When it is time for a bathroom remodel, there are many decisions to make, from the layout to the materials and fixtures. One of the key decisions you need to make in planning your new bathroom design is whether you should include a tub, shower, or both. For some, nothing beats a soothing soak in a luxurious bathtub, while others prefer to forego the tub to allow for a bigger shower. In a large bathroom design, you may have space for both, while in a smaller room a combination tub/shower could be your optimal choice.
Which one is right for you? Here are 5 factors that affect your decision.
How large is your bathroom footprint?
A small bathroom design means your choices are more limited, while in a large space you can easily fit a sizable shower along with a freestanding bathtub for the ultimate in luxury. If you must choose, consider your lifestyle, and determine if you really need a tub or would get more use from maximizing your shower space. A combination tub/shower is an ideal choice for a smaller space, and the many updated styles mean you can find a tub that fits your practical and style needs.
Is this your master bath or a hall bathroom?
In a home with multiple full bathrooms, your decision may depend on which bath you are remodeling. For a master bath, choose the option that fits your personal preferences. If you are remodeling a hall bathroom that is used for children or guests, you may want to keep the bathtub.
Are you remodeling to sell or to stay?
If you plan to sell your home in the short term, you should ideally have one bathtub in the home. Any potential buyers with small children will typically look for a home with a tub, so you may limit your pool of buyers if you remove all tubs. This decision is easier if you have multiple full bathrooms. Large, luxurious showers are very popular and can help your home’s resale value but keep at least one bathtub in your home. You might consider a combination tub/shower in the hall bath with a large shower (and freestanding tub if space allows) in the master bathroom.
Who will be using the bathrooms?
Make sure your chosen bath design will stand the test of time by considering who uses the bathrooms, the age bracket, and the period of time you expect the bathroom design to last. If you are a young family with small children, then a bathtub is likely to be a central feature of your home for years to come. If you are remodeling to age in place, then a curbless, large shower with a built-in bench may be a better choice for your lifestyle.
What do you prefer?
Once you are remodeling to stay in your home and use the space yourself, personal preference plays a large role in deciding what features to including in your design. You may be limited by space or perhaps by budget allowances, but within those constraints decide what you prefer. If soaking in the bath is a must have for you to wind down at the end of a long day, then keep the tub. If you have not used the bathtub in years and would prefer to use all your available space for a large, luxury tiled shower then your choice is easy!
Check out more bathroom design ideas in our project gallery or visit our showroom to find out about the full range of services and products we offer. Whether you simply need to buy tile for your project or want our team to handle your full design and remodel from start to finish, we are ready to help. Contact us today!
