Aurora Tub-to-Shower Conversion with GoBoard & Custom Mud Pan
A complete bathroom transformation — GoBoard waterproofing, custom sloped shower base, 12×24 marble-look tile, wave-pattern accent wall, mosaic floor, black glass enclosure, and coordinated fixtures.
Project Overview
This Aurora bathroom remodel came to us through word of mouth. We had recently completed a shower project nearby, and the homeowners were referred to us specifically as specialists in shower reconstruction. They wanted to replace an outdated bathtub with a proper walk-in shower and update the rest of the bathroom at the same time.
From the beginning, this project was about more than swapping one fixture for another. The clients wanted a cleaner layout, a more practical shower, better storage, and a more modern overall look. We rebuilt the space around a custom sloped shower base, a waterproof wall assembly, a built-in niche, a new glass enclosure, and coordinated bathroom finishes.
The final design combined crisp 12×24 wall tile, a wave-pattern accent wall, dark mosaic shower floor tile, a new vanity, toilet, mirror, and lighting. The finished room feels brighter, more organized, and much more current than the original tub setup.
Project Details
Location
Aurora, CO
Project Type
Tub-to-Shower Conversion + Full Bath
Referral
Word of mouth from nearby project
Investment
Custom quote — full bathroom remodel
Scope of Work
- Tub removal & shower conversion
- GoBoard waterproof walls
- Custom pre-slope + liner mud pan
- 12×24 marble-look wall tile
- Wave-pattern accent wall + niche
- Dark mosaic floor + glass door
- New vanity, toilet, mirror & lighting
The Challenge
The original bathroom was built around a standard tub-shower combination that made the room feel dated and visually cramped. The homeowners wanted a dedicated shower instead, but they also wanted the new installation built the right way from the inside out. For a project like this, appearance matters, but the real success comes from the hidden work: slope, waterproofing, substrate preparation, and material selection.
This remodel also required balancing several design elements in a relatively compact space. The shower needed to feel larger without overwhelming the room. The accent tile had to add movement and personality without making the walls look busy. The bathroom fixtures needed to coordinate visually while still keeping the room functional and easy to maintain.
Our Solution
From demolition to a fully finished bathroom — every step done right
Demolition & Layout
We removed the old tub assembly and reworked the area to create a dedicated walk-in shower footprint. That immediately changed how the room functioned. Instead of stepping into a bathtub, the homeowners now have a true shower space with a more open entry, a cleaner sightline, and a layout that makes better use of the bathroom's square footage.
GoBoard Wall Preparation
For the wall assembly, we used GoBoard, which the homeowner selected in part because it is lightweight, waterproof, and easier to handle during installation than many heavier backer options. That helped us move efficiently through wall preparation while still building a shower enclosure suited for a wet environment.
Traditional Custom Shower Base
For the shower floor, we built a custom sloped pan using the traditional mortar-bed method. That meant starting with a pre-slope, installing a shower liner, and then placing a second mortar layer above it before tile installation. This method is still a strong choice when it is done correctly, especially on projects where a custom floor shape and solid drain slope matter.
We used MAPEI materials for the mud work because the mix is consistent, strong, and well suited to this type of installation. The fine aggregate makes the mud easier to shape and finish, which is important when building a shower slope that has to drain properly and support tile over time.
Tile Installation & Finish Work
The main shower walls were tiled with 12×24 marble-look tile to give the space a cleaner, more expansive look. On the accent wall, we installed wave-pattern tile that introduced texture and movement without overpowering the room.
We also installed a recessed niche directly into the wall for shower products. The shower floor was finished with dark mosaic tile for the slope, and a black-framed glass shower door completed the enclosure.
Bathroom Upgrades Beyond the Shower
To finish the remodel, we installed a new vanity, toilet, mirror, and lighting. The vanity area was tied visually into the shower through coordinated tile, brass-toned faucet and hardware, and updated lighting that made the room feel brighter and more finished. The result is a bathroom where every element feels intentional instead of pieced together.
Project Gallery
From old tub to a completely new bathroom — the full transformation
Technical Standards & Materials
Industry-standard methods for a shower that performs as good as it looks
- CTEF shower slope: 1/4" per foot to drain
- ANSI A108.1 mortar-bed installation standards
- ANSI A108.1B and A108.1C per TCNA current standards
- ANSI A108.22 for pre-mixed grout installations
- GoBoard waterproof tile backer — shower walls
- MAPEI 4 to 1 Mud Bed Mix — custom shower pan
- 12×24 marble-look porcelain wall tile
- Wave-pattern dimensional accent tile
- Dark mosaic tile — shower floor
- MAPEI Flexcolor CQ grout — no-seal, stain-resistant
- Black-framed glass shower door
The Results
This project completely changed how the bathroom works. The old tub-shower combination was removed and replaced with a purpose-built walk-in shower that feels more spacious, more refined, and easier to use every day. The new layout made the room feel less crowded, while the glass enclosure kept the bathroom visually open.
Just as important, the finished shower was built with the kind of hidden structure that matters over time. The custom slope, liner-based pan construction, waterproof backer board, and carefully selected materials all support the long-term performance of the tile installation. Visually, the room now has a clear design story. Functionally, it works far better than it did before.
What Aurora Clients Say
Lisa & Tom H.
Aurora
“Our neighbors recommended South Denver Tile Experts after their shower project, and we couldn't be happier. They converted our old tub into a beautiful walk-in shower and updated the whole bathroom. The wave accent wall is our favorite detail — everyone who visits comments on it.”
Rachel D.
Aurora
“From the custom shower pan to the GoBoard waterproofing to the final glass door, every step was done professionally. The bathroom looks completely different now — brighter, more modern, and so much easier to use. Worth every penny.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about tub-to-shower conversions and custom shower construction
A tub-to-shower conversion can make the room feel larger, simplify daily use, and create a cleaner, more modern layout. It is also a good option when the homeowner uses the shower regularly and wants better access, easier cleaning, and more customized storage.
GoBoard is designed as a waterproof tile backer board, and Johns Manville describes it as ultra-lightweight and up to 80 percent lighter than traditional cement board. That makes it easier to handle during installation while still serving as a strong substrate for tile in wet areas.
A traditional mud shower pan is a site-built shower base formed in layers. In this project, that meant creating a pre-slope first, placing the shower liner, and then building the upper mortar bed that receives the tile finish. This method is still widely respected when it is installed with correct slope and proper drain detailing.
Yes. CTEF notes that the shower floor must slope one-quarter inch per foot toward the drain, and that slope has to be created above the framing rather than by altering the structure itself. That is one reason pre-slope work is so important in a custom shower base.
MAPEI describes 4 to 1 Mud Bed Mix as a preblended combination of finely graded sand and Portland cement for thick-bed mortar installations, and the company specifically says it is ideal for floating shower bases. MAPEI also points installers back to ANSI A108.1 for mortar-bed installation details.
The grout selection was chosen for durability and easier maintenance. MAPEI says Flexcolor CQ is a ready-to-use grout with color-coated quartz that offers stain and chemical resistance, improved cleanability, and no sealing requirement, which is why many homeowners see it as a step up from basic grout options.
Mosaic tile works especially well on a shower floor because the smaller pieces conform more easily to the slope leading to the drain. That helps create a cleaner finished pan and gives better traction underfoot than many larger-format floor options.
Yes. This project is a good example. Along with the shower conversion, we updated the vanity, toilet, mirror, and lighting so the finished room felt cohesive instead of looking like only one section had been remodeled.
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