Walk-In Shower vs. Tub: How to Decide
A practical comparison for households deciding whether to keep the tub.
If nobody in your household takes baths, a walk-in shower is usually more comfortable and easier to use. The harder cases are homes with only one bathroom, young children, or plans to sell.
When a walk-in shower makes sense
- Another bathroom has a tub
- Anyone has trouble stepping over a tub wall
- You want a bench, handheld shower or larger space
- Daily showers far outnumber baths
When to keep a tub
- It's the only tub in the home
- You bathe young children or pets
- You plan to sell soon and buyers in your market expect one
A middle option
A low-profile tub with a handheld shower, grab bars and a glass panel can be easier to use while preserving a tub.
Cost and construction
Converting a tub usually means moving the drain and building a new shower floor, so it's rarely just a swap. A same-footprint tub replacement may be simpler.