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By Molly Ryan
Tired of a Standalone Tub? Consider a Tub Shower Combo
If you live in a home built in 2000 or later, there’s a good chance that your primary bathroom has a standalone tub and a separate walk-in shower. Why? In the early 2000s, standalone tubs were seen as the height of luxury. Now, that standalone tub is just an inconvenience and an eyesore, but what’s the alternative?
At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we’ve specialized in bathroom upgrades like tub-and-shower combos for over 25 years. We’re here to help you decide if this combination of bathroom fixtures is the right fit for you and answer some of the most common questions we get about tub-shower combos.
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Signs That It’s Time to Get a Tub Shower Combo
First, let’s talk about the signs that you may need to replace your standalone tub with a tub-shower combo.
You Need Dual Functionality
As nice as it sounds to have a spacious tub designed just for soaking, you’ve found it to be impractical. While you might want the option to relax in a bath some of the time or have young kids who are still tub-only bathers, you’d also like to use that same fixture for daily showers. The tub-shower combo is the perfect solution that can meet the needs of multiple household members in one space.
Your Bathroom Is Cramped
Maybe you’ve put off replacing your standalone tub with a tub-shower combo because you have access to a separate walk-in shower. Why invest in an upgrade when you can technically use both fixtures? Another common reason why homeowners move away from the separate tub and shower setup is to make better use of their bathroom’s limited square footage. By combining the tub and shower, you can leave that extra space open or convert it into something practical, like a linen closet.
You’re Tired of Cleaning Separate Fixtures
You use both your tub and your shower with regularity. That means that both require pretty frequent cleaning, and since they’re separate fixtures, it feels like you’re cleaning twice as much surface area. With a tub-shower combo, you can focus your cleaning efforts on one space. Plus, with a high-quality acrylic tub and shower wall system, you can enjoy a much simpler cleaning routine.
FAQs About Tub and Shower Combinations
You’re pretty sure it’s time to invest in a bathroom upgrade. Before you do, get the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tub-and-shower combinations.
How Much Does a New Tub Shower Combo Cost?
Will it cost more to convert a tub into a tub-and-shower combo than it would to just replace the tub? Because this conversion will require a slight plumbing reconfiguration, it could cost a bit more, but probably not as much as you’d think. At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, most of our tub and shower replacements and conversions cost between $11,000 and $22,000. That range is just as reflective of things like standard vs. premium materials and fixtures as it is of project scope.
Can I Retrofit a Shower Head in My Existing Tub?
Could you save money by keeping your existing bathtub and simply installing another water supply line and a showerhead? While the answer is technically yes, we don’t recommend this kind of retrofit for a couple of reasons:
- Poor water containment: Your standalone tub may not have a waterproof wall system that is high enough to properly contain shower water.
- Minimal upgrades: Retrofitting doesn’t address wear and tear or structural issues like water damage, outdated plumbing, or mold growth.
- Limited lifespan: If you’re retrofitting an old tub system, you’re only going to get a few years of use before you need to invest in a more comprehensive upgrade.
Replacing your standalone tub with a whole new tub-shower combination gives you access to modern designs, durable materials, and a brand-new warranty on materials and labor.
How Big Is a Shower Tub Combo?
One of the reasons why standalone tubs became popular again in the early 21st century has to do with the rise of oversized tubs with luxury features like whirlpool jets. Can you keep that oversized footprint while adding a shower feature? While most shower-tub combos are going to fit the standard footprint of 60” x 30”, custom-cut wall surrounds and glass partitions allow for just about any shower-tub size. Note that custom sizing does typically mean a higher estimate.
How Can I Make a Tub Shower Combo Accessible?
A tub-shower combo will have a tub ledge of at least 14 inches, which can present problems for some of your household members. For example, certain disabilities can make it difficult to safely step over that threshold or rise from a seated position on the tub floor. To make a standard tub-shower combo more accessible, work with a company who will incorporate grab bars into the design. At ZINTEX, we will work directly with anyone in your home who will use the grab bars to make sure they’re installed at the height and angle that best serves that household member.
Should I Get a Walk In Shower Instead?
A tub-shower combo isn’t the only option you have when replacing a standalone tub. You can also get a tub-to-shower conversion to replace your tub with a walk-in shower. This is a great choice if:
- No one in your household uses the bathtub you’re replacing
- You would prefer the low-threshold entry of a walk-in shower over the 14”+ ledge of a traditional bathtub
- You want to maximize bathroom space by replacing the tub with a 30” x 30” shower
- You’re planning ahead for aging in place
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Resources to Guide Your Remodel
A successful remodel calls for information and support every step of the way. Our Learning Center provides a wealth of guides, answers to frequently asked questions, and inspiration for bathroom design.
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