Bathtub Replacement with New Tile and Sliding Glass Shower Door in Arvada, Colorado

This bathtub replacement project in Arvada, Colorado gave a Ralston Valley homeowner a safer, modern-looking, and easier-to-clean tub and shower before guests arrived. The existing bathroom had an older bathtub surrounded by white tile. Some of the tile had begun coming loose, and demolition revealed that drywall had been used as the tile backer. Fortunately, the homeowner addressed the issue early, and we did not find water damage, mold, rot, or damaged framing behind the old surround.

Arvada Handyman removed the existing bathtub, tile, drywall/backer, and other demolition debris. Our trusted plumber then set the new Delta Classic 500 bathtub, connected the drain and overflow, installed the new mixing valve, tub spout and showerhead, and raised the showerhead.

We installed GoBoard behind the new TrafficMaster ceramic tile to create a tile-ready, waterproof backer system. The light gray tile with darker gray and charcoal patterning gave the shower a clean, updated appearance. A Delta Portwood 60-inch semi-frameless sliding shower door with 6 mm clear glass completed the transformation.

We also performed minor drywall repair, relocated the towel bar, completed the necessary caulking and sealing, and removed all construction debris. The entire project was completed in four days.

Arvada Bathtub and Tile Replacement for an Aging Shower

This Ralston Valley homeowner contacted Arvada Handyman when it was time to update an aging bathtub and tile surround. Guests were coming, and the homeowner wanted the bathroom completed beforehand. The goal wasn't simply a cosmetic update. He wanted a tub and shower that felt safer, looked modern, and would be easier to keep clean.

The existing white tile surround was showing its age, and some tiles had started to come loose. Once demolition began, we found that the tile had been installed over drywall rather than the type of waterproof tile-backer system we use for a new tub surround.

Fixing Loose Shower Tile Before It Became a Bigger Problem

The homeowner caught the deteriorating surround early. After removing the existing materials, we found no significant hidden problems behind the walls. There was no water damage, mold, rot, or damaged framing to repair.

That allowed us to move forward with the planned bathtub and tile replacement without adding unexpected structural repairs to the project.

Complete Tub Surround Remodel and Finish Work

Arvada Handyman removed the old bathtub, tile, drywall/backer, and related debris. Our trusted plumber handled all plumbing work, including setting the Delta Classic 500 bathtub, connecting the drain and overflow, installing the new mixing valve, tub spout and showerhead, and raising the showerhead.

We then prepared the surround with GoBoard, installed the new TrafficMaster ceramic wall tile, and installed the Delta Portwood sliding glass shower door. Finishing work included caulking and sealing as needed, repairing a small drywall area, and moving the towel bar to provide additional space around the new shower enclosure.

Materials Selected for the New Arvada Tub and Shower

The remodeled tub and shower combines a Delta Classic 500 bathtub with TrafficMaster ceramic wall tile. The light gray tile features darker gray and charcoal patterning that gives the surround a more modern appearance while working well with the bathroom's existing finishes.

Behind the tile, we installed GoBoard as the waterproof tile backer. The shower was finished with a Moen Adler faucet setup and a Delta Portwood 60-inch semi-frameless sliding shower door with 6 mm clear glass.

From Demolition to Finished Shower in Four Days

We started by removing the existing tub, tile, and drywall/backer to expose the wall framing. After confirming that there were no hidden water-damage issues, our plumber completed the new tub installation and plumbing.

Arvada Handyman installed the GoBoard and prepared the surround for tile. The TrafficMaster ceramic tile was then installed around the bathtub, followed by the necessary finishing and sealing work. Once the surround was ready, we installed the semi-frameless sliding glass door.

The project also included a small drywall repair and relocating the existing towel bar for better clearance. From demolition through the finished bathroom, the project took four days.

Creating a Modern Shower Without Adding Unnecessary Maintenance

The homeowner chose not to add a recessed shower niche. While niches can provide built-in storage, they add cost and create additional surfaces and corners that need cleaning. For this bathroom, the homeowner preferred a simpler surround that would be easier to maintain.

The clear sliding glass door also allows the new tile to remain visible while giving the tub/shower a clean, updated appearance.

A Safer, Cleaner-Looking Tub and Shower for an Arvada Home

The completed bathtub replacement gave this Arvada homeowner the updated bathroom he was looking for. Instead of an aging surround with loose tile over drywall, the new shower features GoBoard behind the ceramic tile, a new Delta bathtub, updated shower fixtures, and a semi-frameless glass enclosure.

The new gray TrafficMaster tile provides a modern look, while the clear glass doors keep the tile visible and give the tub/shower area a more open appearance. Choosing a straightforward tile surround without a niche also helps reduce the number of corners and ledges that require routine cleaning.

A Finished Bathroom Ready for Guests

Just as importantly, the bathroom was completed before the homeowner's guests arrived. From the initial demolition through the final glass-door installation and finishing details, the project took four days.

Arvada Handyman also handled the construction cleanup and disposal. The old bathtub, tile, drywall/backer, and demolition debris were removed from the property, leaving the homeowner with a clean, finished bathroom instead of a pile of remodeling debris to deal with.

For Arvada homeowners with an aging bathtub, loose shower tile, or an outdated tub surround, this project shows how much can change within a focused bathroom update.

FAQs

How long does a bathtub and tile replacement take in Arvada?

This Arvada bathtub replacement was completed in four days from demolition through the finished tub, tile surround, and glass shower door. Four days is a typical duration for many projects of this type, but every bathroom is different. Hidden damage, tile selections, plumbing changes, material availability, and the specific scope of work can affect the final project schedule.

What was behind the old shower tile?

The old tile had been installed using drywall as the backer. After removing the tile and drywall, we were able to inspect the exposed area. Fortunately, the homeowner caught the loose-tile problem early, and we did not find water damage, mold, rot, or damaged framing that needed to be repaired before the new installation could begin.

What did you use behind the new shower tile?

For this Arvada tub surround, Arvada Handyman installed GoBoard behind the new TrafficMaster ceramic tile. GoBoard provides a waterproof, tile-ready backer system for wet areas. It replaced the drywall that had been behind the old tile and provided the appropriate substrate for the new ceramic tile surround.

Who handled the plumbing during the bathtub replacement?

Arvada Handyman completed the remodeling work but brought in our trusted plumber for the plumbing portion of the project. The plumber set the Delta Classic 500 bathtub, connected the drain and overflow, installed the new mixing valve, tub spout and showerhead, and raised the showerhead. We then continued with the surrounding bathroom renovation and finish work.

Why didn't this shower include a recessed niche?

The homeowner intentionally decided against adding a shower niche. Cost was one consideration, but easier cleaning was also important. A niche introduces additional corners, grout lines, and horizontal surfaces that need regular cleaning. For this bathroom, the homeowner preferred a simpler tile surround that provided the modern appearance he wanted without adding another feature that required ongoing maintenance.

Can a sliding glass door be added when replacing a bathtub?

A sliding glass enclosure can be part of a bathtub replacement when the selected products and installation conditions are appropriate. On this project, we installed a Delta Portwood 60-inch semi-frameless sliding shower door with 6 mm clear glass. The clear glass showcases the new ceramic tile and gives this Arvada bathroom a clean, modern finished appearance.