Walk-In Shower vs. Walk-In Bathtubs: An Overview of Pros and Cons

You’ve recently purchased your ideal home, or maybe you’re finally having a long-awaited bathroom remodeling project. As you stand in the bathroom, which is about to undergo major changes, you face a choice that could affect your everyday life for many years ahead. Should you choose a tub or shower, or maybe even consider a shower-tub combo? Welcome to our walk-in bathtub vs walk-in shower comparison to explore the pros and cons!

The Pros and Cons of a Walk-in Shower

Walk-in showers have become popular thanks to their contemporary look and advanced accessibility features. However, they also come with some downsides. Let’s examine both sides of the coin more closely.

The Pros

The first advantage of walk-in showers is their accessibility. With little to no thresholds, they’re easy to enter and exit. That’s why it’s an excellent choice for people with limited mobility.

Walk-in showers also require less space. They can create a feeling of spaciousness in a bathroom, which is especially beneficial for smaller bathrooms. It is also a go-to option if you’re conscious of water usage. While this largely depends on individual habits, showers typically consume less water than baths.

The Cons

While walk-in showers have many benefits, they also come with certain drawbacks. If you enjoy taking baths or have young children who need a tub, a walk-in shower stall alone may not meet all of your family’s needs.

Some walk-in shower designs make water containment challenging. Depending on the configuration and type of enclosure, water may splatter or even spill beyond the shower area.

That’s why it’s important to opt for high-quality showers for your bathroom remodeling project.

A Walk-In Tub: Advantages and Disadvantages

Unlike a standard bathtub, walk-in bathtubs come with numerous accessibility features. But just like walk-in showers, they’ve got their own good points and drawbacks.

Advantages

One of the biggest perks of walk-in bathtubs is their safety features. These tubs have a built-in door that lets you step in and out easily. Plus, many walk-in tubs come with extra safety features, such as built-in seats, non-slip tiles, and grab bars.

A walk-in tub can also be very therapeutic. Many models include hydrotherapy jets, which helps ease sore muscles and joints. Whirlpool tubs are especially helpful for people dealing with arthritis.

Disadvantages

Of course, the biggest disadvantage of a walk-in tub is the waiting period. You have to step into the tub, close the door, and wait for the bathtub to fill up before you can bathe. Similarly, you have to wait for the tub to completely drain before you can open the door and exit. This can be uncomfortable and potentially risky for those who are prone to getting cold easily.

Additionally, walk-in tubs typically consume more water compared to showers. Plus, even a standard-sized tub usually requires more floor space.

Comparison

Exploitation

Classic walk-in showers are usually more convenient for everyday use. Walk-in tubs offer a fancy soaking experience, but they take more time and patience to deal with on a daily basis.

Walk-in showers, especially those that have simple hardware and smooth glass, are often easier to keep clean. On the flip side, walk-in tubs with doors, seals, and sometimes complicated jet systems might need more frequent maintenance.

House Design

During your bathroom remodeling project, you should consider not only practical needs but also how a custom shower or bathtub will improve your home appeal. Walk-in showers can make a bathroom look bigger. They’re also quite versatile and can work with most types of bathroom layouts.

Walk-in tubs, in turn, can make a bathroom seem cramped. Still, a walk-in tub can become an eye-catching element in larger bathrooms and might even be considered a luxury touch in some designs.

Cost

Many homeowners also wonder, “How much are walk in bathtubs and showers?” The price can vary dramatically depending on aspects like the feature set, materials, and installation. Generally, an average shower usually costs less than walk-in tubs. However, high-end, custom walk-in showers can easily exceed the price of a standard walk-in tub.

It’s also necessary to take installation costs into account. A tub-to-shower conversion usually needs more major changes than just installing a new walk-in tub.

Dependence on job, field of activity, family, children

Eventually, choosing between a walk-in shower and a walk-in tub usually comes down to personal preferences. A walk-in shower with adjustable shower head can make a huge difference if you’re a busy professional who loves fast mornings.

Young families with little ones might prefer walk-in tubs or a mix of both. Having at least one bathtub is handy for bathing children, but as they grow up, walk-in showers tend to take the lead.

Summary

In the end, the right choice is the one that fits your home improvement needs. Some homeowners who have more than one bathroom even go for both and install a walk-in shower and a walk-in tub. Take into account the following aspects:

  • Your current and future mobility needs.
  • The needs of other family members.
  • The square footage of your master or guest bathroom.
  • Budget.
  • Your personal preferences.
  • Bathroom interior.
  • The resale value of your place.
  • Water efficiency.
  • Maintenance requirements.

Our bathroom remodeling company installs high-quality Kohler showers and tubs and provides a tub-shower combo service. Kohler is renowned for their innovative designs and durable products. If you need an answer to the question, “How much does a walk-in shower cost?” or are interested in the price of a walk-in tub, we’ll gladly guide you through affordable options.

Whether you decide on a refreshing walk-in shower or a relaxing walk-in tub, we can help you transform your master bathroom with top-of-the-line Kohler fixtures that combine style, comfort, and accessibility!