Walk-In Shower vs Tub: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Is a walk-in shower safer than a tub?

For most people, yes. With a tub, you have to lift each leg over a high wall while standing on a wet surface. A walk-in shower has a low curb or no curb at all.

Bathroom falls are a real concern. A CDC study of 2008 emergency room data estimated about 234,000 nonfatal bathroom injuries among people 15 and older that year. About 81 percent were caused by falls, and about two thirds happened in or around the tub or shower. Injury rates rose with age.

A walk-in shower also makes it easy to add safety features:

• Curbless entry. AARP notes that a curbless shower means less to trip on for someone with balance issues.
• Grab bars. MedlinePlus advises mounting grab bars vertically or horizontally, never diagonally, and not relying on towel racks, which cannot hold your weight.
• Wall blocking. AARP suggests adding wood blocking inside the walls during a remodel, so grab bars can be added later.
• A seat. A built-in bench or a shower chair lets you sit while you wash.
• A handheld showerhead. AARP calls it one of the simplest upgrades you can make.

If you are planning for aging in place, see our page on bathroom safety for seniors.

When is a tub the better choice?

A tub still makes sense for many homes. Angi says it is best to have at least one bathtub in the house if you have babies or young children, since bath time is easier in a tub. A tub is also nice if you like to soak, or if you bathe a pet.

Tubs can be a good fit in a hall bathroom that kids use, while the main bathroom gets the walk-in shower. That way you get the comfort of a shower every day and still have a tub when you need one.

Will removing a tub hurt resale value?

It depends on your home and your buyers. Angi says a missing tub is less of an issue in small homes, single bathroom homes and senior communities. In larger, family friendly homes, removing the only tub could be a costly mistake.

HomeLight reports that a 2019 Houzz study found half of renovated main bathrooms had no tub. HomeLight also quotes an appraiser who says buyers of luxury homes expect at least one bathroom with a tub. A common middle ground is to keep one tub in the house and convert the rest.

If you plan to stay for many years, your own comfort matters more than a future buyer's. If you plan to sell soon, talk through it before you remove the last tub.

Which costs more, a walk-in shower or a tub?

It depends on the materials more than the type. For a conversion, HomeGuide puts the national cost to replace a tub with a shower at $2,000 to $12,000, with a typical cost near $7,000. HomeGuide lists prefab walk-in showers at $1,000 to $8,000 and custom tiled walk-in showers at $3,500 to $15,000. Bergen County jobs often run higher.

Moving the drain, adding frameless glass or choosing large tile all push the price up. For a full breakdown, read our post on tub to shower conversion cost in Paramus.

Is a walk-in shower easier to clean?

Usually, yes. There is no tub edge to scrub, and a prefab shower has fewer grout lines. A frameless glass panel with no door track is the easiest to wipe down. Tile showers look great but need grout sealing and regular cleaning to stay fresh.

Does a walk-in shower save water?

It can. Angi notes that showers generally use less water and energy than baths, unless you take very long showers. A water saving showerhead helps too.

Will a walk-in shower fit in my bathroom?

In most cases, a walk-in shower fits right into the space where the old tub was. Removing a tub can also make a small bathroom feel more open. A larger, curbless design may need more floor work to get the slope right, so it is worth having the space measured. Our walk-in shower page covers common sizes and styles.

How do you decide?

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

1. Does anyone in the home bathe in a tub, such as young kids?
2. Does anyone have trouble stepping over a tub wall now, or might soon?
3. Will this be the only tub in the house?
4. Do you plan to sell in the next few years?
5. What is your budget, and is prefab or tile a better fit?

If most of your answers point to ease and safety, a walk-in shower is likely the better choice.

FAQ

Is a walk-in shower better than a tub for seniors? For most seniors, yes. A walk-in shower removes the need to step over a high tub wall. Adding grab bars, a seat and a handheld showerhead makes it even safer.

Should I keep at least one bathtub in my house? If you have young children, or you may sell to a family, it is a good idea. Angi suggests keeping at least one tub in homes with babies or young kids. In small or single bathroom homes, it matters less.

Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a tub? It depends on materials. HomeGuide lists prefab walk-in showers at $1,000 to $8,000 and custom tiled walk-in showers at $3,500 to $15,000. Bergen County jobs often run higher.

Can a walk-in shower go where my tub is now? In most bathrooms, yes. The shower can usually use the same space and often the same drain area. A curbless design may need extra floor work.

Not sure which is right for you?

We can look at your space and help you weigh the options, with no pressure. Call us at (201) XXX-XXXX or request a free estimate. Serving Paramus, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Oradell, River Edge, Rochelle Park and Hackensack.