Tub vs. Shower: Which Is Right for Your Home?

One of the biggest decisions in any bathroom remodel: tub or shower? Or both? While the answer depends on your specific situation, this guide will help you weigh the factors and make the right choice for your home.

The Case for Showers

Showers have become the preference for most adults, and it's easy to see why:

Advantages of Showers

• Speed and convenience: Quick daily cleansing without the wait for a tub to fill
• Water efficiency: Uses 25-40 gallons vs. 50-80 for a bath
• Accessibility: Easier to enter/exit, especially with age or mobility concerns
• Space efficiency: Can fit in smaller footprints, freeing floor space
• Modern aesthetic: Walk-in showers with frameless glass are highly desirable

Best Shower Options

• Walk-in shower with glass enclosure: The most popular choice for primary bathrooms
• Curbless (zero-entry) shower: Ultra-accessible and spa-like
• Corner shower: Space-saving option for smaller bathrooms

The Case for Bathtubs

Don't count out tubs just yet. They still have valuable roles in many homes:

Advantages of Bathtubs

• Bathing young children: Much easier and safer than showering small kids
• Relaxation: Soaking baths for stress relief and self-care
• Resale value: Many buyers want at least one tub in the home
• Pet washing: Easier to bathe dogs in a tub
• Versatility: Can shower with an overhead fixture

Best Tub Options

• Alcove tub/shower combo: Traditional, space-efficient, budget-friendly
• Freestanding soaking tub: Luxurious focal point (requires significant space)
• Walk-in tub: Safe option for aging in place (but slower to fill/drain)

Key Decision Factors

1. Who Uses This Bathroom?

• Primary bathroom: Most couples prefer dual showers or a large walk-in shower
• Kids' bathroom: Keep the tub for bathing children (they'll outgrow this need, but it lasts years)
• Guest bathroom: Shower-only is usually fine unless you frequently host families with young children

2. How Many Bathrooms Do You Have?

Real estate rule of thumb: Have at least one tub in the home if possible, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods. Beyond that, showers are preferred.

• One bathroom: Consider tub/shower combo for versatility
• Two bathrooms: One tub and one walk-in shower is ideal
• Three+ bathrooms: One tub is usually enough; the rest can be showers

3. Resale Considerations

While personal preference matters, resale value is worth considering:

• Family neighborhoods: At least one tub is often expected
• Luxury/adult communities: Walk-in showers are more desirable than tubs
• Urban condos: Shower-only is common and acceptable

4. Space Available

• Small bathroom (40-60 sq ft): Shower saves space; tub/shower combo is compact
• Medium bathroom (60-100 sq ft): Room for either a luxurious shower or a separate tub and shower
• Large bathroom (100+ sq ft): Why choose? You can have both!

Popular Compromises & Solutions

The Tub-to-Shower Conversion

If you rarely use your tub, converting it to a spacious walk-in shower can:

• Increase daily usability
• Improve safety and accessibility
• Modernize the bathroom's appearance
• Be completed in 3-5 days (much faster than a full remodel)

Shower with Soaking Bench

A built-in bench provides a place to sit and relax (not quite a bath, but close) while maintaining the accessibility and convenience of a shower.

Separate Tub + Shower

In a large primary bathroom, this is the luxury solution: a spa-like shower for daily use and a freestanding tub for occasional soaking.

Our Recommendation Framework

Choose a tub if:

• You have young children (under 8) or plan to in the near future
• This is your only bathroom
• You genuinely enjoy baths and will use it regularly
• You're in a family-oriented neighborhood and this is your only full bathroom

Choose a shower if:

• You rarely or never take baths
• You have other bathrooms in the home with tubs
• Mobility and accessibility are priorities
• You want a modern, spa-like aesthetic
• Space is limited

The Bottom Line

There's no universal right answer, but for most people remodeling a primary bathroom, a walk-in shower is the practical, stylish, and accessible choice—especially if there's another tub elsewhere in the home. For kids' bathrooms, tubs still reign supreme for the foreseeable future.

Unsure what's best for your specific situation? Schedule a free consultation and we'll help you make the choice that's right for your lifestyle and home.