Tub to Shower Conversion in Tulsa, OK

Tub to shower remodel in Tulsa

The tub was the floor. Now the floor has to be built.

A bathtub is one waterproof piece. Water lands in it, runs to the drain, and never touches the floor or the wall behind it. Take the tub out and that protection goes with it, so a conversion is not just a new shower: it is the first time that corner of the bathroom has had to keep water out on its own.

That is why the tub comes out first and then we look. The subfloor under a tub is often bare, the wall behind an old surround can hide a slow leak, and the drain sits at the wrong end of the alcove for most shower floors. You hear what we find before we touch it, with a price, and nothing is covered until it is right.

Then four decisions shape the job: where the drain goes, what happens to the tub faucet, how you step in, and how big the shower should be. And one question most companies skip: is this the last tub in the house? If it is and you may sell soon, we will tell you.

Walk-in shower with a low tile curb, marble-look walls and a pebble mosaic floor where a tub and shower combo used to be

Roll-in shower with large gray tile, a white hex floor, a niche and a transom window where a corner jetted tub used to be

Convert tub to walk-in shower, Tulsa

How we can help with tub to shower conversions

Every conversion starts with the same tub. What changes is how big a change you want. Pick the one that sounds like yours.

Walk-in shower with marble-look tile, corner shelves and a handheld shower in a former tub alcove

Same footprint

A walk-in shower in the old tub space

The tub, its surround and the old wall board come out to the studs, and we check the floor under the tub. The drain is kept close with a linear drain or a base matched to it, or moved if the layout needs it. The tub spout outlet is plugged or the valve replaced with a shower-only one, and a sloped, membrane-lined floor goes in where the tub sat.

A curb or a low threshold
A seat and a niche planned in
Written 1-year warranty

How walk-in shower entries compare

Get a free estimate

Bathtub to shower conversion, Tulsa

What is in every tub to shower conversion

Walk-in shower behind a half wall beside a gray vanity, in a bathroom where a garden tub used to be

The tub and wall out, the floor checked

The tub, the surround and the old wall board come out to the studs, and we look at the subfloor under the tub before anything new goes in.
The drain set for a shower

Kept where it is with a linear drain or a base matched to it, or moved to suit the layout, and priced either way in the quote.
The tub faucet converted

The spout outlet plugged or a new shower-only Delta valve, set by our plumber to Delta's specifications, plus a hand shower that works sitting down.
A sloped, membrane-lined floor

The floor falls to the drain and a waterproofing membrane runs across it and up the walls, where the tub used to keep water out.
Real board behind every tile

Cement or foam board and a membrane behind the tile, never green board, which breaks down once it gets wet.
A clear price before we cover anything

If the tub reveals rot or a leak, you see it and approve the fix and its price before the wall is closed.

Bathtub removal in Tulsa, OK

Signs it is time to take the tub out

The shower over the tub is the only part anyone uses.
The tub has a chip, a crack, or a spot that flexes when you stand in it.
Someone now showers sitting on a tub transfer bench.
A jetted or garden tub takes up the room and nobody turns it on.
Paint or drywall above the surround is bubbling or stained.
There is another tub in the house, so this one can go without a second thought.

Call (918) 300-4870 Get a free in-home estimate

Tub to shower plumbing in Tulsa

How to plan a tub to shower conversion that stays dry

Three things decide a conversion: what the tub was doing, the plumbing that has to change, and how big a shower the room and the house allow.

Cutaway of a tub alcove showing the surround, tub flange, wall board, studs, overflow, drain and trap, bare subfloor under the tub, and the valve — What a tub hides. All of it is checked before anything goes back.

What the tub was doing

The part most pages skip: the tub was the waterproof floor.

The tub was the floor: A tub is one sealed piece. Once it is gone, the shower floor has to be built to hold water: sloped to the drain and lined with a membrane.
Behind the surround: Old surrounds can hide soft board, rot or a slow leak at the valve. We show you what we find and price it before work goes on.
The floor under the tub: Usually bare subfloor with no tile under it. Soft spots are fixed, and the room floor at the old tub edge is part of the plan.
The overflow and the old trap: Both come out with the tub. The new drain is a shower drain, set for the new floor.

Plan view of a 60 by 30 inch tub alcove in three panels: a base matched to the old end drain, a linear drain near the old drain, and the drain moved to the center — Three ways to handle the drain. Moving it on a slab means cutting concrete.

The plumbing that changes

Where the water goes, and what the house is built on.

Where the drain goes: A tub drains at one end. Keep it there with a linear drain or a base made for an end drain, or move it to the middle by opening the floor (on a slab, by cutting concrete).
Drain size: Oklahoma's residential code (IRC 2018) allows a 1 1/2 inch trap for a shower using up to 5.7 gallons a minute, so a tub drain usually serves one head and a hand shower. More heads or body sprays need a larger drain.
Slab or crawlspace: On a slab, moving a drain or going curbless means cutting concrete. Over a crawlspace it is usually simpler. We check before we quote.
Permits: Oklahoma state law does not necessarily require a permit for a bathroom remodel. Whether a conversion needs one depends on the work and where your home is, and we talk it through with you before work starts.

Before and after wall elevation: a tub spout, spout drop and shower riser, then the tub port plugged, a shower-only valve, a hand shower on a slide bar and a 120 degree limit — The tub faucet becomes a shower valve, with a hand shower and a scald limit.

The shower you step into

How big it is, how you get in, and what you turn on.

Same footprint or bigger: A standard 60 by 30 inch alcove fits a good shower with a seat and a niche. Borrowing a closet or merging a stall gives more room but more framing and waterproofing.
The way in: A curb, a low threshold or a curbless entry. The lower the entry, the more the floor has to be recessed and sloped.
The tub faucet: The tub spout outlet is plugged on a sound valve, or the valve is replaced with a shower-only body. Either way our plumber sets it to the maker's specifications.
Is it the only tub?: Many first-time buyers still want a tub somewhere in the house. If another bathroom has one, or you are staying, convert freely.

Four ways to turn a tub into a shower

Way	Is the wall and floor opened and checked?	Shower floor	When it is a fair choice
Tub cut-out kit	No	The old tub, with a section cut away	A rental, a tight budget, a sound tub
Acrylic or solid-surface panels, or a one-day kit	Depends on the job	A factory base	A standard size, a quick install, walls with few or no grout lines
Prefab base, tiled walls	Yes	A factory base	A standard size and a tile look
Tiled shower over a membrane	Yes	A sloped floor built on site, curb or curbless	A lasting result, a custom size, a low or no-step entry

Shower pan installation in Tulsa

From first call to first shower

Free estimate, no obligation
Itemized written quote in 1 to 2 days
Deposit 25 to 50%, the balance when it is finished

Call (918) 300-4870 Get a free in-home estimate

Step 1: Call or text, we answer

Someone picks up between 8 AM and 8 PM. Tell us about the tub and who uses the bathroom, and we set a time to see it.

Someone picks up, 8 AM to 8 PM.
Step 2: We look at the drain, the valve wall and the floor

We measure the alcove, find where the drain sits and whether the house is on a slab, look at the faucet wall, and ask how the shower will be used. That decides the drain, the valve and the entry.

Drain, valve wall and floor checked.
Step 3: Written quote in 1 to 2 days

Itemized: tear-out, drain, valve, floor, board and membrane, tile and glass. It says how the drain and valve are handled and what could change once the tub is out.

Itemized, drain and valve spelled out.
Step 4: Tub out, then the floor and the membrane

The tub comes out, anything rotten is fixed with your say-so first, then the drain and valve are set, the floor is sloped and the board and membrane go in. This part is never rushed.

Tub out, then waterproofed.
Step 5: Tile, glass and a walk-through

Tile goes on, custom glass is measured once the tile is set, and we walk the finished shower with you. The workmanship carries a written 1-year warranty.

Tile, glass, then a walk-through.

Tub to shower before and after

Three tubs we turned into showers

Real conversions, photographed before we started and after we finished. Pick one and drag to compare.

After: a tiled walk-in shower with marble-look walls, a pebble mosaic floor and a handheld shower

Before: a white fiberglass tub and shower combo with a curved curtain rod

Tub and shower combo to a tiled walk-in shower

The fiberglass tub and its curtain came out; a tiled walk-in shower with a low curb, marble-look walls, a pebble mosaic floor and a handheld shower went in.

See the full project

Choose a conversion

Tub to shower conversion contractor

What customers say

I hired Oklahoma Bath Professionals to redo my alcove shower. The results were way beyond my expectations. From start to finish the team were communicative, punctual, and respectful of my home. You can tell that they take enormous pride in their work. Hiring remodeling contractors can be hit and miss, and to be truthful I have been duped in the past by unreliable and poor workmanship. Oklahoma Bath Professionals are THE go-to company for remodeling. They will definitely be the first company I call for my next reno project! Thank you Joshua and Miguel!

Jodie S. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Great company! Got my project done fast and extremely happy how it turned out.

Michael L. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Great experience. The company is top tier and provides high quality craftsmanship! Will recommend definitely!

A&J H. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
The owners and staff were very respectful and they are the kind of people you recommend to others!

Christine F. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
The team and owner was very skilled with their crafts. I liked how responsive the customer service was.

Racheal T. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
What a great experience. We had expected to run into issues as it’s a remodel. They were so great at dealing with unexpected and adjusting to fit as needed on the fly. We had one small issue and they quickly changed their plan and resolved it before we even knew it was an issue. Thank you so much for an amazing bathroom!

Christopher J. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Luis and his whole team were timely, professional, kept us informed on all budgeting issues, and provided excellent recommendations and resources for our bathroom remodel. They kept everything as clean as possible during an in-home remodel, cleaned up the area each day, and were very responsive to questions and concerns. They made the whole experience as stress-free as possible. We are thrilled with our beautiful new bathroom, and highly recommend them.

Sharon M. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Oklahoma Bath Pros did an amazing job on my bathroom remodel! The team was professional, friendly, and really listened to what I wanted. They delivered high-quality work on time and within budget, with great attention to detail. The whole process was smooth and stress-free. If you’re looking for a reliable and skilled team, I highly recommend them!

Jorge T. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Great service, they remodeled my bathroom and the job was excellent. The team was very professional and detailed. Definitely pros in the bathroom remodeling business

Evan R. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
The Tinker Federal Credit Union Foundation had the honor of working with this company to do an accessibility shower for a Korean War veteran and they were not only great to communicate with, but very professional and willing to work within our nonprofit budget. Highly recommend

Courtney M. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
A great team of professionals! 11/10 recommended! The staff was very friendly and the work was impressive! I will be working with them again!

Mikayla J. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Very friendly and reliable! Would highly recommend this company to anyone that enjoys quick and easy services.

Seth C. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Josh was very prompt and easy to work with!

Sarah G. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
The owner is kind and respectful, it was a great experience. I would definitely recommend!

Tyshae J. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
OK Bath Pros does a great job! We recommend them for bathroom remodeling!

Grace C. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Their attention to detail puts them at a higher level than their competitors. I highly recommend them for their high-quality work and professional staff!

Anna G. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
I was impressed and pleased with the quick response. The owner was friendly!

Anna M. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
They are professional and their service is unmatched. They treat customers well!

Amanda S. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Great customer service, i will definitely recommend them around

WAA Inc. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
Great job, would recommend them 10/10

Eva H. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review
100% would recommend for sure!!

Matthew D. Rated 5 out of 5, Google review

Read every review on Google

Tub to shower conversion cost, Tulsa

What people ask before they book

How much does a tub to shower conversion cost?

We price it after we see the drain, the valve wall and the floor, because those move the number most. National guides put conversions at roughly $2,000 to $12,000, with tiled ones at the upper end ([This Old House](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/reviews/tub-to-shower-conversion-cost)). Our smallest jobs start around $2,500 to $5,000, and the written quote is itemized. See also what a bathroom remodel costs in Tulsa.

How long does it take?

The written quote gives the days on site for your shower. Custom glass is measured once the tile is set and fitted after that, so it is the last piece in.

Can you keep my existing drain?

Often, yes. A linear drain or a shower base made for an end drain keeps it close to where the tub drained ([Oatey](https://www.oatey.com/faqs-blog-videos-case-studies/blog/guide-tub-shower-conversions)). Moving it to the middle means opening the floor, and on a slab, cutting concrete.

Is a tub drain big enough for a shower?

Usually, for one shower head and a hand shower. Oklahoma's residential code (IRC 2018, Table P3201.7) allows a 1 1/2 inch trap for a shower using up to 5.7 gallons a minute ([UpCodes](https://up.codes/viewer/oklahoma/irc-2018/chapter/32/traps)), and a single shower head is limited to 2.5 gallons a minute. Several heads or body sprays can need a 2 inch drain.

What happens to the tub faucet?

On a sound valve, the tub spout outlet is plugged. Otherwise it is replaced with a shower-only valve, and our plumber sets it to the manufacturer's specifications. Code also requires a shower valve to guard against scalding ([IRC 2018, P2708.4](https://up.codes/viewer/oklahoma/irc-2018/chapter/27/plumbing-fixtures)).

Will removing my only tub hurt resale?

It can, depending on the buyer. In a National Association of Home Builders survey, first-time buyers ranked a shower and tub combination the most wanted of 18 bathroom features ([NAR](https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/survey-first-time-buyers-still-want-a-bathtub)). If another bathroom keeps a tub, or you are staying put, convert freely.

Do I need a permit in Tulsa?

Not necessarily. Oklahoma state law does not necessarily require a permit for a bathroom remodel; it depends on the work and where your home is. The City of Tulsa says a project can need building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits ([Tulsa Development Services](https://cityoftulsa.org/government/departments/development-services/plans-review/)). We talk it through with you before work starts.

Can the VA help pay for a tub to shower conversion?

If a VA doctor prescribes it, the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant can pay toward it, up to a lifetime limit of $6,800 or $2,000 depending on the veteran's rating ([VA](https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp)). Anything beyond what was approved is billed to you, and we go over it line by line.

Related services in Tulsa

You might also need

Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers with a low curb or none, a seat where you need one, and waterproofing behind every tile.
Wheelchair Accessibility

Curbless roll-in showers, grab bars on solid blocking, wider doors and floors that grip, planned around the person who uses the room.