Overview: Walk-In Showers vs Traditional Bathtub Combos
When people start remodelling a bathroom, this question comes up almost immediately: keep the tub, or switch to a walk-in shower?
It often starts as a design preference. Clean lines versus something more traditional. But after a few minutes of talking it through, the conversation usually shifts. Who’s using the bathroom? Is it the only full bath in the house? Are kids involved? Are resale plans a few years away?
The choice isn’t just about looks. It’s about how space actually functions day to day.
What Are Walk-In Showers?
Walk-in showers have become more common, especially in primary bathrooms. They make a room feel more open. Glass panels instead of curtains. Tile that runs wall to wall. No step over a tub edge.
For some homeowners, accessibility is the main reason. A low or curbless entry is easier to move in and out of. Wider openings and built-in benches can make daily use more comfortable over time. Groups like AARP often highlight bathroom accessibility as one of the more practical upgrades when planning ahead.
Cost can move in different directions here. A simple swap in the same footprint is one thing. A fully tiled shower with custom glass, niches, and new plumbing placement is another. Waterproofing matters. Drain placement matters. Those details don’t always show up in inspiration photos, but they affect the final number.
A walk-in shower can feel like a clear upgrade. It just needs to make sense for the space.
What Are Traditional Bathtub Shower Combos?
A tub shower combo doesn’t usually make headlines in design magazines. But it solves a lot of practical needs.
If there are young children in the home, a tub often isn’t optional. For resale, many buyers still expect at least one bathtub, especially if it’s the only full bathroom in the house. Removing the only tub can narrow the appeal later.
Installation is often more straightforward when keeping a combo setup. Plumbing stays close to where it is. Prefabricated surroundings can shorten labor time. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s inexpensive, but the process tends to be more predictable.
For many households, a bathtub shower setup simply covers more situations without overcomplicating the layout.
Shower vs Tub Cost: What Really Affects It
When comparing shower vs tub cost, the fixture itself is only part of the story.
The bigger changes usually come from construction. Moving plumbing lines. Expanding the shower area. Retiling an entire wall. Adding glass panels instead of a curtain rod. All of that adds time.
If the project keeps the same footprint and doesn’t require major adjustments, pricing tends to stay steadier. Once structural changes enter the picture, the scope shifts.
In other words, it’s rarely just “shower versus tub.” It’s about what has to change in order to make that choice work.
What Makes Sense in Phoenix and Peoria Homes
In Phoenix and Peoria, a lot of master bathrooms lean toward walk-in showers, especially in homes with enough square footage to support a larger layout. Secondary bathrooms often keep a tub for flexibility.
Climate plays a small role. Quick showers fit daily routines here. But resale still matters. Many local professionals suggest keeping at least one bathtub in the house unless there’s a clear reason to remove it.
It usually comes down to balance. Lifestyle today versus flexibility tomorrow.
How ProLine Flooring LLC Handles Shower and Tub Remodels
At ProLine Flooring LLC, the focus during a bathroom remodel shower project isn’t just on the visible finish. Preparation comes first.
Demolition is handled carefully. Subfloors are checked. Waterproofing systems are installed correctly before the tile goes up. Whether the project involves a custom walk-in shower or updating a bathtub shower combo, the structure underneath gets the same level of attention as the design.
Wet areas don’t forgive shortcuts. That’s why surface preparation, moisture control, and proper tile installation are treated as part of one continuous process rather than separate steps.
The decision between a shower and a tub isn’t pushed in one direction. It’s discussed based on how the bathroom will be used and what works best structurally.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a walk-in shower and a traditional bathtub combo isn’t really about trends. It’s about fit.
Some homeowners want open space and easier access. Others prefer the flexibility a tub provides. Both options work when they are planned properly.
Once you understand the trade-offs in cost, layout, and long-term use, the choice becomes clearer. It stops being about what looks better and starts being about what makes sense.
FAQs:
- Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?
It can, especially if it’s the only tub in the home. Buyers often look for at least one bathtub, so the impact depends on the overall layout.
- Is a walk-in shower more expensive than a tub combo?
It depends on how much construction is involved. Custom tile, glass enclosures, and plumbing changes usually increase the cost compared to keeping a tub in place.
- Which option is easier to maintain long term?
Maintenance depends largely on materials. Quality tile and proper waterproofing make showers easier to manage. Prefab tub surrounds can reduce grout lines, which simplifies cleaning.
- Can a bathtub be converted into a walk-in shower in older homes?
Yes, though older plumbing or subfloor conditions may require adjustments. An on-site assessment typically determines what’s possible.
