Turning a bathtub into an easier-to-enter shower does not always require removing the whole tub. A tub cut-out kit can add a step-through opening while keeping the existing tub in place, while a full remodel may mean replacing the tub or choosing a walk-in model. The right option depends on your mobility needs, your bathroom layout, and whether you want to keep a soaking bath.
Our top picks include two Quick Tub conversion kits, a dedicated walk-in tub, and two replacement bathtubs for larger renovation plans. They are not all the same kind of solution, so check what each product changes—and what it leaves in place—before you buy.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best for | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Tub Conversion Kit with Cap (Narrow) | Tub cut-out kit | Keeping your existing tub and adding a step-through opening | Measure carefully; the listing title and model details use different size descriptions |
| ANZZI Walk-In Tub with Jets | Replacement walk-in tub | Seated bathing with a low-entry door and hydrotherapy features | This is a walk-in bath, not a tub-to-shower conversion kit |
| Quick Tub Xtra-Deep Conversion Kit | Tub cut-out kit | Existing tubs that need the listed Xtra-Deep kit size | A cap is not listed among the included parts |
| Swiss Madison Voltaire Alcove Bathtub | Replacement alcove tub | A planned alcove-bathroom renovation | Not a walk-in model; faucet and drain are sold separately |
| WOODBRIDGE Solid Surface Freestanding Bathtub | Replacement freestanding tub | A spacious remodel focused on soaking and a freestanding look | Heavy, and not designed as an accessible walk-in shower |
Our Picks: Best Bathtub To Walk In Shower Remodel reviews
Quick Tub Conversion Kit with Cap for Keeping Your Existing Tub
This kit is the closest match for someone who wants an easier way to step into an existing bathtub without taking out the whole fixture. It uses a cut-out insert to create an opening in the tub wall. The supplied cap can close that opening when you want to use the tub for soaking.
The kit is listed for steel, fiberglass, and cast iron tubs and includes an insert, cap, cutting template, adhesive, angled nozzle, and instructions. The product information describes a DIY installation without plumbing changes, but cutting into a tub is a permanent alteration. Read the sizing guide closely, check that your tub material is supported, and consider getting professional help if you are unsure about the cut or seal.
There is a sizing detail worth checking before ordering: the title calls this the “Narrow” version, while the product details list the model as “Wide.” Do not rely on the name alone. Confirm your tub measurements against the manufacturer’s sizing information and make sure the cap and insert are the correct fit for your setup.
Pros:
- Keeps the existing tub in place rather than requiring a full tub removal
- Includes a cap for switching between an open entry and a soaking tub
- Supplies a cutting template, adhesive, and installation instructions
- Listed for steel, fiberglass, and cast iron tubs
Cons:
- Requires an accurate cut and a careful, watertight bond
- The size wording in the listing should be verified before purchase
Verdict: Choose this kit if you want to keep your current tub and value the included cap, but confirm fit and installation requirements before making a cut.
ANZZI Walk-In Tub for Seated Bathing and Hydrotherapy
This ANZZI model is a replacement walk-in bathtub, not a kit that turns an existing tub into a shower. Its inward-swinging door has a pressure seal, and the tub includes an ADA-compliant seat, integrated grab bars, and a slip-resistant floor. A handheld shower is included for rinsing while seated.
Its main appeal is bathing while seated, with whirlpool and air jets, a heater, and a quick-fill faucet among the listed features. The unit runs on 110 V power and has a right-hand drain, so check the drain location, electrical needs, bathroom space, and installation requirements before ordering. The listed capacity is 93 gallons, another practical factor to discuss with an installer when planning the remodel.
Compared with a tub cut-out kit, this is a larger project and does not create a conventional open shower. It may suit someone who prefers seated soaks and wants built-in bathing features, but it is not the best match if your main goal is a spacious, roll-in shower area.
Pros:
- Low-entry door, seat, grab bars, and slip-resistant floor are built in
- Includes a handheld shower for rinsing
- Offers whirlpool and air-jet settings, plus an inline heater
- Includes a 7-inch extension kit for listed 60-inch retrofits
Cons:
- It is a walk-in bathtub, not a bathtub-to-shower conversion
- Requires attention to the right-hand drain, electrical supply, and installation fit
Verdict: Consider the ANZZI if you want a feature-rich walk-in bath for seated soaking; choose another option if an open shower is your priority.
Quick Tub Xtra-Deep Kit for a Size-Specific Tub Cut-Out
This Quick Tub kit takes the same general approach as the first pick: cut an opening into an existing tub and bond an insert in place to make entry easier. The Xtra-Deep name identifies a different size option, so it is important to compare the kit’s sizing guide with your bathtub before ordering.
The package includes the insert, cutting template, two tubes of adhesive, an angled nozzle, and instructions. Unlike the first Quick Tub option, a cap is not listed as an included component. The product information says you can pair it with the brand’s Quick Tub Cap, but confirm compatibility and whether you need to buy that part separately.
This can be a more direct path than replacing a tub when your existing fixture is suitable and you are comfortable with the cut-out process. Still, a conversion insert is not a complete new shower enclosure. Think through how you will handle shower fixtures, water control, entry support, and the overall bathroom layout.
Pros:
- Converts a compatible existing tub without listing plumbing changes
- Includes a template, adhesive, nozzle, and instructions
- Listed for steel, fiberglass, and cast iron tubs
- Offers a size-specific option for tubs that match the Xtra-Deep guide
Cons:
- A cap is not included in the listed package
- Fit and seal quality depend on correct measuring and installation
Verdict: Pick the Xtra-Deep kit only if your tub matches its sizing guide and you are prepared to arrange any additional parts or installation help you need.
Swiss Madison Voltaire Alcove Tub for a Full Bathroom Renovation
The Voltaire is a standard alcove bathtub, not a walk-in tub or conversion kit. It may be relevant if your plan is a broader bathroom renovation that includes replacing the tub, but it does not add a step-through entrance by itself. The acrylic tub is fiberglass reinforced and has a left-hand drain and integrated tile flange.
The listed soaking depth is 16 inches. The faucet and drain are sold separately, so account for those parts when planning the work. Check the drain position and the actual installation dimensions against your alcove before buying; a tub that does not match the space can complicate a remodel.
Compared with the Quick Tub kits, this option involves replacing the tub rather than modifying the one you have. It may be suitable for a conventional alcove setup, but anyone seeking easier access should plan a separate accessibility solution or consider a true walk-in product.
Pros:
- Integrated tile flange is designed to help prevent water leakage
- Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic construction
- 16-inch listed soaking depth
- Alcove format may suit a bathroom planned around a standard tub space
Cons:
- Not a walk-in bathtub or tub-to-shower kit
- Faucet and drain are not included
Verdict: Choose the Voltaire for a conventional alcove-tub replacement, not as a standalone accessibility upgrade.
WOODBRIDGE Freestanding Tub for a Soaking-Focused Remodel
This WOODBRIDGE tub is a freestanding soaking model made from acrylic resin blended with mineral composite. Its listed exterior dimensions are 59 by 29⅞ by 20⅞ inches, and it has a 64-gallon capacity. Double walls are intended to help retain heat, while the matte-white finish and oval shape suit a remodel built around a standalone tub.
At about 286 pounds, the tub is heavy before it is filled, so access to the room, floor support, and placement deserve careful planning. It is designed for freestanding installation near a floor drain outlet. This product is not a walk-in tub and does not turn a bathtub into a shower, so it is a poor fit if accessibility is the main goal.
Among the five picks, this is the most design-focused alternative for people who want a soaking tub as part of a larger renovation. It makes sense only if your layout and bathing needs support a freestanding fixture; it is not a substitute for an accessible shower entry.
Pros:
- Solid-surface material combines acrylic resin and mineral composite
- Double-wall construction is designed to help keep water warm
- Freestanding format allows placement near a floor drain outlet
- Listed water depth to overflow is 14⅝ inches
Cons:
- Heavy at about 286 pounds, which can make delivery and placement more demanding
- Does not provide walk-in access or convert a tub into a shower
Verdict: Consider this tub for a spacious, soaking-centered remodel, but look elsewhere if you need safer shower entry.
How to Choose a Bathtub-to-Shower Remodel Option
Decide whether you want a conversion or a replacement
A tub cut-out kit changes the entry point on an existing tub and may avoid removing the fixture. It does not replace the tub or automatically provide a complete shower enclosure. A walk-in tub is a different kind of product: it provides a seated bath behind a door. A standard replacement tub changes the fixture but does not, by itself, improve access. Start by deciding whether you want an open shower, a walk-in bath, or a conventional tub.
Measure the tub and check the size guide
For a cut-out kit, measure the existing tub exactly as the manufacturer directs and compare your measurements with its sizing guide. Check the tub material and shape as well. The first Quick Tub listing has different size wording in its title and model details, which makes checking the sizing information especially important. For replacement tubs, confirm the length, width, height, drain side, and fit in the existing space.
Think about access and support
A lower entry can make getting into a tub easier, but the opening alone may not meet every person’s needs. Consider whether you need grab bars, a seat, a handheld shower, a slip-resistant floor, or room to turn and transfer safely. The ANZZI walk-in tub lists several built-in support features, while the conversion kits focus on creating an opening in an existing tub. Plan for the person who will use the bathroom, not just the fixture.
Review the installation work before buying
Cutting and bonding an insert to a bathtub takes careful measuring and a good seal. The conversion kits are described as DIY products, but an incorrectly cut tub or poorly sealed insert could undermine the project. If you are not confident about the work, ask a qualified installer to review the tub and installation plan. A full tub replacement may also involve checking the drain, surrounding walls, and access for moving the fixture.
Check what is included—and what is not
Compare the parts list with the finished bathroom you want. The Quick Tub kit with a cap lists the cap, while the Xtra-Deep kit does not list one among its included parts. The Swiss Madison tub does not include a faucet or drain. The ANZZI model lists a handheld shower, but it requires a 110 V power connection. Confirm any additional parts, electrical work, or plumbing needs before you commit.
Match the solution to your bathroom layout
Drain location and available floor space can narrow your choices. The ANZZI model has a right-hand drain, the Swiss Madison tub has a left-hand drain, and the WOODBRIDGE freestanding tub is designed for a floor drain outlet. Measure the route into the bathroom too, especially for a heavy replacement tub. If the room needs a true open shower, plan the enclosure, water control, and wall surfaces as part of the overall remodel.
Set a realistic project scope
A conversion kit may involve less work than removing a tub, but it is not the same as a complete bathroom renovation. A full replacement can require additional materials and labor. Before buying, ask an installer to assess your existing tub, plumbing, walls, and floor. That can help you compare the full project—not just the fixture or kit—and avoid choosing a product that does not meet your access needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tub cut-out kit create a full shower?
No. These kits create a step-through opening in a compatible existing tub. They do not replace the tub or automatically provide a complete shower enclosure and all shower fixtures. Plan for the other parts of the bathroom setup separately.
Can I keep using the tub for soaking after installing a conversion kit?
The Quick Tub kit with a cap includes a cap intended to close the opening for soaking. The Xtra-Deep kit does not list a cap in its included parts, although its product information says it can be paired with the Quick Tub Cap. Confirm compatibility and what is included before ordering.
Will either Quick Tub kit fit any bathtub?
No. The product information lists steel, fiberglass, and cast iron tubs, but fit depends on the tub’s measurements and shape. Use the manufacturer’s sizing guide and check your tub carefully before making a purchase or cutting it.
Is the ANZZI model a bathtub-to-shower conversion kit?
No. It is a replacement walk-in bathtub with a door, seat, grab bars, and handheld shower. It supports seated bathing but does not create an open shower in your existing tub.
Which product is the closest match for keeping my current tub?
The two Quick Tub products are the direct conversion options. One lists a cap as included, while the Xtra-Deep kit does not. Choose based on the sizing guide, included parts, and the condition and material of your existing tub.
Should I install a tub cut-out kit myself?
The kits are presented as DIY products and include a template and instructions, but the work involves cutting the tub and bonding an insert. If you are uncertain about measuring, cutting, or creating a reliable seal, consult a qualified installer before starting.
Which option is best if accessibility is my main concern?
That depends on the user’s needs. The Quick Tub kits add a step-through opening to a compatible tub, while the ANZZI is a seated walk-in bath with listed support features. If you need an open shower, discuss entry height, grab-bar placement, seating, and transfer space with a qualified bathroom professional before choosing.
Final Recommendation
For the most direct route to making an existing tub easier to enter, start with the Quick Tub conversion kit that includes a cap, then verify the size carefully against your bathtub. The Xtra-Deep version is another option when your measurements match its sizing guide, but check whether you need a separate cap. Choose the ANZZI if you want a seated walk-in bath rather than an open shower. The Swiss Madison and WOODBRIDGE models are replacement-tub choices for broader renovations, not standalone accessibility upgrades.
