When deciding to remodel the tub and shower area of your bathroom, you may have realized this decision isn’t as simple as you thought. Do you stick with the tub or shower you’ve been used to all these years, or do you convert it to something you’re less familiar with? After all, you don’t want to regret your choice.
We’ve seen just about every layout imaginable. Shugarman’s Bath is a tub and shower remodeling specialist that has completed over 4,000 projects. We design their tub and shower spaces to meet the style preferences of the homeowners we work with.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Is choosing between a tub and a shower a big decision?
- What factors can help me decide between a tub and a shower?
- Are tubs or showers the safer option?
- What are the cost differences between a tub and shower?
- Which option is better for cleaning and maintenance?
- Will choosing between a tub and a shower affect resale value?
- Questions to ask yourself before making a decision
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer way to choose what option works best for your home.
Is Choosing Between a Bathtub and Shower a Big Decision?
It doesn’t have to be a big decision, but there are plenty of factors you can consider when choosing between a tub and a shower.
It might not be something you think about often, but your tub or shower is one of the most frequently used spaces in your home. It’s often used more than once, especially in households with multiple people.
Of course, you’re looking for a usable space that is visually appealing. There are some other factors to consider: comfort, accessibility, ease of use, cleaning effort, and how these affect your daily routine.
When you experience lifestyle changes, these decisions become more important. Kids grow up. Mobility needs shift. It’s not like we’re getting any younger. What worked well years ago may no longer fit how your bathroom is used today.
If you decide to make a decision based on preference alone, that’s totally fine. If you have a preference that suits you, we support you in making that decision. However, we would also encourage you to think about how this supports your lifestyle now and in the future. A new tub or shower is a long-term decision.
Thankfully, one design isn’t necessarily better than the other.
What Factors Can Help Me Decide Between a Tub and Shower?
Here are several factors to help influence this decision:
- Age and mobility
- As you get older, stepping over a tub can become harder, especially for your knees, hips, and balance.
- Household needs
- Families with young children find bathtubs useful.
- Families with members with special needs may prefer easier access to a shower, as it has a lower threshold.
- Households without children likely rely on the shower. However, some homeowners enjoy soaking in the tub.
- Daily routine
- Some households have a tub and shower combo with a tub that goes unused. A tub that hasn’t been used in years may take up space and provide little value.
- If you only had a tub, think about how often it is used versus how often you wish you had a shower. Is the tub difficult to climb over repeatedly? Or does the tub fit your lifestyle perfectly?
- If there is only that walk-in shower, you might miss the luxury of having a tub and making a tub-shower combo. It might come in handy for relaxation, children, pets, or other needs.
- Comfort and safety
- Being able to lie down in a tub may improve safety and comfort. However, risk comes from stepping over a high wall or lowering/raising yourself.
- Showers with a lower threshold are easier to get over, making it safer to enter and exit. However, without safety features and accessories, you may be at risk of falling.
Looking at these factors and how you use the tub and shower area in your bathroom can help make your decision-making easier.
Are Tubs or Showers the Safer Option?
Although safety depends on how the space is designed and who is using it, it might be best to skip choosing a bathtub.
Bathtubs require stepping over a high wall, lowering yourself into the tub, and getting back up. Going over the wall can result in a slip and fall, so it’s a larger risk for older homeowners or those with mobility issues. Lying back and getting up can be a difficult task, even with something to grab onto.
Walk-in showers are designed to have a low or no threshold. This means less of a wall to overcome, but having to stand the whole time can be exhausting. You can still potentially slip. However, showers with a seat, slip-resistant base, and grab bars will improve that safety.
Either option can be made with safety in mind. However, you might have an easier time with a walk-in shower.
What Are the Cost Differences Between a Tub and Shower?
There’s not really a definitive option that is more expensive than the other. Pricing has more to do with the features and the existing space layout.
It’s reasonable to be concerned about the price, too. For either remodel option for your space, the overall pricing is similar. A tub-to-shower or shower-to-tub conversion could be expensive if there are obstacles in the way. It all depends.
Of course, there are so many factors to consider when it comes to price. Costs often rise not because of the tub or shower itself, but because of added features, accessories, or layout changes.
Which Option is Better for Cleaning and Maintenance?
Both options are made of the same materials, which are generally easy to clean. At Shugarman’s Bath, both tubs and showers are made using the same BP-Cor2 materials. The walls and bases are non-porous, meaning they’re less prone to mold, mildew, and staining. Cleaning can be as simple as using 409.
However, standing in a walk-in shower is generally easier when compared to leaning over a bathtub, which can strain your ribs, stomach, and lower back. Giving a good scrub to the tub can feel like a workout.
Will Choosing Between a Tub and a Shower Affect Resale Value?
There is nuance, as buyer preferences vary widely between tubs and showers. Even if properties with at least one tub have broader market appeal, preferences vary by region and property type. It’s a common misconception that every bathroom needs a bathtub to protect resale value. You have buyers who prefer showers to tubs.
Another misconception to consider is that removing a tub lowers your home’s value. In most cases, buyers care more about the bathroom’s condition, maintenance, and the durability of the materials.
If you’re not looking to sell your home immediately, it might be more helpful to focus on how the tub and shower area works for you today.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making a Decision
Before choosing between a bathtub and a shower, it can help to ask a few simple questions:
- When was the last time I actually used my tub?
- Do I feel comfortable and safe using this space every day?
- Does this setup support my daily routine or make it harder?
- Am I remodeling for how I live now or for someone else in the future?
- If you’re basing your decision on someone using the home in the future, that is also valid. Shugarman’s Bath has had plenty of clients who based their decision on future use.
When you’re making this decision, answer these questions as honestly as possible. It can help clear the path to a decision.
Still Not Sure Which To Choose? Consult with Professionals
Don’t worry if you’re still conflicted between a tub or a shower. Other homeowners feel the same way. There isn’t a single option that works best for everyone.
Speaking with specialists who focus on tubs and showers can help you better understand your options. They’ve seen all kinds of bathrooms. Some with amazing tub or shower layouts (and others with shoddy work). They can help you get closer to making a decision that allows you to create a space that works well for you every day.
Next, read our article on how you can make your tub or shower area safer.
Not sure who you can talk to? Schedule a FREE consultation with Shugarman’s Bath! We can have a design consultant at your door to help you understand your options.
The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.
