Hartford Luxury Baths category interest

When it comes time to renovate a bathroom, one of the first questions people ask themselves is whether to keep the bathtub or ditch it in favor of a walk-in shower. How much space do you have? What is your budget? Are you more concerned with function or style? How long do you plan to live in your home? There are many factors to consider when deciding if a walk-in shower is the best option for your home.

Bath Barn specializes in bathroom redesigns serving homeowners in Lancaster County and surrounding areas. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of walk-in showers to help you make the best decision for your bathroom renovation!

Benefits of Walk-in Showers

Not only are walk-in showers a stylish feature, but they also offer many potential benefits for your home, including:

More Space: A walk-in shower is especially beneficial for small bathrooms. If your bathroom feels cramped, ditching the bathtub in favor of a walk-in shower can give you the feel of extra space!

Easy to Clean: Walk-in showers are easy to clean. There are less hard-to-reach nooks and crannies for mold and mildew to hide in, and the smooth surfaces are simple to wipe down.

Accessibility: Walk-in showers can be a great solution for people with limited mobility. There is no need to step over a tub wall or ledge, and many models can be equipped with built-in seats and grab bars for added safety.

Potential Drawbacks of Walk-in Showers

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind when considering a walk-in shower:

Cost: Walk-in showers can be more expensive than traditional bathtubs, both to install and to maintain.

Excess Water: Because of the functionality of a shower (pressurized water falling from a high point to the surface) and fewer barriers (like tub walls and curtains), they are more susceptible to water splashing throughout your bathroom. Mindful planning can reduce or eliminate this excess water!

Cold: Walk-in showers can feel cold, especially in the winter months. Tile floors and cool air can make the space feel uninviting. One solution is to install a radiant floor heating system beneath your shower floor!

Resale Value: Not having a tub in a home may be a potential drawback for some buyers, especially those with small children. It helps to consider your future plans for your home.

Walk-in Shower vs. Tub

When it comes to walk-in showers vs. tubs, there are a few key differences to keep in mind when making your decision:

Cost: Again, walk-in showers are typically more expensive than bathtubs. Walk-in showers may look simple and straightforward in appearance, but they require more materials and labor to install.

Size: Walk-in showers can take up less space than bathtubs. This can be a benefit if you have a small bathroom, or if you simply want the space to feel more open.

Maintenance: As we mentioned before, walk-in showers are generally easier to keep clean than bathtubs. There are less hard-to-reach areas for mold and mildew to hide, and you are more easily able to move in and out of the space without stepping over the tub.

Style: Walk-in showers offer a more modern look, while bathtubs have a more classic feel. It really comes down to your personal preference!

At the end of the day, the best way to choose between a walk-in shower and a bathtub is to consider your needs and preferences. If you have a small bathroom, you may want to ditch the tub to save space. If you have mobility issues, a walk-in shower can make your life easier. And if you’re concerned about cost or resale value, a traditional bathtub may be the better option. No matter what you decide, Bath Barn can help turn your vision into reality!

Walk-in Shower Installation Near You