Bathtub or shower? This is the most frequently asked question during a bathroom remodeling project and one that causes a lot of controversy among individual household members. Of course, the best solution is to go for both, but the size of most bathrooms usually does not allow us to do so. In this article, we will explain the differences between choosing a tub vs. a shower enclosure.
Relieve Stress With Bathtub Relaxation
Supporters of bathtubs agree that nothing, even the best-equipped shower with hydromassage jets or a rain shower head, can replace a blissful bubble bath. The comfort of a bathtub will also be appreciated by families with a small child. An unruly toddler is much easier to clean in a tub, and splashing in a bathtub is much more fun for our children than standing in the shower. However, relaxation is a different concept for everyone. Some people prefer to relax in a bathtub or a hydromassage shower, others need both of these solutions, for example to refresh themselves with cool water after a long hot bath.
The Tub Doesn’t Have To Remain a Fixed Shape
Currently, there is an exceptionally wide range of bathtub models on the market, in various shapes, colors, styles and sizes. Thanks to this, a bathtub, apart from its typical utility function, can also become the main element of your bathroom. Fixtures made of copper, stone or steel, as well as those with casings made of tempered glass, are becoming more and more popular among Chicago homeowners. Moreover, a bathtub is also considered more prestigious. Could a shower enclosure be a match for it in terms of aesthetics?
Storage Space
In addition, there are a number of bathtub models where you can find additional, clever storage space, for example a hidden cabinet in the casing where you can keep your cleaning products and accessories. This additional cabinet will certainly be useful especially in bathrooms with a relatively small area. Therefore, if you lack space in your bathroom and are wondering whether a bathtub or a shower will work better, a tub may turn out to be the best solution.
Easier To Clean
Another argument in favor of investing in a bathtub is the fact that it is much easier to keep it clean than a shower enclosure in which limescale builds up relatively quickly. It is also worth noting that you can purchase a bathtub with a shower, while a shower, even with a deep, built-in shower tray, will never replace a bathtub.
Shower – Better Than a Bathtub?
In Harmony With Ecology
A shower is an excellent solution for all those who appreciate a quick freshening up, as well as eco-friendly solutions. This solution not only takes up less space than a bathtub, but above all, due to lower water consumption, it can be more economical, which in the case of a larger number of household members may be vital.
Smaller Size Means More Space
A shower enclosure will leave you more room for other fixtures and furniture if your bathroom is small. Many people decide to remodel the bathroom to gain more space. By replacing a bathtub with a shower cabin, you can gain more space and make its use more comfortable. Shower areas without a full shower enclosure with a simple glass shower wall and a linear drain are becoming more and more popular.
By getting rid of the bathtub, you gain a lot of space in the bathroom, and the open shower area fenced off by a glass partition gives a sense of space and freedom. Threshold-free entrances are not only visually attractive, but also very functional for the elderly or those with mobility problems.
Compromise?
Our bathroom remodeling team recommends a bathtub with a screen for the undecided, pointing to a solution that more and more people use: a bathtub with a shower.
Bathtub screens create a shower cubicle in the bathtub, which allows you to take full advantage of both. A bathtub with a screen is a compromise solution that allows you to use the shower without sacrificing the benefits of a relaxing bath. Bathtub screens should be selected carefully, it will not be possible to install a screen on every bathtub. This may not be possible especially with an asymmetrical bathtub. It all depends on the bathtub model and the width and profile of the bathtub side edge. Bathtub screens can be tilted and folded. They may consist of several segments. A bathtub with a shower is a recommended solution for families where children need a bathtub and adults prefer a shower. It may not fully replace one or the other solution, but it seems like a compromise worth taking into account in the “bathtub or shower” dilemma.
ProInstall: The Best Bathroom Remodelers in Chicago
Despite the arguments given, it is difficult to decide which solution is right for your home. However, before you decide on a bathtub or shower, think about all the pros and cons, because the decision you make will become an important element of everyday life for you and your family members. You can, of course, choose a bathtub with a shower, which will solve some of the dilemmas. A good option is also to prepare the entire installation for both fixtures, so replacing a bathtub with a shower or vice versa will be easier and less expensive.
