A shower remodel is one of the most requested bathroom projects in Miami. Most start with one of two questions: should I replace the tub with a shower, or should I rebuild the shower I already have? This guide compares the two and covers the details that decide whether a shower lasts.
Tub-to-shower conversion
A tub-to-shower conversion removes the bathtub and builds a walk-in shower in the same space. It suits:
- Hall or primary bathrooms where nobody uses the tub.
- Homeowners who want a lower step-in for safety and easier cleaning.
- Small bathrooms, where a glass-enclosed shower makes the room feel larger.
If it is the only tub in the house, think about families with small children or future buyers before removing it.
The standard tub alcove is about 60 inches wide, which makes a comfortable shower. The drain usually has to move from the end of the tub to the shower floor, and the valve is often raised, so the walls and part of the floor are opened.
Custom tiled shower
A custom shower is built from the framing out to your size and design: any footprint, niches, a bench, multiple shower heads, a linear drain or a curbless entry. It suits:
- Primary bathrooms where the shower is the centerpiece.
- Replacing an old shower that leaks or has failing grout.
- Removing a large garden tub, common in Doral and newer homes, to make one big shower.
Waterproofing matters more than tile
Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. What keeps water out of the walls and floor is the layer behind them. A properly built shower has a waterproof membrane on the walls and the pan, a correct slope to the drain and sealed seams, corners and niches. In Miami's humidity, a shower that skips these steps can grow mold behind the tile even if it looks fine on the surface.
Curb or curbless?
A low curb is the simplest option and works in almost every bathroom. A curbless (zero-entry) shower looks clean and is easier for people with limited mobility, but the floor has to be recessed or built up so water flows to the drain, which is harder on a concrete slab and in some condos. We check the slab and the plumbing before recommending it.
Glass and fixtures
- Frameless glass shows off the tile and is easy to clean. Heavier glass needs solid backing in the walls.
- Fixed panel with no door works well in larger showers.
- Valves: a pressure-balance or thermostatic valve keeps the temperature steady.
- Ventilation: a remodel is the right moment to install an exhaust fan ducted outside, which is the best defense against mold in Miami.
Permits
Replacing tile on an existing shower is often cosmetic, but moving the drain or valve or changing walls usually needs a permit. Each city in Miami-Dade has its own building department, and unincorporated areas go through the county. We confirm the right office for your address and handle the paperwork.
Which one is right for you?
If you want a walk-in shower in the space your tub uses now, start with a tub-to-shower conversion. If you want a specific size, a bench, a curbless entry or a complete redesign, a custom shower is the better fit. Many projects end up as part of a full bathroom remodel or a small bathroom remodel.
Miami Bath Kitchen & Tile is a licensed and insured contractor (license CGC1530927) with more than 10 years in business. Call (786) 882-3422 or send us photos of your bathroom for a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good idea to remove the only bathtub in my house?
It depends on who lives there and your plans to sell. Many owners prefer a walk-in shower, but families with small children and some buyers still want one tub in the house.
Do I need a permit for a shower remodel in Miami?
Retiling an existing shower is often cosmetic. Moving the drain or valve or changing walls usually needs a permit from your city or, in unincorporated areas, from Miami-Dade County.
Can I have a curbless shower on a concrete slab?
Often, yes, but the floor has to be recessed or built up so water drains correctly. We check the slab and plumbing first and tell you whether it makes sense in your bathroom.
