If there’s one renovation request I get more than almost anything else—it’s converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower. I’m Robbie Fraikin from Raakss Reno, and I’ve done this upgrade for dozens of homeowners across Toronto and the GTA. It’s clean, modern, and efficient—everything we want from our bathrooms today.
Whether you’re looking to save space, add comfort, or simply modernize your outdated bathroom setup, walk-in shower installations are one of the best ways to boost both style and function—without needing a full gut job.
Why Showers Are Replacing Tubs
Let’s be honest—most of us today aren’t using our bathtubs unless we have to. Showers are faster, easier, and more practical for our busy lifestyles. That’s why more and more of my clients are converting at least one of their bathrooms into a walk-in shower.
That said, I always recommend keeping one bathtub in the house—ideally in the ensuite or main bathroom. Why? Because it’s smart for resale, and it’s practical for future use—think young kids, pets, or even yourself after a long day.
But two or three bathtubs? That’s overkill. You’re much better off converting the others into modern shower units.
How Tub-to-Shower Conversions Work
The beauty of modern bathroom kits is that they’re designed to make this exact transformation easy. A standard bathtub is usually 60×30 or 60×32 inches, and there are off-the-shelf shower kits that fit this footprint perfectly.
These kits typically include:
A fiberglass or acrylic shower base
Matching wall panels
Stainless steel hardware
Tempered glass enclosure
So instead of ripping out and rebuilding the whole bathroom, we remove the tub, insert the kit, and rebuild the surrounding walls to suit your taste. It’s a neat, 5–7 day job—half the time of a full reno—and it transforms your bathroom without needing to touch the rest of the space.
➡️ Want to understand how a flooring install plays into this? Read our flooring installation preparation guide.
What About Curbless Showers?
Now let’s talk about one of the most requested modern features: curbless showers.
These are flush with your bathroom floor—no step up, no threshold. They look sleek, feel more spacious, and are perfect for anyone who values accessibility or open design. But here’s the catch: they’re not a quick conversion.
To make it work, you have to:
Re-slope the bathroom floor
Rebuild the subfloor to support drainage
Ensure waterproofing is flawless
Match the surrounding tile height exactly
In short, it’s not a partial upgrade—it’s a full bathroom renovation. But if you’re already doing a larger remodel, it’s worth considering. Especially for aging in place, they’re a great investment.
Shower Kits vs. Tiled Showers: What’s the Difference?
If you’re comparing your options, here’s what I tell homeowners:
🔹 Acrylic or Fiberglass Kits
Pre-made bases
Low-maintenance
Won’t stain like grout
Faster to install
More affordable
Long lifespan
🔸 Tiled Showers
Fully customizable
Requires more precision
Grout can discolor over time
Needs regular upkeep
Looks more high-end
If you’re working with a tight budget or a good-condition bathroom, kits are amazing. One of my go-to brands is OVE, which is Canadian-made (out of Montreal, actually) and sold at retailers like Costco. The quality is excellent, and they’ve become my first recommendation for most conversions.
Design Options & Upgrades
Just because it’s a kit doesn’t mean you can’t personalize the space. Once we rebuild the walls where the tub used to be, you can update them with:
New tile finishes
A rainhead column or handheld fixture
Brushed gold, black, or matte nickel hardware
A fold-down bench (great for shaving or accessibility)
One trend I’m seeing right now? Olive green tiles with brushed gold hardware. It’s a beautiful blend of old and new—soft, natural, and on-trend without being trendy.
Looking for more color inspiration? Visit our article on best bathroom tile ideas to explore timeless finishes.
The Benefits of Walk-In Showers
There are plenty of reasons to make the switch:
More usable space: Showers feel more open and allow full standing room from wall to wall
Easier access: No more stepping over a high tub wall
Faster installation: If you’re using a kit, you’re cutting your reno time in half
Modern appeal: It gives your bathroom an instant facelift
Low maintenance: Especially with acrylic bases—no grout lines, no headaches
Plus, in resale terms, homes with a mix of shower and tub options tend to do better than homes with only bathtubs.
When Should You NOT Do a Walk-In Shower?
While I love a good shower upgrade, there are a few scenarios where you might want to hold off:
If it’s your only full bathroom (still need a tub for resale!)
If your subfloor is too weak and needs reinforcing
If your plumbing is outdated and would require a full upgrade anyway
If your household includes someone who needs a tub for accessibility
In these cases, we usually recommend a more strategic full renovation. That way, you get a beautiful, functional space without compromising on the must-haves.
Need help budgeting your renovation? Our 2025 bathroom renovation budget tips will help you plan your project smartly.
Final Thoughts from Me, Robbie
Most homeowners today prefer showers. It fits our lifestyle, saves time, and just feels more modern. Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is one of the fastest and most effective ways to update your bathroom without ripping everything out.
But like anything—do it right, or do it twice.
If your bathroom is in good shape, and you’re not ready for a full reno, a quality shower kit might be your best option. You get the look and comfort of a modern bathroom in less than a week.
Want to know if your space is a good fit? Reach out to me and we’ll talk through your options—honestly and without pressure.