Walk-In Showers vs Bathtubs: What’s Right for Your Bathroom?

Upgrading a bathroom is one of the best ways to add comfort and value - but should you choose a walk-in shower or keep (or add) a bathtub? The answer depends on your space, lifestyle, and medium-term plans for the property. Below, we compare both options, explain layout and waterproofing essentials, and share smart space-savers that make small Aberdeen bathrooms feel bigger.

TL;DR (quick answer)

• Small rooms / everyday speed / accessibility → walk-in shower (low-profile tray or wet room).

• Families / resale to buyers with children / long soaks → keep at least one bathtub in the home.

• Unsure? A shower-over-bath or a bath in the main bathroom + walk-in shower in an ensuite gives you the best of both.

Walk-In Showers: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Space-efficient: A 1200×800 mm shower often beats a 1700×700 mm bath for day-to-day usability in compact rooms.

• Accessible: Low-profile trays (25–40 mm) or true level-access wet rooms eliminate step-overs - great for all ages.

• Easy to clean: Fewer curves, glass with easy-clean coatings, and tiled floors mean quicker wipe-downs.

• Modern look: Frameless glass, linear drains, and large-format tiles create a calm, premium feel.

• Flexible layouts: Works well in awkward footprints (e.g., under sloped ceilings or in ex-cupboard ensuites).

Cons

• Resale to families: Some buyers want at least one bath in the property.

• Water on the floor: Poor screening or weak extraction = splash and steam build-up; detailing matters.

• Water use can vary: A long or high-flow shower can use as much water as a bath - spec fixtures sensibly.

Bathtubs: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Family-friendly: Bath time with kids is easier in a tub.

• Comfort & therapy: Soaks for aches, cold weather, or relaxation - especially valued through Aberdeen winters.

• Resale: Keeping one bath in the home typically broadens buyer appeal.

Cons

• Takes floor area: A standard 1700×700 mm bath can dominate small rooms.

• Higher step-over: Less accessible for some users.

• Cleaning: Curves, screens, and silicone lines can need more attention.

The Practicalities (Scotland/Aberdeen)

• Building Warrant: A straight like-for-like bathroom swap often doesn’t need a warrant; structural changes, drainage re-routes, or layout alterations can trigger one. We’ll advise case-by-case and liaise with Aberdeen City Council where needed.

• Water pressure: Combi boilers usually give decent mains pressure; gravity-fed systems may need a pump for a satisfying shower.

• Ventilation: Specify a quiet but effective extractor (timer/humidity control). Good ventilation protects grout, paint, and timber linings - especially important in coastal climates.

• Anti-slip: Choose tiles with appropriate slip resistance for wet areas and consider textured trays.

Space-Saving Tips That Actually Work

If you’re replacing a bath with a shower

• Go wider, not just longer: 1200×800 mm or 1400×800 mm trays feel luxurious without eating the whole wall.

• Walk-in with fixed panel: A single 900–1000 mm glass panel with a return keeps water in and the room feeling open.

• Built-in niches: Recessed shelves stop bottles crowding ledges; line and tank them properly.

• Wall-hung furniture & WC: More visible floor = bigger-feeling room; also simplifies cleaning.

• Pocket or sliding door: Gains precious swing clearance in tight bathrooms.

If you’re keeping a bath

• Shower-over-bath with a straight or L-shaped tub: Gives family flexibility without needing a separate enclosure.

• Curved or hinged glass screen (not a curtain): Better containment and light.

• Slimline towel radiator: Choose reduced projection models to open the aisle.

• Colour & tile strategy: Large-format light tiles and a continuous floor tone visually expand small rooms.

Wet Room vs Low-Profile Tray

Wet Room (level access):

• Best for accessibility and a minimal look.

• Requires proper falls, robust waterproofing (tanking), and thoughtful drain placement (linear or point).

• Ideal for loft conversions and ensuites where every millimetre counts.

Low-Profile Tray:

• Faster install, excellent anti-slip options, and simple to detail against glass panels.

• Works well where floor build-up is limited or you prefer a defined shower zone.

We install both systems; our advice depends on your floor structure, thresholds, and drainage routes.

Comfort, Cleaning & Running Costs: Side-by-Side

Factor	Walk-In Shower	Bathtub
Daily convenience	Excellent; in/out quickly	OK; better for occasional soaks
Accessibility	Best (low/zero step)	Step-over required
Space efficiency	High	Lower in small rooms
Cleaning	Simple planes, fewer nooks	More silicone lines & curves
Water usage	Often lower per day; depends on flow/time	One fixed volume per bath
Resale appeal	High in modern/ensuite settings	High if the home keeps one bath
Cosy factor	Great with underfloor heating	Ultimate for long soaks

Typical Sizes & Clearances (helpful, not hard rules)

• Showers: 900×900 mm workable; 1200×800 mm feels generous; head height ~2100–2200 mm.

• Baths: 1500–1700 mm long x 700–750 mm wide are common in UK homes.

• Aisles: Aim for 700–800 mm in front of fixtures so the room doesn’t feel cramped.

• Glass panels: Keep openings ≥600 mm clear for access.

Finishes that survive North-East conditions

• Tiles: Porcelain or quality ceramic with suitable slip rating for wet zones.

• Grout & sealants: Flexible, mould-resistant products; colour-matched where possible for a clean line.

• Glass: Easy-clean coatings reduce limescale marks.

• Heating: Electric UFH under tiles adds comfort without deep build-up; pair with a well-sized towel rail.

• Brassware: Choose reputable brands with good spares availability; Aberdeen’s water can leave marks, so easy-wipe finishes help.

Popular Layouts We Recommend

1. Bath-to-Shower Conversion (Main Bathroom)

   • 1200×800 tray, fixed + return screen, wall-hung vanity, illuminated niche.

   • Gains floor space and everyday ease - still keep a bath elsewhere if resale is a concern.

2. Family Main Bathroom

   • Straight or L-shaped bath with overhead shower, hinged glass, tall storage, and a wide mirrored cabinet.

   • Balances kid-friendly use with adult comfort.

3. Compact Ensuite (Loft or Box Room)

   • 1000–1200 walk-in, pocket door, wall-hung WC, shallow vanity, full-height tiles in the shower zone only.

   • Hotel-style feel in a tiny footprint.

Budget & Timeline (guide only)

• Bath-to-shower swaps: usually the most cost-effective; 3–5 working days depending on tiling and screen lead-times.

• New wet room: higher prep and tanking time; allow longer for drying/curing.

• Full refit: fixtures, tiling, lighting, heating, extraction, and storage - typically 1–2 weeks depending on scope.

(We provide a fixed-price quote after survey and a clear programme so you know what happens each day.)

Aberdeen & Shire: What we do differently

• Careful substrate prep in older granite properties (plumb/true walls for crisp glass lines).

• Corrosion-resistant fixings and robust sealing for coastal exposure.

• Advice on permissions where layout changes affect drainage or structure.

• Clean, respectful site practice in flats and tenements (protective floor coverings, timed noisy works).

Not sure which way to go?

If you’ll sell within a few years - or have young children - keep one bath somewhere in the house. If comfort, accessibility, and day-to-day ease are your priorities, a well-detailed walk-in shower will make your bathroom feel bigger, cleaner, and calmer.

How Sharpsaw can help

We design and install bath-to-shower conversions, wet rooms, and family bathrooms across Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire. From survey to plumbing, electrics, tiling, and joinery, we handle the whole process - and we’ll tell you honestly if a bath, a shower, or a hybrid layout will serve you best.

Thinking about a change? Tell us your room size, boiler type, and a couple of inspiration photos - we’ll propose layouts and a clear, itemised quote.