Installing a Shower Where a Bathtub Was

Rip out the tub-surrounding walls and tub by cutting into the walls with a reciprocating saw and prying them from the framing with a crowbar. Strip the entire alcove down to the framing boards and clean out all the debris. If necessary, cut through the drainage pipe with a reciprocating saw before you slide the tub out of place.

Check the flooring with a level to make sure it is flat and smooth. If any areas appear weak, rip out the flooring with a crowbar and install new flooring boards with hammer and nails.

Fit the new shower drain into the shower pan drain hole. Screw the locking nut onto the bottom of the drain and tighten with a wrench. Install the shower pan inside the alcove. Shim the pan to level it if necessary using wood shims. Secure all shims to the floor with screws and a screwdriver. Mount the shower pan to the wall framing with wood screws and a screwdriver.

Connect a new drain pipe and P-trap to the existing drain line with PVC cement and the proper fittings for your particular drain route. Insert the end of the drain pipe up and through the shower pan drain. Put a compression gasket over the drain pipe and hammer the pipe back into the drain with a mallet to seal the pipe in the drain.

Fit the shower panel walls to the wall framing. Start with the rear panel. Mount it to the wall framing with the provided screws, interlocking the panel tabs with the slots on the edge of the shower pan. Cut a hole into the side panel for the faucet fixtures with a hole saw. Connect the side panel to the shower pan and interlock the edges with the back panel. Install the other side panel by interlocking the tabs and edges. Screw all of the panels to the wall framing around the edges with screws and a screwdriver.