Remodelling your home? Other than the kitchen, bathrooms are among the first areas homeowners tend to revamp first.
But should you alter the bathtub? Should you go for a shower?
The bathtub vs shower debate is still ongoing decades later, and the population still can’t reach a consensus. You may be one of those who can’t reach a decision on what to do with their bathroom. If that’s the case, read on to see which one best fits your bathroom.
While both options are great, one or the other might be the better fit for you, but how will you know which one? Find out what suits you best by considering a few factors and then looking at the pros and cons of each one.
Let’s start with the important points to consider in the shower vs bath debate below.
How Much Space Does Your Bathroom Have?
Your first consideration should be the space in the bathroom you’re thinking to upgrade. Note that a standard tub is 1,700 mm long and 700 mm wide, but a shower enclosure is more flexible and can be smaller or larger, depending on the space available and your budget.
Measure your bathroom first and envision which one of a walk in shower vs bathtub would fit best. Will a tub be able to have a comfortable fit in it or is a shower more viable for the little space you have?
When deciding, remember that a cramped bathroom isn’t good for the long-term or for home buyers. You need some space where you can dry off and put clothes on if you will. With those in mind, you may have to settle for a shower even if you prefer a tub.
How Much is Your Budget?
The next most important consideration is your budget; your bathroom may be able to fit in a tub, but can you afford it?
A budget bathtub can cost about £150, while the sturdier and prettier ones have a price tag of around £250-£1,000. These prices don’t include the installation costs, which will depend on the plumbing company and the area you’re in.
A budget shower starts at £50, while a top-end model might set you back £300 or more. These prices don’t include the glass enclosure, for which you’ll have to shell out at least £130 to over £500. Then, you’ll also have to factor in the shower tray, the low-end model of which starts at £60.
Judging by these numbers, it’s hard to tell which one is the cheaper route. It still comes down to your preference since a budget model bath might not tickle your fancy.
Who’s Going to Use the Bathroom?
Are you going to renovate the bathroom in your guest room or in the hallway? Are there any children who are going to use it? Unless you’re fitting the master bathroom, in which only your preference matters, you also have to consider the people who are going to use it.
If there are children, going for the bathtub might be a better idea since bathing them in it is easier. If there are elderly people or people with mobility issues, a walk-in shower might be easier to walk in and out of. If the bathroom is for the exclusive use of the guests, choose the option that will give them more space.
A bathtub is also good for soaking, which can be a good reason for having one in your master’s bathroom. You can add ingredients to the water that can improve your skin texture or even treat some ailments.
If you’re always in a hurry, using a shower is faster, but a master bath with shower only might not be preferable.
Are You Looking to Increase Your Home Value?
If not, well, it all depends on your needs and preference, but if the answer’s yes, you’ll have to consider what people look for in a bathroom when shopping for a house.
To know this, you’ll have to do some research on your own or by talking to a real estate agent. For example, according to this survey, more people prefer having a bath. It may be different in your area, so make sure you set aside time to find this specific information.
If you can afford to provide both options, then your home value will see a significant increase.
Did You Consider the Ongoing Costs Yet?
After the installation, which will be hefty either way, you now have to consider the maintenance costs plus the energy and water bill the bathing device will incur.
In general, showers use less water, while a tub requires a huge amount each time. A shower may also be easier to clean, but you’ll have to pay attention to the shower doors, which are prone to developing lime and calcium residue.
Grime and dirt accumulate faster on a tub, though, and because it’s deep, it can be harder to clean as well.
Walk-In Shower vs Bath: Which to Choose?
As we’ve learned, each option presents its own advantages and disadvantages, which only makes the decision harder to make. To help you decide, let’s summarise the points above; here are the pros and cons at a glance:
Why You Should Choose a Shower
If you’re still thinking whether showers are right for you, consider their pros below:
- Can save more space
- Safer, quicker to use, and all-around more convenient
- Require less water per use
- Have different features, from rain showers to steam
If that sounds good to you, you better check the cons first if there are any deal breakers for you.
Why You Should Not Choose a Shower
Next, let’s see the reason why you might not want showers:
- Can be more expensive to install
- May not be practical for people with children
- No option to soak and add ingredients
- Glass doors require a lot of cleaning
- Home buyers may not like shower-only homes
If these aren’t deal breakers to you, then we can’t see why a good old shower isn’t right for you. Before deciding, though, check out the pros and cons of a bathtub first.
Why You Should Choose a Bathtub
Below are the reasons why you might prefer a bathtub over a shower:
- Can be cheaper
- Allows soaking
- Can be freestanding
- More practical for bathing children
- An important factor to home buyers
- Has different size and design choices
- Has different features, from air jets to whirlpools
If you’re thinking that a tub does sound better than a shower, read the disadvantages first.
Why You Should Not Choose a Bathtub
Now, let’s see why many people still prefer having a shower:
- Needs more space
- Uses more water
- Time-consuming
- Not practical for the elderly and disabled
- Requires more maintenance
These are some reasons why a tub might not be right for you. However, if the pros outweigh the cons (and even the pros of a shower), then go ahead and get a tub.
Shower vs Bathtub: Which One Are You Buying?
Whichever side you’re on in the shower vs bath debate, you’ll find the right model for you by visiting our website.
Visit us now and pick which one among of our wide selection suits your needs and preferences best. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll help you find the best solution for you.
