The Bristol Bathroom Pit Stop: Ditching the Garden Tub
Bristol, Tennessee might be famous as the “Birthplace of Country Music” and home to the high-speed thrills of the Bristol Motor Speedway, but there was absolutely nothing thrilling—or fast—about the Owsley family’s bathroom routine.
Like many homeowners, the Owsleys had a massive garden tub taking up prime real estate in their bathroom. While it may have seemed like a luxurious idea at the time, the reality was starkly different.
The Challenge: The Unscalable Wall
Getting in and out of an oversized garden tub shouldn’t require the agility of a hurdle jumper or a specialized training montage. The Owsleys found themselves with a bathtub that was nearly impossible to safely step into and out of. As a result, this massive fixture sat completely unused, acting as a giant, porcelain paperweight taking up half their bathroom. It was time for a change.
The Solution: A Modern, Low-Maintenance Makeover
The Owsleys called in the pros at Custom Bath & Shower to perform one of our most popular renovations: a complete tub-to-shower conversion. The goal was simple—turn that treacherous, wasted space into a large, safe, and beautiful shower that required zero elbow grease to keep clean.
To give the space a fresh, contemporary vibe, the Owsleys chose our popular “wavy” wall panels. Not only does this texture provide a gorgeous, modern aesthetic that catches the natural light, but it completely eliminates the need to scrub dirty grout lines.
We also had to tackle the window area. A window in a shower is fantastic for letting in that beautiful Tennessee morning light, but it can be a nightmare for water damage if not handled correctly. Our team installed custom window trim that perfectly matches the new shower. It seamlessly integrates the window into the wet area while remaining 100% maintenance-free and waterproof.
The Outcome: A Safe, Spacious Speedway
The transformation was night and day. We replaced the hazardous garden tub with an expansive, accessible walk-in shower that features a sleek, low-threshold entry. We added a sturdy safety grab bar and a comfortable built-in bench seat, ensuring that the shower is as safe as it is stylish.
Now, instead of navigating an obstacle course every morning, the Owsleys can effortlessly step into a spacious, modern shower that practically cleans itself. The wavy wall panels look fantastic, the window trim is securely waterproofed, and the bathroom feels twice as big.
