One of the biggest decisions in a bathroom remodel is also one of the most personal: should you install a walk-in shower or keep a bathtub? The walk-in shower vs bathtub question affects your daily routine, your budget, your resale value, and how the whole room feels. There’s no single right answer, but understanding the trade-offs will help you make the call with confidence.

The Case for a Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers have become the top request in modern bathroom remodels, and for good reason.

• They feel open and modern. A glass-enclosed, curbless shower makes a bathroom look bigger and more current, especially in a smaller room where a tub would eat up space.
• They’re easier to get in and out of. With no tub wall to step over, a walk-in shower is far more accessible, which is a real advantage as you age in place or if anyone in the household has mobility concerns.
• They’re easier to clean. Fewer ledges and a simple glass panel mean less scrubbing than a tub-and-surround combo.
• They’re customizable. Benches, niches, rainfall heads, and multiple sprays let you build a spa-like experience.

The main trade-off: a walk-in shower isn’t ideal if you love soaking in a bath, and a fully custom, curbless shower with quality glass and tile can cost as much as or more than a tub, depending on the finishes.

The Case for a Bathtub

The bathtub is far from obsolete, and in some situations it’s clearly the better choice.

• Resale and family needs. Real estate agents often advise keeping at least one bathtub in the home. Buyers with young children, and families who bathe kids, frequently consider a tub a must-have. Removing your only tub can narrow your future buyer pool.
• Relaxation. Nothing replaces a long soak at the end of a hard day. If baths are part of how you unwind, that’s a strong reason to keep one.
• Cost. A standard tub with a tiled surround is often the more budget-friendly option compared to a large custom walk-in shower.

The trade-offs: tubs take more space, they’re harder to step into safely over time, and a rarely-used tub is essentially square footage you’re not enjoying.

How to Decide: Key Questions

The walk-in shower vs bathtub choice usually comes down to a few honest questions:

1. Do you actually take baths? Be truthful. If your tub has been a shelf for shampoo bottles for years, a walk-in shower will serve you far better.
2. Is this your only bathroom? If so, keeping a tub protects resale value. If you have another full bath with a tub, you’re free to go all-shower here.
3. How much space do you have? In a tight bathroom, a walk-in shower usually makes the room feel larger. See our small bathroom remodel ideas for more on this.
4. Are you planning to stay long-term? A curbless walk-in shower supports aging in place and comfortable access for years to come.
5. What’s your budget? A simple tub-surround is often cheaper; a high-end custom shower can run higher. Set the budget before you fall in love with fixtures.

A Middle-Ground Option

If you can’t decide and you have the space, you don’t always have to choose. Some remodels include both a walk-in shower and a separate freestanding tub, giving you the best of both. It requires more square footage and budget, but in a primary bathroom it’s a popular, high-value layout.

Get Expert Guidance for Your Bathroom Remodel

The right answer to walk-in shower vs bathtub depends on how you live, how long you’ll stay, and what your space allows. At Glendora Kitchens, we help homeowners across Glendora and the San Gabriel Valley plan bathroom remodels that fit their routine and protect their home’s value, including custom vanities and cabinetry to complete the space.

Weighing your options? Contact us or call (818) 568-5032 to talk it through.