Walk-In Shower vs. Tub: What South Jersey Homeowners Are Choosing

This is the single most common decision point in the bathroom remodels we do, and there's no universally right answer — it depends on the household, the bathroom, and the house. Here's how we walk clients through it.

Walk-In Showers Are the More Requested Upgrade Right Now

More of our bathroom remodel requests ask specifically for a walk-in or curbless shower than for a soaking tub. The appeal is usually a combination of a cleaner look, easier daily use, and lower long-term maintenance since there's no tub caulk line to keep sealed.

But Don't Remove the Only Tub in the House

If this is the only full bathroom in the house, or there are young kids who still need a tub for bath time, we generally recommend keeping at least one tub somewhere in the home. It's also worth thinking about resale — some buyers specifically look for at least one tub, even if they personally prefer showers.

Space Requirements Are Different Than People Expect

A comfortable walk-in shower needs roughly 36x36 inches minimum, and ideally closer to 42x42 or larger if you want a bench or a rain shower head without feeling cramped. A standard tub-shower combo footprint is usually 60x30 inches, so converting to a walk-in shower doesn't always free up as much space as homeowners assume, especially in a smaller bathroom.

Curbless Showers Require Floor Structure Planning

A true curbless, zero-threshold shower entry needs the subfloor lowered or built up around it so water drains properly without a lip to step over. This is a bigger structural change than a standard shower pan and is much easier to plan during a full remodel than to retrofit later.

Glass Enclosures Change the Cost More Than the Shower Itself

A frameless glass shower enclosure is one of the pricier line items in a walk-in shower conversion, often costing more than the shower pan and tile combined. A semi-frameless or framed enclosure brings the cost down noticeably if budget is a factor, without sacrificing much function.

Aging in Place Is a Real Factor for Many Households

A curbless walk-in shower with a bench and grab bars is significantly easier and safer to use long-term than climbing over a tub wall, and it's a common request from homeowners planning to stay in their house for years to come. It's worth thinking about even if it's not an immediate need.

Making the Right Call for Your Bathroom

There's no single right answer here — it comes down to how many bathrooms you have, who uses them, and how you plan to use the house long-term. If you're weighing a walk-in shower against keeping your tub, request a consultation and we'll help you think it through room by room.

Related: Bathroom Remodeling