Walk-In Tub vs Standing Shower: How to Choose the Right One for Your Bathroom

Are you part of the 62% of adults between the ages of 50 and 88 who want to stay in their homes as long as possible? This concept of “aging in place” allows seniors to stay comfortable in their own homes, even as their mobility needs change. If you want to age in place, in most cases you’ll need to schedule bathroom remodeling services to update your bathroom to be more accommodating. 

One of the greatest home safety risks to seniors is in the bathroom. More specifically, stepping into and out of your bathtub or shower comes with the risk of tripping, slipping, or falling. To help combat that risk, we recommend that seniors planning to age in place install either a walk-in tub or standing shower with a barrier-free entrance. 

How do you know whether to choose a Walk-In Tub vs Standing Shower for your home? We’re here to help. Continue reading this in-depth guide to learn more about walk-in tubs and standing showers, the pros and cons of each option, how to make the right decision for your bathroom remodel near Hartford, and tips on choosing the best contractor for the job.

All About Walk-In Tubs

Unlike a traditional bathtub, which has a high side that you must step over before using, a walk-in tub has a secure door that opens into the side of the tub. Walk-in tubs are also taller than traditional tubs, with a built-in seat to help you sit comfortably while you bathe. Most walk-in tubs also have hydrotherapy jets, making for a luxurious bathing experience.

Using a walk-in tub is a bit different than a standard tub. Because of the door entry, you enter a walk-in tub before you fill it up and drain it completely before you get out. But, how does the water stay inside while you bathe? Think of your walk-in tub kind of like a submarine. 

There’s a gasket all the way around the door that seals it in place thanks to the water pressure of your full tub. As long as you properly close the door before filling your bathtub, you won’t have to worry about any water leaking out. 

Pros of a Walk-In Tub

There are plenty of reasons to love walk-in tubs. Here are a few of the benefits of installing a walk-in tub in your home.

• They’re deeper than traditional tubs, allowing you to submerge yourself to take advantage of the benefits of hydrotherapy
• They come with a wide variety of safety features like:
  • Grab bars
  • A comfortable heated seat
  • A handheld showerhead for easier bathing
  • A low threshold to help prevent tripping and falling
  • Non Slip flooring
  • Anti-scald valves
• They make bathing easier if you have mobility issues to help you maintain your independence as you get older
• The hydrotherapy jets can help soothe sore muscles and improve circulation

Cons of a Walk-In Tub

Of course, walk-in tubs are not a great option for every homeowner. Consider the disadvantages of walk-in tubs before making your decision.

• They are not usually ideal for wheelchair users, as it can be difficult to transition from your chair to the tub seat
• You may feel cold and uncomfortable while sitting in the tub waiting for it to fill and drain 

All About Standing Showers

Also known as a walk-in shower, standing showers are also made with accessibility in mind. Most standing showers have a barrier-free entry, so you can step into your shower without worrying about tripping and falling. 

Unlike walk-in tubs, which don’t have many design options, you can completely customize your standing shower, choosing from a variety of different styles and designs to create a modern shower that’s as beautiful as it is functional. 

Depending on your needs, we can build your standing shower so that it can accommodate a wheelchair or walker, making it a great aging-in-place option. 

Pros of a Standing Shower

Why do CT bathroom remodelers like us recommend standing showers to so many of our homeowners? We’re glad you asked. 

• They are easy to keep clean, as they have fewer nooks and crannies to scrub compared to a traditional shower
• They can be customized with numerous safety features like:
  • A built-in seat
  • Grab bars
  • Easy-to-reach shelving
  • A handheld showerhead
• They can create the illusion of more space in your bathroom
• You can convert a tub into a walk-in shower easily, making for a fairly simple remodel

Cons of a Standing Shower

Before starting on your bathroom remodel, consider some of the downsides to a walk-in shower. 

• The lack of a shower curtain can make a standing shower feel colder
• The glass shower door can also make it feel like you have less privacy while you’re bathing

How to Make the Right Choice for Your Bathroom Remodel

Now that you know more about walk-in tubs and standing showers, here are the most important questions to consider when making your decision. 

How Much Space Is In Your Bathroom?

If you have a smaller bathroom, a standing shower might be a better option for you as they take up less room than a walk-in tub. Before your project, our team will measure your existing space and make our best recommendations on what makes the most sense for your home. 

Who Will be Using the Bathroom?

Next, think about who in your family will be using the bathroom most often. If you’re remodeling the primary bathroom shared by most family members, a standing shower might be more functional as it’s faster to use than a walk-in tub. If the bathroom will primarily be used by someone who needs to sit while bathing, a walk-in tub might make more sense. 

Will A Walk-In Tub vs Standing Shower Be More Comfortable for You?

You’ll also want to think about whether you’d be more comfortable using a walk-in tub or a standing shower. While you can add a built-in seat to your standing shower, the seat of a walk-in tub will likely be more comfortable if you need to sit for long periods of time. 

What Works Best With Your Budget?

Finally, consider your budget. In many cases, a walk-in shower will be a bit cheaper than a walk-in tub, but ultimately the price you’ll pay depends on the materials you choose, the size of your shower, and the additional features you may want to include. Before making your decision, our team can give you a more accurate estimate of how much you can expect to pay to help you plan your project accordingly. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Contractor for the Job

All it takes is typing “bathtub installation near me” into Google to turn up hundreds or even thousands of results. The sheer number of local contractors can make the vetting process seem incredibly overwhelming. Use these tips to help you narrow down your decision when choosing who to hire for your walk-in tub or standing shower installation. 

Start by Reading Online Reviews

One of the easiest ways to narrow down your search is to read online reviews to get an unbiased look at a company from its customers’ points of view. Here at CareFree Home Pros, we’re proud to boast a 4.8-star rating on Google with over hundreds of reviews from happy homeowners. 

Ask About Experience

While we understand that every contractor has to start somewhere, hiring an inexperienced contractor for your bathroom remodel is a risk you might not be willing to take. Before hiring a bathroom remodeler, ask about how much experience they have, specifically in the types of projects you’re planning. 

For more than 20 years, our team has been serving Connecticut homeowners just like you. Regardless of the specifics of your bathroom remodeling project, we can almost guarantee we’ve done hundreds like it before and know exactly what to expect. When you hire our team, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll get the best possible customer service and craftsmanship thanks to our dedication to our craft.

Request a Written Estimate

Finally, before you decide who to hire, be sure to request a written estimate that details the approximate costs of the project. If a company is hesitant to give you a written estimate, it might be a sign that they will try to surprise you with a higher bill at the end of your project. Avoid that altogether by getting a written estimate before you agree to hire your contractor. 

Worried that your bathroom remodel won’t fit into your budget? We’re proud to offer comprehensive financing options so you can get the bathroom of your dreams for the right price. 

Schedule Bathroom Remodeling Services With Our Team

Now that you’ve learned all there is to know about walk-in tubs, standing showers, and how to choose the right option for your home, you’re ready to start planning your remodeling project. Our team offers a wide variety of bathroom remodeling services and we’re confident we can bring your ideas to life. 

When you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your bathroom and request a free quote for your project.