A common dilemma for homeowners remodeling their bathroom is deciding between a walk-in shower and a tub. The choice depends on your personal preferences and the option that most complements your lifestyle. A shower offers convenience and optimal function, but a tub enables a sense of luxury and relaxation.

A tub will need additional square footage compared to a walk-in shower, making it necessary to consider the room’s available space. It is possible to accommodate the desire for a tub in a small space with a little creativity in maximizing the square footage. A shower can be designed to fit seamlessly.

Regardless of which you choose, each can be readily incorporated into any bathroom design for a visually appealing aesthetic. A newly renovated bathroom can add value to the property. Consider the market trends and buyer preferences for your location when deciding.

Factors To Consider When Deciding Between a Walk-In Shower and a Bathtub

Most homeowners face the eternal battle of whether to include a walk-in shower or bathtub when building a new home or remodeling an existing space. The decision ultimately comes down to your personal choice but warrants careful consideration.

A few variables can play a part in which option you go with. A qualified builder, click here, will go over the factors to help you make a more informed choice. Let’s look at some of the primary considerations.

The bathroom size

In the debate between a bath or shower, a primary factor to consider is the bathroom’s size. After measuring the space thoroughly, you may realize that fitting both won’t be a viable choice, leaving you the inevitable choice.

The standard tub measures roughly 700 mm wide and 1700 mm long which can consume a smaller bathroom’s square footage. A shower takes up far less space. The room’s layout also is key since safety regulations dictate that electrical fittings stay a certain distance from water fittings.

Most people want to avoid having a cramped space which would be the case if a tub and shower were put in the room. It would leave little space for storage. Tubs are available in compact sizes to settle the dilemma, but if this isn’t satisfactory for your needs, the shower enclosure would likely win out.

The budget

Regardless of whether your bathroom is an adequate size to accommodate a desire for a shower and a tub, budget constraints may prevent this luxury. You must establish a realistic budget when collaborating with the builder to determine what you can reasonably afford.

A budget-friendly small tub can start at roughly $200 while the high-end luxury appliance can soar into the thousands. Installation costs are another consideration and can range broadly from one provider to the next.

A cost-efficient shower can start in the lower hundreds and range close to $1000 for a quality product. The glass enclosure, however, can add as much as $500 to that price and installation, again, will vary. In fact, the walk-in shower can appeal to the budget conscious.

Who’s using the bathroom

Everyone in the household wants to have a convenient and comfortable wash-up experience. That can mean different things from one person to the next and depending on age. Bathtubs can pose a safety hazard, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments or seniors considering the challenge in getting in and the slippery floor.

In a shower, the floor is often textured, and a bench can be added for optimal safety.

For families with small children, it’s ideal to have a bathtub for the ease they offer when bathing a child. There’s nothing more fun for a kid than playing with toys in the bath.

A shower is a fast and convenient choice for those with harried morning routines. If you have a more casual and laid-back lifestyle, you can enjoy the leisure of a tub.

These enable a long, relaxing soak. Visit – Walk-In Showers vs. Walk-In Tubs (2025) | ConsumerAffairs® – for a comparison between walk-in tubs and walk-in showers depending on your family situation.

Property value

If you’re considering selling your home in the future, you want to have the highest resale value. In most cases real estate agents suggest that homeowners keep the tub when remodeling. This allows a diverse audience to consider the purchase and a greater likelihood of getting the price you want.

If you want to hedge your bets and your budget is relatively open, you should consider the idea of both a walk-in shower to appeal to an even broader market.

Final Thought

Tubs and walk-in showers each have individual advantages and downsides. Weighing these against your personal preferences and lifestyle needs is essential to ultimately have a bathroom that’s convenient for your daily routine and comfortable after a long day. Read here for guidance on the tub vs shower debate.

If you’re challenged to decide, approach your builder for guidance. These professionals have extensive knowledge and expertise in helping homeowners make a suitable decision to accommodate their needs and preferences.