Walk-in Bathtub or a Walk-in Shower Which is Best for You?

The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but it is one of the most-used rooms. You start and end your day in this little room. When it comes time to consider a bathroom remodeling project, homeowners often find themselves trying to decide between a walk-in bathtub or a walk-in shower. Does one make more sense than the other? Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine which is the right choice for you.

Who is likely to be using this bathroom?

Who are the main people in your household that will be using the bathing facilities? Younger to middle-aged busy couples and their busy, on-the-go schedules tend to lean toward a walk-in shower. It’s convenient and it’s fast. However, showers are not practical if there are children in the home. A tub is easier when it comes to bathing babies and toddlers. If you are planning on starting a family, you’ll want at least one bathtub in the house.

If you plan on aging in place, a walk-in shower makes a good investment in your future. Elderly and disabled individuals enjoy the ease of getting in and out of a walk-in shower. However, for those who are aging, or disabled, having a place to sit and bathe can be a matter of safety. A walk-in bathtub is a great solution.

How much space is available?

The average-sized bathroom measures about 40 square feet with a standard bathtub taking up 15 square feet. The bathroom is a busy room in a house and if it seems cramped, it can be uncomfortable and stressful. For smaller bathrooms, a shower is a good choice as they only take up about 12 square feet. It may not seem like much, but it can make a huge difference and make the room feel larger.

What is presently in your bathroom?

When you start planning your bathroom remodeling project, you might consider swapping out all of the full-size bathtubs for walk-in showers. Real estate professionals advise against doing that. If you ever decide to sell the house, it won’t be appealing to young couples who plan on growing their family, expectant couples, and families with smaller children. If your home has a single bathroom, it probably already has a shower-tub combination. However, if the house has more than one bathroom, you have numerous options. Here are a couple of workable options.

  • If you have a tub in a small guest bathroom, replacing it with a walk-in shower opens it up and provides room for changing and dressing.
  • If your master suite has a tub in it, think about keeping it and updating it just for its resale value. If you never use it, you may want to replace it with a walk-in shower.

What’s your bathroom remodeling budget?

A walk-in tub is often less expensive when compared to a walk-in shower. But the convenience of a shower makes it a top trending choice among shower and bath solutions. For the most part, homeowners are choosing to upgrade showers when remodeling bathrooms. Having an updated bathroom can increase resale value by as much as 20%. The overall cost of a walk-in tub or shower can vary depending on the brand and features you want to add.  

Final Verdict: Walk-In Shower vs. Walk-In Tub

When it comes to choosing between a walk-in shower or bathtub, there is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you have a small bathroom, a shower might be the best option. If you want a luxurious bathing experience, a walk-in tub might be the way to go. And if you’re concerned about safety, a walk-in tub can give you peace of mind.  

Are you ready to upgrade your home with a walk-in shower or walk-in bathtub? Contact Woodbridge Shower & Bath today to schedule an appointment. Call 972-440-5574 for a free estimate.

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