When Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Make Sense?

A conversion makes the most sense when the tub goes mostly unused and daily showering is the priority. Converting that footprint into a walk-in shower can free up usable space. For homeowners investing in bathroom remodeling in St. Paul, MN, this upgrade is frequently requested during initial consultations.

It may also be a practical choice for aging-in-place planning. A low-threshold walk-in shower with grab bars and a bench seat can reduce fall risk and make the bathroom safer.

That said, the conversion works best when at least one bathtub remains elsewhere in the home. Tub-to-shower conversions do not hurt resale value as long as you are not removing the only tub. If the home has only one bathroom, consult a remodeling professional first.

Shower Base and Enclosure Options to Consider

There are two main paths for the shower floor. Prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass pans are faster and less expensive, though size options are limited. A site-built mortar mud bed is fully custom, allowing any footprint or drain position and offering greater long-term durability.

For walls and enclosures, options typically include ceramic or porcelain tile on a waterproofed substrate, large-format stone-look tile, or solid-surface panel systems. Tile gives the most flexibility in size, color, and pattern. Panel systems reduce grout maintenance. Frameless glass enclosures feel more open and contemporary. Discussing these options early is important for any St. Paul bathroom remodel, since materials affect both budget and timeline. APEX Design Build can walk you through the options during an initial consultation.

Why Waterproofing Is the Most Important Step

Waterproofing is the foundation of a conversion that lasts. A shower relies entirely on what is behind and beneath the tile or panels to stay dry. Common systems include sheet membranes bonded over backer board, liquid-applied membranes, and traditional mortar bed systems with a flexible liner underneath. Every corner, seam, and penetration must be sealed, and the shower pan must slope correctly toward the drain.

Tile and cement grout are not waterproof; water passes through them and must be stopped by a membrane beneath. Cutting corners here can cause hidden moisture damage that is far more costly to repair than doing it right the first time. Any reputable St. Paul remodeler should uphold this standard on every project. Contact the team at APEX Design Build to learn how they approach waterproofing.

The Older-Home Angle for St. Paul Neighborhoods

St. Paul has some of the oldest housing stock in the metro. Victorians and early 1900s homes in Summit-University, Cathedral Hill, and Macalester-Groveland were built with materials that require extra planning. Bathrooms in these homes often feature narrower footprints, original cast-iron or galvanized plumbing, three-coat plaster walls, and subfloors that may need reinforcement before a new shower base is installed.

During demolition, a contractor may discover plumbing components that need updating before the conversion can proceed. This is common, and it is better to find it during the remodel. Plumbing changes may also require permits from St. Paul's Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI). A licensed contractor familiar with the city's permitting process can handle them for you. Experience with older homes is one reason homeowners throughout the metro choose APEX Design Build for bathroom remodeling in St. Paul, MN.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?

A conversion can improve daily usability, increase accessibility, and give the bathroom a more modern feel. Walk-in showers often make a small bathroom feel more open and are easier to clean than a tub surround. The main trade-off is losing a soaking option. Families with young children may still want a tub elsewhere in the home.

How Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Affect Resale Value?

Resale impact depends largely on how many tubs remain. The National Association of Realtors reports that 67% of home buyers prefer a walk-in shower in the primary bathroom, while only 24% prefer a bathtub as the primary bathing feature. A well-executed conversion in a primary bathroom, when a tub exists elsewhere, can make the home more appealing to buyers.

Ready to Start Planning Your Bathroom Remodel in St. Paul, MN?

If you are exploring a tub-to-shower conversion as part of your bathroom remodeling in St. Paul, MN, the details matter. Getting the waterproofing right, understanding your home's plumbing, and choosing materials that fit both the space and your long-term goals are decisions best made with a qualified professional.

APEX Design Build is an award-winning, full-service design-build remodeling company based in St. Paul, MN, with deep experience in bathroom renovations across the Twin Cities metro, including older homes. Visit the bathroom remodeling page or contact the team to request a consultation. Call (651) 653-6300 to speak with someone directly.