Remodeling a bathroom for safety is a common step toward aging in place. The choice often comes down to two main options. People usually consider either a walk-in tub or a curbless shower. Both fixtures improve accessibility. They both help prevent slips and falls, but they serve different needs. Thinking about the future and home value helps guide this choice.
Safety and Daily Use Comparison
Safety is the main reason for these upgrades. Both options remove the high side wall of a traditional tub. This high wall is a common trip hazard.
Walk-In Tubs
These fixtures allow you to step over a low threshold, usually three to six inches high. Once inside, you sit on a built-in seat. You close and seal the door before filling the tub with water. This eliminates the risk of stepping over a slippery surface to bathe.
Walk-in tubs offer deep soaking. Many come with hydrotherapy jets or air jets. This can provide comfort and relief for stiff joints or muscle pain. The user sits upright, which is often easier than lowering into a standard tub. A major drawback is the wait time. You must wait for the tub to fill and then wait for it to completely drain before opening the door. This wait can be uncomfortable.
Curbless Showers
A curbless shower has a floor that is level with the bathroom floor. There is no lip or edge to step over. You simply roll or walk directly into the shower space. This makes them fully accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. It is considered the gold standard for full accessibility.
Curbless showers are fast and efficient. You do not wait for water to fill or drain. They typically include grab bars and a permanently mounted shower seat. The seat is stable and safer than a portable chair. The entire experience is open and free from barriers.
| Safety Feature | Walk-In Tub | Curbless Shower |
| Trip Hazard | Low threshold (3-6 inches) | No barrier (0 inches) |
| Transfer Method | Step in, sit down, close door | Roll or walk straight in |
| Grab Bars | Required inside | Required, usually three points |
| Seating | Built-in, fixed seat | Fixed, fold-down seat common |
| Slip Surface | Standing area to close door | Textured tile floor |
Installation and Cost Factors
The cost of installing these safety fixtures varies widely. The complexity of the remodel plays a big part.
Walk-In Tub Installation
A walk-in tub needs the same plumbing as a standard tub. However, it needs very high hot water output. The tub is large and requires a big hot water heater to fill it completely. If your current heater is too small, you may need a new one. This adds to the overall cost.
Installation can take two to three days. Electric models with jets may need a dedicated circuit. Prices range widely based on features like jets, lighting, or self-cleaning systems.
Curbless Shower Installation
This type of shower requires a more serious structural change. The contractor must modify the floor framing. This creates the slope needed to drain the water without a curb. The bathroom floor must slope toward the drain seamlessly. This process is called “recessed framing” or “mudding.”
The time and cost depend on the existing floor structure. If the bathroom is on a concrete slab, the work is often more involved. You must also install new, large-format, non-slip tile throughout the space.
Resale Value and Buyer Appeal
Many homeowners wonder how these upgrades affect the price of their home. This is often called return on investment (ROI). In general, accessibility improvements are good for resale. They widen the pool of potential buyers.
Walk-In Tub Resale Value
Walk-in tubs are polarizing for potential buyers. An older buyer or a multi-generational family will see the value immediately. They represent a clear commitment to specialized safety. However, a younger buyer often sees the tub as a niche item. They might see it as an inconvenience due to the fill and drain times.
Many buyers prefer a traditional walk-in shower over a tub. If your home has only one bathroom, removing the traditional tub for a walk-in tub can lower buyer interest. If your home has two or more full baths, the impact is less severe.
Curbless Shower Resale Value
Curbless showers have a much wider appeal. They look modern, sleek, and spa-like. This design trend is popular with all age groups. They suggest luxury and thoughtful design.
Real estate agents see curbless showers as an asset. They are universally friendly. They work well for accessibility without looking like specialized medical equipment. Buyers often appreciate the large open space they create in the room.
Key Considerations for Selection
The best choice depends on two main things: the needs of the current user and the home’s overall design.
User Needs: Bathing vs. Showering
Ask the user if they prefer to soak or take a quick wash. A walk-in tub is best if the user needs deep, soaking baths for therapy. If the user only needs a fast way to get clean, the curbless shower is better. The curbless shower is the better long-term choice for users who might eventually need a wheelchair.
Home Structure and Aesthetics
- Space: Curbless showers usually make the bathroom feel bigger. Walk-in tubs take up the space of a regular tub.
- Style: Curbless showers easily fit into any modern decor. Walk-in tubs are highly functional but look more specialized.
- Maintenance: Curbless showers are easier to clean. They have fewer mechanical parts than a jetted tub.
Final Recommendation Factors
Choosing a barrier-free shower often provides better long-term ROI. It serves a broader range of buyers. The shower’s superior accessibility makes it suitable for future needs. However, the hydrotherapy of a walk-in tub can be medically necessary for some.
When planning, get bids for both options. Check with a licensed contractor about your subfloor structure. Factor in the cost of a new water heater if you choose the walk-in tub. Make sure all installed grab bars meet current safety codes.
Accessible Bathroom Checklist
- Curbless Entry: Zero-threshold access.
- Reinforced Walls: Supports for grab bars and shower seats.
- Non-Slip Flooring: Small or textured tiles for safety.
- Handheld Shower Head: Easy to use while sitting down.
- Lever Faucets: Easier to grip and operate than knob styles.
- Voice Control Integration: Consider adding a smart speaker to control shower temperature or lights hands-free.