Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower has become one of the most requested bathroom upgrades in recent years. At the same time, removing every bathtub from a home is not always the right decision. The better choice depends on how you use the space, who lives in the home, and whether you're remodeling for everyday comfort, accessibility, or future resale value.
Instead of asking which option is universally better, it helps to ask which one makes the most sense for your home.
Daily use
For many homeowners, a walk-in shower fits daily routines better than a traditional tub. It is quicker to use, easier to clean, and can make a bathroom feel noticeably larger.
A bathtub still has advantages. Families with young children often find it more practical, and many homeowners simply enjoy having the option to soak after a long day.
If the bathroom is used primarily by adults, a walk-in shower is often the more practical choice. If it is the only full bathroom in the house, keeping at least one bathtub is usually worth considering.
Space
Walk-in showers generally create a more open appearance, especially in smaller bathrooms. Large glass panels allow more light to move through the room, making the space feel less confined.
Bathtubs occupy more visual space, but they can still work well when the room is designed around them. In larger primary bathrooms, combining a freestanding tub with a separate shower remains a popular layout.
Accessibility
One of the biggest advantages of a walk-in shower is accessibility. A low-threshold or curbless entry reduces tripping hazards and can make the bathroom easier to use for older adults or anyone planning to age in place.
Grab bars, built-in benches, handheld shower heads, and non-slip tile can all be incorporated without changing the overall appearance of the room.
Maintenance
Cleaning is another area where the two options differ.
A properly designed tiled shower with quality glass is generally easier to maintain than an older shower curtain and tub combination. Fewer corners, modern drains, and high-quality materials can reduce long-term maintenance.
Bathtubs are durable but may require more effort to keep clean around the edges and enclosure, particularly in older bathrooms.
Resale value
Many homeowners worry that removing a bathtub will reduce resale value. The answer depends on the property.
If the home already has another bathtub, replacing one with a walk-in shower is rarely a concern. However, removing the only bathtub in a family home may limit appeal for some future buyers with young children.
The best remodeling decisions balance your current lifestyle with the type of buyer who is most likely to purchase the home in the future.
Cost
The cost of either option depends on materials, plumbing changes, waterproofing, tile selection, fixtures, and labour.
A standard bathtub replacement is often less expensive than building a fully tiled custom walk-in shower. However, high-end freestanding tubs and premium fixtures can quickly increase the overall project cost.
Rather than comparing fixtures alone, evaluate the complete scope of work.
Which option is right?
Choose a walk-in shower if your priorities include accessibility, modern design, easier maintenance, or maximising usable space.
Choose a bathtub if you have young children, enjoy soaking baths, or your home has only one full bathroom.
Many larger homes benefit from having both—a spacious walk-in shower for everyday use and a bathtub elsewhere in the home.