Walk-In Showers · Ocean City, NJ
Walk-In Showers & Tub-to-Shower Conversions in Ocean City, NJ
Walk-in showers with curbless entries, frameless glass and waterproofed custom tile, built for people coming in from the beach and for the long run.
Tub-to-Shower Conversions and Walk-In Showers
Many shore homeowners convert a seldom-used tub into a walk-in shower, especially in small bathrooms. Also, the result is easier to get into and out of, easier to clean after the beach, and a far more attractive room. When the plumbing is already in place, a straightforward conversion can often be done in about five to eight working days, which fits neatly into an off-season visit.
In addition, the process: demolition of the tub and surround, repairing any hidden damage, framing for the new shower, a new waterproofed pan or curb, tile, a glass enclosure, and fixtures. Because everything behind the tile matters most, we cover that in detail on our shore waterproofing page.
Curbless & Low-Curb Walk-In Showers
A curbless shower also has no step to trip over. It also makes a bathroom feel bigger and is great for aging in place. A curbless entry takes planning because the floor slopes to a drain and the shower pan must be recessed or the subfloor adjusted. We figure that out before demolition, not during it.
Low-curb showers keep a small dam at the entry, which is simpler and less expensive when the floor structure does not allow a fully flush entry. Also, see our accessible bathrooms page for more.
Keep One Tub? Resale Considerations
If your house has just one bathroom or is likely to attract buyers with young children, think twice before removing the only tub. In a second home, rental or primary suite with another tub elsewhere, a walk-in shower is usually the better call. Tom will tell you honestly which makes sense, because every house and plan is different.
Tile Choices for Walk-In Showers: Porcelain, Glass, Stone
Tile is where a shower’s personality comes from, and Tom has also been laying custom tile for decades.
| Tile | Why choose it | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Durable, water-resistant, huge range of looks, easiest to clean | Quality varies; choose slip-rated tile for floors |
| Glass | Bright, reflective accent or backsplash | Often best as accents; installation is more exacting |
| Natural stone (e.g., travertine, marble) | Timeless, warm natural color | Needs sealing and more upkeep; best in guest or primary baths with owners who accept patina |
| Mosaic | Great traction on shower floors, decorative bands | More grout lines |
In addition, tile sizes range from small mosaics to large-format porcelain slabs. We will help you find the right size, shape and pattern for your space and your budget, and radiant-heat floors can be added to any bathroom for warm tile in the shoulder seasons.
Walk-In Showers: Frameless Glass, Niches, Benches & Rain Heads
When the shower is waterproofed and tiled, the details turn a good shower into a great one:
- Frameless glass for open, easy-to-clean enclosures
- Built-in niches instead of corner shelves that rust
- Tiled benches and fold-down seats
- Rain heads with handheld wands
- Linear drains and low-profile pans for curbless entries
Outdoor Shower Upgrades
Outdoor showers are an Ocean City tradition. If you have one, we can talk about upgrading it with weather-resistant materials, marine-grade fixtures, proper drainage and winterization shut-offs so it does not freeze or corrode.
Cost
Walk-In Showers: What They Cost
| Project | Typical planning range |
|---|---|
| Basic tub-to-shower conversion (acrylic or tile surround) | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Tile tub-to-shower conversion with glass | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Custom walk-in tile shower with bench and niche | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Curbless shower with linear drain | $18,000 – $40,000 |
Planning ranges only. Also, see our bathroom cost guide.
Design ideas
Walk-In Shower Design Ideas
Walk-in shower looks and layouts popular at the shore.
FAQ
Walk-In Shower & Tub-to-Shower FAQs
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Ocean City?
Most tub-to-shower conversions run about $8,000 to $18,000, depending on size, tile and glass. In addition, a fully custom walk-in tile shower with a bench, niche and frameless glass typically runs higher, often $15,000 to $35,000.
Does removing my only tub hurt resale value?
It can for some buyers, especially families with young children. If you have only one bathroom, keep a tub or make sure another bath in the house has one. Also, in a rental, second home or a primary bath with a hall-bath tub elsewhere, a walk-in shower is usually a plus.
Can a walk-in shower fit in a small shore bathroom?
Often, yes. In addition, replacing a 5-foot tub with a 60-inch-wide shower uses the same footprint. Glass panels instead of a curtain make small baths feel larger, and a niche saves space for shelves.
Which tile is easiest to keep clean of sand?
Porcelain tile with a textured but not rough surface, and a darker, stain-hiding grout or epoxy grout, is the easiest to maintain. Also, large-format tile means fewer grout lines for sand and soap scum to settle in.
Keep exploring
Related Bathroom Pages
If you want independent design guidance, the National Kitchen & Bath Association publishes bathroom planning standards that designers and remodelers follow.
Get a Shower Estimate
When you leave your details, Tom will call you back within one business day. If you would rather talk now, call (610) 329-2880.
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