Manhattanville Townhouse Gut Renovation

In this Brooklyn residence, we used grey marble slabs with bold movement to create a seamless and soothing spa room. The sculptural drop-in tub anchors the room while the matte black fixtures bring in a clean modern contrast.

Source: Star Renovations NY | Whale Pond NJ

In our New Jersey project, we had a bit of fun with materials. We combined glossy white surfaces with a bold geometric floor tile to add interest underfoot. The soft-edge soaking tub feels almost like a sculpture, and it’s positioned close to the shower to keep everything practical for everyday use. Brass hardware throughout gives warmth and balance, tying together the clean and the character.

Accessible Designs

Source: Star Renovations NY | Lefferts Place Bathroom Renovation

A sleek new shower installation designed by Star Renovations NY with both style and function in mind. The low curb entry offers easy access, while the discreetly placed ADA-compliant grab bar ensures added safety without compromising the clean, modern aesthetic.

Source: Baths by Ben

This tub-to-shower conversion by Baths By Ben blends thoughtful design with everyday practicality. Featuring double ADA-compliant grab bars for enhanced safety and support, this installation is a smart solution for homeowners prioritizing both accessibility and timeless style.

Smart Shower Tech

In New York City, where every square foot counts, integrating smart shower technology into bathroom renovations offers a blend of luxury and practicality. These systems provide precise control over water temperature and flow, ensuring a consistent and comfortable experience. Features like customizable presets allow each user to tailor their shower to personal preferences, enhancing the overall bathing experience.

Beyond comfort, smart showers contribute to sustainability efforts. Advanced models monitor water usage in real-time, helping homeowners track consumption and identify opportunities for conservation. Some systems (like Kohler, Delta or Waterworks) even offer eco-friendly modes that reduce water flow without compromising performance.

Related: Homecrest Bathroom Renovation

Integration with smart home ecosystems adds another layer of convenience. Voice-activated controls and mobile app connectivity are even things being installed today allowing homeowners the ability to start or adjust their showers remotely. This seamless integration aligns with the modern lifestyle, where efficiency and personalization are paramount.

At Star Renovations NY, we’ve embraced these innovations to transform standard bathrooms into personalized retreats. By incorporating smart shower technology, we offer our clients a harmonious blend of comfort, efficiency, and modern design, tailored to the unique demands of urban living.

Professional Installation: Built the Right Way

Any tub-to-shower conversion, no matter how sleek or simple it may look in the end, is a construction project at its core. And in New York City — with its layered building codes, unpredictable plumbing conditions, and older building stock — a professional installation is not just recommended, it’s essential.

We always stress to our clients that this isn’t the kind of project you want to hand off to a handyman or a friend who’s handy with tile. It requires licensed professionals who understand waterproofing details, plumbing reroutes, and framing adjustments. The work needs to not only pass inspection but perform for the long haul. A good installer will spot the small things that could become big issues — things like uneven subfloors, improper slopes, or aging valves hiding behind that old tub wall.

At Star Renovations NY, we’ve built our reputation around doing it right the first time. We coordinate the entire process, from demolition to tilework to final fittings, making sure everything is not just beautiful but built to code and built to last.

Cost Estimates: A Glimpse into NYC

Every renovation is unique, but we always try to give our clients a clear picture of what’s ahead when it comes to investment. In New York City, the cost to convert a tub to a shower will vary depending on location, scope, material choices, and the existing condition of the space. Based on previous and ongoing SRNY Bathroom project here’s a general idea of what we see clients spending on their bathroom renovations:

• Entry-Level Conversion
  Starting around $45,000 to $55,000
  This would typically involve simple/standard grade tiles and standard plumbing fixture replacements. It’s a clean, functional upgrade that still looks great without disrupting the foundation of the space to drastically.
• Mid-Range Customization
  Between $55,000 to $70,000
  Here you’re looking at custom tile work, upgraded fixtures (like a rain shower head or wall-mounted hand shower), and some layout refinement if needed. This level is popular with clients looking to blend function and design without going overboard.
• High-End Spa Conversion
  Starting at $80,000 and up
  This is where we get into the custom glass enclosures, premium stone or slab walls, floating benches, linear drains, and luxury fixture brands — often incorporating smart shower tech like Kohler’s digital valves or thermostatic systems available through partners like Build.com by Ferguson.

Star Renovations | Richardson St – Williamsburg Bathrooms Renovations

Regardless of budget, we always make sure every dollar goes toward quality work and finishes that make sense for your space. Transparency is important to us, and that starts with knowing what’s possible — and what it’ll take to get there.

Thinking About Your Conversion?

Whether you’re drawn to clean lines and calming neutrals or something bold and unexpected, your bathroom should reflect how you want to feel every day—relaxed, recharged, and at home. At Star Renovations, we approach every project with a focus on thoughtful design, high-quality execution, and seamless collaboration. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your own bath conversion or renovation, we’re here to help guide you through it from the first conversation to the final tile.

Reach out to us at 718-521-2879 or info@starrenovationsny.com to start building a space that fits you perfectly.