The Great Swap: Why Tub-to-Shower Conversions are the Ultimate 2026 Home Upgrade

For many homeowners in Killeen, Harker Heights, and Temple, the standard bathtub has become a decorative dust-collector. It’s a hurdle to climb over every morning and a waste of valuable real estate in a room that should be your sanctuary.

In 2026, the “Tub-to-Shower Conversion” has moved from a niche accessibility fix to a high-end design staple. At Technique Flooring & Restoration, we’ve spent 35 years helping Central Texas neighbors modernize their homes.

We’ve found that by removing a bulky, unused tub and replacing it with a custom-tiled walk-in shower, you don’t just change the look of your bathroom—you change the way you start your day.

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Custom Shower Remodel

1. The “Spatial Illusion”: Making Small Bathrooms Feel Massive

Most standard bathrooms are built with a 5-foot alcove tub. This creates a visual “wall” that cuts your bathroom in half.

• The Benefit: When you swap that tub for a shower with a seamless glass enclosure, the eye can see all the way to the back wall. This immediately makes a small bathroom feel twice as large.
• The 2026 Trend: By using the same tile on the bathroom floor as the shower floor (a “curbless” entry), you create a continuous, “Wet Room” aesthetic that feels like a high-end boutique hotel.

2. Luxury Meets Safety: The Beauty of Universal Design

You don’t have to be “aging in place” to appreciate the convenience of a walk-in shower. However, making your home safer is one of the best ways to protect its long-term resale value.

• The Benefit: Stepping over a 15-inch tub wall is a tripping hazard for everyone from toddlers to seniors. A low-profile or curbless shower entry eliminates this barrier entirely.
• The Design Tip: In 2026, we are installing “Statement Grab Bars” and built-in “Floating Benches.” These aren’t the clinical, stainless steel bars of the past; they are beautiful, matte-black or champagne-gold fixtures that look like intentional design choices.

3. Customization: The “Jewel Box” Shower

A tub-to-shower conversion is your chance to showcase the 2026 tile trends we’ve discussed in our showroom.

• Vertical Subway Tile: As we mentioned in our recent design edits, installing tiles vertically in your new shower stall draws the eye to the ceiling, creating a sense of “grandeur” and height.
• Niche Design: We can install custom, recessed niches for your soaps and shampoos, often using a “Statement Tile” (like a bold hexagon or a shimmering Murano-effect mosaic) to create a focal point within the shower.

4. Water Efficiency and Maintenance

Modern showerheads—especially dual rain shower/handheld combos—often use less water than filling a 50-gallon bathtub, which is great for our Central Texas utility bills.

• The Benefit: Large-format tiles (like $24 \times 48$-inch porcelain) mean fewer grout lines. Less grout means fewer places for mold and mildew to hide.
• The Technique Standard: We use high-performance, stain-resistant grouts that don’t require the constant scrubbing of traditional cement grout. When combined with our IICRC-certified professional tile cleaning, your new shower will look “showroom new” for years.

5. Why Expertise Matters: The “Below-the-Surface” Reality

A shower is only as good as its waterproofing. Unlike a tub, which holds water in a basin, a shower relies on a sophisticated system of liners, slopes, and drains to keep water out of your walls and subfloor.

• The Challenge: In Killeen and Temple, our shifting “Blackland Prairie” soil can cause minor cracks in rigid structures.
• The Technique Touch: We specialize in the “wet work”—ensuring the shower pan is perfectly pitched for drainage and that the waterproofing membrane is flawless. While we do not perform structural foundation repairs, we ensure that from the slab up, your shower is a fortress against moisture.

Trust Technique Flooring & Restoration for Your Bathroom Remodel in Killeen, TX

A tub-to-shower conversion is a significant investment in your home’s comfort and value. You shouldn’t trust it to a “handyman” or a cut-rate contractor.

At Technique Flooring & Restoration, we bring 35+ years of technical excellence to every remodel. We understand the unique challenges of Central Texas homes and provide the IICRC-certified precision required to ensure your new shower is as durable as it is beautiful.

We don’t just “swap” your tub; we “Floor You With Excellence” from start to finish. Ditch the tub and stop by Technique Flooring & Restoration. Explore our massive selection of porcelain, stone, and vertical subway tiles.

Tub to Shower Conversion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will removing my only bathtub hurt my home’s resale value?

A: Real estate experts generally agree that as long as there is at least one bathtub left in the home (usually in the guest or “kids” bathroom), converting the master tub to a luxury shower actually increases value and appeal for 2026 buyers.

Q: How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?

A: Most conversions take between 7 to 10 business days. This allows for the demolition of the old tub, plumbing adjustments, waterproofing, tile setting, and grout curing.

Q: Is a curbless shower more expensive?

A: It can be slightly more labor-intensive because the floor must be “recessed” or “pitched” into the slab to ensure drainage. However, the result is a seamless, modern look that is unrivaled in style and safety.