Comparing Walk-in Showers and Bathtubs for Your Remodel
When doing bathroom remodeling, it’s a good time to compare a walk-in shower vs. a bathtub. Some bathroom spaces might not have room for both, so you need to determine which option best suits your needs. A general contractor in Lancaster, PA, can provide advice, whether you’re concerned about accessibility features or your home’s resale value.
Learn more about how to compare these two options.
When Walk-in Showers Are the Perfect Choice
When doing bathroom upgrades, some people will choose to install a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub. The primary benefit of a walk-in shower is the higher level of convenience it offers elderly relatives.
Someone who struggles to walk may not be able to climb into a traditional bathtub, meaning they might avoid bathing as often as they should. The walk-in shower makes bathing much easier. If someone in the house relies on a walker or wheelchair, the walk-in shower will accommodate them more easily.
Make the Most of the Available Space in the Bathroom
The walk-in shower occupies a greater vertical space than the bathtub, which has a horizontal layout. You’ll have more floor space in the bathroom by installing the walk-in shower. You might even be able to install cabinets and other storage options that make it easier to keep the bathroom clean and organized. The bathroom will look bigger, too, when you select a shower.
Walk-in Showers Don’t Work As Well in Certain Circumstances
When comparing a walk-in shower vs. a bathtub, you might worry about keeping the shower doors clean. The doors will be one of the first things that people notice when they enter the room, and filmy buildup and water stains on the doors are hard to clean.
Some walk-in showers use a curbless design that eliminates the need for doors. This design might be more appealing to you. However, with this design, water is more likely to splash out of the shower and leave puddles on the bathroom floor.
A Bathtub Can Enhance the Relaxing Nature of Your Bathroom
One of the best reasons to install a bathtub is to give yourself a place to relax at the end of a long day. If you have sore muscles, soaking in a warm bathtub feels great. Some bathtubs have massaging jets along the inside to enhance the feeling of relaxation.
The bathtub can be helpful if you have children or dogs. When they need bathing, it’s easier to place them in the bathtub and use the sides to help keep them from escaping. If you expect to sell your home in the near future, and if you’re in a neighborhood that will appeal to young families, having a bathtub can be an important selling point.
Multiple Designs and Colors of Bathtubs Are Available
When remodeling the bathroom, you can let your style shine through. Bathtubs are available in several different sizes, colors, and shapes, allowing you to select the perfect option for your home. If you have a really small bathroom, you can still choose a small bathtub and still enjoy its benefits.
In Some Situations, a Bathtub Is Not the Right Choice
In certain bathroom remodeling projects, deciding between a walk-in shower vs. a bathtub is easier because exiting the bathtub creates a slip hazard. People getting in and out of the bathtub have a risk of falling. You’ll need space for a non-slip bath mat in front of the lip of the bathtub to maintain the highest level of safety.
Some people dislike having a bathtub because it's difficult to keep it clean. Crouching or kneeling to use cleaning solutions inside the bathtub can be uncomfortable for people.
If You Have Room, You Can Install Both Options
For a large master bathroom remodeling project, consider combining the best features of both designs. Interior design and bathroom remodeling professionals can measure the space and decide whether you have enough room to add both.
Count on Vatter Construction for Help With Your Bathroom Remodeling Project
When doing your bathroom remodel, choosing which vanity to install or whether to use a walk-in shower vs. a bathtub depends on multiple factors. Space-efficiency concerns, safety considerations, and maintenance requirements can all play a role in deciding whether to install a bathtub or a walk-in shower.
The experts at Vatter Construction are ready to help. We specialize in bringing the homeowner's dreams to life. To discuss your project or to request a quote, call us today at (717) 696-0701.
