Should I Replace My Bathtub with a Walk-In Shower?

Thinking of upgrading a bathroom? One of the biggest decisions homeowners have to make is whether or not to replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower. The transition can modernize your area to be more accessible, low-maintenance, and contemporary, but is it for you?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both options, discuss their suitability for different property types, and highlight current bathroom design trends to help you make an informed choice. And most importantly walk you through the steps of transforming your bathroom tub into a walk-in shower!

Bathtub vs. Walk-In Shower: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Prior to making a decision, it’s important to know the pros and cons of walk-in showers and bathtubs.

Bathtubs

Pros of constructing a bathtub:

• Relaxation: Bathtubs allow for soaking space, which can be therapeutic and relaxing after work.
• Family-Friendly: Ideal for families with young children, as bathtubs are easier to bathe children in.
• Resale Value: Houses with one or more bathtubs might appeal to more potential buyers, particularly families.

Cons of having a bathtub:

• Space Consumption: Bathtubs tend to be space-consuming, and that can be a disadvantage in smaller bathrooms.
• Accessibility Issues: It might be challenging for individuals with mobility problems to enter and exit a bathtub.
• Water Use: Filling a bathtub uses more water than taking a brief shower, with costs for bills and the environment.

Walk-In Showers

Benefits of converting into a walk-shower:

• Accessibility: Walk-in showers, especially curbless showers, are easier to access, making them perfect for individuals with mobility impairments.
• Space-Saving: They can be installed in small bathrooms, optimizing the available space.
• Modern Aesthetic: Walk-in showers offer a modern, clean look that can enhance the bathroom as a whole.
• Ease of Cleaning: Because they have fewer crevices and simpler designs, walk-in showers are generally easier to clean and maintain.

Cons of a walk-in shower:

• Lack of Bathing Option: Without a bathtub, you give up the option of having soaking baths, which might be a drawback for some homeowners.
• Potential Water Splash: Inadequate design can lead to water splashing onto the bathroom floor, though this can be prevented with proper planning.

Choosing the Right Bathroom Layout for Your Home

When deciding whether to have a bathtub or walk-in shower, the dimensions, layout, and lifestyle needs of your home play a significant factor. The right choice isn’t just about what will be visually appealing—it’s about what will work well in your home, your family, and even the resale value of your home. Let’s break it down based on different kinds of homes.

Small Homes & Condos: Maximizing Every Square Foot

In condos and smaller homes, space is at a premium. A big bathtub will take up a lot of space, and the bathroom will be cramped. Walk-in showers, especially those with glass enclosures, can provide a feeling of openness and modern appearance while increasing functionality.
Smart Choice: A walk-in shower is the wiser choice when there isn’t enough space. It makes for a more spacious setup, is easier to clean, and brings an upscale, modern touch to your bathroom.

Family Homes: Making It Functional for All

If you have kids (or plan to sell to someone who does), a bathtub is typically necessary. It’s a lot more convenient to bathe with a bathtub, and most prospective homeowners with young children anticipate having at least one of them in the home. Even if showering is your habit, it is convenient to have a bathtub present in at least one of the bathrooms.
Best Option: Both, a walk-in shower in one bathroom and a bathtub in another, maintain your home functional for both current and future uses.

Luxury Homes: The Best of Both Worlds

In a large house with a large bathroom, you don’t have to make the compromise of either/or, you can have both! A stand-alone soaking tub and a big walk-in shower are an unbeatable combination that makes a spa-like retreat, transforming your bathroom not only into a functional space but into a place of luxurious refuge.
Best Choice: A soaking tub and walk-in shower combination offers elegance, relaxation, and convenience, making your home feel like an upscale resort.

The type of property and location can also dictate the use of a bathtub or walk-in shower.

Key Considerations Before Replacing Your Bathtub with a Walk-In Shower

In making the decision to install a walk-in shower in place of your bathtub, consider the following:

• Personal Preferences: Showers or baths? Let your comfort level and daily practice dictate your preference.
• Household Needs: Consider the needs of the whole household, including children and senior members.
• Space Availability: Measure the space of your bathroom to decide which works for you best.
• Resale Value:  Local market trends will pay for a bit more price for a walk-in shower.
• Budget: Include the cost of installation and potential future upgrades

Feature	Bathtub	Walk-In Shower
Space Requirement	Requires more space, may not fit in smaller bathrooms	Space-saving, suitable for compact areas
Accessibility	May pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues	Easier access, especially with curbless designs
Maintenance	Can be harder to clean due to crevices and grout lines	Easier to clean with fewer surfaces and less grout
Water Usage	Typically consumes more water per use	More water-efficient, especially with low-flow showerheads
Resale Value	Preferred by families with young children and luxury homebuyers	Preferred by those seeking modern, accessible, and space-efficient designs
Aesthetic Appeal	Traditional and luxurious, depending on the design	Sleek, contemporary, and customizable
Installation Cost	Can be more expensive due to size and plumbing requirements	Generally more affordable, but costs can vary based on customization
Suitability	Ideal for families, large homes, and luxury properties	Great for small bathrooms, modern designs, and accessibility needs

How to Replace a Bathtub with a Walk-In Shower

So you’ve decided to replace your bathtub with a walk-in shower, great choice! Whether it’s for added convenience, a new sleek appearance, or for the sake of accessibility, the upgrade can completely transform your bathroom. But before you start ripping up tiles, you should be aware of what goes into this kind of renovation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what the process involves and how you can get it to turn out exactly as you envision.

Step 1: Planning the Perfect Walk-In Shower Design

This is where it all starts. Before you ever lay a shovel of dirt, take a little time to consider what you would want in your new shower.

Maximizing Your Space

If you’re working with a compact bathroom, think about how to best utilize the area. A walk-in shower doesn’t have to take up a ton of space to feel luxurious, strategic design choices like glass doors, recessed shelving, and light-colored tiles can make even a small bathroom feel bigger.

On the larger bathrooms, indulge yourself with added features like a rain showerhead, an in-built bench, or even a steam shower. Depending on the room, consider a barrier-free, curbless shower for absolute continuity and improved accessibility.

Choosing the Right Materials

Your choice of materials will determine how easy your shower is to clean, how long it lasts, and how it looks. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are top choices for durability and low maintenance. If you’re after a high-end, spa-like look, natural stone is a stunning option, but keep in mind it requires more maintenance.

Flooring is especially crucial. Since walk-in showers can be prone to water splashes, non-slip tiles are highly recommended to prevent accidents. Some of the top flooring trends for modern bathrooms include:

• Large-format tiles – These reduce grout lines and make cleaning easier.
• Textured tiles – Slightly rough surfaces help prevent slipping while adding an elegant look.
• Luxury vinyl flooring – A more affordable, waterproof option that mimics the look of natural wood or stone.

Shower Door or Open Concept?

Maybe the biggest decision is whether or not to install a closed glass shower or an open, walk-in setup. Frameless glass doors enclose the water without offering the bathroom a cluttered, heavy look. But if you like the spa-like, sleek look, an open shower with a half-wall or partial glass partition will be your best option.

If you’re worried about water splashing outside the shower area, a slightly sloped floor and a well-placed drain can help direct water where it needs to go.

Step 2: The Walk-In Shower Installation Process

Once you’ve finalized the design, it’s time to bring it to life. Here’s what to expect during the renovation:

Removing the Bathtub

The first step is to tear out the old tub and adjacent tile or fixtures. Based on the materials and how your bathroom was originally laid out, this will be a few hours or an entire day. If the plumbing must be rearranged, this could add time to the work.

In older homes, plumbing overhauls could be necessary for conformity with newer building codes. If your home contains old plumbing, the present time is right to have those pipes replaced.

Plumbing & Drainage Changes

Since showers require an adjustable draining system from bathtubs, your plumber may need to redo some pipes and install a new draining system. That is also the moment to decide whether you would like to add extra showerheads, a sprayer hand, or even a rainfall showerhead for the spa experience.

Preparing the Walls & Floors

Once the plumbing is in place, the next step is installing waterproof backer boards to prevent moisture damage. This step is crucial, especially in homes near Bronte Creek or Lake Ontario, where humidity levels can be higher.

After waterproofing, your flooring and wall tiles are installed. If you’ve chosen a curbless shower design, this is when the floor will be carefully sloped toward the drain to keep water contained.

Fixtures & Finishing Touches

Once most of the work is completed, it’s time to install your showerhead, controls, shelving, and glass enclosures (if you have opted for a glass enclosure). This is when you can also add LED lighting, built-in benches, or even heated floors for extra convenience.

Last but not least, the grout is sealed, the shower is inspected for leaks, and your bathroom is cleaned up.

How Long Does It Take to Convert a Bathtub into a Walk-In Shower?

The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the project. Here’s a rough breakdown to replace a bathtub into a walk-in shower:

Stage	Estimated Time
Bathtub Removal & Demolition	1-2 Days
Plumbing & Drain Adjustments	1-3 Days
Waterproofing & Wall Prep	1-2 Days
Tile Installation	2-5 Days (depends on complexity)
Fixtures & Glass Installation	1-2 Days
Cleanup & Final Touches	1 Day
Total Time Estimate	7-14 Days

Working with a professional bathroom revamping company in Oakville, we will be able to give you an accurate estimate based on your bathroom’s unique layout and your design choices.

Bringing Your Vision to Life With Walk-in Shower Conversion

Replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower is not just about appearance, it’s about getting your bathroom to work more efficiently for you. Whatever your vision is, a sleek, open-plan environment or a cozy, spa-inspired retreat, allowing yourself the time to consider each and every aspect will result in the best possible result.

If you’re considering this upgrade and want expert guidance, Rich Home is here to help. With years of experience in bathroom revamping projects, we specialize in creating custom solutions that fit both your style and practical needs.

Thinking about renovating your bathroom? Call Rich Home to begin your dream bathroom project today!