Walk-In Shower or Bathtub: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub is a big decision to make, as it’ll ultimately impact not only the aesthetics of your bathroom but also its functionality and how well it meets your household's needs.
If you’re struggling with making a decision, you’ve come to the right place. To help you choose what is right for you, over the next few sections, we’re going to cover:
- Biggest factors to consider when choosing between the two
- Pros and cons of walk-in showers and bathtubs
- Whether you can have both if you can’t make your mind up
But before we do that, let’s first take a look at what walk-in showers and bathtubs are all about.
What is a Walk-In Shower?
As the name suggests, a walk-in shower is a shower that you can walk right in. It is typically designed without a raised threshold, door, or significant barriers, providing an open and easy access to your shower space.
What is a Bathtub?
A bathtub is a large, typically oval-shaped basin designed for bathing and relaxation. Bathtubs are a staple in many homes across the UK due to the unique experience they offer, which a typical walk-in shower cannot replicate.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
When trying to decide between a walk-in shower and a bathtub, there are a number of factors that you should consider, including:
Available Space in Your Bathroom
Before you consider anything else, you need to take into account the available space in your bathroom. If you have plenty of it, there’s nothing to worry about but if it’s quite limited, you need to carefully consider your options.
Fitting a bathtub in a small space can not only be very awkward but also make your bathroom feel a lot more cramped and affect its aesthetic. For bathrooms with limited space, one of the biggest advantages of walk-in showers is that they can be fitted almost anywhere and still make your bathroom feel open and spacious.
Your Lifestyle and Needs
If you’re someone who likes a practical, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution, a walk-in shower would be the right choice for you 9 out of 10 times. On the other hand, if you’re someone who’d love a bath after a long day or values a relaxing soak, a bathtub would be the right choice for you.
Accessibility and Safety
People who value safety and/or have mobility issues should always opt for a walk-in shower. They are far easier to access due to their level-entry design, which eliminates the need to step over a bathtub or shower ledge.
Cleaning and Maintenance
When it comes to cleaning, walk-in showers generally require a lot less effort compared to bathtubs. As far as maintenance is concerned, people also find that walk-in showers are quite a permanent solution while bathtubs may need to be replaced every 10 to 30 years.
Style and Aesthetic Preferences
If you’re someone who values traditional aesthetics, a bathtub will make a world of difference in creating a timeless and elegant atmosphere in your bathroom. On the other hand, if you prefer a more sleek and minimalist look, choosing one of our walk-in showers for a modern look might be the way to go.
Budget Considerations
If you’re working on a tighter budget, a walk-in shower usually works out to be the more affordable option, especially if you opt for a pre-fabricated model. And since they generally require less maintenance, the cost over time can also be lower compared to that of owning a bathtub.
Resale Value
When it comes to resale value, both walk-in showers and bathtubs come with their advantages. In homes where space is quite limited, a walk-in shower can make the bathroom feel more spacious, which can be more appealing to potential buyers.
On the other hand, bathtubs still hold a strong appeal, especially if the potential buyers are families with young children who value the convenience of a soak over a traditional shower. So, it’s really a matter of the type of potential buyers that your property is attracting.
Pros and Cons of Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers come with a number of advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider:
Pros of Walk-In Showers
- Offer easy access
- Can make small bathrooms feel more spacious
- Can be customised to fit almost any bathroom layout
- Saves water compared to filling a bathtub every time
- Easy to clean
Cons of Walk-In Showers
- Water can splash outside if not designed properly
- Can feel less cosy, especially during the cold winter months
- Lacks the relaxation or soaking experience that bathtubs offer
Pros and Cons of Bathtubs
As is the case with walk-in showers, bathtubs also come with their own benefits and drawbacks:
Pros of Bathtubs
- Perfect for soaking and relaxing after a long day
- Offer a number of therapeutic benefits
- Great for families with young children
- Can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your bathroom
- Can increase resale value, especially if your home has one bathroom
Cons of Bathtubs
- Take up more space, making them impractical for small bathrooms
- Use a lot more water
- Can be difficult to access for people with mobility issues
- Require more maintenance and can take longer to clean
Can You Have Both?
Yes, if you have the budget and your bathroom space allows for the installation of a bathtub and a walk-in shower.
Alternatively, what most households in the UK do is opt for a shower-bath combination. This setup combines the functionality of both a bathtub and a shower, offering the convenience of a shower with the option to enjoy a bathtub when desired.
Final Thoughts / CTA
Deciding between a bathtub and a walk-in shower can be quite challenging. However, your decision will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the space available in your bathroom.
If you have a small bathroom and want to add a touch of luxury to it, you can’t go wrong with a walk-in shower. If you have quite substantial space, however, you can also consider having a bathtub instead or why not both so you can get the best of both worlds?