One of the best decisions to save space in the bathroom is to change a bathtub for a shower tray. In fact, this is one of the changes that become a priority in homes with children and older adults.
In addition, shower trays are aesthetically more striking, elegant, easy to clean and do not represent an architectural barrier for family members with certain limitations.
The detail is that this type of substitution must be done carefully since it involves a series of procedures that can take some time.
Also, you must make some decisions to choose the shower screen, accessories and taps that are most suitable and that go with the aesthetics of your bathroom.
Before starting the reform
You should know that for this type of work, it is advisable to have the advice of personnel specialized in renovating the bathroom so that you can work without problems and with the greatest possible comfort.
Before starting the project, you will have to take the measurements of the bathtub area to know the size of the shower tray that you will use. This is because it is essential to leave at least a few centimeters on each side of the plate for laying the tiles and to be able to seal the joints.
Likewise, you will have to choose some additional elements such as the shower screen, the taps and the tiles. Even if you want to give that space another face, it is not bad to add some furniture, accessories or LED mirrors.
Applying creativity, you will see that the space will be very personalized and with great added value. It is not necessary to have a large space for your bathroom to have a renewed and spacious appearance.
1. Remove the faucet and remove the bathtub
When you have already emptied the water from the pipes, you should remove the faucet and the drain so that you can work more easily. Then, with the help of a hammer, begin to remove the tiles that cover the bathtub and those that are attached to the back wall, if any.
Remember to always work with gloves and safety glasses, as some debris can be sharp and dangerous.
Next, proceed to remove the tub and debris from the bathroom so you can work without anything getting in the way.
2. Prepare the surface and the drain
If you’re okay with the plumbing and drain layout, and relocation isn’t necessary, the next step is to thoroughly clean the old tub’s drain.
The idea is that you take advantage of it so that it is attached to the shower tray and minimizes the costs of the reform.
Now, cover it very well with some type of paper or with a cloth so that it is not damaged by debris.
To create the shower floor, you will need to level the surface using a mortar mix, which you should distribute evenly. Make sure it is well spread using a trowel and a level.
It is essential that you leave at least 2 cm of fall towards the drain so that the water does not remain stagnant in the shower and form puddles or make it difficult for the water to flow out.
3. Join the drain with the new shower tray
You have to measure the exact place where the shower tray drain will be so that it fits with the existing one.
If necessary, use an elbow or adapter so that the pieces are firmly in place.
Then, place the shower tray and fix it very well according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The idea is that you get a finish as natural as possible.
Now, install the faucet and check that the connection of the valves is correct to avoid drips or water leaks. Next, lay the tiles on the shower wall using an unsanded grout mix.
The shower tray you choose must be the right size for your space, the aesthetics and the material you can choose between different types of plates: resin and mineral load, with the drain in the center, in a corner or elongated, white or colored or with different designs such as white marble.
The ideal for this type of reform is to get a shower tray since built-in showers tend to cause problems in the long run, especially with unevenness and drains.
4. Place a custom screen
The last step is to choose a shower screen that suits your shower tray and that goes with the aesthetics of your bathroom.
When choosing your partition, it is very important to take into account if you have installed the tray at ground level or if, on the contrary, it rises a few centimeters. This is because the manufacturers of screens have to adapt the size and pieces of your screen to your shower tray.
How much does it cost to change a bathtub for a shower tray?
The costs for replacing a bathtub with a shower will vary according to the type of material you choose, the additional elements you install and whether or not you need qualified labor.
However, to give you an idea, some of these reforms can reach a final cost of about 4,500 euros, but others do not exceed 2,000 euros.
Also, keep in mind that the service to get rid of the debris has an additional cost, which depends on the company you hire or if you do it on your own.
Is it possible to change a bathtub for a shower tray without working?
There is the alternative of applying some simple reforms to get the change from the bathtub to shower without doing complicated work. For example, you can leave the old tiles and existing faucets. You can also remove the bathtub, cover the wall with a siding panel and quickly retrofit the drain.
As you can see, changing the bathtub for a shower is a simple project that you can have ready in a few days and, if you put your mind to it, at a low cost.
With these steps, you may have a clearer idea of changing your bathtub for a shower tray. Now, you can start looking for companies that change a bathtub for a shower tray.