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How to change the bathtub for a shower tray?

Bathrooms, Shower trays / By

Bathroom renovation and changing the bathtub for a shower tray has become one of the most requested works. Whether for reasons of accessibility for the elderly, water saving or simply to renew the style, making the move to a large shower is a smart investment. In this article we tell you, in a clear and simple way, how to change a bathtub for a shower, how much it costs, if you need a municipal permit and what technical aspects you should know. In addition, we include the different options for porcelain shower trays and shower trays, pointing out the essential products (Safeband, Water-Stop, Evolux and Superkit) to ensure a long-lasting, leak-free installation.

Table of Contents

Advantages of changing the bathtub for a shower

Changing the bathtub for a shower brings practical and aesthetic benefits. First of all, you gain in accessibility: by replacing the bathtub with a floor-level shower tray, you can get in and out of the shower without having to lift your leg, which is especially important for people with reduced mobility or the elderly. In addition, a normal shower uses less water than filling the bathtub, which translates into economic and environmental savings. From a design point of view, today’s shower trays integrate minimalist and modern finishes that visually enlarge smaller bathrooms, offering a feeling of greater spaciousness. And, as if that were not enough, cleaning a shower tray is much faster than scrubbing a bathtub, as it has no deep corners where limescale can accumulate.

How much does it cost to replace a bathtub with a shower tray?

When someone is considering changing a bathtub for a shower, one of the most common questions is “how much does it cost to change a bathtub for a shower tray” or “change bathtub for shower price”. The final cost depends on several factors:

  • Type of tray: A good quality porcelain shower tray usually costs between 150 € and 300 €, plus Safeband (about 20 – 30 €) and Water-Stop (20 – 40 €). If you choose a shower tray with systems such as Evolux or Superkit, the price can be around 250 – 400 €, not counting the tiles or gresite for the finish.
  • Removal of the bathtub: Removing the bathtub and taking it to a waste disposal site or waste management company costs around 100 – 200 €, depending on whether it is made of acrylic, steel or cast iron.
  • Labor: Modifying pipes, placing the siphon, leveling the floor, settling the plate and finishing the tiles usually ranges from 300 € to 500 €, depending on the region and the complexity of the work.
  • Auxiliary materials: Special adhesives and mortars (approx. 50 – 70 €), sanitary anti-mold putty (15 – 25 €) and neutral silicone for sealing joints (10 – 15 €).

All in all, the replacement of a bathtub for a shower in a standard bathroom is between 700 € and 1,500 €. If you want a tighter budget, ask for several quotes from professionals in the sector.

Is a building permit required to replace a bathtub with a shower tray?

Another recurring question is “do you need a building permit to change a bathtub for a shower tray? In most municipalities, this type of reform is considered minor work, as long as you do not modify the distribution of load-bearing walls or make structural changes in main pipes. Generally, it is sufficient to submit a prior communication or process a minor work license at the City Hall, which entails a reduced cost and an agile process. However, if your plan includes moving walls, removing several water outlets or a complete redistribution of the bathroom, a technical project and a major construction permit may be required. We recommend that you consult a trusted installer or your local town planning department.

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What type of shower tray should I choose to replace my bathtub?

When it comes to replacing a bathtub with a shower, it is essential to decide whether to install a porcelain shower tray or to opt for a built-in shower tray (floor-level shower tray). Each option has its pros and cons, and also its specific products to ensure waterproofing.

Porcelain shower tray for bathtub: simple, fast but less versatile

Porcelain shower trays stand out for their high resistance to shocks, scratches and aggressive cleaning products. In addition, its surface is usually non-slip and comes in matte or glossy finishes, adapting to almost any decorative style. Two products are needed to make the joint between the tile and the wall completely watertight:

  • Safeband: is a waterproof tape that is placed in the joints of the tile and the corners where it meets the tile. It prevents water seepage into the joints and acts as a flexible barrier when there are small movements.
  • Water-Stop: before the tile is laid, this liquid coating is applied to the screed. It forms a waterproof layer that prevents moisture from penetrating to the floor or bathroom partitions.

With Safeband and Water-Stop, the installation of a porcelain shower tray is completely protected from leaks, which is essential to prevent dampness in adjoining rooms.

Built-in shower tray for bathtub: versatility and integrated finish

A masonry shower tray is built on top of the bathroom floor, so that the surface is flush with the floor. This facilitates accessibility and allows for a finish that blends in with the rest of the floor. To make it work properly, we recommend our systems:

  • Superkit: includes a prefabricated reevstible pan with built-in slope and a high performance drainage siphon. The waterproof sheet is already attached to the pan, so installation is fast and safe.
  • Evolux: shower system with different options of grating and drains. It integrates the waterproof sheet that prevents leaks, allowing the addition of tile or ceramic to customize the finish.

Both systems guarantee watertightness and simplify the masonry work, since there is no need to worry about uniforming slopes or waterproofing with liquid mortar.

Steps to change from bathtub to shower

Below, we summarize in practical terms how a bathtub-to-shower replacement is carried out. We don’t over-long the points, but cover the essentials so you can see the process from start to finish:

1- Removal of the bathtub

First, remove the silicone that joins the bathtub to the tiles with a cutter or a blade. Close the stopcock, disassemble the faucet and remove the siphon. Hit gently with a rubber mallet to separate the piece from the wall and remove the bathtub with help, depositing it in the debris bucket.

2- Installation of drain and siphon

Mark the location of the drain and adapt the outlet to the downspout. On a porcelain tile, mount the siphon and fit it into the hole in the tile. On a masonry tray, insert the siphon into the tray or module and fix the upper grate, making sure it is well leveled.

3- Prepare and level the ground

Once the bathtub has been removed, clean the support and check that there are no deep cracks. For a porcelain tile, spread thin mortar to make the surface perfectly level. In the case of a masonry tray with Evolux or Superkit, first place the tray or base and install it according to the instructions, taking advantage of the built-in slope; if necessary, apply a little self-leveling mortar to even out small irregularities.

4- Placement of the shower tray

  • Porcelain tile: Apply mortar-glue with a notched trowel to the base and back of the tile. Set the piece and adjust its position until it is perfectly aligned, checking with a level. Wait 24 hours for it to set before continuing with the finishes.
  • Work plate: Since you have the slope in the Evolux or Superkit tray, you only have to make sure to fix the base to the floor with the included anchors and, if necessary, fill small holes with fine mortar. The integrated sheet will take care of the waterproofing.

5- Waterproofing

  • Porcelain tile: With the surface leveled, paint the entire area with Water-Stop, also covering a few centimeters of wall where the tape will go. Let dry the time indicated by the manufacturer.
  • Before laying the tray or base, spread the waterproof sheet (integrated in the Evolux or Superkit system) and secure it to the walls with the included profiles or sealing tape.

6- Sealing of joints and trims

  • On a porcelain tile, place Safeband between the perimeter of the tile and the tile. Once the tape is dry, apply anti-mildew sanitary putty to all joints, smoothing it with a damp putty knife for a clean finish.
  • On a masonry tile, use waterproof cementitious putty to seal the joint between the base and the walls. Allow to dry and remove any residue on the surface before tiling with tiles that match the bathroom.

7- Tiling and installation of the screen

After sealing, place the tiles or gresite on the walls of the shower area. Leave a lower gap (1 – 2 cm) to avoid splashing outside the shower tray. When the tiling is firm (48 hours), install the tempered glass shower enclosure, preferably without a bottom profile to reinforce the feeling of space. Adjust the neutral silicone where necessary and verify the correct closing of doors.

8- Faucets and final details

Finally, install the mixer or thermostatic faucet and the hand shower bracket. Check for leaks by turning on the water supply and regulate the pressure. Add accessories such as soap dishes, shelves or safety bars according to your needs. With this, your bathtub to shower changeover is ready to use.