Should I Choose a Walk-In Shower or a Freestanding Tub for My Bathroom Remodel?

The right choice depends on how you use your bathroom. A walk-in shower is ideal for convenience, accessibility, and everyday use, while a freestanding tub is best for relaxation, creating a luxury focal point, and households that enjoy soaking baths. If space allows, combining both offers the greatest flexibility and long-term value.

At MAKE-READY Design & Build, we know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when designing a luxury bathroom. Every homeowner has different priorities, whether that’s creating a spa-like retreat, maximizing functionality, planning for aging in place, or improving resale appeal. Our design-build process focuses on understanding how you live before recommending products or layouts. The result is a bathroom that not only looks beautiful but also enhances your daily routine for years to come. Whether you’re remodeling a primary suite or updating a guest bathroom, thoughtful planning ensures every square foot works harder for you.

Choosing the Best Bathroom Feature for Your Lifestyle

Both walk-in showers and freestanding tubs offer unique advantages. The key is deciding which one aligns with your daily habits and long-term goals.

According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), larger showers continue to outpace tubs in many new bathroom designs as homeowners prioritize wellness, accessibility, and everyday functionality.

Who Benefits Most from a Walk-In Shower?

Walk-in showers are ideal for homeowners who value convenience and ease of use.

A walk-in shower may be the best choice if you:

• Rarely take baths
• Want a more open, spacious bathroom
• Plan to age in place
• Prefer low-maintenance cleaning
• Want easier accessibility with a low or curbless entry
• Have a smaller bathroom where maximizing space is important

Houzz’s 2025 Bathroom Trends Study found that many homeowners are enlarging their showers during renovations, reflecting the growing preference for spacious, comfortable shower experiences.

When Is a Freestanding Tub the Better Option?

Freestanding tubs remain a favorite for homeowners looking to create a luxurious retreat.

A freestanding tub is an excellent investment if you:

• Regularly enjoy soaking baths
• Want a spa-inspired primary bathroom
• Have ample floor space
• Appreciate a dramatic design focal point
• Want to create a relaxing wellness space

According to Houzz, freestanding flat-bottom tubs remain the most popular bathtub style among homeowners who upgrade their tubs during a remodel.

Is It Worth Having Both?

If your bathroom has the space, combining a walk-in shower with a freestanding tub often provides the best of both worlds.

Benefits include:

• Everyday convenience with a spacious shower
• A luxurious soaking experience
• Greater flexibility for changing lifestyle needs
• Broad appeal for future buyers
• Increased visual impact in the primary suite

Many luxury bathroom remodels now feature separate shower and tub zones, creating a true spa-like atmosphere while maximizing functionality.

What About Resale Value?

Resale should influence your decision, but it should not be the only factor.

The best remodel balances your current lifestyle with future market appeal.

General guidelines include:

• Keep at least one bathtub somewhere in the home if possible.
• Prioritize a high-quality shower in the primary bathroom.
• Focus on timeless materials and thoughtful layouts.
• Avoid oversized features that dominate the room.

Many remodeling professionals recommend retaining at least one bathtub for households with young children and to appeal to a wider range of future buyers, while recognizing that walk-in showers are increasingly preferred for everyday living.

Which Option Is Easier to Maintain?

Walk-in showers generally require less maintenance than freestanding tubs.

Glass enclosures, large-format tile, and minimal grout lines make modern showers easier to clean. Freestanding tubs, while stunning, require additional floor cleaning around the fixture and typically occupy more space.

If ease of maintenance ranks high on your priority list, a walk-in shower often comes out ahead.

How Do You Decide What’s Right for Your Home?

The best decision starts with how you actually live.

Ask yourself:

• Do you regularly take baths?
• Will you stay in this home long term?
• Do you need greater accessibility?
• How much bathroom space is available?
• Is relaxation or convenience your higher priority?
• Are you remodeling for yourself, resale, or both?

Answering these questions helps clarify which feature delivers the most value for your investment.

Designing a Bathroom You’ll Love for Years

The best bathroom remodel isn’t about choosing what’s trendy. It’s about creating a space that supports your lifestyle every single day.

At MAKE-READY Design & Build, we help homeowners evaluate every detail, from layout and lighting to fixtures and finishes, so the final design feels personalized, timeless, and functional. Whether your dream bathroom features an expansive walk-in shower, a statement-making freestanding tub, or both, thoughtful planning ensures your investment delivers lasting comfort and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a walk-in shower better than a freestanding tub?

Neither is universally better. Walk-in showers are ideal for convenience and accessibility, while freestanding tubs are better for relaxation and creating a luxury aesthetic. The right choice depends on your lifestyle.

Does removing a bathtub hurt resale value?

Not necessarily. If your home still has at least one bathtub elsewhere, many buyers are comfortable with a spacious walk-in shower in the primary bathroom.

Can I fit both a shower and a freestanding tub in one bathroom?

If your layout allows, combining both is often the most versatile solution. It creates a spa-like experience while appealing to a wide range of future buyers.

Are walk-in showers more expensive than freestanding tubs?

Costs vary based on size, materials, plumbing, and custom features. Luxury walk-in showers with frameless glass, premium tile, and built-in seating can cost more than many freestanding tub installations.

Ready to Create Your Dream Bathroom?

Whether you’re envisioning a luxurious freestanding tub, a spacious walk-in shower, or a complete bathroom transformation, MAKE-READY Design & Build can help you create a space that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start planning your custom bathroom remodel today.