Tub-to-shower conversion in Florida homes
Tub demo, pan, slope, and glass: the real sequence of work and where the budget actually goes.
Converting a tub into a shower is the single most requested remodel in Florida homes built before 2005. The standard 60 by 32 inch alcove suits a shower perfectly: pull the tub, set a pan or pour a sloped base, and close the opening with glass.
The sequence usually goes: demo the tub and its plumbing, inspect substrate and stack, waterproof, install a pan or sloped base to the drain, tile, and only then measure for glass. You cannot measure glass before tile — finished dimensions shift by the thickness of mortar and tile.
The key decision is curb or no curb. A low curb is simpler, cheaper, and reliably holds water. A fully curbless build looks more modern and serves aging family members better, but it demands correct slopes and a linear drain or water will travel into the room.
Glass in this alcove is usually one fixed panel or a panel plus door. A 60-inch opening lets you keep a 24 to 28 inch entry and close the rest with a fixed lite. We show alcove options on our alcove enclosures page.
What eats the budget is not glass — it is the wet work. Waterproofing, drain, tile, and debris removal usually cost more than the enclosure itself. That is why we suggest pricing the whole project up front instead of "tile first, glass later," which often blows dimensions and schedule.
A Florida-specific note: many condo associations require approval for tub removal and restrict work hours. Vireo Glass measures once tile is complete and works around building access windows. Timelines and install logistics are covered in measure and install.
