bathroom
Walk-In Shower vs Bathtub
Keep at least one tub for resale value, especially with kids. Walk-in showers suit master baths for luxury and accessibility. Converting all tubs to showers can hurt home value.
Option A
Walk-In Shower
$3,000-$8,000
per installed
Lifespan25-30 years
MaintenanceClean glass, seal tile
Pros
- ✓Modern appeal
- ✓Accessibility
- ✓Easier cleaning
- ✓Space efficient
Cons
- ✗No soaking option
- ✗May hurt resale
- ✗Can feel cold
- ✗Water splash
Best for: Master baths, aging-in-place, and modern aesthetics
Option B
Bathtub
$1,500-$5,000
per installed
Lifespan25-50 years
MaintenanceStandard cleaning
Pros
- ✓Soaking relaxation
- ✓Kids need tubs
- ✓Better resale
- ✓Multiple options
Cons
- ✗Takes more space
- ✗Harder to clean
- ✗Less accessible
- ✗Water usage
Best for: Family homes, kid bathrooms, and resale consideration
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Walk-In Shower | Bathtub | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000-$8,000 | $1,500-$5,000 ✓ | Bathtub |
| Accessibility | Excellent ✓ | Poor | Walk-In Shower |
| Resale Value | Depends on market | Important to have 1 ✓ | Bathtub |
| Modern Appeal | Very modern ✓ | Classic | Walk-In Shower |
| Space Required | Flexible ✓ | More space | Walk-In Shower |
| Functionality | Showers only | Baths + showers ✓ | Bathtub |
The Verdict
Keep at least one tub for resale value, especially with kids. Walk-in showers suit master baths for luxury and accessibility. Converting all tubs to showers can hurt home value.
Choose Walk-In Shower if:
Master baths, aging-in-place, and modern aesthetics
Choose Bathtub if:
Family homes, kid bathrooms, and resale consideration
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing a tub hurt resale?
Removing the only tub can hurt resale, especially for family homes. Keep at least one tub. Converting second tub to walk-in shower typically helps resale.
Are walk-in showers more expensive?
Generally yes. Walk-in showers require more waterproofing, often have glass enclosures, and need drain relocation. Budget $3,000-8,000 vs $1,500-5,000 for tubs.
Which is better for elderly?
Walk-in showers are much safer and more accessible. Consider curbless entry, grab bars, and bench seat. Tubs pose fall risks for those with mobility issues.
Can I have both in one bathroom?
Yes, a separate tub and walk-in shower is the luxury standard. Requires space (typically 70+ sq ft). Wet rooms can combine both in smaller spaces.
Which uses less water?
Showers typically use 50% less water than baths (25 vs 50 gallons). However, very long showers can match or exceed bath water use.
More Comparisons
flooring
Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring
$6-$18 vs $3-$10
flooringHardwood vs Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
$6-$18 vs $4-$10
flooringTile vs Luxury Vinyl Plank
$5-$15 vs $4-$10
roofingAsphalt Shingles vs Metal Roofing
$4-$8 vs $8-$16
roofingRoof Repair vs Replacement
$300-$1,500 vs $8,000-$20,000
kitchenGranite vs Quartz Countertops
$40-$100 vs $50-$150