The question of bathtub vs. shower cabins for bathroom remodeling is often difficult and cannot be answered immediately. An ill-informed decision may lead to regret, leaving you dissatisfied with the outcome and potentially facing costly adjustments or a suboptimal bathroom experience.
For this reason, we have created this post. We have thoroughly evaluated both of them. This article is filled with expert opinions and is packed with information that will enhance your understanding of this subject.
Differences Between a Bathtub and a Shower
The walk in shower vs bathtub each offers diverse advantages and disadvantages when evaluated in terms of water usage, energy consumption, and health and hygiene.
Here are the highlights of these differences:
- While a bathtub consumes a fixed amount of water per use (the recommended 30 gallons), the water consumption of a shower depends on its duration. An average shower head uses 2 gallons of water per minute, so showers lasting less than 15 minutes use less water than a bathtub. However, over longer periods (e.g., after 12 minutes with the least efficient shower heads, at 2.5 gallons per minute), the bathtub starts to use less water.
- Since the amount of energy used to heat water depends on the amount of water consumed, from an energy efficiency point of view, taking a shower is a more advantageous option.
- Because the water in a shower runs straight down the drain, showering is more hygienic. Conversely, in a bathtub, one must immerse oneself in the water used for bathing.
- Showers offer a hygienic alternative to the potential bacterial contamination associated with poorly cleaned bathtubs. Furthermore, dermatologists generally agree that showers are better because they reduce water contact with the skin.
Which is More Space-Efficient?
Showers are more common in smaller bathrooms because they take up less space than bathtubs. On average, a shower takes up around 9 square feet (0.84 m²), while a bathtub can take up around 13 square feet (1.21 m²). Room for a conventional 60-inch (1.52 m) x 30-inch (0.76 m) bathtub is approximately 12.5 square feet (1.16 m²).
In contrast, showers can be designed in a compact size of 3 feet (0.91 m) x 3 feet (0.91 m), limiting them to just 9 square feet (0.84 m²). Showers can be customized to fit into tight spaces, especially with walk-in or corner models. Unlike bathtubs, they do not require extra space around the perimeter for entry and safety.
Benefits of Having a Bathtub
Installing a bathtub in a home has numerous functional and aesthetic advantages. Below, you can examine 7 benefits of having a bathtub.
1. Increasing Home Value
Incorporating a bathtub into your bathroom enhances its appeal to prospective buyers seeking luxury accommodations. Furthermore, the elegant designs of the bathtubs enhance the aesthetic value of your bathroom and elevate the overall appeal of the residence.
2. Stylish and Aesthetic Appearance
A well-chosen bathtub elevates the bathroom’s aesthetic and creates a striking focal point. Modern designs, such as free-standing or claw-foot models, add an elegant touch.
3. Relaxation and Stress Relief
A bathtub offers relaxation and stress relief, creating a spa-like experience at home. Additional features, such as hydrotherapy jets, further enhance this relaxing effect.
4. Provides a Practical Space for Children
The bathtub creates a safe and pleasant bathing area for small children and pets. It facilitates bathing routines, making it a practical and convenient solution for families.
5. Health and Therapy
Bathtubs relieve muscle and joint pain and can also support respiratory problems. Regular use of the bathtub contributes to relieving chronic pain. Hot water therapy is particularly effective in reducing back and joint pain.
6. Customization and Space Efficiency
Bathtubs can be customized to suit any bathroom with different shapes, sizes, and materials. Compact models are ideal for saving space, especially in tight spaces.
7. Safety for All Ages
Modern bathtubs can be equipped with safety features such as grab bars and non-slip surfaces, which creates a secure environment for individuals with mobility issues, such as the elderly.
Benefits of Having a Shower
Showers are a great addition to any bathroom remodel, both functionally and stylistically. Below are just a few of their advantages.
1. Quick and Easy Remodeling
Shower renovation projects can often be completed in one day with minimal impact on daily life. This is a great alternative for homeowners who would rather not undertake major renovations.
2. Budget-Friendly and Long-Term Value
Shower remodels can be more cost-effective than full bathroom renovation, especially with one-day installation options. Durable, low-maintenance materials like acrylic liners or porcelain tiles can reduce long-term upkeep costs and prevent issues like mold and mildew, ensuring long-term value.
3. Convenience and Efficiency:
Showers ensure quick cleaning, and low-flow shower heads reduce water consumption by 50%. In households characterized by a bustling and dynamic lifestyle, showers serve a more functional purpose.
4. Space Saving:
Showers take up less space than bathtubs (about 9 square feet). Corner or walk-in shower designs maximize space in small bathrooms.
5. Aesthetics:
The bathroom exudes contemporary elegance with its frameless glass doors and expansive shower tiles. A few simple upgrades, like a rain shower head, can also transform an ordinary bathroom into a luxurious spa.
6. Functionality:
Showers are faster to use due to their practicality. Low-flow shower systems conserve water, whereas eco-friendly rain heads and aromatherapy shower heads offer relaxation.
Comparing a Bathtub in Terms of Water Usage
Showers generally save more water than bathtubs, especially with low-flow heads and shorter durations (5-10 minutes), using 10-25 gallons compared to 25-70 gallons for a bath. However, long showers (more than 16 minutes with standard heads) can use more water than a half-full bath, and regional differences, such as higher shower flow rates, can change the comparison.
Can a Bathtub or Shower Add More Value to My Home?
When remodeling your bathroom, both a bathtub vs a walk-in shower add more value to your home, but the choice depends on your specific situation. Showers are becoming increasingly popular, especially walk-in models with features such as multiple shower heads and glass doors. Offering relaxation benefits such as relieving muscle aches and pains, bathtubs are a “must-have” for buyers with young children, especially in suburban areas.
If your home has more than one bathroom and space permits, having both a bathtub and a shower can maximize value. This installation meets different needs, appealing to both families (who want a bathtub) and modern buyers (who prefer a shower), especially in luxury homes.
Maintenance of Bathtub Versus a Shower
Showers, especially walk-in designs, are generally easier to clean due to their accessibility. In addition, showers accumulate mineral deposits, such as lime and calcium, on glass doors and walls, especially in areas with hard water, and they may require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance. Showers with a simple design with fewer corners are relatively easy to clean.
In contrast, bathtubs, especially larger or deeper models, can be more difficult to clean. It can be very difficult to reach inside a large bathtub, which can accumulate dust, hair, and dirt if not cleaned regularly. Older models with features such as water jets are particularly challenging, and many homeowners are replacing them with showers for easier maintenance.
Bathtubs can be re-polished at an affordable cost to remove scratches or stains. But showers can face more significant maintenance challenges. If shower tiles become damaged or stained, they often need to be completely removed and replaced, which is more labor-intensive and more expensive than replacing a bathtub.
Which Option is More Suitable for Families?
Bathtubs are generally more suitable for families, especially those with young children because they provide a safe and practical space for bathing. They make cleaning babies and toddlers easier and allow for playtime with toys, which can be fun and relaxing for both parents and children. Furthermore, bathtubs are more suitable spaces for bathing pets.
However, showers can be a suitable option for families with older children or limited space. They are faster for everyday use, take up less space, and can include safety features such as grab bars for older family members. If you have a small bathroom, a shower may be more practical, but for families with young children, a bathtub is often a better choice.
Conclusion:
Whether to opt for a bathtub or a shower during the bathroom renovation process is an important decision that depends on personal needs, space constraints, and lifestyle. The best choice should be carefully considered in line with your family’s needs, the size of your bathroom, your budget, and your long-term goals.
Talk to a remodeler professional for advice on what is best for your situation, and keep in mind that our staff is here to answer any questions you may have as you make this choice.
