Tub To Shower Conversion Gilbert AZ
Master bathroom tub-to-shower conversion in Gilbert, AZ, expanding a cramped tub-and-shower layout into one large walk-in shower with a frameless glass panel, Flash series 3×12 white tile, matte black Schluter trim, a warm-blend flat pebble stone pan, dual shower valves, and grab bars for added support. Licensed contractor ROC #309760. Watch the full transformation video.
📍 Location: Gilbert, Arizona
🏠 Project Type: Master Bathroom Tub-to-Shower Conversion
⏱️ Timeline: 4 weeks
📅 Completed: 2026
Watch the Complete Transformation
Project Overview
Mitch and Sue’s Gilbert master bathroom started with a layout that wasted space—a bathtub squeezed in right next to the vanity and a separate, undersized shower beside it. Neither got used the way they wanted, so we removed the tub, reclaimed that footprint, and expanded everything into one large walk-in shower. The result is a brighter, more open bathroom that finally fits how they actually live, without adding a single square foot to the room. A Virtual Showroom 3D design consultation let them preview the layout and finishes before demo day, so there were no surprises once the work began.
The standout of this tub-to-shower conversion is the glass. We originally planned a pony wall to hold the shower valves, but instead we relocated the valves to an adjacent wall and ran a single, uninterrupted frameless glass panel—roughly five and a half feet long and tall. That one decision keeps the walk-in shower feeling wide open, lets the tile take center stage, and comes in at a better price point than building and tiling a full pony wall. The oversized glass door makes the whole shower feel like a showpiece.
Inside, the shower walls are wrapped in Flash series 3×12 white tile with matte black Schluter edge trim for a crisp, intentional finish—we matched the trim to the matte black fixtures rather than the tile, so every edge reads as a deliberate design line. The warm-blend flat pebble stone shower pan adds natural texture and traction, and we carried that same pebble stone into the back of the niche so it pops as an accent. We framed around the existing window and ran a clean tile course right above it, then set up dual shower valves: one runs the main shower, the other feeds an adjustable slide-bar showerhead that raises and lowers to fit anyone using it.
Because Mitch and Sue wanted comfort and longevity, we built in practical touches too. Instead of a tiled built-in bench, they chose a freestanding wicker bench seat for the drying area—easy to move and a softer look against all the tile and glass. We added grab bars for support and peace of mind, and tied everything into their existing matte black faucets and lighting, which they’d installed previously, so the new work blends seamlessly with what was already there. Interested in a similar transformation for your Gilbert home? Learn more about our bathroom remodeling services and see how we can rework your space around the way you live.
Key Features
✅ Expanded Walk-In Shower
Tub-to-shower conversion that absorbed the old tub footprint
One large shower in place of a cramped tub-and-shower combo
Oversized frameless glass panel, roughly five and a half feet long and tall
Single straight-glass design chosen over a pony wall for an open feel
✅ Premium Tile Work
Flash series 3×12 white tile on the shower walls
Matte black Schluter edge trim matched to the fixtures
Warm-blend flat pebble stone pan, carried into the back of the niche
Framed window with a clean tile course above
✅ Smart Shower Functionality
Dual shower valves—one for the main shower, one for a slide bar
Adjustable slide-bar showerhead that raises and lowers
Freestanding wicker bench seat for the drying area
Grab bars added for support and accessibility
✅ Coordinated Finishes
Matte black trim and fixtures throughout
Tied into the homeowners’ existing matte black faucets and lighting
Cohesive, modern look from the glass to the hardware
✅ Quality Construction
Licensed general contractor (ROC #309760)
S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing on the entire shower
Professional shower tile installation with leveling systems
5-year workmanship warranty
Why This Design Works for Gilbert Homeowners
Across Gilbert and the East Valley, the combination of a rarely used tub crammed next to an undersized shower is one of the most common bathroom frustrations we see—and Mitch and Sue’s project shows how much can change by simply rethinking that footprint. Removing the tub and rolling its space into the shower gave them a far more comfortable, usable bathroom without expanding the room. For most homeowners who shower daily and rarely soak, that trade is an easy win.
The choice to skip the pony wall and run a single large glass panel is worth highlighting. A pony wall can be a great solution, but it also takes up space and adds tiling cost. By moving the valves to an adjacent wall, we were able to use one continuous five-and-a-half-foot glass panel that keeps sightlines open and makes the shower feel larger and more luxurious. It’s also a smart budget move—a big glass panel often comes in below the cost of building and finishing a tiled half-wall.
The finishes were chosen to feel timeless and cohesive. The 3×12 white tile reads clean and bright, while matte black Schluter trim turns every tile edge into a crisp design line that ties back to the fixtures. Carrying the warm-blend pebble stone from the shower floor into the back of the niche is the kind of small detail that makes a space feel custom, adding texture and a natural accent without competing with the rest of the tile.
Just as important, this remodel was built with everyday life in mind. The freestanding wicker bench gives Mitch and Sue a comfortable spot to sit or dry off without committing to a permanent tiled bench, and the grab bars add real support that blends in thanks to the matte black finish. These are the kinds of practical, future-friendly touches that make a bathroom work well not just today, but for years to come—exactly what we aim for on every Gilbert remodel.
Gilbert Bathroom Remodeling Expertise
This master bathroom remodel is one of many we’ve completed throughout Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley. Our local experience means we understand Gilbert’s building codes, common home layouts, and the climate factors that influence material choices and long-term durability.
From Val Vista Lakes to Power Ranch, from Agritopia to Morrison Ranch and Seville, we’ve remodeled bathrooms across Gilbert’s neighborhoods. Whether you’re after a tub-to-shower conversion, a walk-in shower installation, a curbless shower installation, or a complete bathroom remodel, our relationships with trusted suppliers give us access to quality materials without long lead times, keeping your project on schedule. We handle both master bathroom remodeling and small bathroom remodeling for guest baths, hall baths, and powder rooms throughout the East Valley.
Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
Whether you’re in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, or anywhere in the East Valley, we’d love to help you build a bathroom that fits the way you actually live. As a licensed general contractor (ROC #309760) with hundreds of completed remodels behind us, we manage every detail from design through final inspection. Start with a Virtual Showroom 3D design consultation to see your finished space before we build.
Get Your Free Estimate Today →
We’ll set up a free consultation, talk through your vision, provide a detailed estimate, and answer every question. No pressure—just honest advice from experienced professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a built-in shower bench and a freestanding shower seat?
A built-in bench is tiled into the shower as a permanent ledge, while a freestanding seat—like the wicker bench Mitch and Sue chose—sits in the drying area and can be moved or swapped out anytime. Freestanding seats add flexibility and a softer look, and they’re a great option when you want somewhere to sit or dry off without committing to a permanent built-in.
Why use a large glass panel instead of a pony wall in a shower?
A single large glass panel keeps the shower feeling open and lets the tile and finishes show through, while still containing water. It’s often a better price point than building and tiling a pony wall, and by relocating the shower valves to another wall, we were able to run one continuous panel—about five and a half feet long—for a clean, expansive look.
Do grab bars have to look institutional?
Not at all. Today’s grab bars come in finishes like matte black that blend right into a modern shower, so they add safety and support without looking clinical. They’re a smart addition for any bathroom, especially if you’re planning to age in place.
Have more questions? Visit our bathroom remodeling FAQ page for detailed answers about costs, timelines, materials, and design options.
Follow Our Work
Want to see more bathroom transformations and pick up ideas for your own remodel? Follow us on YouTube for full project walkthroughs, design tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at our process:
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Explore Our Bathroom Remodeling Services
Interested in a similar transformation? We specialize in comprehensive bathroom remodeling throughout the East Valley. Our services include:
🚿 Shower Services
Virtual Showroom 3D Design Consultation – See your bathroom before we build
Walk-In Shower Installation →
Curbless Shower Installation →
Tub-to-Shower Conversion →
Shower Waterproofing (S.W.A.N. Plan) →
Shower Tile Installation →
🛁 Complete Bathroom Solutions
Complete Bathroom Remodeling →
Master Bathroom Remodeling →
Small Bathroom Remodeling →
Bathtub Installation →
Tile Flooring Installation →
📍 Service Areas
We provide professional bathroom remodeling services throughout the East Valley:
