Walk-In Tubs vs. Walk-In Showers: Which Is Right For Your Home?
Dreaming of an elegant bathroom upgrade or contemplating future accessibility needs? Choosing between a walk-in tub versus a walk-in shower is an important step in creating a space that works for your lifestyle now and in the future. Both options offer comfort, style and added safety.
Learn more about the benefits of walk-in tubs versus walk-in showers to decide the best choice for your family’s unique needs.
Planning a Bathroom Remodel
With more than 28% of homeowners planning a bathroom remodel in the next five years, it’s smart to start with a clear vision. From layout and features to long-term care needs, there’s a lot to consider.
- Are you focused on mobility?
- Are you thinking ahead to aging in place?
- Do you want luxurious upgrades or a low-maintenance design?
- Do you want to change the layout?
- What’s your budget?
Safe Step’s design consultants are ready to guide you through the process, helping create a bathroom that doesn’t sacrifice style for convenience.
Walk-In Tubs Feature Therapeutic Solutions
Revitalize your body and mind in a walk-in bath designed for accessibility and convenience. There are many comfort benefits to installing a walk-in tub in your home.
- Deep soaking: Soaking in the bliss of a warm bath can improve mood and sleep quality and promote deep muscle relaxation.
- Hydrotherapy: Targeted jets of water deliver pressure at adjustable intensity for relief from aching joints and muscle pain.
- Heart health: Air therapy jets on some walk-in tubs help boost circulation while soothing, hydrating and softening skin using millions of tiny oxygen-enriched bubbles.
Walk-In Showers Offer Form and Function
Walk-in showers are redefining bathroom aesthetics with sleek, modern lines and minimalist appeal. Designed for both form and function, these showers bring spa-inspired tranquility into your home with features like a tension-melting rainfall shower head.
- Ease of use: Getting clean is as easy as stepping in, rinsing off and stepping out, without a traditional tub’s high wall to navigate. Handheld shower wands, a fold-away seat and convenient storage will aid in your bathing routine.
- Convenience: Walk-in showers offer effortless accessibility for every member of the household, from kids to older adults. Their open, spacious design also makes daily routines faster and easier, making them ideal for busy families and seniors alike.
- Water efficiency: Many walk-in showers use low-flow shower heads that save on water without sacrificing bathing enjoyment.
- Easy maintenance: The minimalistic design of walk-in showers keeps mold and mildew at bay, with wall options that are easier to clean than traditional bathroom tile and grout. The shower base often sits at a slight angle to funnel water into the drain, reducing standing water.
Comparing Accessibility and Safety Features
Walk-in tubs and showers help family members live comfortably at home, regardless of mobility limitations. Both offer accessibility upgrades to traditional tubs:
| Safety Feature | Walk-In Tubs | Walk-In Showers |
|---|---|---|
| Low Entry Threshold | ✅ | ✅ |
| Seating | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grab Bars | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shower Wand | ✅ | ✅ |
| Slip Prevention | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fast Drainage | ✅ | ✅ |
Purposeful Design vs. Elevated Style
Walk-in tubs won’t have the same range of design options compared to walk-in showers, though they deliver a consistently practical, safety-oriented bathing experience. Choose between an inward and outward-swinging tub door, depending on your bathroom layout and needs.
If you’re looking for the benefits of a walk-in tub with the ability to take a standing shower, consider a tub-shower combo. The hybrid design includes a shower head mounted above the tub for the best of both worlds.
Enhance the style of your bathroom with a modern walk-in shower. Choose between a wide range of wall colors and materials, bases, shower heads, fixture finishes and convenience features. Walk-in showers fit in most bathrooms and come with a sliding glass door, panel or curtain, depending on the specific model.
You can even install a fold-away shower seat if you’re looking for the ability to shower sitting down.
Understanding Installation and Maintenance
The installation process is similar for walk-in tubs and showers. Renovations will be minimal unless you decide to change the location of your plumbing or are retiling, adding new walls or making other significant changes. Safe Step’s professional installations are included in the price to avoid unexpected costs or fees.
Routine maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of the product and reduce bacteria build-up, no matter what type of tub or shower you have. Read our product care guide for a full breakdown.
Cost Comparison
Seniors looking to age comfortably at home will find a reliable solution in a walk-in tub or shower. Many may find that the upfront costs outweigh and eliminate the need for pricier long-term care, such as assisted living.
“One of the best investments we’ve ever made. The installation process was amazing and only added to the value of the purchase. Every person that contacted us was professional and courteous,” said G. Kuller.
In general, walk-in showers are less expensive than walk-in tubs, though they can vary depending on the manufacturer, model and add-on features. Explore our pricing guide for more information.
Evaluating Resale Value and Market Trends
Safe bathing solutions like walk-in tubs or showers can increase your home’s resale value. This is one of the many financial advantages of remodeling your bathroom. As you plan, consider the bathing preferences of those you live with and who may move in, especially if you live in an area that’s popular with seniors.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Compare accessibility and design features to determine which one is right for you:
| Preference | Walk-In Tub | Walk-In Shower |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want a design-forward upgrade? | ❌ Walk-in tubs focus on comfort and accessibility, rather than style. | ✅ Walk-in showers feature modern styles and accents to make a statement. |
| You prefer a relaxing soak over quick showers | ✅ Deep soaking for comfort and therapy | ❌ Primarily designed for standing, but a fold-away seat is available for convenience |
| You need the flexibility to sit or stand while bathing | ❌ Only for sitting (no standing shower) | ✅ Both sitting and standing options available |
| You need therapeutic features (e.g., hydrotherapy) | ✅ Hydrotherapy jets, color light therapy and heated backrests | ❌ Limited therapeutic features |
| ✅ No special equipment required. Walk-in showers run efficiently with a standard water heater. | ❌ A walk-in tub may need a higher-capacity water heater to ensure it fills adequately for deep soaking. | ✅ No special equipment required. Walk-in showers run efficiently with a standard hot water heater. |
| You prefer easy maintenance with fewer moving parts | ✅ Simple tub with fewer components to maintain | ❌ More components require more upkeep |
| You share the bathroom with others who prefer showers | ❌ Not ideal for showering | ✅ Perfect for households with diverse bathing needs |
Trust Safe Step for Bathing Solutions
We’ll help you find the safe bathing solution right for your home. At Safe Step, we offer a range of customizable walk-in tub and shower models to fit your needs. Upgrade and get our best-in-class lifetime warranty, innovative product designs and professional installation, with 95% of projects completed in as little as one day.
Get started today with a free quote.
Enjoy $1,500 Off Your Walk-In Tub + Free Toilet, Including Installation!*
Request a free quote today!
