February 6, 2025 | 8 min read
Converting Your Tub to a Shower: A Complete Guide to Materials and Options
Thinking about replacing that old bathtub with a modern, spacious shower? Here's everything Longmont homeowners need to know about the conversion process and the materials that will bring your vision to life.
Why Convert a Tub to a Shower?
For many homeowners in Longmont and throughout Boulder County, the standard builder-grade bathtub just doesn't cut it anymore. Maybe the tub takes up too much space in a small bathroom. Maybe it's become difficult to step over the high tub wall. Or maybe you simply prefer the convenience and modern look of a walk-in shower.
Whatever the reason, a tub-to-shower conversion is one of the most impactful bathroom upgrades you can make. It can increase accessibility, free up floor space, modernize your bathroom's appearance, and even add value to your home. In the Longmont area, where active lifestyles and aging-in-place are both common priorities, shower conversions have become one of the most requested remodeling projects.
What Does the Conversion Process Look Like?
A professional tub-to-shower conversion typically follows these steps:
- Demolition and tub removal – The existing tub, surrounding walls, and any damaged substrate are carefully removed.
- Plumbing modifications – Drain placement is adjusted from the tub configuration to the new shower layout. Supply lines may be relocated depending on the new fixture positions.
- Subfloor and framing prep – The subfloor is leveled and reinforced, and framing is adjusted to accommodate the new shower footprint.
- Waterproofing – This is the most critical step. A proper waterproofing membrane (like the Schluter-Kerdi system we use) is applied to every surface to prevent moisture from reaching the structure.
- Wall and floor installation – Your chosen wall and floor materials are installed over the waterproofing layer.
- Fixtures and glass – Shower valves, showerheads, niches, and glass enclosures are installed to complete the project.
At Longmont Shower Co., we specialize in completing this entire process in as few as 5 days — without cutting corners on waterproofing or craftsmanship.
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Shower
The materials you choose for your shower conversion will determine its look, durability, maintenance needs, and cost. Here's a detailed breakdown of the most popular options:
1. Acrylic Panels
Acrylic is one of the most popular and budget-friendly materials for shower walls. These large, seamless panels are molded to fit standard shower dimensions and come in a variety of colors and textures, including options that mimic the look of tile or stone.
Pros
- Grout-free surface — virtually no maintenance
- Waterproof without additional membrane
- Quick installation (often 1–2 days for walls)
- Most affordable wall option
Cons
- Can look less premium than tile or stone
- Limited customization
- Can scratch or yellow over many years
Best for: Homeowners who want a clean, low-maintenance shower on a budget. This is the material used in our Bronze: Refresh package.
2. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is the most versatile and popular choice for custom showers. It comes in an almost limitless range of sizes, colors, patterns, and finishes — from subway tile to large-format slabs, from matte neutrals to bold geometric patterns. Porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures, making it denser and more water-resistant than standard ceramic tile.
Pros
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Nearly unlimited design options
- Low water absorption rate
- Can mimic wood, marble, concrete, and more
Cons
- Requires grout, which needs periodic sealing
- More labor-intensive to install
- Higher cost than acrylic
Best for: Homeowners who want a fully custom look with long-lasting durability. Featured in our Silver: Designer package.
3. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is the classic choice for shower walls and floors. It's made from clay fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, which makes it softer and easier to cut — but also slightly more porous. Ceramic tile is widely available and comes in many of the same styles as porcelain, typically at a lower price point.
Pros
- Lower cost than porcelain
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
- Easier to cut and work with during installation
Cons
- More porous — higher water absorption
- Less durable than porcelain; can chip more easily
- Not ideal for shower floors without proper prep
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who still want the tile look. Great for accent walls or low-traffic guest bathrooms.
4. Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Slate, Travertine)
Nothing elevates a bathroom like natural stone. Whether it's the veining of Carrara marble, the warmth of travertine, or the rugged texture of slate, stone brings an unmatched level of luxury and character. Each slab is unique, meaning your shower will truly be one of a kind.
Pros
- Stunning, high-end appearance
- Every piece is unique
- Extremely durable when properly sealed
- Adds significant home value
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Requires regular sealing (annually or biannually)
- Porous — can stain if not maintained
- Heavier, may require structural support
Best for: Luxury projects where aesthetics are a top priority. Featured in our Gold: Luxury package as stone slab walls.
5. Solid Surface (Corian, Swanstone)
Solid surface materials are engineered composites made from acrylic or polyester resins combined with mineral fillers. Brands like Corian and Swanstone are the most well-known. These panels are non-porous, seamless, and can be thermoformed into curves and shapes — making them a great middle ground between acrylic and natural stone.
Pros
- Seamless, grout-free installation
- Non-porous — highly resistant to mold and staining
- Can be repaired (scratches buff out)
- Warm to the touch, unlike stone
Cons
- More expensive than acrylic
- Can be damaged by extreme heat
- Fewer design options than tile
Best for: Homeowners who want a sleek, modern look with minimal maintenance — a premium step up from acrylic without going to full stone.
6. Glass Tile
Glass tile adds a luminous, reflective quality to shower walls that no other material can match. Available in mosaics, subway formats, and large planks, glass tile catches and reflects light beautifully, making even small showers feel open and airy. It's often used as an accent alongside porcelain or stone.
Pros
- Striking visual impact
- Non-porous and stain-resistant
- Reflects light, brightening the space
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Expensive, especially for full wall coverage
- Shows water spots and soap residue more than matte surfaces
- Requires experienced installation
Best for: Accent walls and feature strips in custom showers. Pairs beautifully with porcelain or natural stone for a designer look.
A Note on Waterproofing — The Most Important Material Choice
Regardless of which wall material you choose, the waterproofing system behind it is what truly protects your home. Here in Colorado, our dry winters and wet springs create expansion-and-contraction cycles that stress standard construction. That's why at Longmont Shower Co. we exclusively use the Schluter-Kerdi waterproofing system — a bonded membrane that creates a continuous, crack-proof barrier between your shower and the building structure. It's the same system required in commercial installations, and it's what allows us to offer a lifetime waterproofing guarantee on every project.
Material Comparison at a Glance
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost | Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Good | Very Low | $ | Clean, simple |
| Ceramic Tile | Good | Moderate | $$ | Classic, versatile |
| Porcelain Tile | Excellent | Moderate | $$–$$$ | Custom, premium |
| Solid Surface | Very Good | Low | $$–$$$ | Sleek, modern |
| Glass Tile | Good | Moderate | $$$ | Luminous, artistic |
| Natural Stone | Excellent | High | $$$$ | Luxury, unique |
Which Material Is Right for You?
The best material for your tub-to-shower conversion depends on your budget, style preferences, and how much maintenance you're willing to take on. For a fast, affordable upgrade, acrylic panels get the job done with minimal fuss. For a fully custom, designer shower, porcelain tile gives you the most creative freedom. And if you want to make a real statement, natural stone slabs deliver a spa-level experience every single day.
No matter which material you choose, the key is working with a team that understands proper waterproofing, precise installation, and the specific needs of Colorado homes. That's what we do, every day, right here in Longmont.
Ready to Convert Your Tub?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate from Longmont's shower conversion specialists.