Walk-In Shower vs. Tub – What’s Right for You?

There are many decisions that have to be made during a bathroom remodel or new construction. Perhaps one of the most important and maybe most difficult is deciding what type of shower and/or bathtub is right for you. Luckily, here at Eastern Plumbing we specialize in all things bathroom and have quite a few remodels under our belt. So, we’ve put together tips to help you make that decision.

The first thing to keep in mind is that both styles may have their own list of pros and cons. But it is important for homeowners to consider not only what will work best in the space, but what will work best for their family! Here are a few questions to ask yourself!

How will you use your space?

Are you trying to create a functional guest bathroom or a relaxing master suite? Consider how you typically use your bathroom and what might not have worked well with the old bathroom layout. For families with small children (or planning to have children), we strongly recommend a shower/tub combo in at least one bathroom in the home. The practicality of a combo is great for bathing small children and washing pets! Not to mention, having a bathtub in the home will help with the resale potential and value of your home.

However, if resale isn’t a concern for you and you never use your tub, it may be time to replace it with a luxury shower! Just keep in mind when deciding on finishes that beautiful glass doors and walls won’t stay spotless without hard work and solutions to remove lime and calcium residue.

If you like to end the day relaxing, consider a deep stand-alone bathtub. These are perfect for those who want to soak in comfort and even have options with jets and internal heaters that help keep the water warm.

How much space do you have?

We all know bathrooms see a lot of activity. So, it’s important that the space isn’t cramped. A walk-in shower may be the right choice if you have a small bathroom. The average walk-in shower takes up 12 square feet, while the standard tub takes up 15 square feet. It may not sound like much, but an extra three-square foot of space will make a big difference. For a small guest or hall bathroom, a walk-in shower is also a great option because it will give guests more space to change and get ready!

How important is energy efficiency?

Today, there are many efficient shower heads on the market that can save you money on your water bill. Generally, a shower uses 20 gallons of water, while a bath uses 30. A soaker or whirlpool bathtub can use 80 to even 100 gallons of water – which may require a larger water heater to fill.

Have you made a decision on what shower and/or tub to put in your bathroom? Or, do you need more advice? Contact the plumbing experts at Eastern Plumbing in Greenville and New Bern today!