Bath or walk-in shower:
which is right for you?
Swapping a bath for a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom changes we're asked about. It isn't right for every home, though. Here's how to decide.
Why people make the switch
A low-profile shower tray means a small step instead of climbing over the side of a bath, which matters more and more as we get older.
If the bath is rarely used, the space works harder as a proper shower. A clear glass screen also makes a small bathroom feel bigger.
A shower over a bath relies on a curtain or a short screen. A tray and a full screen keep the water where it belongs.
Reasons to keep a bath
Families with young children often find a bath much easier for bath time.
If you sell in future, some buyers want at least one bath in the house. If this is your only bathroom, it's worth thinking about.
Some people simply prefer a soak. If that's you, a better shower over the bath may be the right compromise.
What the work involves
The old bath comes out, and the hot, cold and waste pipework is re-routed for the shower. The waste needs enough fall to drain properly, which decides how low the tray can sit.
Once the bath is out we can see the condition of the floor and pipework underneath, so a good installer will tell you if anything else needs attention before going on.
The shower itself has to suit your water system — see our guide to mixer and electric showers.
Questions to ask before you decide
Is this the only bath in the house? How will it work for everyone who lives there? What type of hot water system do you have? Do you want a full enclosure or a walk-in screen?
Swap an old bath for a walk-in shower — easier to use, quicker to clean and a better use of the space.
Swapping the bath
for a shower?
Send us a photo of your bathroom and we'll talk you through the options and give you a fixed quote.