Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub: What’s Right for Your Space?

When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to install a walk-in shower or a bathtub. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, space, and long-term plans for your home. If you’re asking yourself "shower or tub, which is better?", you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions we hear during bathroom remodeling consultations.

At Perfect Choice Home Solutions, we help homeowners across Central Illinois and the Greater St. Louis area make smart remodeling decisions every day. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider to make the best choice for your home.

Why Your Bathroom Layout and Lifestyle Matter

Before diving into the benefits of either option, start with your layout and how you use the space. Do you have a small guest bath or a large primary suite? Is this a family bathroom or one mainly used by adults? Are there mobility concerns now or potentially in the future?

In smaller bathrooms, a walk-in shower can help open up the space visually and physically. In homes with children or people who enjoy long soaks, a bathtub may be more practical. Your daily habits, household needs, and long-term goals should shape your choice.

Benefits of Installing a Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers are growing in popularity, and for good reason. One of the biggest walk-in shower benefits is the sense of space and openness they bring to a bathroom. Without bulky tub walls, the room feels bigger and more modern. Glass doors or zero-threshold entries can create a sleek, spa-like atmosphere.

Walk-in showers also win on accessibility. They’re easier to enter and exit — especially for aging homeowners or anyone with mobility limitations — and they pair well with grab bars, built-in benches, and handheld showerheads.

Other benefits include:

• 
  Faster and easier to clean
• Modern design with high visual impact
• Can be customized with tile, niches, lighting, and glass
• Often more water-efficient than baths

If you’re planning a tub-to-shower conversion, it’s a great way to modernize your bathroom while making it more functional for daily use.

Benefits of Installing or Keeping a Bathtub

While walk-in showers offer many advantages, bathtub benefits shouldn’t be overlooked. A tub still plays a critical role in family homes, especially for households with young children. There’s no easier way to bathe a toddler than in a traditional tub.

Beyond practicality, bathtubs offer the comfort of relaxation. For many homeowners, nothing beats a hot bath at the end of a long day. Freestanding tubs can also be a strong design feature, especially in larger primary baths.

Key reasons to choose or keep a bathtub:

• Ideal for families with small children
• Adds resale appeal to family buyers
• Provides a relaxing soak option
• Variety of styles from alcove to freestanding tubs
• Can be more affordable to install in some cases

In fact, most real estate experts — including professionals like Mike Holmes — suggest that having at least one bathtub in the home is a smart move for resale value.

How Walk-In Showers and Bathtubs Compare for Accessibility

If you’re remodeling with aging in place or mobility in mind, a walk-in shower often comes out ahead. Zero-threshold entries eliminate tripping hazards, and built-in benches make it easier to bathe safely. With the right showerhead and grab bar placements, a walk-in can be incredibly user-friendly.

Bathtubs, on the other hand, can present more challenges. Climbing in and out requires a step over a high threshold, which can increase fall risks for older adults. However, walk-in tubs are an option for those who want the soaking experience with added safety features — though they come at a higher cost.

What to Consider for Home Value and Resale

When thinking long-term, it’s smart to consider how your choice will impact resale. While walk-in showers are popular with many buyers, especially in modern or empty-nester homes, families often prefer homes with at least one tub. If your remodel involves your only full bathroom, removing the tub could limit your future buyer pool.

In master bathrooms or secondary bathrooms where a tub isn't critical, a walk-in shower can be a smart, appealing upgrade. But in a home with just one bathroom, keeping or including a tub is often the better choice from a home value perspective.

Installation and Maintenance Differences

From an installation standpoint, walk-in showers usually involve more tile work, custom glass, and waterproofing. That can make them slightly more expensive, depending on the size and materials. However, showers also tend to be easier to maintain long-term. Without the deeper basin and harder-to-reach edges, cleaning is quicker and simpler.

Bathtubs are often faster to install if you're replacing an old tub with a new one of similar size. They also tend to have fewer joints and corners, which can reduce leaks if properly installed. But cleaning can be more of a chore, especially in homes with hard water or soap buildup.

Drainage, water control, and ventilation are also key considerations for both options — and they need to be done right for long-term durability and mold prevention.

How to Decide What’s Right for Your Space

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your goals. Are you remodeling to stay long-term or planning to sell in a few years? Do you want a relaxing spa-like retreat or a space that’s practical and family-friendly? Does anyone in your home need enhanced accessibility?

At Perfect Choice Home Solutions, we take the time to walk through all of these questions with you. Our experienced remodeling team will help you evaluate your current bathroom layout, discuss your priorities, and recommend solutions that make the most sense for your space and your lifestyle.

Thinking about a tub-to-shower conversion? Ready for a custom walk-in? Or maybe it's time to update an old bathtub into something more beautiful and practical. Whatever you're considering, we're here to help you make a confident decision. Reach out to Perfect Choice Home Solutions for a free consultation and start planning a bathroom remodel that truly fits your needs.