A bathroom renovation is pretty exciting until you have to answer this one big question, walk-in shower or bathtub. Make the wrong choice and you could feel stuck every day or it might even hurt your home resale value.
If you are comparing a walk-in shower vs bathtub in Toronto, this guide is basically for you. We’ll go over the real expenses, resale value, space constraints, comfort and everyday use so you can pick the option that matches your home, your household and your budget, with a bit more confidence than usual.
Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub Complete overview
When you’re weighing a walk-in shower vs. bathtub in Toronto, the “best” option really depends on how you use your bathroom day to day. A walk-in shower is normally the better fit for simple entry, a more modern vibe and smaller layouts. A bathtub tends to work best for families with kids, people who like to soak and for homes that have only one full bathroom.
When a Walk-In Shower Is the Right Choice
A walk-in shower is a smart choice if you:
- I want a modern bathroom that feels bigger.
- Have a small bathroom or condo.
- Need easier access for seniors or future mobility.
- Mostly take showers instead of baths.
- I want a bathroom that’s easier to clean.
- Are planning a tub-to-shower conversion during your bathroom renovation.
Homeowners also choose a frameless glass or curbless shower to create a bright, open look.
When a Bathtub Is the Right Choice
A bathtub is a better choice if you:
- Have young children at home.
- Like relaxing in a soaker tub.
- Have only one full bathroom.
- Want to keep good resale value for family buyers.
- Have enough space for a tub without making the bathroom feel crowded.
If you have two bathrooms, a common choice is a walk-in shower in the ensuite and a bathtub in the main bathroom. This gives you the best of both comfort and resale value.
Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub Cost in Toronto (2026)
So the typical bathroom renovation in Toronto kinda sits around $15,000 to $30,000 , and if you go luxury it can jump way higher. But if you are only swapping out a shower or maybe the bathtub itself the final price depends mostly on the bathroom layout, what kind of finish materials you pick and if the plumbing has to be adjusted or moved around.
| Project | Average Cost (CAD) |
| Walk-in shower installation | $8,000 to $18,000+ |
| Bathtub installation or replacement | $2,500 to $8,000+ |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $7,500 to $15,000+ |
These are average Toronto and GTA price ranges. Your final cost may be higher or lower depending on your bathroom layout, materials, plumbing, and custom upgrades.
Walk-In Shower Installation Cost Toronto
A walk-in shower normally comes in around $8,000 to $18,000 or even more in Toronto. A fairly basic setup, meaning standard tile and fixtures, will be cheaper, while a custom shower will push things higher. Think frameless glass, a curbless entry, built-in shelves and pricier tile, those details kind of add up, fast. One of the simplest ways to keep the budget sane is to leave the existing plumbing where it already is, when possible
Bathtub Installation and Replacement Cost Toronto
Replacing a bathtub typically runs about $2,500 to $8,000 or more in Toronto, depending on the tub style and how much extra work is needed. A standard acrylic tub tends to be the most affordable. But a soaker tub, or a freestanding bathtub, costs noticeably more, usually. Also if there’s additional plumbing ch anging, new tile or extra waterproofing, the total cost goes up accordingly
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost Toronto
A tub-to-shower conversion typically costs between $7,500 and $15,000 or more. The final price depends on removing the old tub, waterproofing, new tile, plumbing ch and the type of shower you choose. Toronto homeowners choose this upgrade to improve accessibility, make the bathroom feel larger and give it a more modern look.
Resale Value: Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub in Toronto’s Real Estate Market
When it comes to resale value, there isn’t a clear winner. A walk-in shower can make your bathroom look more modern and appealing, while a bathtub is still important for many family buyers. The best choice depends on your home’s layout and the people most likely to buy it.
The One-Tub Rule in Toronto and GTA
Real estate professionals and renovation experts recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the home, especially if it’s a family house. Parents with young children always prefer a bathtub and buyers expect to find one in the main bathroom.
If your home has two or more full bathrooms, a common layout is a walk-in shower in the ensuite and a bathtub in the main bathroom. This gives homeowners modern comfort while keeping the home attractive to future buyers.
When Removing a Tub Hurts Your Resale Value
Replacing the only bathtub with a walk-in shower can reduce your home’s appeal to some buyers. This is especially true for family homes in neighbourhoods where buyers often have young children.
Before planning a tub-to-shower conversion, ask yourself:
- Is this the only bathtub in the house?
- Is my home likely to attract families?
- Will future buyers expect a bathtub
When Removing a Tub Is the Right Move
Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower can be a smart investment if your home already has another bathtub or if the bathroom is mainly used by adults. It’s also a popular choice in condos, ensuites and homes where better accessibility is a priority.
A well-designed walk-in shower with quality tile, proper waterproofing and frameless glass can add a modern look that many Toronto buyers appreciate. The goal isn’t simply to have a shower or a tub. It’s to choose a bathroom layout that fits your home, your lifestyle and the buyers most likely to purchase your property in the future.
Can You Have Both? Walk-In Shower and Bathtub
Yes. If your space and budget allow, having both a walk-in shower and a bathtub gives you the most flexibility. Homeowners choose this layout because it works well for daily use, growing families and future resale. You get the convenience of a shower and the comfort of a bathtub without having to compromise.
The Wet Room Concept
A wet room is a fully waterproof bathroom where the shower area blends into the rest of the space without a raised curb. It’s becoming more popular in modern bathroom renovations because it creates an open, spacious look and improves accessibility. Wet rooms work best in larger bathrooms and require proper waterproofing and drainage to prevent water problems.
Ensuite vs. Main Bathroom Strategy
If your home has more than one bathroom, a smart approach is to give each one a different purpose. Toronto and GTA homeowners install a walk-in shower in the ensuite for everyday convenience and keep a bathtub in the main bathroom for children, guests or future buyers.
What BathGuys Recommends for Toronto Homeowners
After renovating bathrooms across Toronto and the GTA, our advice is simple: choose the option that fits how you live today and how you’ll use your bathroom in the future. A walk-in shower is ideal for modern living and easy access, while a bathtub is often the better choice for families or homes with only one full bathroom. If your layout allows, having both offers the best balance of comfort and resale value.
Planning a bathroom renovation or tub-to-shower conversion? Talk to the BathGuys team for honest advice and a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the right solution for your home budget and long-term needs.
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Is a walk-in shower better than a bathtub?
A walk-in shower is better if you want easy access, a modern look, and a bathroom that’s easier to clean. A bathtub is a better choice for families with young children or people who enjoy soaking. The right option depends on your lifestyle, bathroom size and long-term plans.
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Does replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower hurt resale value?
It can, but not always. Replacing the only bathtub may reduce your home’s appeal to families with young children. If your home already has another bathtub, adding a walk-in shower is often seen as a modern upgrade that many buyers appreciate.
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How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Toronto?
A tub-to-shower conversion in Toronto typically costs between $7,500 and $15,000 or more. The final price depends on plumbing changes, waterproofing, tile, glass panels, fixtures, and the overall bathroom layout. Custom designs and premium materials will increase the total cost.
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4. Which option is more water-efficient: a bathtub or a walk-in shower?
A walk-in shower is generally more water-efficient than a bathtub. A typical shower uses 10-25 gallons of water, while a bathtub can require 40-80 gallons per bath. If you want to reduce water usage, opting for a low-flow showerhead can make a significant difference.
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Should every home have at least one bathtub?
For most Toronto homes, yes. Keeping at least one bathtub is a smart choice, especially if it’s a family home. It meets the needs of young children, pets and most future buyers, while a walk-in shower can be added to another bathroom if space allows.
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Can you replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower in a small bathroom?
Yes. A tub-to-shower conversion is a popular way to make a small bathroom feel more open and easier to use. Many Toronto homeowners choose a walk-in shower with frameless glass because it saves space, improves accessibility, and gives the bathroom a more modern appearance.
