Bathtub vs Shower vs Tub-Shower Combo: Which Belongs in Your Bathroom?
Bathtub vs Shower vs Tub-Shower Combo: Which Belongs in Your Bathroom?
The single most common question Brian Welch, owner of Odin Agnuk, hears during bathroom renovation consultations is whether to keep the tub. After 20+ years of bathroom renovations across Grey County and the Greater Toronto Area, his advice is consistent: let the house and the household dictate the layout, not trends. A home with at least one bathtub holds broader resale appeal, but the wrong configuration in the wrong bathroom wastes space and budget.
Should you keep a bathtub in your home?
Yes — keep at least one bathtub somewhere in the home. Houses with zero bathtubs sell more slowly and often for less than comparable homes with at least one tub. Families with young children need a bathtub. Aging homeowners may prefer a walk-in shower for daily use, but removing every tub narrows your buyer pool at resale.
When does a standalone shower make the most sense?
A standalone walk-in shower is the best option for daily convenience and accessibility. Curbless (zero-threshold) designs with grab bars and a bench seat meet universal design principles and eliminate the step-over entirely. A well-designed walk-in shower fits in as little as 36" × 36", though 48" × 36" or larger is far more comfortable. Large-format porcelain tile (24" × 48" or larger) on the surround — a material Odin Agnuk specifies regularly — means fewer grout lines, less maintenance, and a cleaner visual. If you are also replacing the bathroom window, the glazing matters — read our guide on whether triple glazed windows are worth the extra cost to understand how it affects moisture and energy performance in wet rooms.
Best for: Primary bathrooms in multi-bathroom homes, aging-in-place renovations, and smaller footprints where space is at a premium.
When does a standalone tub make the most sense?
A freestanding soaking tub is a design centrepiece and a functional asset for households with children. Freestanding models need a 60" × 30" footprint minimum plus clearance on all sides. They are slower than a shower for daily bathing and have poor accessibility due to high step-over height. Acrylic is the lowest-maintenance tub material. Cast iron with enamel is durable but heavy — verify your floor structure can support it.
Best for: Homes with young children, primary bathrooms where the tub serves as a design feature, and households that prioritize relaxation.
When does a tub-shower combo make the most sense?
The tub-shower combo is the workhorse of Canadian bathrooms — both functions in a standard 60" × 30" alcove. It remains the safest choice for single-bathroom homes because it preserves resale value while covering daily use. Odin Agnuk's Brian Welch recommends it as the default for any secondary or guest bathroom regardless of budget. Upgraded tile surrounds, frameless glass doors instead of curtains, and built-in niche shelving transform a basic combo into a polished, modern feature.
Best for: Single-bathroom homes, secondary and guest bathrooms, and budget-conscious renovations that need both functions without building two separate wet areas.
How does your bathroom count affect the decision?
One full bathroom: Tub-shower combo. You need both functions and only have one space.
Two full bathrooms: Keep a tub in one and build a dedicated walk-in shower in the other.
Three or more: Primary ensuite gets a walk-in shower (and a freestanding tub if space allows). Secondary bathroom gets a combo for kids or guests. Additional bathrooms can be shower-only.
What has Odin Agnuk built?
Brian Welch and his team at Odin Agnuk have completed bathroom renovations ranging from compact tub-shower combos in century homes to full primary ensuites with curbless showers and freestanding soaking tubs in Thornbury and Collingwood. View our bathroom and complete home renovation projects.
Which bathroom layout is right for your home?
The best bathroom layout is the one that matches your household today while protecting your home's value for the future. Have questions about the right tub, shower, or combo configuration for your renovation? Contact us to discuss what makes sense for your home.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to have a bathtub or a shower? Neither is universally better. A shower is more practical for daily use and accessibility. A bathtub is essential for homes with young children and helps protect resale value. Most homes benefit from having at least one of each.
Does removing a bathtub decrease home value? Removing the only bathtub in a home can reduce buyer interest and potentially lower offers, particularly in suburban and rural markets. Homes with two or more full bathrooms can safely convert one to shower-only as long as a tub remains elsewhere.
What is the most accessible bathroom layout? A curbless walk-in shower with grab bars, a bench seat, and a handheld showerhead. It meets universal design standards and eliminates the step-over required by tubs and standard shower curbs.
Can you make a tub-shower combo look high-end? Yes. Frameless glass, large-format tile on the surround, a built-in niche, and quality fixtures transform a basic combo into a polished bathroom feature.
Odin Agnuk Ltd. is a premium residential renovation contractor serving Grey County and the Greater Toronto Area. View our projects or explore our services.
The information provided in this guide is for general educational purposes only. Product specifications, warranties, and performance characteristics may change without notice. Odin Agnuk Ltd. is not liable for purchasing decisions made based on this content. Homeowners should independently verify all product information, consult manufacturer specifications, and conduct their own research before making material selections. Always confirm current product details with manufacturers or authorized dealers prior to purchase.