Deciding Bathtub Versus Shower
In a primary bathroom, the bathtub versus shower choice usually comes down to how people bathe every day, how much space the room has and who will use it in the future. Many owners remove a rarely used tub to gain a larger shower. Others keep a tub because a child, a soaking habit or resale expectations make it worth the space.
Neither choice wins every time. The details below help you decide.
Daily Use and Habits
Track how often anyone uses the tub. If it mostly holds toiletries, a larger shower may serve better. However, families with young children often value a tub for baths.
Space and Layout
A tub takes a fixed footprint. Replacing it with a shower can open room for a bench, niche or wider entry. The article on tub to shower conversion explains what that project involves.
In larger rooms, both can fit. Then the question becomes how to divide the space.
Bathtub Versus Shower for Aging in Place
Stepping over a tub wall gets harder with age or injury. A low threshold or curbless shower can help. The article on curbless shower design covers that option, and aging in place remodeling covers broader planning.
- Low or no threshold entries
- Built in seating
- Blocking for grab bars
- Handheld shower heads
Resale Considerations
Some buyers expect at least one tub in the house. If another bathroom keeps a tub, removing the primary one may matter less. Ask a local real estate professional what nearby buyers expect.
Plumbing and Permits
Swapping a tub for a shower often changes the drain, valve and waterproofing. The City of Sacramento lists shower and tub enclosure replacements among projects that need a permit. Moving drains adds cost and may require floor work.
Waterproofing Matters Either Way
Showers rely on careful waterproofing behind tile. The article on shower waterproofing basics explains the layers. Tubs also need proper sealing where walls meet the rim.
Bathtub Versus Shower Costs and Disruption
Keeping a tub where it sits usually costs less than converting the space. In contrast, removing a tub to build a tiled shower adds waterproofing, a new valve and often drain changes. Because walls open in both cases, ask whether old plumbing should be replaced at the same time.
Also plan for the room to be out of service for a while. So families with one bathroom should schedule the work carefully.
Making the Bathtub Versus Shower Decision
List daily needs, future needs and resale goals. Then sketch both layouts. The bathtub versus shower choice gets easier once you see how each layout uses the room.