Walk In Shower vs Bathtub: Pros and Cons Homeowners Should Know

Choosing between walk in shower vs bathtub isn’t just a style call, it shapes your daily routine, your bathroom layout, and even your home’s resale value.

We’ll help you weigh how you actually live (think quick shower vs relaxing soak), your space availability, and the true costs of building it right so the finished room feels effortless day after day.

If you’re working with a small bathroom, a curbless walk in shower with a glass door can free up more room and boost accessibility with grab bars and non slip tiles.

Got young children or pets to wash? A tub and shower setup keeps bath time easy and future buyers happy with at least one bathtub in the home.

Craving hydrotherapy? A walk in bathtub or whirlpool tub can soothe sore muscles and turn recovery into a ritual.

In the guide below, we’ll compare real-world pros and cons, clarify bathtub vs walk in shower cost, walk in shower vs tub cost, and the overall cost of walk in shower vs tub, and map the installation process so there are no surprises. If you want a tailored plan, we’ll show you how to balance budget, footprint, and comfort, without losing the look you love.

What we really mean by “walk in shower vs bathtub”

When we compare walk in shower vs bathtub, we’re deciding how we’ll use the bathroom every day and how the space will look and feel for years. In practical terms:

• A walk in shower can be a tiled shower stall with a glass door, a curbless walk in shower, or a prefabricated base.
• A bathtub might be a traditional bathtub, a standard bathtub, a soaking tub, or a walk in bathtub (also called a walk in bath).
• If you want both, a tub and shower configuration (a tub shower combo or shower tub combo—sometimes just “shower combo”) delivers flexibility in one footprint.

This blog post walks through pros, cons, costs, and design ideas so we can choose what fits your routine, your space availability, and your home’s resale value.

Walk-in shower: pros and cons (what you’ll love—and what to plan for)

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Pros

• Accessibility & safety. With a curbless shower and grab bars, we make entry easy for limited mobility and aging-in-place needs.
• Space efficiency. In a small bathroom, a walk-in can create more room and sight-line openness.
• Modern appearance. Clean glass, large-format tile, and linear drains feel current and upscale, great for shower resale in contemporary markets.
• Easy upkeep. Fewer nooks than many tubs; simpler deep cleaning if we design smart.
• Water & energy. An average shower usually uses less water usage and hot water than filling a tub, which helps energy efficiency.

 Cons

• No soaking. If you love a long relaxing soak to soothe sore muscles or tired muscles, a shower alone won’t deliver that spa like experience.
• Cost variables. Custom tile, niches, benches, and frameless glass door can raise walk in shower vs tub cost.
• Water containment. Poor slopes or undersized glass can lead to splash. We solve this in the installation process with pan design, drain placement, and door sizing.
• Privacy & warmth. Very open showers can feel cool; doors and heaters help.

Bathtub: pros and cons (comfort, family, and practicality)

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Pros

• Comfort & wellness. A tub is unbeatable for bathtubs relaxation. Add a whirlpool tub with water jets, hydrotherapy jets, and heated backrests to amplify therapeutic benefits, health benefits, and even sleep quality for muscle pain or sore muscles.
• Family-friendly. For young families, nothing beats a tub for bath time and bathing children.
• Resale expectations. Many home buyers (especially with young children) like homes with at least one tub, some even look for at least one bathtub in the main bathroom or full bathroom.

Keeping a tub in your home can help with potential buyers and real estate professionals who call it an essential feature.

Cons

• Accessibility challenges. Step-over walls can be tough for limited mobility. A walk in tub helps but changes the experience.
• Footprint. Tubs often need enough space and may leave less space for storage or wider walkways.
• Water & time. Filling and draining use significant hot water and time compared with a quick shower.

Space & layout: fit the choice to your room

We start by measuring the bathroom layout and space availability:

• Small bathroom. A walk-in may create more room and better traffic flow.
• Master bathroom. If you love ritual and luxury, pairing a generous shower with a centerpiece tub can be ideal.
• One bathroom in the home. If there’s only one bathroom, we often recommend a tub shower combo or shower tub combo to keep versatility for guests and home’s resale.
• Corners and alcoves. Corner tubs can tuck into otherwise awkward spaces; similarly, a smartly sized shower stall with a sliding glass door can reclaim inches.

If you’re planning a new bathroom or full bathroom renovation, studs-open construction gives us the freedom to optimize walls, drains, and storage before tile goes in.

Safety & accessibility: walk in tub vs walk in shower

Let’s compare walk in tub vs walk in shower and walk in shower vs walk in tub through the lens of long-term comfort:

• Walk-in shower safety upgrades. Curbless walk in shower, non slip tiles, grab bars, a teak or tiled bench, and a handheld shower head make showers comfortable and safe.
• Walk-in tub comfort features. Many walk in tubs include seating, water jets, and heated surfaces. If you want hydromassage and minimal transfers, that can be the right route.
• Household balance. If you have young children, a shower-only plan can complicate bath time; a tub and shower or combo keeps options open.

Costs & the installation process (clear-eyed and practical)

We’ll break out the most-searched cost comparisons and how we actually manage them on real projects.

Bathtub vs walk in shower cost — what pushes the number up or down

• Materials. Acrylic/steel tubs are typically cheaper than fully tiled showers with custom glass door.
• Labor. Tiled showers demand waterproofing, pan building, and careful layout; tubs can be faster to set and surround.
• Plumbing & structure. Moving a drain or supply lines affects costs for both.

Walk in shower vs tub cost — when a shower costs more (and when it doesn’t)

• A custom shower often costs more up front than a basic tub, especially with benches, niches, and frameless glass.
• If we use a high-quality prefab pan and panel system, the cost gap can narrow, sometimes beating a luxury soaking tub with deck buildout.

Cost of walk in shower vs tub — ballparks and variables

• Expect a wide range based on tile choice, glass type, fixtures, demo scope, and substrate repairs.
• Permits, waterproofing, and lead times matter. Budget for installing a walk (in shower) correctly—membranes, slopes, and inspections are not the place to cut corners.

We’ll also factor regional labor rates and your finish level so we can match value to your priorities.

Water, energy & daily routine

Your daily routine should drive the choice:

• If most days you prefer a quick shower, a walk-in wins for water usage, hot water, and energy efficiency.
• If recovery, relaxation, or a relaxing soak is a weekly ritual, a tub offers the comfort to soothe sore muscles and reset a busy mind.
• For shared homes, consider mixing solutions: a primary shower for the master bathroom, plus a tub and shower in the hall bath.

Maintenance & deep cleaning realities

• Walk-in shower care. Tile and grout require sealing and periodic deep cleaning; squeegeeing glass reduces spotting. We can spec low-maintenance surfaces and treat shower head finishes so upkeep stays easy.
• Bathtub care. Acrylics and enamels clean quickly, but jets and doors on walk in bathtub models need periodic sanitation.
• Modern appearance that lasts. Large-format tile, minimal grout joints, and well-placed lighting can keep either choice looking fresh for years.

Resale value: how buyers think (and how we hedge our bets)

Resale is local, but a few patterns help:

• Modern shower appeal. In style-forward markets, a beautifully executed walk-in can raise home’s resale value and shower resale perception.
• Family expectations. Many real estate professionals still advise keeping at least one tub, ideally in the main bathroom or full bathroom to capture home buyers who prioritize bathing children.
• If space is tight. A tub shower vs walk in shower decision in a compact hall bath often tips toward the combo to satisfy the widest set of potential buyers.
• Edge cases. If you’ll stay long-term and a shower-only plan serves your personal preference, we can lean into that, just make sure another bath keeps at least one bathtub in the home.

Decision guide: match the choice to your goals

Profile A — Accessibility-first

Choose a curbless walk in shower with grab bars, bench, and handheld for everyday ease. If soaking therapy matters and transfers are okay, a walk in tub with heated backrests and hydrotherapy jets can be a game-changer.

 Profile B — Family-first

Keep a tub or shower combo where young children bathe. A tub shower combo or shower tub combo maximizes function in limited square footage.

Profile C — Space & style

In a small bathroom, a glassy, well-lit walk-in delivers more room and that high-impact modern appearance.

Profile D — Resale-first

If you’re optimizing for home’s resale, hold a tub in the main bathroom and put your design energy into a showpiece primary shower elsewhere.

Design ideas & upgrades (steal these)

For showers

• Curbless walk in shower with a linear drain and a hinged glass door sized to contain splash.
• Non slip tiles on the floor, a comfortable bench, and a handheld shower head on a slide bar.
• Recessed niches aligned to grout lines for a quiet, custom look.

For tubs

• Freestanding soaker under a window for drama, or corner tubs to unlock awkward spaces.
• A walk in bathtub for accessibility plus comfort; some models include water jets, chromatherapy, and heated backrests.
• If you want both experiences in one footprint, design a premium shower combo with a rain head above a sculptural tub.

Real-world example (how we decide with clients)

When we help homeowners planning a hall bath with one bathroom on the main level, the debate is usually tub shower vs walk in shower. If young families are common buyers in the neighborhood, we’ll lean toward a quality tub and shower to preserve resale value.

For a master bathroom, we might pair a showpiece curbless walk in shower with body sprays and a bench, then add a compact soaker elsewhere if the floor plan allows. This way we serve your daily routine and keep home’s resale value strong.

Your next steps (and how we can help)

• Clarify priorities. Are you after accessibility, a relaxing soak, or a minimalist look with a quick shower routine?
• Assess the room. We’ll measure clearances, space availability, and ventilation to ensure enough space for the features you want.
• Balance the math. We’ll price your exact finishes and fixtures so the bathtub vs walk in shower cost question is answered with real numbers, not guesses.
• Plan for longevity. From non slip tiles to glass coatings, we’ll specify materials that age gracefully.

If you’d like help mapping options and costs for your bathroom renovation, reach out for a free consultation. We’ll compare walk in shower vs bathtub in your actual space, share layout sketches, and finalize a plan that fits your timeline, budget, and lifestyle.

Ready to remodel your bathroom? Hire Solid Kitchen and Bath and we’ll design, price, and build the right solution for you, from curbless walk-in showers to tub-shower combos, with tight waterproofing and a spotless final walkthrough.

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FAQs

Is it better to have a tub or walk-in shower?

It depends on your space, routine, and resale goals. A walk in shower improves accessibility, saves space, and reduces water usage; a bathtub is best for soaking and bathing children. For resale, keep at least one bathtub somewhere in the home.

What are the disadvantages of a walk-in shower?

• No soaking for sore muscles or hydrotherapy
• Higher install cost if fully tiled with frameless glass door
• Splash/containment and “cold/less private” feel if design is too open
• Mitigate with a well-sloped pan, proper door sizing, non slip tiles, and a curbless walk in shower done right.

Is a walk-in tub better than a walk-in shower for the elderly?

A walk in shower (curbless, grab bars, bench, handheld) is usually easier for daily use and transfers. A walk in tub adds seated soaking and hydrotherapy but requires fill/drain wait times. Choose based on mobility, caregiver needs, and bathroom layout.

Do buyers prefer a bathtub or shower?

Most buyers love a stylish walk-in shower in a primary bath, but families still expect at least one tub for kids and pets. To protect resale value, keep one bathtub in a full bathroom and go walk-in in the primary suite.

Does it devalue your house to not have a bathtub?

Not automatically, but in family-focused markets, removing all tubs narrows your buyer pool. For a safe bet, retain at least one bathtub and use a walk-in in other baths to balance lifestyle and home’s resale value.

Is it a good idea to remove a bathtub and install a shower?

Yes—if another tub remains in the home or accessibility/space is the priority. Plan the installation process carefully (waterproofing, drain slope, ventilation, permits) to avoid leaks and ensure a durable upgrade.