Replacing a bathtub with a shower tray involves removing the existing bathtub and substituting it with a floor-level shower tray, while adapting the drainage, tiling, and fixtures. In Spain, this is a standard renovation that is usually completed in two or three days, with an indicative price ranging—depending on the scope—from about €600 to over €1,500.
Gaining space, improving accessibility, and modernizing the bathroom without undergoing a full renovation are the reasons that drive thousands of households to take this step every year. In this guide, we explain, with verifiable data and no fluff, what the replacement actually entails: how much it costs by line item, how long it takes, what the step-by-step process is, and how to choose the right tray. The trays and measurements we cite are taken from the Merkimarket shower tray catalog.
Key facts about switching from a bathtub to a shower tray
- Duration of the work: between 1 and 3 working days in most private bathrooms.
- Indicative price: from about €600 (simple replacement) to €1,500 or more if full tiling and a new shower screen are included.
- Space gained: a shower occupies the same footprint as the bathtub but frees up visual and passage volume.
- Accessibility: a flush-fitted tray eliminates the step, which is the most dangerous spot in the bathroom for the elderly.
- Most common tray materials: resin/mineral filler, acrylic, and porcelain (fine fire clay).
- Non-slip: look for finishes with C3 classification for safe domestic use.
- Warranty: like any product sold to consumers in Spain, the trays are covered by a minimum legal warranty of three years against non-conformity.
With these facts, you now have a general overview; below, we develop each point so you can decide with criteria.
Why change the bathtub for a shower tray?
The most repeated motivation is practical: the shower is used daily, while the bathtub, in most homes, is barely filled a handful of times a year. Replacing it with a flush-fitted tray has three clear advantages. The first is accessibility: the step that must be navigated to enter and exit disappears, which is the number one cause of slips in the bathroom, making it decisive for the elderly or those with reduced mobility. The second is the feeling of spaciousness: even if the occupied surface area is similar, an extra-flat tray and a transparent shower screen clear the view and make the bathroom look larger. The third is water savings: a shower consumes significantly less than filling a bathtub, with the consequent effect on your bill.
How much does it cost to change a bathtub for a shower tray
The price depends primarily on whether you are only replacing the tray or if you are also redoing the tiling, changing the fixtures, and installing a new shower screen. To see where each euro goes, here is an indicative breakdown by item for a standard bathroom in Spain. These are reference ranges: each quote varies according to the city, quality of materials, and the prior state of the installation.
| Item | What it includes | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Bathtub removal | Demolition, debris removal, and waste disposal | €120 – €250 |
| Shower tray | New tray (depending on material and size) | €150 – €500 |
| Installation and drainage | Siphon adaptation, leveling, and sealing | €150 – €350 |
| Tiling and finishing | Tile work in the affected area and masonry | €150 – €500 |
| Fixtures and shower screen | Shower column or faucet and new screen | €200 – €600 |
In practice, a basic replacement (removing the bathtub, placing the tray, and reusing existing fixtures and tiling) can range from €600–€800, while a renovation that includes new tiling, thermostatic fixtures, and a custom shower screen approaches or exceeds €1,500. Remember that the price of the tray itself is only one part: check each catalog page for the current amount.
Timelines: how long the work takes
This is one of the great advantages compared to a full renovation. In a normal private bathroom, the change from a bathtub to a shower tray is usually completed in one to three working days. The first day is focused on the messy part—removing the bathtub, adapting the drain, and preparing the base; the second is for placing the tray, tiling the affected area, and sealing joints; and, if necessary, a third day for assembling the screen and fixtures once the materials have set. The factor that most extends the timelines is the curing of the mortar and the sealant: it is advisable not to use the shower until the sealant manufacturer and the installer indicate it is safe, usually 24–48 hours.
The step-by-step process
Although it is best to leave the installation in the hands of a professional, knowing how it is done helps you supervise the work and detect sloppy jobs. These are the usual steps:
- Water shut-off and disassembly. The shut-off valves are closed, the fixtures are removed, and the bathtub screen or curtain is dismantled.
- Bathtub removal. The apron is chipped away and the bathtub is extracted, checking the condition of the plumbing that remains exposed.
- Drain adaptation. The bathtub drain is adapted to the position and height of the new tray's siphon; this is the most technical point and the one that prevents future bad odors and clogs.
- Base preparation. The surface is leveled and prepared so that the tray rests perfectly, without gaps that could cause noises or cracks.
- Tray placement. The tray is set, the level and the slope toward the drain are checked, and it is fixed according to the type (flush-mounted, semi-recessed, or on legs).
- Tiling and sealing. The tiling in the area is repaired and all joints are sealed with sanitary-grade material to ensure watertightness.
- Final assembly. The fixtures are installed—often this is a good opportunity to add a new shower column or faucet—and the screen is installed, checking that there are no leaks.
How to choose a replacement shower tray
Getting the tray right is key for the result to be durable and safe. There are three decisions that take precedence over the others:
The size. The logical approach is to make use of the space left by the bathtub. Standard bathtubs usually measure 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180 cm long, and in the catalog, you will find rectangular trays in all those lengths, such as the Open 170 cm rectangular tray by Unisan, designed precisely to fit where the bathtub was. Always measure the actual space before buying.
The material. The most common are resin or mineral filler (warm to the touch and very resistant), acrylic (light and economical), and porcelain or fine fire clay (ceramic hardness and easy to clean). Each one has its own balance between price, weight, and maintenance; we detail this in the guide to choosing a shower tray.
Non-slip safety. If the goal is accessibility, prioritize a tray with a non-slip surface. Options like the 140x90 cm Stepin non-slip tray are designed to reduce the risk of slipping, which is especially important in households with elderly people.
With or without construction work: two paths
There are express replacement systems that place the tray over the bathtub cavity without tearing up the entire bathroom, reducing the work to just one day. They are convenient and minimize dust, but they do not always allow for the tray to be flush with the floor or to properly resolve the drainage if the installation is old. Conventional construction—tearing up, adapting the drain, and tiling—is somewhat longer and more expensive, but it leaves a flush-to-floor finish, which is safer and more aesthetic, and allows for the hidden plumbing to be checked. As a rule: if you are looking for speed and a tight budget, consider the express route; if you want real accessibility and an impeccable result, conventional construction pays off.
Common mistakes that end up being expensive
The most common failure is not measuring the gap well and buying a tray that does not fit, forcing unsightly cuts or fillers. The second is neglecting the drain: reusing an improperly sized siphon causes slow drainage and odors. The third is choosing a tray without a non-slip finish when the reason for the change was precisely safety. And the fourth is forgetting the shower screen: changing the tray and leaving a curtain looks poor and causes splashes. Planning everything together, as part of a small renovation, avoids surprises; if you are thinking of going further, our guide on how to renovate the bathroom will help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to change the bathtub for a shower tray?
The indicative price ranges from about €600 for a simple replacement to €1,500 or more if new tiling, fixtures, and a screen are included. The cost depends on the city, the materials, and the previous state of the installation.
How long does the work take?
In a normal private bathroom, between one and three working days. The timeline is primarily extended by the drying time of the mortar and the sealant, which usually requires 24–48 hours before the shower can be used.
Can it be done without construction work?
There are express replacement systems that place the tray over the bathtub cavity with very little construction, ideal for their speed and cleanliness. They do not always allow the tray to be flush with the floor or to resolve old drains, so it is advisable to evaluate each case.
What tray size do I need?
It is usual to make use of the length left by the bathtub: 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180 cm. Measure the actual space before buying and choose a rectangular tray of that length for a clean fit.
Article written by the Merkimarket editorial team. The trays, measurements, and materials cited are taken from the Merkimarket catalog. Prices are indicative ranges and may vary; consult each entry and request a quote for current information in Spain.
