Tub-to-Shower Conversions in Wentzville, MO

It is more than pulling the tub

A tub drains through an inch-and-a-half pipe. A shower is required to have a two-inch drain, so we open the floor and upsize the trap and arm. The valve usually gets replaced with a pressure-balanced or thermostatic one at shower height. The walls come down to studs so we can add blocking for a future grab bar, flatten the framing and install proper backer and membrane. Those steps are the difference between a conversion and a liner glued over a problem.

Base and wall options

For the floor, a cast acrylic or solid-surface base with a low threshold is watertight by design and the most economical. A tiled pan costs more and lets you match the floor. For walls, porcelain tile gives the most design freedom; solid-surface or sintered panels have almost no grout to clean. We install both and will tell you plainly which suits your budget and patience for maintenance.

How the work runs

1. Measure and chooseConfirm alcove size, drain location, window conflicts, then select base, walls, valve trim and door.
2. Demo and re-plumbRemove tub and surround, upsize the drain, set the new valve, add blocking.
3. Build the showerSet the base, board and waterproof, tile or panel the walls.
4. Glass and accessoriesMeasure and install the door, grab bars, shelves and trim.

What moves the price

We do not publish square-foot prices, because they mislead more than they help. These are the factors that actually change the number on a proposal.

• Prefabricated base versus tiled pan.
• Tile versus panel walls, and how high they run.
• Glass: sliding bypass, hinged frameless, or a fixed panel with open entry.
• Access to the drain from below. An unfinished basement under the bath makes the plumbing faster.

How long it takes

One to two weeks, plus glass lead time.

Permits

Because the drain is altered, a plumbing permit is normally required. See our guide to which projects need a permit.