Eaton Master Bath: From Jetted Tub to Walk-In Shower

This master bathroom in Eaton had a big jetted tub under the window that took up a lot of floor space. The goal was a bathroom that felt bigger, brighter and easier to use every day.

Eaton master bathroom before the remodel, with a jetted garden tub under the window — Before: the jetted tub under the window.

The plan

The tub came out and a large walk-in shower took its place, right under the window so it gets great natural light. Around it we built tile half walls that keep water in without closing the room off. On the other side of the bathroom went a new wood double vanity with a built-in makeup desk.

The finishes tie it together: large-format marble-look tile on the walls and floor, matte black fixtures, a rainfall shower head with a handheld, and frameless glass.

Taking it down

Demo took the old surfaces down to the studs. That's where you find out what you're working with, and it's the only time you can fix what's behind the walls before everything gets closed back up.

Old shower torn out down to the studs during demolition — Down to the studs.

Waterproofing comes first

Before any tile goes on, the whole shower area gets waterproofed: the walls, the half walls and the window opening. Every seam and screw gets sealed. You'll never see this layer once the tile is up, but it's the part that decides whether a shower lasts.

Shower walls, half walls and window opening covered in waterproof board with sealed seams — Waterproofed and ready for tile, including around the window.

Big tile, done right

Large-format tile looks clean and modern because there are fewer grout lines, but it's less forgiving to install. The floor has to be flat and every tile has to sit level with the next one. We use a leveling system as we set each tile so the edges line up and the floor feels smooth underfoot.

Large-format marble-look porcelain tile floor being installed — Large-format marble-look floor going in.

The finished bathroom

Finished walk-in shower with tile half walls and a rainfall head under the window — After: the walk-in shower where the tub used to be.

Frameless glass panels with matte black hardware on the walk-in shower — Frameless glass with matte black hardware.

Wood double vanity with quartz top, makeup desk and matte black faucets — The new wood vanity with a built-in makeup desk.

Is a tub-to-shower conversion right for you?

If your tub mostly collects dust, swapping it for a walk-in shower is one of the most popular changes we make. It opens up the room, it's easier to get in and out of as you get older, and it gives you a shower you actually look forward to using. If you have young kids or love a long soak, keeping a tub somewhere in the house might still matter, and that's worth talking through at the walkthrough.

Can any tub be converted to a walk-in shower?

Most can. The space, the drain location and what's under the floor all play a part, so we look at those at the free walkthrough before we plan anything.

Will removing the tub hurt resale value?

It depends on the house. Many buyers like at least one tub in the home, so if this is your only one, we'll talk about it. Converting a master tub when there's another tub elsewhere is very common.

Thinking about something similar?

See more of our bathroom remodeling, try the 2-minute Project Planner, or request a free walkthrough.