Master Bath Remodel in Tempe — Curbless Shower & Tile Upgrade

Watch the Complete Transformation

See this Tempe master bathroom transform from an outdated sunken tub layout to a modern curbless walk-in shower retreat. This video showcases the tub removal, pony wall construction, floating bench installation, custom niches, marble-look tile, and all the luxury features that create this spa-inspired space.

Project Overview

This Tempe, Arizona master bathroom remodel represents a dramatic transformation from an outdated layout to a sleek, modern spa-inspired retreat. We removed the bulky sunken tub and reimagined the entire space to create a seamless curbless walk-in shower and a bright, open environment that serves the homeowners beautifully for daily use and relaxation.

The centerpiece of this transformation is the curbless walk-in shower with custom pony wall that provides privacy while maintaining the open, accessible design. We installed a smaller window for natural light with enhanced privacy, then surrounded the shower with large-format 12×24 marble-look porcelain tile that delivers the elegance of natural marble without the maintenance requirements or cost.

Inside the shower, we added a floating bench seat for comfort and convenience, along with a corner shelf and tall niche with glass shelf for organized storage. A custom foot niche positioned at the perfect height provides dedicated space for leg-shaving convenience. The upgraded plumbing system includes pony wall valve access for easy future maintenance and a 3-function diverter that controls multiple water outlets for versatile showering options.

The flat pebble stone shower pan provides natural texture and spa-like comfort underfoot while delivering excellent slip resistance for safety. This comprehensive transformation brings together modern design, thoughtful storage, elevated plumbing features, and barrier-free accessibility in a master bathroom that feels as good as it looks.

Ready to transform your own master bathroom with a curbless shower and luxury features? Learn more about our bathroom remodeling services and discover how we can create a spa-quality retreat in your Tempe home.

Project Highlights

🛁 Sunken Tub Removal & Layout Transformation

• Complete tub removal – Eliminated rarely-used sunken Roman tub
• Layout reimagined – Created open, accessible shower space
• Structural modifications – Floor build-up and waterproofing systems
• Improved functionality – Modern shower replaces outdated tub

🚿 Curbless Walk-In Shower

• Zero-threshold entry – Seamless transition for accessibility
• Barrier-free design – Easy access without step-over curb
• Proper drainage engineering – Correct slopes prevent water escape
• Modern spa aesthetic – Contemporary styling with practical benefits

🧱 Custom Pony Wall

• Privacy without doors – Partial wall provides visual barrier
• Improved layout flow – Better space division and function
• Valve access built-in – Easy future plumbing maintenance
• Tile-integrated construction – Seamless design with waterproof integrity

🪟 Window Modification

• Smaller window installed – Reduced size for better privacy
• Natural light maintained – Still brightens shower area
• Enhanced privacy – Better balance of light and discretion
• Professional installation – Proper waterproofing around opening

🧱 12×24 Marble-Look Tile

• Large-format porcelain – Contemporary styling with minimal grout lines
• Marble aesthetic – Elegant natural stone appearance
• Easy maintenance – No sealing required like real marble
• Professional installation – Precise alignment throughout

🪑 Floating Bench & Custom Storage

• Floating bench seat – Wall-mounted for sleek appearance
• Corner shelf – Additional storage at convenient height
• Tall niche with glass shelf – Organized product storage
• Custom foot niche – Positioned perfectly for leg shaving

💧 Upgraded Plumbing System

• 3-function diverter – Controls multiple shower outlets
• Pony wall valve access – Easy future maintenance
• Quality fixtures – Water-efficient, durable performance
• Versatile functionality – Multiple showering options

🪨 Flat Pebble Stone Pan

• Natural texture – Spa-like organic appearance
• Excellent slip resistance – Safety feature with beautiful aesthetics
• Comfortable underfoot – Gentle massage effect
• Professional installation – Proper slope and waterproofing

✅ Complete Master Bath Transformation

• Licensed contractor – ROC #309760, fully insured and bonded
• Comprehensive renovation – Complete layout and design transformation
• 4-week timeline – Major project completed efficiently
• Spa-quality result – Luxury features throughout

Why This Design Works for Tempe Master Bathrooms

Pony walls in curbless showers solve a common design challenge—how to provide privacy and visual separation without compromising the open, accessible nature of barrier-free design. The partial wall blocks direct sightlines from the bathroom entry while maintaining the seamless floor transition that makes curbless showers both beautiful and universally accessible. This thoughtful balance creates privacy without doors, glass panels, or accessibility barriers.

Building valve access into the pony wall demonstrates forward-thinking construction planning. Most shower valves are hidden behind walls, requiring drywall demolition for future repairs or updates. By incorporating an access panel into the pony wall design, we enable easy valve maintenance without damaging finished surfaces—a detail that saves significant hassle and expense over the bathroom’s lifetime.

The window modification from large to smaller represents smart privacy planning. While natural light enhances bathrooms beautifully, oversized windows in shower areas can create privacy concerns—particularly in neighborhoods with nearby homes. Reducing window size while maintaining adequate natural light strikes the perfect balance, providing brightness without exposure. The smaller opening also simplifies waterproofing and reduces potential leak points.

Combining marble-look porcelain tile on walls with pebble stone on the floor creates textural contrast that prevents visual monotony while serving practical purposes. The smooth large-format tile on walls provides easy cleaning and elegant appearance, while the textured pebble floor delivers superior slip resistance. This pairing demonstrates how selecting different materials for different zones creates both better aesthetics and better performance.

Tempe Bathroom Remodeling Expertise

This master bathroom transformation is one of many curbless shower installations we’ve completed throughout Tempe, from near ASU to South Tempe, from Warner Ranch to Kyrene Corridor. Our experience with complex layout modifications, sunken tub conversions, and curbless shower construction means we can handle projects requiring both structural expertise and design sophistication.

We know which materials perform best in Arizona’s climate, and our relationships with trusted tile suppliers ensure access to quality marble-look porcelain and pebble mosaics without delays. This local expertise translates directly into better material recommendations, smoother projects, and superior outcomes for Tempe homeowners pursuing comprehensive master bathroom transformations.

Ready to Transform Your Tempe Master Bathroom?

Whether you’re interested in curbless shower installation, sunken tub conversion, pony wall construction, or complete master bathroom renovation, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. As a licensed general contractor (ROC #309760) serving Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, and throughout the Valley, we have the expertise to handle complex transformations with quality craftsmanship.

Get Your Free Estimate Today →

We’ll schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your goals, assess your space, provide detailed recommendations, and answer all your questions. No pressure, just honest advice from experienced professionals who’ve completed hundreds of successful bathroom remodels throughout Tempe and the Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pony wall in a shower and why use one?

A pony wall (also called knee wall or half wall) is a partial-height wall that provides privacy and visual separation without enclosing the space completely. In curbless showers, pony walls offer privacy without doors, improved layout flow and space division, locations for built-in storage or benches, and valve access opportunities. They’re particularly useful in open shower designs where full walls or glass panels aren’t desired.

Can you convert a sunken tub to a curbless shower?

Yes! Sunken tub to curbless shower conversions are complex but achievable projects. The process involves removing the tub and surround, filling and leveling the sunken area, building proper drainage slopes for the curbless pan, installing comprehensive waterproofing systems, and constructing the new shower with tile and fixtures. Professional installation ensures proper drainage, waterproofing, and accessibility compliance.

What are the benefits of valve access in a pony wall?

Pony wall valve access provides easy maintenance without drywall damage, simple future fixture upgrades without demolition, reduced repair costs over bathroom lifetime, and professional planning that prevents future headaches. The access panel is typically hidden behind tile or a removable panel, maintaining aesthetics while providing practical benefits homeowners appreciate when repairs are eventually needed.

Should I use marble-look tile or real marble in my shower?

For most homeowners, marble-look porcelain tile is superior to real marble in showers. Benefits include no sealing required (porcelain is non-porous), easier maintenance without etching or staining concerns, more affordable with similar aesthetics, and consistent appearance without natural stone variation. Modern porcelain creates such realistic marble appearance that most people cannot distinguish it from real stone while delivering better shower performance.

Have more questions? Visit our bathroom remodeling FAQ page for comprehensive answers about curbless showers, layout transformations, and complex renovations.

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Proudly serving Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek, and throughout the Phoenix Valley with licensed, professional bathroom remodeling services.