The Great Debate: Keep the Tub or Ditch It for a Bigger Shower?

You walk into your bathroom, look at that big tub you haven't used in three years, and think...

Do I really need this thing?

You're definitely not the only one asking.

One of the most common conversations we have with homeowners planning a bathroom remodel is whether they should keep their bathtub or remove it and use that space for a larger shower.

And the answer is... it depends! So let's settle the great bathroom debate.

Team Keep the Tub 🛁

There are still some very good reasons to keep a bathtub.

If you actually enjoy taking baths, that's reason enough. Your bathroom should work for the way you live—not just what's currently popular.

A tub can also be useful for families with young children, pets, or anyone who simply likes having the option.

And then there's the resale question.

Homeowners often worry that removing a tub will hurt their home's value. While every home and buyer is different, having at least one bathtub somewhere in the house can be appealing to future buyers, particularly families with young children.

So if you're remodeling the only bathroom in the house with a tub, it's worth thinking through before saying goodbye to it.

Team Bigger Shower 🚿

Now for the other side—and this is a popular one.

If your bathtub is mostly collecting dust, removing it can open up some fantastic possibilities.

That space may allow for a larger walk-in shower, a bench, additional storage, a handheld shower, niches, upgraded tile, or simply a more open and comfortable layout.

For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, replacing a tub with a walk-in shower can also make the bathroom easier to use as needs change over the years.

And sometimes it simply comes down to this:

Why dedicate that much space to something you never use?

But What About a Tub AND a Great Shower?

If you have the room, you don't necessarily have to choose.

A separate soaking tub and walk-in shower can be a beautiful combination. The important part is making sure you're not squeezing both into the room just because you feel like you're supposed to have a tub.

A bathroom that feels spacious and functions well will usually be more enjoyable than one packed with features you rarely use.

Ask Yourself These 5 Questions

Before making the decision, think about:

1. Do we actually use our bathtub?

2. Is there another bathtub somewhere in the house?

3. Are we planning to stay in this home long-term?

4. Would we use a larger shower more often?

5. Which option would make our everyday routine better?

That last question might be the most important one.

So... Who Wins the Great Debate?

There really isn't one winner.

If you love your bathtub—keep it.

If you haven't used it since 2019 and you're dreaming about a big walk-in shower—maybe it's time to let it go. 😉

A good bathroom remodel isn't about checking boxes or following every design trend. It's about creating a space that works for the people who actually live there.

At Boyles Home Improvement, we help homeowners throughout the Triad look at their existing bathroom, talk through how they use the space, and explore different options before deciding on a final design.

Sometimes the tub stays.

Sometimes it goes.

And sometimes moving one thing around completely changes what's possible.

Thinking about remodeling your bathroom?

Schedule a free in-home consultation with Boyles Home Improvement and let's see what your bathroom could become.