The choice between putting in a tub or a shower just may have the most influence on the overall appearance and layout, as well as the budget, of any of the factors that go into a bathroom remodel. Assuming you don’t have enough square footage or cash to invest in both, you’ll have to choose one. Would you replace the tub with a shower stall? Or will you allow yourself enough space to go from a shower to a bathtub? Tub vs. shower might be difficult to decide, especially given that the two items have many similarities:
Tubs can be found in a variety of designs, as with showers. Standard, claw-foot, freestanding, soaking, whirlpool, and walk-in tubs are among the options. Showers are available in stalls with doors or curtains or walk-in showers without doors or curtains.
- They come in a variety of materials, too. Tubs may be built of a variety of materials, including low-cost acrylic to high-end enamel-coated cast iron. Showers are available in a range of materials, from fiberglass to costly natural stone.
- Whirlpool tubs and rainfall showerheads provide similar therapeutic water circulation options. Rainfall or waterfall shower heads may be installed on showers for a soothing flow of water. Built-in jets in Whirlpool tubs produce massaging sprays of water into the tub, while shower rain electors generate peaceful streams of water.
Tub and shower designs are quite different, although there are several similarities. Differences aside, tubs and showers have a lot more distinctions between them—understanding them completely will prevent you from making a mistake that will waste your money. We’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of these bathroom regulars in this section.
Tubs are often cheaper to install
A shower will set you back between $450 and $10,000, while a tub costs anywhere from $400 to $8,000. Bathtubs and shower stalls are less expensive, with walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs costing more.
Showers take up less space
A typical shower stall or walk-in shower has a footprint of only nine square feet, whereas a standard-sized tub takes up roughly 13 square feet.
Showers are more accessible
Many elderly, wheelchair-bound, or mobility-impaired family members may find it difficult to get into and out of a regular bathtub. They need to open the door or curtain or simply walk in and out of a curbless walk-in shower. Bathrooms with grab bars on the walls and benches are more user-friendly. However, there are walk-in tubs with a built-in door and a bench that are simple to access.
Tubs are still considered essential to resale value
According to a National Association of Home Builders survey, 51% of home buyers are opposed to a master bathroom with only a shower stall.
Showers use less water if you keep them short
A low-flow showerhead uses 2.1 gallons of water per minute on average, which equals about 17 gallons for an average eight-minute shower, according to the Home Water Works project. If you have a 12-minute shower, your water consumption will be lower if you bathe in a shower than if you take the bath.
For more information on bathroom tubs and showers, contact us at 1-800-833-9831. We will be happy to help you get started on your bathroom renovations.