That large soaking tub in your primary bathroom probably seemed like a great idea when you moved in. But if you’re like most San Diego homeowners, it’s now just a giant basin taking up valuable real estate and collecting dust. The reality is, our daily lives are built around quick, refreshing showers, not long, leisurely baths. This is why so many people are choosing to reclaim that square footage. By replacing an unused tub with a spacious walk-in shower, you create a more functional, open, and enjoyable space. A modern bathroom without bathtub isn’t about sacrificing luxury; it’s about redefining it to fit how you actually live.
Key Takeaways
- Reclaim Your Space for Daily Use: Removing a rarely used tub frees up valuable square footage for practical luxuries like a larger walk-in shower, a double vanity, or better storage solutions that fit your routine.
- Protect Resale Value with One Tub: You can confidently remove the tub from your primary bathroom as long as you keep at least one other tub in the home. A stunning, modern walk-in shower is a highly desirable feature for today’s buyers.
- Plan for a Full-Scope Project: A tub-to-shower conversion requires careful planning for plumbing, waterproofing, and structural changes. Partnering with a design-build firm streamlines the process by managing all technical and design details under one roof.
Why Ditch the Tub? The Perks of a Tub-Free Bathroom
For years, a large soaking tub was considered the centerpiece of a primary bathroom. But let’s be honest—how often do you actually use it? Many San Diego homeowners are realizing that the tub they thought was a must-have is actually just a dust-collector taking up valuable real estate. Opting for a tub-free design in your next bathroom remodel isn’t just a trend; it’s a practical shift toward creating a space that better fits your daily life.
By removing the tub, you open up a world of design possibilities. Suddenly, you have the square footage for features you’ll use every day, like a spacious walk-in shower, a double vanity that ends morning traffic jams, or extra storage to keep countertops clutter-free. It’s about trading an occasional luxury for daily convenience and a more open, modern aesthetic. Let’s look at the real-world benefits of going tubless.
Gain More Functional Space
A standard bathtub takes up at least 15 square feet of floor space. In many bathrooms, that’s a significant footprint for an item that gets little use. By reclaiming that area, you can completely transform the room’s layout and functionality. Many homeowners are choosing to remove bathtubs to make way for a larger, more luxurious walk-in shower with a bench, multiple showerheads, or a steam feature. Others use the extra room to install a double vanity, a linen closet, or a dedicated makeup counter. It’s all about reallocating space to better support your actual routines, making your bathroom feel more expansive and custom-built for you.
Improve Safety and Accessibility
Stepping over a high tub wall can be awkward and even dangerous, especially for anyone with mobility challenges or those planning to age in place. A walk-in shower with a low or zero-threshold entry eliminates this daily hazard. This feature makes your bathroom safer and more accessible for every member of the family, from young children to older adults. As people get older, it becomes harder and less safe to get in and out of a tub, making a walk-in shower a smart, forward-thinking upgrade. It’s a practical choice that adds peace of mind without sacrificing style.
Spend Less Time Cleaning
Let’s face it: cleaning a bathtub is a chore. The corners, the caulk lines, and the sheer surface area make it a magnet for soap scum and mildew. If you’re like many homeowners who admit they rarely use their tub, you’re spending time cleaning something you don’t even enjoy. A walk-in shower, especially one with large-format tiles and frameless glass doors, drastically cuts down on cleaning time. With fewer grout lines and hard-to-reach corners, a simple squeegee and weekly wipe-down are often all you need to keep the space looking pristine.
Achieve a Modern, Streamlined Look
A tub-free bathroom instantly feels more open, airy, and contemporary. Large, seamless glass shower enclosures create an illusion of space, making even smaller bathrooms feel larger. This clean, minimalist aesthetic is a hallmark of modern design. You can pair your new walk-in shower with sleek fixtures and finishes to complete the look. Consider softened metallics like brushed or champagne gold for a touch of warmth, or a floating vanity to enhance the sense of spaciousness. The result is a sophisticated, spa-like retreat that you can see in our featured projects.
How to Design a Bathroom Without a Tub
Once you decide to part ways with your bathtub, you open up a surprising amount of space and design freedom. Instead of a single, large fixture dictating the layout, you can create a bathroom that truly fits your lifestyle. Think of it as a blank canvas. Here are a few ways to use that newfound square footage to design a functional and beautiful bathroom you’ll love.
Plan a Luxurious Walk-In Shower
With the tub gone, the shower can finally take center stage. A spacious walk-in shower feels open and indulgent, giving you plenty of room to move. You can add features that were impossible before, like a built-in bench for relaxing or a dual-showerhead system for a true spa experience. This is your chance to create a daily escape, whether you prefer a sleek, modern design with frameless glass or a more rustic look with natural stone tile. Our bathroom remodeling team can help you design a shower that becomes the highlight of your morning routine.
Incorporate a Double Vanity
Tired of sharing a single sink? The space once occupied by a tub is often perfect for a double vanity. This simple upgrade can make your morning routine so much smoother, giving each person their own dedicated space for getting ready. Beyond the practical benefits, a long, elegant vanity with two sinks creates a beautiful sense of symmetry and luxury in the room. You can pair it with stunning countertops, modern fixtures, and great lighting to create a functional and stylish focal point. Check out some of our featured projects to see how a double vanity can transform a master bath.
Maximize Your Storage
Let’s be honest: you can never have too much bathroom storage. Removing a bulky tub frees up valuable real estate for smart storage solutions that keep your space tidy and organized. Think about adding a tall linen cabinet for towels and toiletries, or stylish open shelving to display decorative items. We can also build custom shower niches directly into the wall, giving you a sleek, integrated spot for shampoo and soap. By planning your storage thoughtfully, you can create a calm, clutter-free environment. Visiting our San Diego showroom is a great way to explore different cabinetry and shelving options in person.
What Are the Most Popular Shower Styles?
When you decide to go tub-free, your shower steps into the spotlight. It’s no longer just a functional part of a tub-shower combo; it becomes the centerpiece of your bathroom. A spacious, well-designed walk-in shower can feel incredibly luxurious and completely transform your daily routine. The key is to choose features that blend beautiful design with practical function. From sleek glass enclosures that open up the room to spa-like fixtures that wash away stress, the right elements can create a personal retreat. Let’s look at a few popular styles that our clients in San Diego love.
Choose Frameless Glass for an Open Feel
One of the best ways to make a bathroom feel larger and more modern is with a frameless glass shower enclosure. Unlike traditional framed doors with bulky metal hardware, frameless designs use thick, sturdy glass and minimal clips for a clean, seamless look. This transparency allows light to flow freely, making the entire room feel brighter and more open. It also puts your beautiful tile work on full display. Whether you opt for a swinging door or a fixed panel for a true walk-in experience, a frameless enclosure gives your bathroom remodel a high-end, custom feel.
Upgrade to a Spa-Like Showerhead
Why settle for a standard showerhead when you can create a daily spa experience? Upgrading your fixtures is a simple way to add a touch of luxury. Think beyond a single, wall-mounted head and consider a complete system with a rainfall showerhead, a handheld wand, or even body jets. Paired with features like steam and aromatherapy, your shower can become a place to truly unwind. Visiting a showroom can help you explore different finishes and find the perfect fixtures to match your style and transform your daily routine.
Add Built-In Seating and Niches
Great design is all about the details that make your life easier, and that’s where built-in features shine. Shower niches are recessed shelves built directly into the wall, giving you a sleek, designated spot for shampoo and soap. They eliminate the need for clunky shower caddies and keep your space feeling organized. A built-in bench is another popular addition, offering both comfort and function. It provides a convenient place to sit and relax or a handy ledge for shaving. These custom touches make your shower more comfortable and accessible, and you can see beautiful examples in our featured projects.
Modern Materials and Finishes to Consider
Once you’ve settled on a layout, the real fun begins: selecting the materials that will bring your vision to life. The right combination of tile, stone, metal, and lighting can transform a simple shower room into a personal sanctuary. These elements work together to define the mood, from serene and spa-like to bold and dramatic. The key is to choose finishes that not only look beautiful but also stand up to the daily demands of a bathroom environment. Seeing and touching these options in person is the best way to finalize your palette, which is why we guide every client through our private San Diego showroom.
Incorporate Natural Stone and Marble
Nothing says luxury quite like natural stone. Marble and marble-look materials bring a timeless, organic beauty to a bathroom, making the space feel grounded and elegant. While classic Carrara marble is always a stunning choice, you can also get that high-end look with more durable and affordable alternatives like quartz or porcelain. These engineered materials beautifully mimic the veining of natural stone but are non-porous, making them resistant to stains and easier to maintain. Consider using a large slab for a seamless shower wall or a statement-making vanity countertop.
Select Modern Metallic Finishes
The days of matching every single fixture are over. Today’s modern bathrooms feature a thoughtful mix of metallic finishes that add warmth and personality. Instead of bright, polished chrome, think about softened metals like brushed nickel, matte black, or champagne gold. These warmer tones provide a beautiful contrast to cool tile and stone, adding a touch of sophistication to your faucets, showerhead, and cabinet hardware. A brushed gold finish, for example, can make a simple white-and-gray bathroom feel instantly more inviting and custom.
Layer Your Lighting
Great lighting is one of the most important—and often overlooked—elements of a successful bathroom design. A single overhead fixture just won’t cut it. For a space that’s both functional and atmospheric, you need to layer your lighting. Start with ambient light from recessed cans or a central fixture. Add task lighting, like a pair of sconces flanking the vanity mirror, for grooming. Finally, incorporate accent lighting, such as a waterproof light inside a shower niche, to highlight architectural details and create a relaxing mood.
Pick the Right Tile for Walls and Floors
Tile is your opportunity to set the tone for the entire bathroom. For a spacious, modern feel, consider using large-format tiles on both the walls and floors. Fewer grout lines create a clean, seamless look and make cleaning much easier. You can also play with texture and pattern. A glossy tile can bounce light around a smaller room, while a matte or stone-finish tile offers a more natural, understated look. Don’t be afraid to create a feature wall in the shower with a unique mosaic or a bold, patterned tile to serve as the room’s focal point. You can see how we use tile in our featured projects.
Will Removing a Bathtub Affect My Home’s Resale Value?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and for good reason. You want to create a bathroom you love, but you also want to make a smart investment in your home. The short answer is: it depends. Removing a tub can absolutely be the right move, especially in a primary bathroom, as long as you approach it thoughtfully. The key isn’t just about having a tub or not—it’s about creating a beautiful, functional, and desirable space that appeals to modern buyers.
What San Diego Homebuyers Really Want
Let’s be honest: how often do you actually use that oversized tub in your primary bathroom? For many homeowners, the answer is “rarely” or “never.” The trend, especially in active communities like San Diego, is shifting away from obligatory tubs in favor of spacious, luxurious walk-in showers. Many people now prefer the convenience of a shower for their daily routine. A well-designed shower with premium tile, a rainfall showerhead, and a built-in bench can feel far more spa-like and practical than a tub that just collects dust. The goal is to create a primary suite that feels like a retreat, and for many, a large, open shower achieves that better than a tub ever could.
Does It Matter if It’s Your Only Tub?
Yes, this is the most important factor. While ditching the tub in your primary bathroom is a popular and often wise decision, real estate agents generally agree that a home should have at least one bathtub somewhere. This is crucial for appealing to the widest range of potential buyers, particularly families with young children who rely on a tub for bath time. If you’re planning a bathroom remodeling project, take stock of your entire home. As long as you have another full bathroom with a tub—typically a guest or kids’ bathroom—you have the green light to transform your primary bath into the tub-free oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
Debunking the “Must-Have-a-Tub” Myth
The old rule that a primary bathroom must have a tub is quickly becoming outdated. Buyer preferences are changing. While some still value a tub for a relaxing soak, many others prioritize the benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion. Removing a bulky tub can free up significant square footage, allowing for a much larger shower, a double vanity, or extra storage—all features that are high on a homebuyer’s wish list. Ultimately, a thoughtfully designed, high-quality bathroom will always add value. A cramped bathroom with a tub nobody wants is far less appealing than a spacious, modern bathroom with a stunning walk-in shower. It’s about showing potential buyers a beautiful, well-planned space they can see themselves enjoying every day.
What Safety and Accessibility Features Should You Add?
A tub-free bathroom is already a step toward a more accessible space, but thoughtful design can make it even safer and more comfortable for everyone. Thinking about accessibility isn’t just for planning ahead—it’s about creating a universally comfortable bathroom that feels secure and easy to use every single day. These features blend so seamlessly into modern design that you’ll appreciate them for their style just as much as their function.
Install Stylish Grab Bars
Forget the clinical, hospital-style grab bars of the past. Today’s options are designed to be as beautiful as they are functional, matching your faucets and fixtures in finishes like matte black, brushed brass, and polished nickel. When planned as part of your bathroom remodeling project, they integrate perfectly into your shower wall or next to the toilet. As one design expert notes, “A shower grab bar installed on an angle provides safety and accessibility to users,” offering support at various heights. Some even double as chic shelving or towel bars, proving that safety can be a stylish and subtle addition to your space.
Choose Non-Slip Flooring
The right flooring is the foundation of a safe bathroom. With water and steam, surfaces can get slippery, but modern materials offer excellent grip without sacrificing style. “Safety is of utmost importance when planning an accessible bathroom. Non-slip flooring and grab bars can be used to prevent accidents and offer extra support.” Large-format porcelain tiles with a matte or textured finish are a popular choice, as they reduce grout lines and provide a stable surface. You can explore a wide range of beautiful and secure flooring options that will complete your bathroom’s look while giving you peace of mind.
Create a Curbless, Barrier-Free Entry
A curbless, or zero-threshold, shower is the centerpiece of a modern, accessible bathroom. This design eliminates the need to step over a curb, creating a seamless transition from the bathroom floor directly into the shower. This feature creates “low-threshold or curbless showers that allow easy entry and movement, even with limited mobility.” Not only does this make the shower accessible for wheelchairs or walkers, but it also creates an open, spa-like feel that makes the entire room feel larger. You can see how this sleek design elevates a space in our featured projects, where function and luxury go hand-in-hand.
How to Plan Your New Bathroom Layout
Once you’ve decided to go tub-free, the real fun begins: planning your new layout. This is your chance to fix all the little annoyances of your old bathroom and create a space that truly works for you. A successful layout isn’t just about where you place the shower and vanity; it’s about creating a room that feels intuitive, spacious, and easy to move around in. Thinking through your daily routine is the best place to start. Do you and your partner get ready at the same time? Where do you store extra towels? Answering these questions will help you and your design team create a floor plan that’s both beautiful and incredibly functional.
Find the Right Configuration
The best bathroom layout is one that’s tailored to your lifestyle. Before you move a single pipe, think about how you use the space every day. Do you need a large vanity with two sinks to ease the morning rush, or would you prefer to use that space for a dedicated makeup counter or extra storage? The goal is to map out a configuration that supports your daily habits. A key part of our design process involves understanding these routines to create distinct “wet” zones (the shower) and “dry” zones (the vanity and storage) that flow together seamlessly, making the room feel organized and efficient.
Design for an Open, Flowing Space
Removing a bulky tub is one of the most effective ways to make a bathroom feel larger and more open. This newfound square footage gives you the freedom to design a more luxurious, flowing space. Many San Diego homeowners choose to dedicate that area to an expansive walk-in shower, turning it into the room’s stunning focal point. Others opt for a longer double vanity or a tall linen cabinet. Whatever you choose, focus on creating clear, wide pathways. A well-designed layout allows you to move from the shower to the vanity to the closet without feeling cramped, which you can see in many of our featured projects.
Integrate Smart Storage Solutions
A clean, modern bathroom is a clutter-free bathroom. Without a tub deck to collect bottles, you can get creative with smarter, more integrated storage. Built-in shower niches are a perfect example—these recessed shelves keep your shampoo and soap neatly tucked away inside the shower wall. Consider a floating or wall-mounted vanity to create the illusion of more floor space while still providing ample drawer storage. We also love incorporating recessed medicine cabinets and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry to keep countertops clear. Seeing these options in person at a design showroom can help you visualize how much storage you can add to your new layout.
Ready to Convert Your Bathtub to a Shower?
Making the switch from a tub to a walk-in shower is an exciting update that can completely change the feel and function of your bathroom. But before you start picking out tile, it’s helpful to understand what the process involves. From plumbing adjustments to creating a realistic budget, here’s what to consider as you plan your project.
What to Know About Plumbing and Structure
Swapping a bulky tub for a sleek walk-in shower involves more than just aesthetics. It’s a structural and plumbing project that needs careful planning. Your existing drain might not be in the right spot for a spacious shower, and water supply lines may need to be adjusted. We also need to assess the condition of the subfloor and walls hidden behind your old tub to address any potential water damage. Proper waterproofing is the most critical step to prevent future leaks and protect your home. When planning your new bathroom remodel, it’s important to think about how you will use the space every day to ensure the new layout is as functional as it is beautiful.
Setting a Realistic Timeline and Budget
A tub-to-shower conversion is an investment in your home’s comfort and value. The total cost and timeline depend on the scope of your project—from the materials you select to the complexity of the plumbing work. A simple replacement will be quicker than a full reconfiguration that includes new tile, a glass enclosure, and high-end fixtures. We help you create a clear budget from the start by exploring different design styles and material options in our Design Center. Our detailed, fixed-price proposals outline every step, so you know exactly what to expect. This thoughtful planning ensures your project stays on track and delivers a space you’ll love for years to come.
Why Partner with a Design-Build Firm
Managing a bathroom remodel yourself means juggling a designer, a plumber, a tiler, and an installer. A design-build firm brings all that expertise under one roof. With King Remodeling, you have one dedicated team guiding you from the first design concept to the final walkthrough. With over 25 years of experience, we take the time to understand exactly what you want before we start building. Our integrated design and build process ensures a seamless experience, predictable timelines, and a cohesive final result. Instead of coordinating contractors, you can focus on the fun part—watching your vision come to life.
Related Articles
- Convert Tub to Walk In Shower: Before and After Guide
- How to Get a Quote for Bathtub to Shower Remodel
- How to Replace Alcove Tub with Freestanding: Step-by-Step
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I regret removing my only bathtub? This is a great question, and the answer is probably yes. While a spacious walk-in shower is a fantastic upgrade for a primary bathroom, most real estate experts agree that a home should have at least one tub to appeal to the widest range of buyers, especially families with small children. If the bathroom you’re remodeling is the only one with a tub, we usually recommend keeping it. But if you have another tub elsewhere, you can confidently design the tub-free primary bathroom of your dreams.
What does a tub-to-shower conversion typically cost? The final investment depends entirely on what you envision for the space. A project can range from a straightforward swap to a complete reconfiguration with high-end materials and complex plumbing changes. Factors like the tile you choose, the style of the glass enclosure, and the type of fixtures all play a role. The best way to get a clear number is to have a conversation about your goals so we can create a detailed, fixed-price proposal for your specific project.
How long does this kind of bathroom remodel usually take? A tub-to-shower conversion is a significant project, not a weekend fix. Once the design is finalized and materials are ordered, the actual construction phase typically takes a few weeks. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of your project, like whether we are moving walls or re-routing plumbing. Our design-build process ensures everything is planned and scheduled upfront, which helps keep the project moving smoothly and predictably from start to finish.
My bathroom is pretty small. Is a walk-in shower still a good idea? Absolutely! In fact, removing a bulky tub is one of the best ways to make a small bathroom feel much larger. A walk-in shower with a frameless glass enclosure creates an open, seamless look that allows your eye to travel through the space without interruption. This simple change can make the entire room feel brighter and more spacious than it did with a tub-shower combo that visually cut the room in half.
Why should I work with a design-build firm instead of hiring my own contractor? Working with a design-build firm like ours means you have one team and one point of contact for your entire project. We handle everything from the initial layout and 3D renderings to selecting materials in our showroom and managing the construction crews. This integrated approach prevents the communication gaps and scheduling headaches that often happen when you have to coordinate a separate designer, supplier, and contractor yourself. It’s a simpler, more streamlined way to get a beautiful result.
