A tub and shower combo can give away the age of some bathrooms. Recent bathroom trends have seen less demand for standard bathtubs. Elegant showers with modern features are not only more attractive, they are also safer to use in many instances. If you realize that it is time to get rid of your old bathtub, here are some inspirational ideas that will help to make a grand statement. 

Removing the Bathtub

The first step will be to take out the old bathtub. This process calls for a number of tools, so it is best to have a professional take care of it.

If you want to take care of this, the items you will need include:

• Screwdrivers

• Socket wrench

• Pry bar

• Adjustable wrench

• Gloves

• Hammer

• Pliers

Turn off the water supply before beginning the work. The drain and overflow should be removed first. The removal of the spout may require a bit of cutting away of the wall, while some types can simply be twisted off. A lubricant may be necessary to loosen joints, especially for an old tub. The manner of disposal will depend on the type of material the tub is made from. Steel tubs coated with porcelain should be thrown out whole, while fiberglass or cast iron tubs should be broken up first. 

The Shower Remodel

Before the work starts, you should know exactly what type of shower you want to build. The shower should not look out of place in the bathroom, so be guided by the overall style. Some owners prefer to buy complete shower kits as they come ready for installation. Many others prefer to have more control over the look of the shower. Options and factors you should consider include:

• Enclosures – These vary in style, and you can build your own enclosure and order custom doors to fit. Other options for enclosures include seating, cubbies and shelves The doors can slide or open outward. 

• The type of doors – Whether you choose sliding or swinging doors, they can be either framed or frameless. The disadvantage with swinging doors is that they take up space when opened, plus they can cause water to drip onto the floor.

• Walk-in shower – These are distinctive for their lack of a curb wall, giving them a larger appearance, and they can make the bathroom seem larger as well. They can have glass doors or curtains, and they are easier to clean. The design makes wheelchair accessibility possible. 

• The showerhead – When designing a shower, the type of showerhead must be considered. A showerhead can be ceiling or wall mounted. Showerheads with different settings are available, which helps give a spa like experience. Fixed showerheads are still widely used, but you may enjoy having the option of a hand-held feature. 

With custom enclosures you can choose the embellishments that will add to the décor of your bathroom. Be mindful of the space you have, and if necessary, opt for a smaller shower to make the bathroom roomier.