In a slab home, how hard is it to remove a tub and build a shower?

Hi Jimbo...

Really not so bad today... as long as using a shower pan made for this exact situation... ;)

Check out the pic. Below.

It is a pre-fabricated shower pan that replaces a tub exactly. You only need to move the tub drain slightly AND increase the 1.5" pipe to 2" (may even be 2" underground already).

Anyway, you would rip out the old tub and walls, align drain and then install the 60" x 32" pre-fab. shower pan in modified thinset mortar or similar bedding substrate, level the pan, then install 1/2" cement backerboard at walls, tile and should be all set!!

This is far easier than installing a custom shower pan and as long as set in mortar base is just as sturdy and has less chance of leaking years from now.

Check out this link for information on building your own custom shower:

How to Build a Shower Pan

And then check out this link for information on installing hardibacker cement board properly:

James Hardie: HardieBacker 1/2'' backerboard

Obviously, I recommend the pre-fab. Shower floor... ;)

Let us know if you need more information... glad to help... MARK

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That looks like a Swanstone 3260r retro shower pan, was I close Mark? Your old tub drain will be about 6" off from where you need it but the trap is ina open box in the concrete, you will not have too big of a problem. If you go with this retro pan tell us because there are a few short cuts and trick to installing them, They pan runs about $239 from Home Depot special order.

I think that is exactly the one, Bob!

If not, then here is a site for Jimbo to check those out... in colors!!

Swanstone SR-3260 - 32" x 60" Retrofit Shower Base

Good day all!

We will stay in touch. I have done this before but it was a wood frame house and I am a school bus mechanic in fl. Your advice is great

Glad to help Jimbo!

Anytime.