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Bathroom Tips and Guide to the Modern Bathroom

Walk-in Shower VS Walk-in Bathtub: How to decide which is best for you…

When it comes to the bathroom, one of the most common questions homeowners have is whether to install a walk-in tub or a shower. Both have distinct advantages, so how do you choose? Does it make sense to add a space-saving shower or should you go for the family friendly tub?

To help you reach a decision on the walk-in bathtub vs the walk-in shower conundrum, here’s a look at some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Pros & Cons of a Walk-in Bathtub

Unlike a standard bathtub, a walk-in tub has a lower threshold, higher walls, a built-in seat and a door that opens to allow the bather inside. Here’s how it stacks up:

Pros

  • It’s safer and more accessible for elderly or disabled individuals, which makes an ideal choice for aging in place.
  • It provides greater water depth for a more comfortable, immersive bath experience.
  • Despite it’s depths, the amount of water used is comparable to traditional tubs.
  • Extras such as handrails, anti-scald valves and non-slip flooring are included.

Cons

  • You can’t pre fill the tub, but rather have to get in, sit down and start adding water, you also have to empty the tub before getting out.
  • Installation can be pricey.

Pros & Cons of a Walk-in Shower

Highly on trend today, walk-in showers are stand-alone bathroom features. Because they don’t include a bathtub, they can be narrow and provide more space-saving features than the traditional shower-tub combination. If space isn’t a concern, walk-in showers can be spacious enough for two and include amenities such as steam generators and massaging shower heads. Consider their pros and cons:

Pros

  • Can take up less space,freeing up square footage
  • Often easier to clean, with fewer areas where water, dirt and grime can collect.
  • On trend, often a selling point.

Cons

  • Not practical for kids
  • Potential slip hazard
  • Typically more expensive to install

Questions to Consider

For some bathrooms, the choice of whether to include a tub or a shower is easy. Once you consider the pros and cons of each option, it becomes apparent which you want to use daily. For others, however, it can be helpful to think through the following questions:

  • What do you have now? In the case of a remodel, sticking with the layout you have is usually and least costly option. Sticking with a shower for example, when that what you already have will save you the extra construction work involved in creating a walk-in bathtub.
  • How much space do you have? In a secondary bathroom where space is at a premium, going with the walk-in shower is a great way to open up the floor space.
  • Who uses the Bathroom? Whether you’re talking about the master bathroom or a guest bath bath off the hallway, think about who primarily uses the bathroom. Are they young children or elderly family members? Would they be more comfortable with a shower or a walk-in tub?

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, when it comes to the question of walk-in bathtubs vs walk-in showers, the best choice for you is dependent on several factors. Consider the size of your bathroom, who uses it, what you need and like, and then make your choice!

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