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When you decide it’s time to remodel your bathroom, one of the first big decisions is whether to go with a walk-in shower or a bathtub. It’s a question I hear all the time from homeowners here in Kansas City. And to be honest with you, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
As the owner of City Wide Remodelers, I’ve helped hundreds of families design bathrooms that work for how they live right now. Some people need a tub for their kids, while others simply enjoy having a place to relax and soak after a long day. Then there are homeowners who want a sleek, low-maintenance walk-in shower. Both are great options. It just depends on your lifestyle, your space, and your long-term plans.
Let’s walk through the pros of each so you can feel confident making the choice that works best for your home.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers have become one of the most popular upgrades we install. They look clean and modern, they open up the space, and they’re easier to use on a daily basis.
If you’re looking for accessibility, a walk-in shower is a great choice. There’s no tub wall to climb over, and we can add built-in benches, hand-held shower heads, and non-slip tile for added safety. A lot of our clients who plan to stay in their homes long-term like knowing their bathroom will be ready for them in the years to come.
Walk-in showers are also easier to clean. There’s less to scrub, and the layout can be designed with larger tile or even solid wall panels to reduce grout lines. That means less time cleaning and more time enjoying the space.
And if we’re being honest, they just look great. A custom tile walk-in shower makes a big design statement, and it can help your bathroom feel more like a spa retreat than just another room in the house.
Why Tubs Still Make Sense in a Lot of Homes
Even though walk-in showers get a lot of attention, bathtubs are far from outdated. In fact, there are a lot of situations where a tub is the better option.
If you have young kids or are planning to grow your family, a bathtub is usually a must-have. Trying to bathe a toddler in a shower just isn’t practical. A good old-fashioned tub still wins when it comes to kids.
A tub also makes sense if you enjoy taking baths or want a space to relax and unwind. Freestanding tubs are a great feature in a primary bathroom if you have the space. They bring a lot of style to the room and give you that relaxing experience at the end of the day.
From a resale perspective, having at least one bathtub in your home is still a smart idea. Some buyers really want that option, especially families with young kids or people who enjoy soaking. You don’t have to put a tub in every bathroom, but keeping one in the house adds flexibility for future buyers.
Why Not Have Both?
If space and budget allow, having both a walk-in shower and a bathtub gives you the best of both worlds. We do this a lot in larger primary bathrooms, where we install a spacious walk-in shower alongside a freestanding soaking tub.
Even in smaller homes, it’s possible to keep a tub in one bathroom while adding a walk-in shower in another. For example, we might remodel the primary bath with a custom shower and keep the hall bath as a tub-shower combo. That setup works well for growing families and couples who want different things from their bathrooms.
If you’re not sure what you’ll want down the road, we can help you plan your space in a way that leaves room to adjust later. That might mean choosing a layout that allows for a future tub or leaving plumbing accessible in case your needs change.
Think About How You Use the Space Every Day
Whenever I meet with a homeowner to talk about a bathroom remodel, one of my first questions is, “Who uses this bathroom, and how do they use it?”
That question helps us get clear on what you really need. If it’s a hall bathroom that your kids use every day, a tub might be the most practical solution. If it’s a primary bathroom that’s mostly used by adults, a walk-in shower could be the better fit.
If this is a guest bathroom that only gets used a few times a year, you might want to go with whatever option is easiest to maintain and clean. The layout, the users, and your lifestyle all factor into what makes sense.
Consider the Long-Term Picture
One of the things I always tell people is that remodeling isn’t just about today. It’s also about tomorrow. Your life may look very different five or ten years from now.
Maybe you have small kids now, but they’ll be out of the tub before you know it. Maybe you’re active and mobile today, but you’re planning to stay in this home into retirement. That’s why we look at the full picture when we help you design your bathroom. What works now? What’s likely to change? And how can we build something that adapts with you?
Sometimes the best option is to go with what works today and create a layout that’s easy to modify later. Other times, we might recommend a future-ready design from the start. We’ll walk you through both paths and help you choose what feels right.
There’s No Right or Wrong Answer
Here’s what I want every homeowner to know. Choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub isn’t a right or wrong situation. Both options are great, and it really comes down to what fits your family’s needs, routines, and preferences.
Don’t let design trends or resale myths make the decision for you. This is your home. It should be built for how you live.
And if your needs change down the road, you don’t have to stress. We’ve remodeled bathrooms more than once for the same families because their life changed. A tub made sense when they had little ones, and now they’re ready for a low-threshold walk-in shower. That’s why we design with flexibility in mind.
Let’s Talk About What Works for You
If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom and not sure which direction to go, give us a call. I’ll take a look at your space, listen to what matters to you, and help you weigh the options.
At City Wide Remodelers, we’re not here to push one option over the other. We’re here to help you build a bathroom that works today, tomorrow, and for the life you’re living.
Whether you want a modern shower, a relaxing tub, or a little of both, we’ll help you design a space that feels like home.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit our contact page. You can also reach out to us at 816.942.1993 or via email at admin[at]citywideremodelers.com.
