As you and your remodeling company start planning your bathroom remodel, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want to keep your tub. More families are ditching the tub in favor of a larger walk-in shower. Whether that’s the right decision for you depends on a few factors.
Every Home Should Have at Least One Tub
Although it’s not a requirement and you may never use your tub, you should have at least one in your home somewhere. You never know when a small visitor may come who needs a bath! If you have sore muscles or, worse, poison ivy, nothing can soothe you better than a soak in a tub. If you do have another bathroom in the home with a tub, you can begin to consider removing the tub during your bathroom remodel.
The most popular bathroom remodel where homeowners consider removing the tub is in the master bathroom. Although there’s no right or wrong answer about whether to include both a tub and shower, space may influence what you ultimately decide to do. A corner or free-standing tub take up a fair amount of space. If one of your goals for your bathroom remodel is a second or larger single vanity, removing the tub may make sense. However, if you’re hoping to create a spa-like retreat, you probably should keep it.
The Walk-In Shower Trend
One of the biggest trends in bathroom remodeling is the walk-in shower. The design and space for a walk-in shower are completely flexible, which is part of the reason why they’ve grown in popularity and why many remove the tub. If you’re leaning toward a walk-in shower, some ideas include:
- Multiple showerheads for a pampering shower
- Usable bench for shaving or relaxing
- Window for natural light
- No door for less cleaning
- A shower nook for better storage (no more rusty wire racks!)
Once you know features you want and how large you want the space, you may realize that you have to remove the tub.
The Wet Room Compromise
One new trend is what’s commonly referred to as a “wet room”. A wet room includes both a shower and tub. However, you don’t stand in the tub to shower. It sits off to the side but is contained in the shower area. It’s a great way to have a tub without a lot of additional space. Also, if you have kids who splash a lot, clean up after a bath is minimal.
Garden or Freestanding Tub?
If you decide to keep your tub, you’ll have to decide on the size and shape. Freestanding tubs are often smaller but can take up the same amount of space because they are generally pulled a few inches away from the wall. A garden tub is defined as a tub that’s large enough to submerge your body under the water. If you’re looking for a jetted tub, chances are you’ll be looking at a garden tub (although there are some jetted tubs that are smaller).
Ready to Start Your Bathroom Remodel? Contact G.M. Roth Today
G.M. Roth Design Remodeling is Nashua’s leading bathroom remodeling company. We have helped countless homeowners with their bathroom design and build. Call us today at (603) 880-3761 or fill out our contact form. We service southern New Hampshire and the northwest suburbs of Boston and are fully licensed and insured in both states.
