What if I wanted to replace my shower tray with a traditional bathtub?
With the exorbitant prices that the square metre is reaching throughout Spain, it is normal that people are looking to optimise the space in their homes to the maximum. Therefore, replacing the bathtub with a shower tray is a very common practice to gain space in bathrooms and turn them into more comfortable and functional rooms.
However, fortunately for us, a large part of the work we do as an architectural studio in Mallorca is carried out in larger single-family homes with larger openings, which sometimes lead to the opposite request: changing the shower tray for a traditional bathtub. Is the reverse change possible? Are there factors that condition this change? Well, today we analyse this question.
Is it possible to replace the shower tray with a bathtub?
Converting a shower tray into a bathtub is a real and viable possibility in many cases, although it requires detailed planning and the intervention of qualified professionals.
Although the usual trend in bathroom reforms is to replace the bathtub with a shower tray to optimise space and improve accessibility, as we have told you in this article, there are situations in which it is worth recovering the bathtub. For example, in those cases in which the aim is to enjoy more relaxing moments dedicated to self-care. Or also in those situations in which the family is growing and a bathtub helps to make it easier for the new arrivals at home to wash themselves.
But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: is it possible to make this change? The answer is yes, provided the right technical conditions are in place.
In most cases, the process involves removing the shower tray, adapting the drain and installing the bathtub, ensuring that the water and drain connections are compatible.
The main challenge lies in the height of the bath and the drainage system. A shower tray is usually closer to the floor than a bathtub, which may require modifications to the water drainage slope to avoid drainage problems.
Aspects to take into account when replacing a shower tray with a bathtub
- Available space: Before making the change, it is essential to check that the space allows for the installation of a bathtub without compromising the functionality of the bathroom. The minimum recommended dimensions for a standard bathtub are between 140 and 170 cm long and about 70 cm wide. If the shower tray is too small, much more work will be required with all that this entails.
- Drainage system: The location of the drain and its slope must be assessed. In some cases, it may be necessary to modify the pipes, which may involve additional work and higher costs that should be assessed before starting the project.
- Coatings and finishes: When the shower tray is removed, it is likely that some of the floor and wall coverings will need to be repaired or replaced to ensure proper aesthetic integration.
- Type of bathtub: There are various models of bathtubs (built-in, freestanding, whirlpool, etc.), so it is important to choose one that suits the user’s needs and the structural conditions of the bathroom.
Are there circumstances that prevent this change?
Although most bathrooms allow the shower tray to be replaced by a traditional bathtub, there are situations in which it may not be feasible or advisable:
- Drainage problems and insufficient slope, which could lead to water drainage problems.
- Very small bathrooms, where the installation of a bathtub would compromise the comfort of use.
- Building regulations, especially in communities of owners or older buildings where certain modifications may be restricted.
- Accessibility, if the user has mobility difficulties, a bathtub may not be the most functional option.
In any case, if you want to enjoy a bathtub in your bathroom, consult us. Perhaps the work is complex or perhaps it can be carried out without major problems. Our team of architects and
interior designers in Mallorca will assess the feasibility of the change and will provide you with a tailor-made estimate so that you can decide what to do.
We will also take care of the entire development, from start to finish, so that you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying your bathroom with its relaxing bathtub.
