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Who This Is For
This guide is for homeowners considering a bathtub renovation, bathtub replacement, or tub-to-shower conversion. It will help you compare the most common bathroom tub remodel options and decide which one fits your lifestyle, accessibility needs, and long-term plans.
Key Takeaways
- Conversion Demand: Tub-to-shower conversions are the leading tub remodeling project in Mr. Remodel's demand data.
- Bathtub Value: Bathtub upgrades remain a strong category, with more than 2,500 projects.
- Lifestyle Fit: Your choice should depend on daily use, family needs, accessibility, and plans.
- Plumbing Scope: Bathtub upgrades, replacements, and conversions can all involve different plumbing needs.
- Smart Planning: Comparing both options early can help you choose the right project before requesting quotes.
A bathroom tub remodel can mean upgrading your existing bathtub, replacing an aging tub, or converting the tub into a shower. The best option depends on how often you use the tub, who uses the bathroom, and which matters most: comfort, access, or convenience.
Some homeowners still want a bathtub for children, pets, soaking, or guest use. Others prefer a shower because it is easier to enter, faster to use, and often more practical for daily routines.
What Is a Bathroom Tub Remodel?
A bathroom tub remodel is any bathroom remodeling project focused on improving, replacing, or removing an existing bathtub.
This can include a bathtub upgrade, bathtub replacement, or tub-to-shower conversion. Each option changes the bathroom differently.
Bathtub Upgrades
A bathtub upgrade keeps the tub in place but improves the surrounding area.
This may include new fixtures, a cleaner wall surround, updated trim, or a more modern bathing area. It can be a good fit when the tub still works but looks outdated.
Bathtub Replacement
A bathtub replacement involves removing the old tub and installing a new one.
This may make sense when the tub is cracked, stained, uncomfortable, or hard to clean. It also lets homeowners keep a bathtub while refreshing the bathroom’s function and style.
Tub-To-Shower Conversions
A tub-to-shower conversion removes the bathtub and replaces it with a shower.
This option is often chosen by homeowners who rarely use the tub. It may also support easier entry and a more open bathroom layout.
Most Popular Bathroom Tub Remodel Options
Mr. Remodel demand data shows strong interest in both bathtub upgrades and tub-to-shower conversions. Together, these categories generated 7,183 bathtub-related projects. The bathtub-to-shower conversion generated 4,586 inquiries, while the bathtub upgrade generated 2,597.
What the Data Shows
Tub-to-shower conversions generated about 77% more demand than bathtub upgrades.
They also account for nearly two-thirds of all tub-related remodeling activity in the dataset. This makes conversion projects the leading tub-related project type in Mr. Remodel’s demand data.
Why Bathtub Upgrades Still Matter
Even though shower conversions lead the data, bathtub upgrades remain a substantial category.
With more than 2,500 projects, bathtub upgrades remain a common choice for homeowners who want to keep their tub while improving comfort, appearance, or fixture performance.
See Related: Tub-to-Shower Conversion Options: 2026 Design and Cost Guide
Bathroom Tub Remodel vs Tub-To-Shower Conversion
A bathroom tub remodel usually keeps the bathtub as part of the space. A tub-to-shower conversion changes the function of the bathroom by removing the tub.
Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on how the bathroom is used.
When a Bathtub Remodel May Fit Better
A bathtub remodel may be better if you still use the tub regularly.
It can also make sense in a family bathroom, guest bathroom, or home where having at least one tub is important. If the main issue is appearance, comfort, or old fixtures, a bathtub upgrade may be enough.
When a Shower Conversion May Fit Better
A shower conversion may be better if the tub is rarely used.
It can make daily routines easier and may improve access for some homeowners. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has supported home modification programs that help older adults improve safety, accessibility, and functional use at home through itsaging-in-place home repair resources.
How to Compare Both Options
Before choosing, ask:
- Who uses this bathroom most often?
- Is the tub used regularly?
- Would an easier entry matter?
- Is this the only bathtub in the home?
- Will plumbing changes be needed?
- Is the goal comfort, access, resale flexibility, or daily convenience?
Homeowners who are unsure whether to keep the tub or convert it to a shower can compare project options through Mr. Remodel. The platform helps connect homeowners with fully vetted local bathroom remodeling contractors who can explain the scope, plumbing needs, and quote details for each option.
See Related: Shower Only Remodel vs Full Bathroom Remodel: The 2026 Strategy
When Keeping a Bathtub Makes Sense
Keeping a bathtub can still be the right choice in many homes.
A bathtub may be useful for children, pets, soaking, or guests. It may also be preferred by homeowners who prefer the option of bathing rather than showering.
Family and Guest Use
A tub can make a bathroom more flexible.
Families with young children often find bathtubs useful. Guest bathrooms may also benefit from having both bathing and showering options.
Comfort and Routine
Some homeowners simply enjoy having a bathtub.
If soaking is part of your routine, replacing or upgrading the tub may be better than removing it. A bathroom tub renovation can improve the space while keeping the comfort you already have.
When a Shower Conversion May Be the Better Choice
A shower conversion may be the better choice when the bathtub no longer fits your lifestyle.
Since tub-to-shower projects account for nearly two-thirds of tub-related remodeling activity in the Mr. Remodel data, many homeowners in the dataset are choosing showers over traditional tubs.
Easier Daily Use
Many people shower more often than they bathe.
Replacing a rarely used tub with a shower can make the bathroom more practical. It may also create a cleaner, more open feeling in the space.
Accessibility Planning
A bathtub wall can be hard to step over.
A shower conversion may support easier entry, depending on the design. This can be helpful for homeowners thinking about aging-in-place needs or long-term comfort.
Plumbing and Permit Considerations
A bathroom tub remodel can involve plumbing work, especially when the project changes the fixture type, drain location, or wet-area layout.
Permit rules vary by location, so homeowners should ask what applies before work begins. Because permit rules vary by city, county, and state, homeowners should confirm local plumbing and bathroom remodeling requirements before work begins.
Plumbing for Bathtub Projects
A bathtub upgrade may involve replacing the faucet, drain trim, showerhead, or valve.
A bathtub replacement may require checking the drain location and fixture connections. Even if the new tub goes in the same spot, the contractor should confirm that the plumbing works with the new model.
Plumbing for Shower Conversions
A tub-to-shower conversion may require more coordination with the plumbing.
The contractor may need to adjust the drain, update the valve, change fixture height, or check code requirements. The International Code Council provides model code resources for plumbing fixtures, including standards related to fixture design, product materials, and shower receptors.
Fixture Efficiency
Modern fixtures can also improve bathroom efficiency.
The Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense program helps homeowners identify water-efficient showerheads, faucets, faucet accessories, and toilets that meet performance and efficiency standards. This is worth considering when replacing older bathtub or shower fixtures.
See Related: Bathroom Remodeling Options and Methods
Bathroom Tub Remodel Planning Mistakes to Avoid
A bathroom tub remodel can go more smoothly when homeowners make decisions in the right order. The biggest mistake is choosing finishes before confirming the project scope.
Choosing Looks Before Function
A new tub or shower should look good, but it also needs to work for daily life. Think about who uses the bathroom, how often the tub is used, and whether easier access matters before selecting materials.
Ignoring Plumbing Questions
Bathtub upgrades, bathtub replacements, and shower conversions can all involve different plumbing needs. Ask whether the drain, valve, supply lines, or fixture placement will change before comparing quotes.
Skipping Efficiency Upgrades
If you are replacing fixtures, it may be a good time to consider water-saving bathroom fixtures.
For more planning guidance, review these common bathroom remodel mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to replace a bathtub or convert it into a shower?
It depends on how you use the bathroom.
If you still use the tub, a bathtub replacement or upgrade may make more sense. If the tub is rarely used and an easier entry matters, a tub-to-shower conversion may be a better fit.
How long does a bathroom tub remodel take?
A bathroom tub remodel timeline depends on the project scope, plumbing work, materials, and local permit requirements.
A simple bathtub upgrade may take less time than a tub-to-shower conversion, as conversions often require changes to the drain, valve, and fixtures. Homeowners should ask contractors what timeline applies to their specific bathroom before comparing quotes.
Does replacing a bathtub require new plumbing?
Not always. If the new tub uses the same location and connections, major plumbing changes may not be needed. However, the contractor should still inspect the drain, valve, and supply connections before installation.
Choosing the Right Bathroom Tub Remodel
Choosing the right bathroom tub remodel starts with how you use the space. If you still need a bathtub, an upgrade or replacement can improve comfort, style, and fixture performance without removing the tub.
If the bathtub is rarely used, a tub-to-shower conversion may better support daily routines, accessibility, and long-term convenience. To compare your options with fully vetted local bathroom remodeling contractors, use Mr. Remodel and get your free, no-obligation quote now.
