How to Transform Your Tub With a Shower Conversion Kit


Shower conversion kits are excellent solutions for adding a conventional overhead shower system to your freestanding tub. Whether you are giving a face lift to your current tub or starting from scratch with a brand new one, a tub-to-shower conversion kit is the perfect all-in-one addition—and a great space-saving alternative to adding a separate shower enclosure.

Gooseneck Shower Conversion Kit with Hand Shower in Brushed Gold

Essentials of a Shower Conversion Kit

Familiarize yourself with the makeup of a conversion kit before you begin shopping. These kits have three main components: the faucet, the shower, and the curtain rod.

Faucet


The tub faucet is the heart of the shower system. Thanks to the valves and diverters, this is where you will turn the water on and off, mix your water temperature, and divert water between your tub spout and shower head. These will typically be available in either deck-mount or inner tub wall-mount configurations.

Gooseneck Leg Tub Diverter Valve in Oil Rubbed Bronze for shower conversion kit

Shower


The shower portion of the system will include the riser pipe as well as the shower head. The riser pipe sits vertically, supplying water to the shower head. In addition to the shower head, some systems will also include a handheld shower for more targeted rinsing.

English Side Mount Shower Conversion Kit with Gooseneck Shower Head in Chrome

Curtain Rod


The curtain rod runs along the perimeter of your tub, enclosing the shower to prevent water from splashing out. Either suspended from the ceiling (oval style) or supported mainly by surrounding walls (D-style), these are a must-have for keeping your bathroom dry.

English Side Mount Shower Conversion Kit with Hand Shower in Matte Black

Installation Types

With a few different types of shower conversion kits available, it’s important to make the right selection to work with your tub configuration and plumbing setup.

Your tub will only allow certain types of faucets to be mounted to it, so pay close attention to the faucet type that comes with each conversion kit.

Deck-Mount Telephone Faucet with Cross Handles and Deck Couplers in Chrome for bathtub conversions

Deck Mount

Bathtubs that have a tap deck with faucet holes must be paired with a deck-mount shower conversion kit. These faucets will sit on top of the tub rim, and can be located at the end of the tub or the back wall.

Tub Wall-Mount Telephone Faucet & Hand Shower in Polished Brass for bathtub conversions

Inner Tub Wall Mount

Some cast iron tubs will have faucets holes located on the inside wall rather than on the top of the rim. These will require shower kits which mount to the inner tub wall and will always be located at the end of the bathtub.

Sebastian Wall-Mount Tub Faucet with Lever Handles and Wall Couplers in Matte Black for bathtub conversions

Bathroom Wall Mount

If your tub contains no faucet hole drillings at all, while a shower conversion kit won’t work, you’re not out of luck! Exposed pipe shower systems mount to a surrounding wall near your tub, making a perfect solution in this scenario. Be sure to select a shower system with a tub spout, as these are available for both shower-tub combos and standalone showers.

Deck-Mount Telephone Faucet with Cross Handles and Deck Couplers in Chrome for bathtub conversions

Deck Mount

Bathtubs that have a tap deck with faucet holes must be paired with a deck-mount shower conversion kit. These faucets will sit on top of the tub rim, and can be located at the end of the tub or the back wall.

Tub Wall-Mount Telephone Faucet & Hand Shower in Polished Brass for bathtub conversions

Inner Tub Wall Mount

Some cast iron tubs will have faucets holes located on the inside wall rather than on the top of the rim. These will require shower kits which mount to the inner tub wall and will always be located at the end of the bathtub.

Sebastian Wall-Mount Tub Faucet with Lever Handles and Wall Couplers in Matte Black for bathtub conversions

Bathroom Wall Mount

If your tub contains no faucet hole drillings at all, while a shower conversion kit won’t work, you’re not out of luck! Exposed pipe shower systems mount to a surrounding wall near your tub, making a perfect solution in this scenario. Be sure to select a shower system with a tub spout, as these are available for both shower-tub combos and standalone showers.


Complete Your Shower Conversion

Water Supply Lines


Directing water from your wall or floor to your faucet, water supply lines are what bring actual function to a shower. These are typically made of either copper or flexible braided stainless steel, and will contain shutoff valves which allow you to cut off the water to the faucet when needed.

If your shower conversion kit does not contain these parts, be sure to add them. Pay close attention to the type of water supplies that you are purchasing since your faucet configuration as well as the center measurement of your rough-in will determine the type that you need.

Shop Shower Parts 
Freestanding Telephone Tub Faucet with Water Supply Line in Chrome for Bathtub Conversions

Will A Shower Conversion Kit Work With My Tub?

With a variety of different shower conversion kit styles and sizes available, it’s likely you’ll be able to add shower functionality to your current bathtub, or perhaps that freestanding tub you’ve been eyeing.

Originally designed for clawfoot tubs, as these are often positioned away from walls and used purely for soaking, bathtub conversions were sought out as a means to bring showering convenience to these classic fixtures.

As the name suggests, a clawfoot tub shower kit is compatible with most clawfoot tubs, but they also work for any freestanding tub in proximity to their size—so whether you’re seeking a shower kit for a clawfoot tub, slipper tub, or deep soaking tub, there’s likely an option for you.

In addition to comparing your tub’s dimensions with the kit’s, as highlighted above, your tub configuration matters, so check what type of mounting type your tub requires to select the right conversion kit for you.

59" Lena Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub for bathtub conversions
59" Audrey Acrylic Clawfoot Tub
59" Audrey Acrylic Clawfoot Tub
59" Lena Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub
59" Lena Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub
59" Hibiscus Oval Acrylic Freestanding Tub
59" Hibiscus Oval Acrylic Freestanding Tub
59" Sheba Acrylic Slipper Tub
59" Sheba Acrylic Slipper Tub
59" Ocala Solid Surface Freestanding Tub
59" Ocala Solid Surface Freestanding Tub

Which Shower Kit Is Right For My Tub?

Now that you understand how to convert a tub to a shower, explore our selections to see which kit works best with your tub.

Gooseneck Shower Conversion Kit


An ideal option for tubs with an inner wall-mount configuration, our Gooseneck Shower Conversion Kit flaunts an elegant gooseneck tub faucet and a telephone-style hand shower, alternating with ease to and from the shower head.

These are available in 60" lengths, and depending on your desired means of support, widths of 30" in the oval style or 27" in the D-style. Risers and ceiling supports can be cut to your needed heights.

Designed to seamlessly complement your bathroom’s surroundings, choose from a variety of finishes like brushed gold, brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black. These rust-resistant finishes meet a solid brass construction to withstand direct and frequent contact with moisture.

Shop the Oval Style Kit

Shop the D Style Kit

Gooseneck Shower Conversion Kit with Hand Shower in Chrome

English Side Mount Conversion Kit


Featuring a deck-mount configuration, our English Side Mount Conversion Kit is mounted to the tub’s deck, or rim. Exuding Old World charm, classic detailing can be seen from the English-style telephone hand shower and shower head to the tub faucet and porcelain control levers.

Designed with a D-style support to accompany its side-mounted look, this kit is available in 60" length by 27" width, with risers and ceiling support able to be cut down to your desired height.

Both eye-catching and durable, this kit is offered in the same stunning, corrosion-resistant finishes as above, also constructed of solid brass to ensure lasting beauty.

Shop the Kit

English Side Mount Shower Conversion Kit with Hand Shower in Brushed Gold
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