In short: A walk-in shower is more comfortable and safer, and makes a small bathroom feel bigger. A bath suits families with small children and people who love a relaxing soak. A larger bathroom can fit both.
One of the first decisions when planning a bathroom renovation is whether to keep a bathtub or put in a walk-in shower. Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on who uses the bathroom and how big it is.
Advantages of a walk-in shower
- Comfortable and safe – no edge to step over. This matters especially for older people.
- Feels more spacious – a glass wall doesn't divide the room, so a small bathroom looks bigger.
- Easy to clean – no shower tray or curtain; large tiles and a long drain are quick to wipe.
Advantages of a bathtub
- Families with small children often find a bathtub easier.
- For relaxing – if you love a long bath, a shower won't replace it.
- When selling, some buyers prefer an apartment with a bathtub.
What to consider with a walk-in shower
A level-access shower requires careful floor work. The floor must slope towards the drain and the waterproofing must be flawless. If the falls are wrong, water pools or spreads across the bathroom floor. That's why this job shouldn't be done halfway.
There are two common solutions: a long linear drain along the wall, which lets the floor slope one way and allows large tiles, and a point drain, towards which the floor slopes from several sides.
Can you have both?
A larger bathroom can fit both a bathtub and a separate shower. In a smaller room you have to choose – and many find a walk-in shower more practical.
See what a walk-in shower looks like in the two-room apartment we renovated, and read more about walk-in shower construction.
Frequently asked questions
Does a walk-in shower suit a small bathroom?
Yes, often especially a small one. The glass screen doesn't divide the room, so it feels bigger.
Will water splash onto the floor?
If the floor slopes correctly and the glass screen is long enough, water stays in the shower area.
Can a walk-in shower replace a bath?
Yes. The space where the bath was is often ideal for a shower. The floor needs sloping and new waterproofing.
Planning a bathroom renovation? Ask us for a free quote – we'll visit, look at the room and suggest a solution. Read more about our bathroom renovation service.
