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The bathroom may not be where hearts are, but it is a much-visited room – and a space that homeowners are pouring more and more money into. Regardless of whether you are going down the full renovation route or just want to change a tired décor, one of the biggest decisions you will have to make is whether to fit either a shower or a bathtub. The answer isn’t always simple.
There are pros and cons of a walk-in shower, as well as a bathtub, and what is perfect for one individual may not necessarily be good for another person. It is more than aesthetics and form in deciding between the two – it is functionality, future proofing, value, and how you live day to day.
In this extensive guide, we are going to take you through the pros and cons and key factors to consider if you are to make an informed decision on your bathroom design.
It may help to first define what it is that each option involves before you consider the benefits of each.
A walk-in shower is a free-standing structure for a shower with no tub inside. It usually has an uninterrupted, step-free entrance and is often supplied with frameless glass doors, or no door at all. The walk-in shower is revered for its minimalist design, clean lines, and open plan.
Walk-in showers may have doors and be either fully enclosed, semi-open with a partial division by a screen or have no doors, and be merely tiled on the floor in such a way that they can slope gently towards a central drain.
A bathtub is a big vessel to keep water in which a person takes a bath. It can be a built-in one, freestanding, or as part of a shower/tub combo. Bathtubs come in all forms that include utilitarian tubs to luxury soakers with jets and ergonomic curves. It is still popular among families with children and fans of the ritual of long soaking.
If you are choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub, your lifestyle is your greatest consideration.
If your mornings are a rush and you are not racing against the clock, than you likely prefer a shower over a bath. A walk-in shower is convenient and provides efficiency. Contrary to this if your bathroom happens to be your sanctuary where you unwind after a long day then perhaps a bathtub may be the best bathing option for you.
Families of preschool children often need a bathtub. It is less daunting to bathe a toddler in a tub rather than having to wrestle him bathing in a slippery shower. Equally, it may not be so hard for pet owners to wash their pets in a bathtub.
This is a consideration if you’re planning on designing a bathroom in a family home.
Planning for the future is a smart move, as long as you are renovating with the future in mind.
Walk-in showers have apparent advantages in terms of accessibility. They do not require stepping over a high-tub wall, hence they are perfect for:
The addition of such features as built-in seating, handheld showerheads, grab bars, and non-slip tiles improves safety without losing fashion.
Bathtubs are particularly problematic, particularly those that are the deep soaker or clawfoot styles, to access. Despite the existence of walk-in tubs, they are expensive and less visually pleasing.
The style of your house in general will also influence your choice.
The walk-in showers have gained popularity due to their contemporary spa-like look. They make bathrooms look:
They also complement natural stone, large tiles, black matte fixtures, and minimalistic vanities.
The bathtubs, particularly the ones that are free standing can be a statement piece. They suit both old and modern bathrooms according to the design.
Tubs also give freedom to design tiles and accessories like surrounding niches or platforms.
In cases of choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub, size does matter.
In case of space shortage, a walk-in shower is more appropriate. With the requirement for a large tub out of the way, there is space to allow for more storage or storage, more vanity, or simply more breathing space. The effect of the openness is increased by frameless glass panels.
A corner or curved walk-in shower would be the only option in those very small bathrooms.
On a bigger stage, you don’t have to choose, you can often have both. A bathtub and a separate walk-in shower feature are luxurious for luxury en-suites. If you have space and the money, such a dual approach is more attractive for a variety of users and increases resale value.
Walk-in showers are not difficult to clean and especially not those with large format tiles, frameless glass, or antimicrobial grout. However, the glass will require daily cleaning to ensure no water spots or soap scum forms. Such products as water repellents and squeegees may lessen maintenance.
Bathtubs will be especially problematic when they are used regularly for bathing because soap scum will develop. They will need to be scrubbed. The region around the tub might as well accumulate dust and grime, specifically, in freestanding models. Shower-tub combos need regular cleaning of curtains or doors to prevent mildew.
People are increasingly becoming environmentally conscious and therefore their choices of bathrooms.
The one that uses less water (if one takes short) is shower. But lengthy, hot showers are effortlessly able to top bath-level water use.
Other expenses will include the changes in plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, and installation of glass.
Also, consider installation complexity. Freestanding tubs need stronger flooring if they are heavy (esp cast iron or stone).
Walk-in showers are supposed to save energy and water in the long run. Bathtubs could contribute a little bit to your water bills, especially if you take a lot of baths.
If you are renovating for resale, consider what your buyers want in your area.
The individuals who purchased the house lost the only bathtub in the whole house, and this can harm the resale potential. That is provided that there are some spaces to accommodate, try to keep one or two bathtubs.
Below is a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of each choice:
Can’t decide? Not always have to choose.
A shower-tub combo offers:
Select what you like based on your life at the moment, especially if you’re looking forward to staying for a long.
A designer or builder of bathrooms can view your layout, plumbing, and budget and weigh in on what is possible.
If access is problematic, select safety amenities such as non-slipping floors, grab bars, and thermostatic controls, whether you have a tub or shower.
If you’re caught in a rut, book a hotel or an Airbnb with a walk-in shower or freestanding tub for an opportunity to experience them.
Smart home technology has made its way throughout your home, and even in the bathroom, your option to either use a walk-in shower or a bathtub can determine the type of technology you might be interested in having.
Smart homes are compatible with walk-in showers. Some of the most common integrations are:
Such features make walk-in showers so attractive for contemporary houses and tech-friendly customers.
Although usually, smart tech is associated with showers, bathtubs can use technological improvements as well.
Going all out on your swanky bath, you might want to pay out for smart-tech to take your everyday downtime to another level.
A decision of a walk-in shower or bathtub will not be only a renovation, but a lifestyle. Your home should serve you, not only pass for future buyers whom you may never come across with. A walk-in shower has functionality, efficiency, and a touch of modernity. A bathtub provides luxury, all-inclusive versatility as well as a practical family-friendly functionality.
If you can, include both. Or, otherwise, pick the one that you are going to stick to and like.
After all, at the end of the day, you will appreciate any bathroom that you are looking forward to getting into in the morning or at night.
