Choosing the best bathroom-to-shower conversion depends on what you want to change. Some kits cut a low opening into an existing tub to make stepping in easier, while others add a shower to a tub or provide parts for building a tiled shower floor. These options are not interchangeable, so start by checking your tub style, measurements, plumbing, and how much construction you plan to take on.
Below are five options for different bathroom setups. A tub cut-out can reduce the height you need to step over, but it does not create a fully accessible, curbless shower. Follow the maker’s fit and installation instructions, and consider professional help if you are unsure about cutting the tub or waterproofing the shower area.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best suited for | Conversion type | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Tub Walk-In Tub to Shower Conversion Kit | Lowering the step into an existing tub | Tub cut-out insert | Measure carefully and confirm tub material |
| CleanCut Convertible Tub Conversion Kit | Keeping both shower access and bathing options | Removable tub cut-out insert | Check listing availability and sizing |
| Mark E Industries GOOF PROOF Shower Kit | Building a tiled shower floor | Shower floor slope and curb system | Requires a compatible liner system and tile work |
| GBBNE Tub Shower Conversion Kit with Riser | Adding a shower to a standard tub | Wall-mounted riser and shower head | Confirm spout and adapter compatibility |
| DANCO Add-A-Shower Kit for Clawfoot Tubs | Adding a shower to a clawfoot tub | Shower riser, curtain ring, and related hardware | Designed for clawfoot tub layouts |
Our Picks: Best Bathroom To Shower Conversion reviews
Quick Tub Walk-In Conversion Kit: Best for a Lower Tub Entry
The Quick Tub kit is made to cut an opening into an existing bathtub and fit an insert into that opening. It is a different kind of conversion from adding a shower head: its main purpose is to make it easier to step into the tub area. The maker says the insert can be used with steel, fiberglass, or cast iron tubs.
The kit includes an insert, cutting template, adhesive, angled nozzle, and instructions. The template gives you a guide for the cut, but the work still involves cutting into your tub and bonding the insert in place. Accurate measuring is essential; check the maker’s sizing guide before choosing the wide version.
This is a practical option if you want to keep your existing tub and reduce its entry height without a full bathroom tear-out. It does not, by itself, add a shower head or turn the room into a curbless shower. The product description also mentions a separate Quick Tub Cap for switching back to full-tub use, so confirm what is included if that feature matters to you.
Pros:
- Designed to reduce the step-over height of an existing tub
- Includes a cutting template and adhesive
- Maker lists compatibility with steel, fiberglass, and cast iron tubs
- Can be a smaller-scope alternative to replacing the tub
Cons:
- Requires cutting the tub, so careful installation is important
- Fit depends on accurate measurements and the tub’s material and shape
Verdict: Choose the Quick Tub kit if your main goal is a lower tub entry and your tub matches the maker’s sizing and material requirements.
CleanCut Convertible Kit: A Removable Insert for Bath-and-Shower Use
The CleanCut Convertible kit uses a cut-out in the tub with a removable center insert. The insert is intended to lock in place for bathing and come out for step-through access. That dual-use design may suit a household that wants to keep the option of filling the tub while making shower entry easier at other times.
The listed kit includes the convertible unit, support structure, industrial-grade adhesive, waterproof wrap, cutting template, and installation guide. Compared with a simple tub-to-shower riser, this involves modifying the tub itself. Plan around the cutting and bonding steps, and make sure the product size works for your tub before buying.
The supplied product information indicates that this item may not currently be available from its listing. Availability can change, so check the listing before relying on it for a project. If it is unavailable, the Quick Tub kit is a similar cut-out approach, though its included components and sizing should be checked separately.
Pros:
- Removable insert is designed to preserve bath use
- Includes a cutting template and support structure
- Waterproof wrap and adhesive are included in the stated kit
- Made to reduce the need to step over the full tub wall
Cons:
- Installation requires cutting and modifying the tub
- Supplied listing information indicates availability may be limited
Verdict: Consider CleanCut if keeping both bathing and step-through access is important, but confirm that the kit is available and correctly sized before planning the installation.
Mark E Industries GOOF PROOF Kit: Best for a Tiled Shower Floor Project
This Mark E Industries kit is for a more involved type of conversion. Rather than cutting an opening into a tub or adding a shower riser, it provides components to form a sloped shower floor and curb that will be tiled over. The slope is intended to guide water toward the drain.
The listed components are made from high-impact plastic and are described as lightweight and non-rotting. The kit is designed to work with liner systems on the market, but it is only one part of a shower-floor assembly. You will need to plan for the compatible liner, tile, drain, and the rest of the waterproofing system.
This option is better suited to a renovation where the existing tub is being removed and a tiled shower is being built. It is not a quick way to add showering to an intact tub, and the product information does not describe it as a complete, ready-to-use shower on its own. If you are new to shower construction, professional installation can help avoid drainage and waterproofing problems.
Pros:
- Forms a slope and curb for a tiled shower floor
- Designed for use with a shower liner system
- High-impact plastic components are described as lightweight and non-rotting
- Suited to a full tub-removal and shower-building project
Cons:
- Requires additional liner, tile, and shower assembly components
- Not a simple add-on for an existing tub that will remain in place
Verdict: Pick this kit for a planned tiled shower-floor build, not for a simple tub entry or shower-head upgrade.
GBBNE Tub-to-Shower Riser: Best for Adding a Shower to a Standard Tub
The GBBNE kit adds a wall-mounted shower riser and shower head to a tub that does not already have a shower. It includes a 70-inch riser, a swiveling shower head, a wall bracket, mounting hardware, and adapters for 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch tub spouts. A diverter lets you switch water flow between the tub spout and shower.
The riser is described as SUS304 stainless steel, with ABS parts, and the shower head is listed at a 1.8 GPM flow rate. These details make it a functional fixture upgrade, but they do not change the tub’s high sides or make it easier to step into. Check your faucet and tub-spout setup against the included adapters before ordering; the product description does not guarantee a fit for every plumbing layout.
Compared with tub cut-out kits, this is the more direct choice if your goal is simply to add overhead showering while keeping the tub. The supplied description calls installation a DIY upgrade without major plumbing work, but mounting and connection needs can still vary by bathroom.
Pros:
- Adds a shower riser and head to a tub without a built-in shower
- Includes adapters for two stated tub-spout sizes
- Has a diverter for switching between tub and shower flow
- Riser is described as stainless steel with ABS components
Cons:
- Does not lower the tub wall or improve step-in access
- Compatibility depends on the existing spout and plumbing arrangement
Verdict: Choose the GBBNE kit when you want to add a shower to a standard tub and your spout setup matches the supplied adapters.
DANCO Add-A-Shower Kit: A Clawfoot Tub Conversion Option
The DANCO Add-A-Shower kit is specifically designed for clawfoot tubs. Its stated components include a diverter faucet, shower head, support parts, and a 24-by-24-inch shower curtain ring. The polished chrome finish and brass construction are intended to work with the traditional look of a clawfoot setup.
This is not a general-purpose kit for a standard built-in tub. The product lists 3-3/8-inch center faucets, so check that measurement and the rest of your tub’s arrangement before buying. The curtain ring and support hardware also need to suit your bathroom layout. The supplied listing information indicates that availability may be limited, so confirm it before starting a project.
Unlike a tub cut-out kit, this product adds a shower setup but leaves the tub’s step-over height unchanged. It makes the most sense when you already have a compatible clawfoot tub and want a shower-and-bath arrangement without replacing it.
Pros:
- Made specifically for clawfoot tub layouts
- Includes a diverter faucet and shower head according to the product details
- Includes a 24-by-24-inch shower curtain ring and support hardware
- Brass construction with a polished chrome finish
Cons:
- Not intended for most standard built-in tubs
- Does not reduce the height of the tub wall
Verdict: Consider the DANCO kit for a compatible clawfoot tub, but verify faucet spacing, support needs, and listing availability first.
How to Choose a Bathroom-to-Shower Conversion
Decide what kind of conversion you need
First, separate the main goals. If you want to make an existing tub easier to enter, look at a tub cut-out kit. If your tub has no shower, a riser kit adds a shower head but does not lower the tub wall. If you are removing the tub and building a tiled shower, a floor-slope and curb system may be relevant. Choose by the work you want done, not just by the word “conversion” in a product title.
Check your tub type, size, and material
For a cut-out insert, measure the tub carefully and compare every required dimension with the maker’s sizing guide. Confirm that the tub material is supported. For a clawfoot shower kit, check faucet spacing, support points, and curtain-ring dimensions. For a riser kit, compare the supplied adapters with your tub spout and plumbing. Never assume that a product fits because it is described as a tub conversion kit.
Understand the installation work
Different kits call for very different levels of work. A riser kit is a fixture upgrade, while a tub cut-out requires cutting and bonding an insert. A tiled shower floor kit is part of a larger construction project involving the liner, tile, drain, and waterproofing. Be honest about your tools and experience, and bring in a qualified installer when you are uncertain about cutting, plumbing, or waterproofing.
Consider bathing needs and accessibility
A removable or capped cut-out may preserve some bath use, but confirm exactly what comes with the kit and how the opening is sealed for bathing. A shower riser keeps the tub available but does not make its sides lower. A tub cut-out can reduce the step-over height, but it does not provide the same features as a complete accessible shower. Think about who will use the bathroom and what support or access features may be needed.
Plan for water control and waterproofing
Any change that affects the tub opening, shower floor, or plumbing needs careful water management. Follow the installation instructions for adhesive, seals, liner, and drainage. For a tiled shower, make sure the complete system—not just the floor-forming components—provides the needed waterproofing and directs water to the drain. If the instructions do not clearly address your setup, ask the manufacturer or a professional before proceeding.
Compare the full project, not just the kit
The kit may be only one part of the total job. A cut-out installation may require suitable tools and careful finishing, while a tiled conversion may call for extra materials and skilled labor. Check what is included, what must be purchased separately, and whether the project could affect your existing tub, plumbing, or surrounding surfaces. Also verify listing availability before you schedule work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tub cut-out kit and a tub-to-shower riser?
A cut-out kit changes part of the tub wall to create a lower entry point. A riser kit adds a shower head and plumbing hardware to a tub, but leaves the tub wall at its existing height.
Does a tub cut-out kit create a fully accessible shower?
No. It can reduce the height you need to step over, but the tub remains in place. A full accessible shower may require a different layout and additional features such as a suitable floor, grab bars, or a seat.
Can I install a tub cut-out kit on any bathtub?
No. Fit depends on the tub’s measurements, shape, and material, as well as the kit’s requirements. Check the maker’s sizing guide and material information before buying.
Can a shower riser fit any tub spout?
Not necessarily. The GBBNE product lists adapters for 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch tub spouts, but you should check your existing spout and plumbing against the product details before ordering.
Is the Mark E Industries kit a complete shower?
The supplied product information describes components for forming a sloped shower floor and curb that are tiled over. It is intended for use with a liner system and should be treated as part of a larger shower-floor project, not as a complete ready-to-use shower by itself.
Can I keep using the tub after installing a cut-out conversion?
Some designs are made to preserve bathing use with a removable insert or a separate cap. Check the specific kit’s instructions and included parts. Do not assume that a separate accessory is included unless the listing says so.
Which option is best for a clawfoot tub?
The DANCO Add-A-Shower kit is the option in this list specifically designed for clawfoot tubs. Verify faucet spacing, support requirements, and availability before purchase.
Final Recommendation
For a lower step into an existing tub, the Quick Tub kit is the clearest fit in this group, provided your tub meets its sizing and material requirements. Choose the GBBNE riser if you simply need to add a shower to a compatible standard tub. The CleanCut kit may suit households that want a removable insert for both shower access and bathing, while the Mark E Industries system is aimed at a more involved tiled-shower build. For clawfoot tubs, consider the DANCO kit only after confirming that your fixture layout matches. Measure first, check what the kit includes, and get professional help when the work involves uncertain plumbing, cutting, or waterproofing.
