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Everyone has an opinion on the baths-versus-showers debate, but when you’re renovating or redesigning a bathroom, the choice becomes more than personal preference – it shapes how you use the space every day. The right decision depends on your lifestyle, the layout of your bathroom, and what you ultimately want from the space.

After more than 30 years working with homeowners across South Florida, we’ve helped people navigate this exact decision more times than we can count. There isn’t one “correct” answer, but there is a smarter way to figure out which option truly works for you.

Here’s how to choose between a bath, a shower, or both – and what each option really offers.

The Case for a Shower: Efficient, Modern, and Space-Saving

Showers have become the go-to choice in most modern homes, and it’s easy to see why. They’re fast, efficient, and a better fit for busy lifestyles. If you’re someone who prefers quick routines to long soaks, a shower will suit your bathroom habits immediately.

Showers also make the best use of limited space. In smaller bathrooms, a shower opens up the layout and helps the room feel larger. A frameless shower door amplifies this effect by removing heavy metal framing and creating clear sightlines – a huge benefit in tighter floor plans.

For homeowners in humid climates, our premium glass shower doors for humid conditions are perfect – our precision design can reduce maintenance, resist corrosion, and help the bathroom stay brighter and fresher long-term.

If you value convenience, modern design, and efficient use of space, a shower is hard to beat.

The Case for a Bath: Comfort, Relaxation, and Family-Friendly Use

On the other hand, a bath offers something a shower can’t replicate – slow, intentional relaxation. A bath creates space to unwind, decompress, and step away from the pace of everyday life.

It’s also the more practical option for families with small children. Bath time is simply easier and safer in a tub. Homes with at least one bath also tend to hold broader appeal for future buyers, especially those thinking about resale value.

Freestanding tubs have grown in popularity in recent years, becoming sculptural centrepieces in many high-end bathroom designs. If you have the space and enjoy the ritual of a bath, it’s an investment that pays off in comfort and resale appeal.

Space Is the Biggest Deciding Factor

Before considering lifestyle or aesthetics, look at the layout of your bathroom. The available space often determines which option makes the most sense.

• Small bathrooms benefit almost immediately from a shower-only design.
  
• Medium-sized bathrooms can sometimes accommodate a compact tub or a combination setup.
  
• Large bathrooms are ideal for both – a walk-in shower and a freestanding tub work beautifully together.
  

If your layout feels tight or the room lacks natural light, a shower (especially a frameless one) will make the space feel more open.

Think About Your Daily Routine

The best choice is the one that supports the way you actually live.

Ask yourself:

• Do you shower quickly every morning?
  
• Do you wish you had a space to unwind at the end of the day?
  
• Do you have kids or might you in the future?
  
• Is accessibility a concern now or later?
  
• Do you lean more toward practical routines or relaxation rituals?
  

A bathroom should suit your life, not someone else’s ideal.

Consider Long-Term Maintenance

Showers require different upkeep than tubs. With tubs, the biggest maintenance concern is keeping the basin clean. With showers, the enclosure and hardware take centre stage.

A frameless glass enclosure is one of the easiest options to maintain, especially one with StayCLEAN® protective coating. It resists water spots, dries quickly, and eliminates the grime-collecting channels found in older framed doors.

If you prefer a low-maintenance bathroom, a modern shower with a high-quality frameless enclosure is one of the most efficient, long-lasting choices.

Accessibility Matters – Now and Later

For homeowners planning for long-term comfort, accessibility plays a major role. Stepping over a tub becomes less convenient with time, while a walk-in shower offers a safer, more practical layout.

This is one of the key reasons many homeowners replace traditional bath-shower combos with walk-in enclosures – especially when paired with a wide doorway, grab bars, or a bench.

When accessibility is a priority, a shower almost always wins.

When Having Both Is the Ideal Solution

If you have the space and the budget, combining both options gives you the flexibility most homeowners want:

• A walk-in shower for everyday use
  
• A freestanding or built-in tub for moments when you want to relax
  

This layout also tends to increase resale appeal by offering the best of both worlds.

Why Pick Our Frameless Shower Doors

Whether you choose a bath, a shower, or both, the quality of your enclosure shapes the entire experience. Our team has spent over 30 years designing and manufacturing custom frameless shower doors built for clarity, durability, and long-term performance.

Homeowners choose us because:

• Every enclosure is designed and fabricated in-house.
  
• Our SGCC-certified glass offers long-lasting strength and clarity.
  
• Hardware finishes are corrosion-resistant and carry a lifetime warranty.
  
• Installations are completed by trained specialists, ensuring a perfect fit.
  
• Our StayCLEAN® Glass keeps the glass easier to maintain.
  

A frameless enclosure isn’t just a design choice – it’s a functional upgrade that changes how the bathroom looks, feels, and performs.

The Bottom Line

There’s no single right answer in the bath vs shower debate – only the answer that fits your space and lifestyle. Showers offer speed, modern design, and excellent use of limited space. Baths deliver comfort, relaxation, and strong family appeal. Many homes benefit from both, especially when the layout allows it.

If you choose a shower, a well-built frameless enclosure elevates the entire room. If you choose a bath, pairing it with a clear, open shower design ensures the bathroom still feels bright and spacious.

Either way, the goal is the same: a bathroom that works beautifully for you.

FAQs

Q: Which option adds more value to a home – a bath or a shower?

Both add value, but having at least one bath in the home is generally preferred by buyers.

Q: Is a walk-in shower safer than stepping into a tub?

Yes. Walk-in showers offer easier access and fewer tripping hazards.

Q: Can a small bathroom fit a bathtub and a shower?

Usually not comfortably. A shower-only design is better for tight spaces.

Q: Do frameless shower doors last longer in humid climates?

Yes – quality hardware and thick tempered glass resist corrosion and wear.

Q: What if I want to switch from a bath to a shower later?

Our team handles conversions regularly and can custom-build an enclosure to fit the new layout.