Walk-In Showers vs. Bathtubs: What’s Best for Your Toronto Home?

Bathroom renovation is exciting but one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is walk in shower or bathtub. Each has its own benefits from comfort and accessibility to style and resale value. If you’re renovating a bathroom in Toronto, understanding the pros and cons of both will help you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.

Here we’ll break down the main differences between walk in showers and bathtubs, which one is best for you. Whether you want a modern space saving solution or a luxurious soaking experience we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out which one is the perfect fit for your bathroom!

Walk-In Showers vs. Bathtubs: Which One is Right for You?

Modern bathroom designs focus on functionality, aesthetics, and efficiency. Choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub depends on various factors, including space, lifestyle, accessibility, and resale value.

• Walk-in Showers are sleek, space-saving, and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for modern homes.
• Bathtubs offer a relaxing soak and are ideal for families with young children or those who love spa-like experiences.

Now, let’s dive into the details of each option, their benefits, drawbacks, and factors to consider before making your final decision.

Also Read: Best Bathroom Flooring Options for Canadian Homes

Understanding Walk-In Showers

Walk-in shower: A modern bathroom feature for convenience and accessibility. Unlike shower-tub combinations, it has a barrier-free or low-threshold entry. Many Toronto bathroom renovations now include walk-in showers for the style and space-saving benefits.

Walk-In Shower Benefits

✅ Space-Saving & Open Design
Walk-in showers make it look like you have more space. Open-concept design with glass enclosed gives you more natural light and makes your bathroom feel larger.

✅ Accessibility & Safety
For seniors or mobility challenged, a barrier-free shower reduces the risk of falls. Many homeowners opt for curbless showers with grab bars and non-slip flooring for extra safety.

✅ Easy Maintenance & Cleaning
No bathtub’s deep basin to clean. Tile walls, frameless glass doors and waterproof panels make maintenance a breeze, no mold and mildew buildup.

✅ Modern Look & Customization
Walk-in showers have endless design options. From rainfall showerheads to built-in niches and custom tile work, you can fit any bathroom style, minimalist, luxurious or spa-like.

Walk-In Shower Drawbacks

❌ Less Bathing Comfort
Unlike a bathtub, a walk-in shower doesn’t allow for long soaks. If you like to bathe for relaxation, this might not be the best option.

❌ Less Privacy
Open or glass enclosed design may not offer as much privacy as traditional shower stalls or enclosed bathtubs. Frosted glass or partial walls can help with privacy.

❌ Possible Lower Resale Value
Some buyers prefer homes with at least one bathtub, especially with young children. If you have only one bathroom and replace a tub with a walk-in shower, it may impact resale value.

Exploring Bathtubs

A bathtub is a classic bathroom fixture that’s functional and relaxing. Whether you’re looking for a deep soaking tub to unwind after a long day or a family-friendly option for young kids, bathtubs are a popular choice for bathroom renovations in Toronto. With so many styles, materials and features to choose from, picking the right tub can boost your bathroom’s comfort and value.

Bathtubs Advantages

✅ Ultimate Relaxation & Spa Experience:
One of the biggest benefits of a bathtub is the full-body soak. If you love soaking in warm water, a freestanding bathtub or jacuzzi tub can turn your bathroom into your own personal spa.

✅ Great for Families with Young Children:
For households with toddlers or small kids, a bathtub makes bath time easier and safer. Unlike walk-in showers, a standard tub allows for gentle bathing, making it a practical option for families.

✅ Adds Home Resale Value:
Many homebuyers consider a bathtub a must-have, especially in homes with multiple bathrooms. Having at least one bathtub in your Toronto home can increase resale value as families often prefer a home with a tub option.

✅ Various Styles & Materials:
Bathtubs come in different styles – clawfoot tubs, drop-in tubs, alcove tubs, corner tubs. Materials like acrylic, cast iron and fiberglass offer different levels of durability, heat retention and aesthetic appeal.

Bathtubs Disadvantages

❌ Takes Up More Space:
Bathtubs take up more room than walk-in showers, so not ideal for small bathrooms. If space is a concern, a compact tub or a shower-tub combo might be a better solution.

❌ Higher Water Usage:
Filling a bathtub uses way more water than a quick shower. For homeowners worried about water efficiency, a walk-in shower might be a more eco-friendly option.

❌ Less Accessible:
Stepping over the tub edge can be hard for seniors or people with mobility issues. While walk-in tubs is a solution, they are usually more expensive than standard bathtubs.

Also Read: Top Bathroom Design Trends in Canada for 2025

Factors to Consider for Toronto Homeowners

Walk-in shower or bathtub for your Toronto renovation? It’s not just about looks – it’s about function, space and long-term value. Before you decide, consider these key factors to get the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

Bathroom Size & Layout

✅ Small Bathrooms: If you have limited space, walk-in shower is the better choice as it creates an open feel and makes the most of your bathroom.
✅ Larger Bathrooms: Homes with large bathrooms can accommodate a freestanding tub or tub-shower combo for luxury and practicality.

Lifestyle & Daily Routine

✅ Busy Lifestyle: If you’re a quick shower and low maintenance person, walk-in shower is the way to go.
✅ Relaxation & Self-Care: If you like to unwind in a soak or need a bathing option for kids, tub is the better fit.

Accessibility & Safety

✅ Aging in Place: Barrier-free showers with grab bars and non-slip flooring are perfect for seniors and mobility impaired individuals.
✅ Family-Friendly: If you have young children, tub is safer and more convenient.

Water Usage & Efficiency

✅ Eco-Friendly: Walk-in showers use less water than filling a tub so it’s the more sustainable option.
✅ Higher Water Consumption: If you take baths frequently, expect higher water bills and more energy used for heating.

Resale Value & Market Trends

✅ Toronto Real Estate: Homebuyers in Toronto and the GTA often look for at least one tub in family homes. If you’re selling, keeping the tub might be beneficial.
✅ Modern Appeal: Many luxury renovations now favour spa-like walk-in showers especially in condos and master bathrooms.

Conclusion

Choosing between a walk-in shower and bathtub for your Toronto bathroom renovation comes down to your space, lifestyle and future needs. A walk-in shower is modern, space saving and accessible while a bathtub is relaxing and family friendly with great resale value. If you want convenience and low maintenance a walk-in shower is the way to go. But if you like to soak or have young children a bathtub is the way to go. By considering factors like bathroom size, accessibility and market trends you can make the best decision for your home. Whatever you choose investing in quality will increase both comfort and value.

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