Walk In Showers vs. Tubs: Which Is Best for Your Space and Lifestyle?

When you look at your current bathroom setup, all you can think about are space limitations, age-in-place concerns, or the overall lifestyle mismatch it’s causing. Maybe the bathtub is taking up unnecessary space given that no one uses it. Maybe you love the option of soaking in a tub, but a walk in upgrade is necessary for accessibility reasons. Maybe you can’t quite put your finger on the problem, but you know something is off.

At ZINTEX Remodeling, we’ve conquered thousands of tub to shower conversions, bathtub replacements, and shower replacements across eleven states. Now, we’re here to let you in on some of the most vital information we share with clients just like you during the decision-making process. Read on to explore your bathroom remodel options so you can confidently choose between a shower or bathtub.

What Should You Know Before Choosing a Walk In Shower or Bathtub?

At first glance, you already know the differences between walk in showers and bathtubs. After all, you’ve used both countless times throughout your life! Why, then, are you struggling to decide between the two?

The truth is that until you break down the differences into distinct categories, you can easily go back and forth until the end of time. Instead of thinking vaguely about what you like and dislike about each, it’s time to look at:

• Functionality: how easy it is to use a shower vs. a tub and what each would do for the members of your household
• Footprint: how much space a shower or tub will take up in your bathroom 
• Maintenance: what it takes to clean and repair showers vs. tubs and how each one would fit into your routine
• Price: what it would cost to upgrade to a walk in shower or replace your current tub with a new one

Functionality: Practical Uses of Showers vs. Tubs

When you’re choosing between a tub to shower conversion or a bathtub replacement, the first thing to deeply consider is functionality. Which of the two better serves the needs of your household? If you’re not quite sure, ask yourself the following questions:

➡️Do any of my household members need to take baths instead of showers? (This includes children and pets.)

➡️Do any of my household members actively use the tub for relaxation purposes?

➡️Does stepping over the tub wall present safety risks for any members of my household? (This includes elderly residents and residents with mobility issues.)

➡️Could safety become a concern for any of my household members in the future but before we plan to move to a new home?

If your answer was “yes” for the first two questions, considering bathtub replacement options is probably the way to go, especially if you only have one bathtub in your house. If you answered “yes” to the last two questions, upgrading to a walk in shower (or, alternatively, a walk in tub) may offer more long-term value to the members of your household. 

Footprint: How Walk In Showers vs. Tubs Fit Your Bathroom

Next on the list is scale. How big is your bathroom? How much space can you afford to give up to your bathtub or shower?

In an average to large-sized bathroom, this probably isn’t a huge concern. However, if your bathroom feels cramped as-is, the footprint of your tub or shower matters. 

Bathtubs typically take up a minimum of 60” by 30”. A walk in shower can take up as little as 32” by 32” or, alternatively, you can use the same footprint but create more interior space by removing those dense tub walls. 

Maintenance: Ensuring the Longevity of Showers vs. Tubs

Needless to say, you want your new shower or bathtub to last longer than just a few years. The longevity of any household appliance will be impacted by how well you maintain it, both with DIY efforts like cleaning and with as-needed professional servicing.

Frankly, there’s no clear winner in this category. This is because how you clean and service your tub or shower will reflect several different design factors, such as:

• Wall materials: for example, acrylic wall panels are easier to clean than tile and grout and also provide a 100% waterproof surface that prevents mold growth
• Accessories: for example, while jets can improve the functionality and enjoyment of a tub, they’re also harder to clean than solid wall panels
• Size: the bigger your shower or tub, the more surface area there is to clean and repair 

A good bathroom remodel project manager can walk you through the different design choices and what impact they’ll have on your maintenance routine.

Price: Cost of Walk In Shower vs. Tub Remodel

Now for the moment you’ve probably been waiting for: let’s talk about the cost of walk in shower vs. tub remodels. Once again, there isn’t a clear winner, but it’s useful to understand the price range you’ll be looking at depending on which route you take.

Should you choose to sell your home down the line, you may stand to recoup some of this money. Keep in mind that bathroom remodel ROIs vary based on the upgrades you make.

Signs You Should Choose a Walk In Shower

Converting to a walk in shower is probably the best choice for your bathroom remodel if:

• No one in your household uses the tub feature in your tub or tub/shower combo
• Your bathroom is on the smaller side and you want a walk in shower that can free up space
• You need to eliminate the exterior tub wall to enable safe and easy access for elderly or disabled members of your household

Before a ZINTEX tub to shower conversion	After a ZINTEX tub to shower conversion

Signs You Should Choose a Bathtub

Replacing your current bathtub with an upgraded replacement is a good call if:

• One or more members of your household regularly use the tub feature
• You have no other tub in the house and don’t want to lose the option of taking a bath
• You’re interested in the enhanced safety of a walk in option but would prefer a walk in tub over a walk in shower

Take Your Next Steps Toward Your Bathroom Remodel

You’ve been itching to upgrade your bathroom but didn’t know if a new shower or a new tub would better serve your goals. Now, you’re equipped with the information you need to make an informed decision. What’s next?

At ZINTEX Remodeling, we’ve worked with countless clients who want to balance accessibility with relaxation. Walk in tubs are often the perfect solution, but how can you budget for one? Discover the cost of walk in tubs today.

What if space is your top priority and your tub isn’t getting any regular use? It’s time to learn about the cost of walk in shower, instead.